A big bonus of Going Mobile is connecting with friends in far-flung places. For years, we've been wanting to visit Saffron Salmon on the beautiful Oregon Coast, and we finally made it into Michael Waliser and Stacy Schellinger's pretty place on the waterfront last week. It was definitely worth the trip.

Chef Michael got his start in the kitchen in Spokane, back in the 1990s, working at the then red-hot Fugazzi Bakery and Cafe. He later opened Cafe 510... in the space that was previously home to Gina Lanza's fantastic Anaconda Grille, at the foot of the South Hill on Freya. Cafe 510 later moved to Lincoln Heights, and in both locations, it was one of our all-time favorite places to dine when we lived in Spokane. It's difficult to imagine with the plethora of creative restaurants on the Inland Northwest's culinary landscape, but the pickings were mighty thin back then, and food enthusiasts were fired up when Waliser and others boldly bucked the traditional meat-and-potatoes formula. 

Nearly 16 years ago, the dynamic duo moved to Newport, and opened the cozy spot. Naturally, the focus was on seafood and local ingredients. That mission continues, or it will until the end of October when they shutter the restaurant and head off to new adventures, destination still TBD.

Our recent meal began with perfectly plump mussels simmered in a white wine sauce that we used slices of bread to soak up. Chef Michael sprinkled fresh parsley and scallions of top, giving the dish a fresh note. Simple and sensational.

The entrees -- grilled salmon with greens and velvety mashed potatoes, and day boat albacore tuna on just-right tomato risotto -- were also outstanding, as was the Oregon Pinot blanc from Adelsheim and the attentive service. It was just the kind of experience we were craving after a long day on the road, made even richer by the reunion with people who've dedicated their careers to making their guests happy. Well done! Good luck on the next chapter, Michael and Stacy!!

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