Meet David Hutchinson: Freebridge Chef Flexing Culinary Skills, Creativity in TD
Chef David Hutchinson elevating the game as Freebridge throws in a nice dash of creativity in the kitchen and stirs up some specialty cocktails
From Freebridge Brewing:
By Julie Wadsworth
If you’ve been into Freebridge Brewing in downtown The Dalles lately, you may have noticed a change. A change that comes in the form of a “Daily Special” board filled with seasonal dishes, and bottles of top-shelf liquor on display.
This sinfully delicious eggnog martini made with Bar Pilot Chai Tea Vodka from @pilothousedistilling in Astoria. Served with a cinnamon sugar rim and a dusting of nutmeg was recently created fo the Sip and Shop event on Dec. 15.
Over the past year, Freebridge Brewing has brought on a new chef and developed a house-made specialty cocktail list that cannot be found elsewhere. These changes, along with the introduction of a new “Supper Club: Dinner Experiences Series” have brought new life to the pub and brewery.
Chef David Hutchinson started at the beginning of 2023. Coming from working in Hood River and having a background in fine dining with artistic flair - he has quickly become part of the Freebridge family.
“I love my coworkers and the flexibility and freedom that Freedbridge allows,” David said. “The kitchen staff and I are encouraged to be as imaginative as we want to be. It's an inspiring atmosphere that breathes artistic creativity.”
Cherry Chicken with Creamy Polenta
This creativity can be seen in dishes such as local cherry chicken with creamy polenta, scratch-made French onion soup, and oyster mushroom & pancetta pasta
Oh, Umami!
One of David’s favorite activities to do, when not cheffing, is getting outdoors, exploring the area’s hiking trails and hot springs, and visiting different antique shops - stopping to chat with local business owners.
David gets some inspiration from the Oregon Coast as well. Look for his Pacific seafood in an Italian Supper Club evening on Jan. 9.
The Dalles and its people have been a welcome change for David.
“I’ve been introduced to so many great people and I truly feel blessed to be accepted into the Dalles community. Doing what I love; providing great food with quality ingredients to local patrons and customers,” he said.
Many of the regular customers are folks who own orchards, farms, & vineyards. Sourcing locally and fresh is something the entire Freebridge team is passionate about, and it takes great connections, often made at the pub, to tap into those resources.
Coming up on January 9th, David is excited to bring some fresh-caught Pacific seafood in, as well as locally made fresh pasta for this “rustic” Italian Supper Club evening. Alongside a Panzanella salad, house-made tiramisu, and prosciutto-wrapped local pears, it’s going to be a bright and vibrant menu for a wintry January day.
Ever thought it would be fun to do a private event with your own personal chef?
David and the team will work with groups and individuals for a Private Event Rental to craft a custom food spread for up to 50 people. Everything from a cocktail appetizer hour, a pizza buffet, or even a seated 4-course meal. Creativity is key with this special Freebridge team, so stay tuned for more exciting opportunities coming up at the pub and brewery.
The pub is open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Lunch specials, daily specials, specialty cocktails and more are available every day.
Freebridge Brewing at 710 E. Second St., The Dalles, Oregon is a microbrewery & pub. It is located in the historic federal Mint Building and is the vision of Steve Light and Laurie Petroff-Light, a fifth-generation Oregon ranch family. The pub specializes in Northwest ales and German lagers.
