MÄS was a tiny tasting bar by Chef Josh Dorcak serving Cascadian cuisine.  Started in 2017, it was in the basement of a bakery but it secured a more permanent home the next year.  Dorcak was a finalist for the 2023 James Beard Best Chef Pacific Northwest award and the restaurant was named on the New York Times “favorite 50 restaurants” in 2022.  It’s a hidden sort of entry, in an alley behind the busier streets of downtown Ashland.  The tasting menu only is served at a half dozen counter seats and a small room with tables for a total capacity of 18.  The night we were there only 4 of us were at the counter for the earlier seating of the night and Dorcak was not there but the other two chefs, Chef de Cuisine Andy Peterson and Sous Chef Jeffrey Kimura,  and Sommelier Joseph Shaughnessy provided a wonderful evening of tastes and wines for about 2 and a half hours.  Pairings are offered and also available as non-alcoholic.  If you’re in Portland, it’s about 5 hours to drive here but it’s worth the drive.  Next door is Dorcak’s a la carte and drink slightly larger place, Nama. Continue reading →