Page 117 - Southern Oregon Magazine Summer 2021

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a peerless dining experience

lisa manyon

david gibb

estled in the historic Railroad District in Ashland,
Oregon, The Peerless Restaurant and Bar has its
place in history. Named “Most beautiful restaurant
Nin all of Oregon” by OnlyInOurState.com, The
Peerless offers a timeless and classic ambiance in the dining
room, and their beautiful garden courtyard is the perfect setting
for alfresco dining and intimate gatherings.

Over the years, I’ve watched The Peerless evolve and have
enjoyed many delicious meals there. I’ve been known to treat
myself to the decadence of an aged port with one to their
delicious house-made desserts. The French Onion Soup is my
starter of choice, always prepared to perfection. I witnessed
dear friends exchange vows in one of the most lovey wedding
ceremonies ever in the enchanting garden area.

In 2020 award-winning Chef Harlan Brooks officially took own-
ership of The Peerless. Harlan has been there for ten years and
has had a hand in managing the restaurant prior to that as a sous
chef, chef de cuisine, and chef. When asked about his decision
to purchase the business, Harlan shares, “Former owner Crissy
Donovan and I had been discussing it for quite some time. She
was ready to step away from the restaurant business after so
many wonderful years and wanted to continue to run her bou-
tique hotel next door (this was pre-pandemic). Selling the res-
taurant to someone unknown would have been too much of a
gamble. The two businesses, though technically separate, shared
a name and the restaurant even allowed the hotel guests to share
in the use of its gardens and courtyard. Crissy knew that I was
confident in my vision for this place and wanted to continue the
work I had been doing (with the help of an amazing team) for so
long. It was a win-win.”

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