2011 in Review
In which we praise recent developments.
Posted by: John Chandler on Jan 04, 2012 at 11:00AM
8 Comments
It’s as inevitable as the dust that gathers around the new treadmill gifted to you by your significant other. You didn’t honestly think that you’d escape early January without one of those pesky year-end lists from Team Bar Pilot, did you? Well, perish the thought, because we’re about to sashay down memory lane with some of the drinks, eats, trends, and bars that, in my opinion, did things right in 2011.
Best Happy Hour: Gold Dust Meridian. For those of us concerned with making the best use of our time while assigned to duty on this here planet, Gold Dust Meridian’s extremely generous happy hour (from 2-8 daily) is reason for a ticker-tape tango. You certainly owe it to yourself to unwind with a smoky Meridian Manhattan (Rittenhouse Rye, Peychauds bitters, brandied cherries, $8) and the Trio, a crusty grilled-cheese sandwich, tomato soup, and salad for a measly six bucks.
Best Cheap Eats: Robo Taco. I never, ever thought I would get carnitas (braised pork) tacos that were superior to those provided by taco wagon Lindo Michoacan at SE Division and 33rd. Robo Taco, a recently opened taqueria on SE Morrison, has accomplished this feat. With their diabolically deceptive heat, crispy finish, and depth of spice, these $2 tacos are best ordered by the dozen. The posole, a rich pork and hominy soup, is like the Mexican version of pho, a hearty bowl of steaming comfort that blossoms in flavor with the addition of house hot sauces. Bonus! It’s open till 3:30 in the morning on weekends! I envy anyone who’s yet to explore the Robo Taco menu.
Most Welcome New Cocktail Bar: Rum Club. The seriously high level of skill and craft present in top-notch tropical refreshers like the Serpent & the Rainbow (Bacardi 8 &
Flor de Caña Rum, pineapple syrup, apricot, and lime) and the downright delightful Ti’ Punch (J.M. Blanc Rhum, turbinado sugar, and lime) makes this cozy little joint a required stop, one that’s a bit more accessible than the thatch-heavy Disneyland that is Trader Vic’s.
Most Welcome New Beer Bar: Bazi Bierbrasserie. Sorry, I’m showing some favoritism for my ’hood on this one. Co-owners Eric Bottero and Hilda Stevens have not only been knocking it out of the park with genuine hospitality, hustle, and some 17 taps dedicated to Belgian-style beers, but their innovative beer cocktails like the Hepburn (Stoli Vanilla, Grand Marnier, Delirium Nocturnum, orange bitters, and a splash of champagne, served up) are not to be missed. And the French fries are rapturously crunchy twigs of salty joy.
Best cocktail: The barrel-aged Negroni at Clyde Common. Ordinarily, a Negroni is just a shade too bitter for my tastes, but aging the ingredients (gin, Cinzano sweet vermouth, Campari, orange peel) in Tuthilltown whiskey barrels for a couple of months works wonders, sculpting the sharp edges of the Campari into something altogether more expansive and glorious. I had several intriguing mixed drinks this year, but I returned to this one on several occasions, and I’m glad that I did.
In conclusion, it does my heart good to see a spirit of fearless exploration so present and pervasive in Portland—whether it’s beer cocktails, the aging spirits, or those stunningly sour beers, our preponderance of good press is proof that tastemakers throughout the nation look to us for inspiration. Your turn, drinking buddies: Let me know if you experienced any breakthrough moments with drinks, food, happy hours, service, atmosphere during the previous 12 months. I need to know these things!
Tags: Happy Hour Belgian Beer Bazi Bierbrasserie Robo Taco Rum Club Gold Dust Meridian Clyde Common Best of 2011
best drinks blogger: Bar Pilot!
Aw, thanks Lucy. blush
@Lucy-And How! Hooray for Gold Dust Meridian!
JC, you’re right. Rum Club is an incredible bar and worthy of much praise. I also agree with your comparison of Trader Vic’s to Disneyland. Both actually ARE among the happiest places on Earth. Well done.
I also think it is cool you’re giving a nod to Disney’s re-opening of the Enchanted Tiki Room earlier this year, the inspiration for which was, of course, Trader Vic’s.
Cheers!
Thanks Dean! No one loves a tiki bar more than yours truly. And I love Trader Vic’s $5 mai tais.
Wow, that’s so weird – was just looking for cheap Disneyland tix for an upcoming SoCal excursion. I’m ecstatic to hear that the Enchanted Tiki Room reopened. The last time I was at the park was right before it closed, so we took lots of pictures. My first date in 8th grade mortified me by singing along with the animatronic wildlife.
Now, I’d probably think that was sort of cool xoxo
The Rum Club brings it. Great place.
I’d also put in plug for Star Bar as one of the best new hanging places in town. Very comfortable spot, great staff, an A-Plus jukebox and drinks that at any given time are named after songs by the Kinks (I got busted on for liking the Lola), Thin Lizzy and the Damned. Go to this place!
I’m not a bar guy, but the food at Robo Taco is awesome!