Santiam Restaurant

I returned to the actual Santiam Restaurant, the more intimate room at the SE corner of the building, and presented myself at 9:40 for coffee and pastry, which they serve from 9:30 to 11. I was the only customer. The coffee was excellent, the pastry took a very long time to come and was indistinguishable from something I could purchase at my nearby Safeway. I confess I was expecting perhaps a tray of different made-​from-​scratch European pastries, from which I could take my pick. I do not think the culinary program takes this time slot seriously and my advice would be to scotch it.
When I arrived there was no Muzak but later I could hear it, very muted, and I believe a party of diners could converse in normal tones. The view from the south windows is very pleasant but the windows are dirty. For local women who wish a quiet coffee shop for a get-​together, perhaps an acceptable venue, but certainly not worth a drive from away. I felt like giving two stars, but these young people need encouragement.
I am given to understand the periodic buffets are the best events put on by this school.

A treasure for Albany to have in its midst. I had lunch here with my mom, and our reservations were for 11am. We probably didn’t leave until way after 1pm. I am sure we would’ve left earlier if they weren’t so overwhelmed with all of the customers so that is my only reason I docked off a star. I would only take half a star off if there was that option. Now onto the food! Great food and a unbelievably great price! The culinary students at Linn-​Benton are really working hard and I admire the variety of food they fixed! We tried their seared scallops, lamb chops, crab rangoon, clam casino, steamed mussels, and their dessert. We had 3 appetizers, 3 entrees, one dessert, two drinks and it all came up to $ 43!!! Normally that would’ve been triple the price anywhere else. I loved the lamb chops with the pear and fig. It was cooked perfectly. The scallops were juicy and tender, perfectly cooked. The crab rangoon had a delicious crab flavor and we lved their cranberry and ginger jam for it. I even used it on the bread afterwards. :) Reservations recommended and their menu changes, so check their website each day. Thank you Linn-​Benton!