Nelson Yong

Recently had a very memorable evening exploring the new fall/winter dinner menu at Barking Frog in Willows Lodge : a masterclass in seasonal luxury.

Highlights included:
Yellow Fin Tuna Poke Noodle – vibrant and precise, the edamame mousseline and lotus root crisp elevated the dish. 
Matsutake & Chanterelle Velouté – rich, velvety, smoky-huckleberry gastrique balance: fall in a bowl. 
Pacific Sturgeon – a standout main: al-pastor seasoning, tamale-inspired wild-rice cake, and chipotle oil made for bold Northwest elegance. 
King Salmon – smoked-apple beurre blanc, chanterelle conserva and spruce-&-huckleberry roasted roots brought the Pacific coast to the gods. 
Terracotta Braised Lamb – hand-cut pappardelle, fig, olive, hazelnut gremolata: old-world refinement meets PNW terroir. 

If you’re looking for elevated indulgence this season— this is it.

The 2026 RAV4 took me from San Diego’s historic streets to the beach towns of Laguna and Newport— smooth drives, perfect size, and incredible efficiency the whole way. It’s the kind of SUV that takes you exactly where you want to go… and then inspires the next stop.

Job’s not finished. Game 4. Let’s go !