During our recent trip to Cannon Beach, we drove all the way down to Lincoln City, obstensibly to enjoy the inspiring scenery as our car hugged the Oregon coast, but really so I could go to the Tanger Outlets for some after-Christmas bargain-hunting.

After partaking of the hearty breakfast buffet at The Stephanie Inn, we headed southward down Scenic Highway 101, and arrived at our destination several hours later. Something about car trips always makes me hungry, so before we descended upon the outlet stores, we thought it best to fortify ourselves. Frankly, luncheon options in Lincoln City were slim to none, so we chose a modest waterfront restaurant named Mo’s, one of five in the Oregon-based chain.

Mo’s is known far and wide for its award-winning clam chowder. It’s the kind of place dominated by large communal tables, so you often side elbow to elbow with complete strangers. Luckily, we snagged a table for two, although that didn’t keep the couple sitting next to us from asking what we were eating and offering us bites of theirs!

Above is a photo inside Mo’s, with the interiors all decked out (so to speak) for the holidays.

And here’s the healthful salad we each enjoyed. . .Blackened Salmon Caesar. A plump, center-cut king salmon fillet was gently kissed with blackening mix (a not-too-spicy one–good!) and gently grilled until medium-rare. With a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan (calcium-rich!) and Caesar dressing on the side, I was ready to indulge in something healthful after many, many weeks of holiday overindulgence.

Note the merry yellow bucket beside the salad. . .designed for stray shells from the many oysters, clams, and mussels served daily at Mo’s locations up and down the Oregon coast.