BAR PILOT

Portland Cocktail Week is A-Go!

Opening night featured ’50s class and free flowing spirits

Posted by: Max Gelber on Oct 21, 2011 at 09:00AM 1 Comments

Photo: Kate Degenhardt

Absolut vodka, fresh raspberry purée, vermouth and a sprig of mint? Delicious.

View Slideshow » Photo: Kate Degenhardt

Absolut vodka, fresh raspberry purée, vermouth and a sprig of mint? Delicious.

View Slideshow » Photo: Kate Degenhardt

Pernod brand ambassador Simon Ford with Shannon Fischer from Handcraft PR.

View Slideshow » Photo: Kate Degenhardt
View Slideshow » Photo: Kate Degenhardt

Bartenders from across the US arrived at Wilf’s after traveling aboard a special train car filled with free cocktails.

Here we are ladies and gents, Portland Cocktail Week is off and running with three full days of demonstrations, seminars, and flat-out revelry, all designed to educate, elucidate, and entertain industry professionals and nervous novices alike. Last night international spirit producer Pernod Ricard hosted the kick-off party at Portland jazz club Wilf’s. The train station destination proved to be an ideal gathering spot for the wave of boisterous bartenders arriving for the weekend. Since many of them participated in the “party train” down from Seattle, they were a little ahead of the rest of us.

Pernod brand ambassador Simon Ford manned the bar throughout the evening pouring a wicked assortment of classic cocktails. A three-piece jazz band provided an elegant soundtrack for the night. especially when King Cocktail himself, Dale DeGroff, sang a number with the group later in the evening. Who knew he could sing?

As brand reps, event volunteers, booze bloggers, and visiting bartenders milled about talking shop, the action was clearly centered around—where else?—the bar. Go figure.
Tickets are still available for tonight’s parties:

Lola’s Room at the Crystal Ballroom will be hosting Yacht Rocking for some 80s-soaked karaoke featuring a live backing band to help you feel like the pop star you dreamed of being. Tickets are $40.

Ketel One is hosting a Vodka and Caviar Midnight Toast with Diageo master mixologist Elayne Duke. Dust off the pearls and pull out that tuxedo that’s been collecting dust for some time, it’s time to get fancy. Entrance is $40.

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Halloween Happenings Part I

All dressed up? Here’s some places to go!

Posted by: Rebecca Waits on Oct 20, 2011 at 10:00AM 4 Comments

If you’re anything like me, you probably just rolled groggily out of bed to realize that Halloween, the best, most decadent, and darkest of holidays is less than two weeks away. Initiate freak-out sequence! Once again, the surreal changing beauty of October foliage has allowed the days to creep right past us like mischievous black cats, and all of a sudden, the stores are packed with candy and cheesy orange-and-black decor, and your neighbor’s place looks like the house from Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

So, what on earth are you going to wear?! Do you go for topical (e.g., dress as an oil spill? A sinking ship painted with the word “economy”? An “Occupy” protester?), or desperately throw together a conceptual costume salvaged from discount bins that you’ll have to explain to everyone? (“I’m the ghost of Andre the Giant, you cretin!”) Most importantly, you don’t want to be all dressed up (especially as a juggalo) with nowhere to go. So what’s a weirdo to do on the weirdest night of the year in a town so regularly preoccupied with its own weirdness? Furthermore, where’s the spirits to match the spirits, the booze to match the boo’s? Though Halloween itself falls on a Monday this year, not to worry. We’ve assembled a handy go-to-guide of more “adult” events, as well as concerts and dance parties to keep you busy and scaring up trouble all over town. So get out your calendar and throw on your wackiest threads to keep Portland haunted well past the witching hour. Bonus! We’ve got so many recommendations we have to split them into two posts, this being the first. If you know of any other crucial Halloween parties on the horizon, just leave the info in the Comments section.

Massacre: Curves of the Damned
Friday, Oct 21

Booze, sex-positivity, edgy performances (fire, contortion, aerial, burlesque) and a big ‘ol dance party? This lust-fest is decidedly not for the kiddies.
Bossanova Ballroom, 722 E Burnside. 9pm. $12-15.

A Big Zombie Variety Show
Saturday, Oct 22

How much awesome can you cram into one room? And by “awesome”, we mean “zombies”. You might wanna sit down for this one: Grammy-nominated recording artist Amanda Richards will be on hand to sing about zombies. Mini Marilyn Manson will be vamping up a storm while lip-synching the hits. Plus, burlesque (probably zombie-themed), and stand-up comedy from local faves Whitney Streed and Jon Washington. This event is also the setting for The Official PDX Zombie & Monster Pub Crawl Awards, which is apparently a thing. You’ll want to have all your fake wounds looking particularly disgusting for this undead soiree of frightening proportions.
Someday Lounge, 125 NW Fifth Ave. 8pm. Free.

Zombies & Monsters
Saturday, Oct 22

Live bands, movies, scary treats.
Star Theater, 13 NW Sixth Ave. 5pm. Free!

Trader Vic’s Trick or Tiki Party
Saturday, Oct 29

With exotic music from Sneaky Tiki and The Lava Lounge Orchestra to set the scene, Trader Vic’s should be a most desirable drinking and dancing destination. Among the specials are $2 off “Nelson’s Blood”, the signature tiki cocktail invented for the event, as well as $6 off the group-sized Blood Bowl version. There’s also a costume contest for the following categories: Best Embodiment of “Keep Portland Weird”, Best Tiki, and Most Original. Trader Vic’s, 1203 NW Glisan. Doors open at 3pm, costume judging at 7. For reservations, 503-467-2277.

Night of the Living Ales
Saturday, Oct 29

A celebration of spirits should not exclude our own beloved beer contingent. For the second year in a row, Night of the Living Ales provides a party for folks more interested in brews than Bit O’ Honeys. It takes place at Burnside Brewing Company and includes live music from Ascetic Junkies and Boy Eats Drum machine, as well as spooky burlesque from Meghan Mayhem and Hai Fleisch. Oh yeah, and you can sample from eight special Halloween-inspired beers brewed for the occasion by Widmer, Oakshire, Ninkasi, Fort George, Old Lompoc, 10 Barrel, and host Burnside Brewing.
Burnside Brewing Company, 701 E Burnside, 8pm. $8 cover.

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Tags: Halloween, Zombies, Trader Vic's, Burnside Brewing, Burlesque, Someday Lounge, Night of the Living Ales

Hammer Time

I chat with Food Network Canada about Big-Ass Sandwiches

Posted by: John Chandler on Oct 17, 2011 at 02:00PM 5 Comments

Since there’s no way to look dignified while eating on camera, I decide to distend my jaw like a Burmese python and take a monster bite. And now, with my gob crammed full of pork products and french fries, they want me to talk about the sandwich. Ye gods!

My love of Big-Ass Sandwiches is well documented. Whether I’m salivating over an old favorite or bragging about having a sandwich named after me (really, the greatest honor a living person can get), my admiration for Brian and Lisa Wood’s colossal creations is boundless. Today I was asked to sing my praises to the public, specifically Food Network Canada, the second camera crew in a week to drop by the Big-Ass Sandwich cart (Travel Channel was here on Saturday).

With the camera rolling, my face littered with yummy detritus, I tried to explain what it was that made the Pork Hammer (bacon, sausage, ham, french fries, and coleslaw), my selection of the day, such a winner. “You know how in a restaurant when you’re ordering breakfast, and they ask if you want ham, bacon, or sausage? Well, the Pork Hammer eliminates the need to make painful decisions,” I tell the interviewer.

“What do you like about it? What are you tasting?” he asks.

“Pig, glorious, pig,” I reply through a mouthful of carbohydrates. “The crispiness of the bacon, the suggestion of spice, fennel maybe, from the sausage, with the ham as a sturdy foundation, it’s positively mind-bending. And then there’s the french fries—pork and potatoes. It’s like a massive breakfast between two fresh-baked buns.”

My beautiful co-star.

“This is not a sandwich, it’s a statement of defiance. A delicious middle finger to anyone who ever told you not to eat something because it’s bad for you. I think a Big-Ass Sandwich fan understands that they may well be cutting into their own mortality. So you lose some drool time at the end of your days. So be it. This is for those of us who have chosen not to live in fear.”

At least now I have some footage for my “reel.” Hope I don’t end up on the cutting-room floor. By the way, this week’s special at BAS is called the Devil’s Breath Mint. It’s slow-cooked goat in a garlic chili sauce, Poblano coleslaw, raw onions, fries, and a splash of Secret Aardvark Sauce. Go. Eat. Rest assured that even as we speak, our top scientists are working on a brilliant formula to purge our bodies back to pristine condition. I think I read that somewhere. Or saw it in a movie. Anyway, bon appetit!

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Tags: Food Carts, Big Ass Sandwiches, Food Network Canada

Great Pumpkins

Praise be to gourd!

Posted by: John Chandler on Oct 14, 2011 at 12:00PM 4 Comments

Since my friend Margaret Seiler shamelessly took the opportunity to wax rhapsodic about her addiction passion for the pumpkin milkshakes at Burgerville, I will happily follow suit. Anyone in the mood for an autumnal pick-me-up should venture over to the Green Dragon on Monday for the Killer Pumpkin Festival, a gathering for gourd geeks in need of liquid refreshment. Some 15 pumpkin beers will be on tap, including two from a pair of hollowed-out pumpkin kegs. Oooh! Pumpkiny! Other distractions include a pumpkin-smashing contest (Hopefully Gallagher won’t show up) and a pumpkin-seed spitting competition. It’s happening from 5 pm to close.

Until last week, I had never really considered the possible pros and cons of pumpkin beer. I happened to be browsing the aisles at Trader Joe’s in NW, when my bleary eyes fell upon six-packs of Kennebunkport Pumpkin Ale for $5.99. Stifling my disgust at the Kennebunkport brand, which will forever be associated with the Bush brood in my mind, I sprang for a sixer and savored every subsequent sip. It’s really a beer in two parts: the first-taste wave is lightly hopped and goes down like a smooth-drinking wheat ale. But it’s the spicy follow-up that really melts the brain. It’s exactly like a liquid slice of pumpkin pie that settles on the tongue for a second or two, before the taste magically levitates through the roof of your mouth and into your soul. It’s a flavor parade, and at a measly 4.7 percent alcohol it’s totally sessionable—though it’s a bit like pigging out on pie. If you find yourself at Trader Joe’s be sure to scoop some up.

So now I welcome the Killer Pumpkin Festival with open arms, and am hopeful that the featured brews from Laurelwood, Rogue, Hopworks, Natian, and Breakside, among other, measure up to the sale suds at Trader Joe’s. Since I’m in shopping mode, please enlighten me on other brands of pumpkin ale that are worthy of exploration.

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Tags: Beer Festivals, Rogue Ales, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Green Dragon, Breakside Brewing

Drink Depot

Cartopia offers poutine, pizza, and potables

Posted by: Kate Degenhardt on Oct 10, 2011 at 04:00PM 1 Comments

Bartender Becca Conklin. Photo by Kenn Wilson, basilandco.com

The next step in Portland’s food-cart evolution has materialized in the form of a tiny alfresco bar at Cartopia in Southeast Portland. Although it is the city’s first-ever liquor-serving cart, its arrival comes as no big surprise—it’s not as if the gregarious folks who frequent the popular pod on SE Hawthorne would say no to a drink. The hammered and hungry throngs that make up a significant portion of the late-night weekend clientele do love their poutine and pizza, but it’s about time a cart appeared to tend to the adult beverage needs of these intrepid revelers. It’s also a philanthropic venture as all the workers at the Oregon Bartender Guild-tended cart are volunteers, and every drink sold is a charitable donation to the organization.

Need another good reason to grab a gin and tonic? The cart is there to help promote Portland Cocktail Week, an upcoming festival of mixed-drink merriment and workshops. Partnered with Rogue brewing and boasting bartenders from all over the world, Portland Cocktail Week is going all-out to attract basement bartenders, spirits enthusiasts, and the cocktail curious. The events are for those that appreciate the craftsmanship of a properly mixed beverage—measured ingredients, subtle bitters, balanced vermouth, and of course, a slice of lime. But the cocktail cart, surrounded by a rope barrier and adorned with a string of lights, offers only the simplest of drink choices—four cocktails, one punch, and two beers. The menu may rotate with the staff depending on who is volunteering each night.

Thus far, no one has figured out the mystery of their license approval. The folks who started the cart say it was a surprise that the the cocktail cart (or as the Oregon Liquor Control Commission calls it, the “Oregon Bartenders Guild Hospitality Suite”) was approved in just one month after being pulled together in “the DIY spirit of Portland.” It seemed unlikely that the OLCC, often lambasted by business owners for its curmudgeonly rules regarding licensing, would green-light the suite. But there it is—a perfectly legal outdoor booze cart conveniently located for your drinking pleasure! So, next time you stop by Cartopia after the bars for your evening crepe, be sure make room for a nightcap—it’s for a good cause! At this point, the cart is cash only and temporary—it will only be open from 6 p.m to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 22.

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A Bottle of Bärenjäger

Do I love my job or what?

Posted by: John Chandler on Oct 07, 2011 at 02:00PM 3 Comments

And the cap looks like a beehive!

This beautiful bottle of Bärenjäger honey liqueur found its way to my desk last week and since that time I’ve been conducting high-level research. Did you know it was originally used by 15th century Prussian sportsmen to bait bear traps? The name itself means “bear hunter.” It does taste remarkably like honey (duh!) and the simplicity of tossing back a few shots is a rewarding experience that includes tingling warmth and a heightened sense of well being. However, the good folks from the Sidney Frank Importing Company also sent a book of can’t-miss recipes (along with their sincere request that I drink responsibly) so that I may explore the intricacies of this velvety tonic with confidence. Thus far I’ve been dumping liberal amounts in my tea in an effort to diminish the effects of a sinus infection.

Beelicious

2 oz Bärenjäger
1/2 oz lemon juice

Shake with ice and strain into a sugar-rimmed glass with rocks.

Bären von Bourbon

1 oz Bärenjäger
3/4 oz bourbon
1 oz lemon juice

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with lemon wheel.

Honey Crisp

1 oz Bärenjäger
1/2 oz brandy
2 1/2 oz hot apple cider

Combine all ingredients in a footed mug. Garnish with lemon wheel.

One of the things I really appreciate about the book of recipes is the minimal ingredients. A lemon, some bourbon, and you’re in business. Few things fill me with more wig-flipping rage than cocktail recipes that require esoteric ingredients that no one on earth has on hand (“Wha? I don’t have any Creme de Cassis! @#$!% I’ll just use Robitussin.”).

Anyhoo, if your cocktails need more body and sweetness, reach for the Bärenjäger. And by all means shower me with your own concoctions, ideas, and drinking dares. I’ve still got half a bottle left.

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Tags: Cocktail Recipes, Bärenjäger

We’ve Got Spirits!

The second annual Portland Cocktail Week is coming

Posted by: Max Gelber on Oct 03, 2011 at 10:00AM 1 Comments

Hold off on that planned detox for just a little bit longer! Yes, the beer-soaked festivals and events have begun to wind down, but what about the countless variety of spirits that need celebrating? That’s right ladies and gentlemen, Portland Cocktail Week is almost upon us!

For the second year, the Oregon Bartenders Guild is working alongside the Great American Distillers Festival for a booze-filled four-day weekend of spirit seminars, parties and lots and lots of liquor. Did we mention liquor yet? So let’s not do anything too crazy, like trying to get started on that New Year’s resolution to cut back on drinking—put that nonsense off till November.

When I spoke with Dave Shenaut, president of the Oregon Bartenders Guild and one of the founders of Portland Cocktail Week, he emphasized the event is not just for industry professionals, but welcomes all lovers of great cocktails to come and enjoy the festivities.

“[It’s] important to us just to remember, this is for bartenders, by bartenders and anyone who enjoys putting energy into crafting a great cocktail. We want that to be the overwhelming theme of the event.” says Shenaut. “[The] overall goal is to look at Portland as a center for craft cocktails, being on the cutting edge, but also keeping in mind that this is just drinking, just having fun,” says Shenaut. “Don’t want to take anything too seriously.”

With a four days stuffed full of hooch happenings, we’re here to guide you to some of the stand-out events worthy of your discerning palates.

Thursday, Oct. 20 Welcome to Portland Cocktail Week: Dust off the tuxedo or pearls, this year’s festivities are kicking off at Portland’s iconic jazz club Wilf’s. International producer Pernod Ricard will be providing the classically inspired cocktails to help ease you into the smooth buzz you’ll be maintaining for the next few days. You can also mingle with bartenders from over 30 cities cross the country in town to participate at the weekends PDX Cocktail Invitational.

Friday, Oct. 21 Bartenders’ Run to Kick Cancer’s Ass: Hung over? Sorry, we don’t understand this mortal concept, not when there are 4Ks-to-kick cancer in the face that need to be run. Come support Novo Fogo co-founder Emily LaCroix-Axinte kick breast cancer to the curb with this fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Friday, Oct. 21 Makers Mark Arcade: Makers Mark are taking over Ground Kontrol for what will surely be the happiest of happy hours in the city. Prepare yourself for an evening of arcade-style videogames and pinball, classic cocktails and a more adult spin on arcade food. You can also blame the booze when you lose that 6th round of Street Fighter, we won’t tell.

Sat/Sun, Oct. 22-23 Great American Distillers Festival: The event that inspired all this madness is back for the 7th year. Local distillers from Rogue to Sheridan-based Ransom Spirits, as well as distillers from Colorado, Washington, California, and Vermont will be taking over The Left Bank Annex for two days of showcases, tastings and panels. The Festival also features the annual PDX Cocktail Invitational, featuring some of the best bartenders all over from Miami to Honolulu battling it out for a years worth of bragging rights.

Saturday, Oct. 22 Robots Vs. Humans: With the ongoing battle between man and machine, we have let our domination slip a little bit: robots now have access to our precious Jaeger-Bomb technology. The evil masterminds at MIT will be shipping off some of their robotic mixologists for a head to head battle with Portland’s finest. Come cheer on the human race, or get on the good side of our future mechanical overloads—whichever will help you sleep better at night.

Sunday, Oct. 23 Speed Rack: Come watch the best female bartenders in the city duke it out to find the fastest booze slingers in the Pacific Northwest. This competition, created by and to help better promote female bartenders, will also help raise money for Breast Cancer Research.

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Tags: Cocktails, Cocktail Culture, Portland Cocktail Week

Much Ado About Voodoo

Rogue’s Bacon Maple Ale is here

Posted by: John Chandler on Sep 28, 2011 at 11:00AM 10 Comments

The big pink bottle arrived at the office last Thursday, wrapped in a bright pink bag, and accompanied by a souvenir condom. Behold, a whimsical craft-beer collaboration between Rogue Brewing and Voodoo Doughnuts, the much ballyhooed Bacon Maple Ale, brewed in honor of Voodoo’s signature pastry. Upon setting it down on my desk, my intrepid office-mates reacted as if a rattler were on the loose. “Nothing good could possibly come out of a bottle that color. Don’t open it!” cried web producer Julie Reposa. And thus far I haven’t. Since this sweet bacon brew is only available by the case for $156, I think I’ll bide my time.

For the most part, reactions to the Rogue/Voodoo brew seem to echo Julie’s sentiment.

Willamette Week “A foul abomination.”

Portland Mercury "We had a quick tasting here at the office, and the results ranged from “no” to “oh!” to “jerky” to “campfire” to “that’s not good” to “I don’t like it.”

Brewpublic “The first sip came across as a bit dry but the mouthfeel of the beer offered up something more similar to a liquid version of a smoky dry piece of bacon.”

If you’re eager for my analysis, you’ll have a long wait. I’m treating my bottle of Bacon Maple Ale the same way I did with M*A*S*H beer, Billy Beer, and other short-lived drinkable novelties. I’m going to banish this taffy-colored vessel to a shelf in the basement and let it increase in value. Because someday, somehow, someone will want to buy it and I’ll be on Easy Street. Yes, I’ll probably be a full-time drooler at that point, but what the hey? I can play the waiting game too. And to well-heeled collectors of breweriana? You know where to find me.

However, I am nothing if not a dedicated public servant. If enough of my drinking buddies command me to quaff, I’ll do it. What say you?

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Tags: Rogue Ales, Voodoo Doughnuts, Bacon

Oktoberfests!

Two weekends of whoop-dee-doo

Posted by: John Chandler on Sep 23, 2011 at 02:00PM 4 Comments

Yes, Oktoberfest season is here—we’re not sure when exactly, but fans of polkas and pork products have plenty of time to partake when it best suits them. The official starting date of this particular sausage party is September 17 in Munich, where it stretches leisurely all the way to October 3. Sadly, here in the states we are not encouraged to roister drunkenly in the streets for just over a fortnight like our Bavarian brethren, but somehow we make do with a few precious weekends.

This Weekend

Zenner’s Oktoberfest at Oaks Park It’s three days (Sept 23–25) of suds, songs, and celebration at Portland’s most resilient amusement park. In addition to chicken dancing and tuba tunes, the festivities will include wiener dog races, pretzel tossing, and a bear-hug race, activities that are considered far too weird for non-Oktoberfest merriment. At least a dozen vendors of food and drink will be on the premises, along with a whole battalion of craftsmen hoping to beguile intoxicated revelers with facial art and scented candles.

Der Rheinlander Oktoberfest As one would expect of Portland’s longest-running bierhaus, there will be an assortment of amusements on tap this weekend. Those blessed with a sturdy appetite (and elastic waistbands) may want to test their mettle in the pretzel and sausage-eating contests. In order to get the heart beating again, dancing to Chicago polka band Paloma is strongly suggested. A portion of proceeds will benefit Northwest Down Syndrome Association, so bring friends. There’s also a costume contest if you think you’ve got the legs for it.

Next Weekend

Prost Oktoberfest The Mississippi Avenue headquarters of German-style merrymaking will be joining in the fun Oct 1–2, with a 5,000 square-foot beer garden, live music, food carts, and chicken barbecue. Prost’s first-ever masskrugstemmen competition will take place at 3 and 8 on Saturday, a contest that requires participants to hold a one-liter mug full of beer at arm’s length for as long as they possibly can. Prost also is home to the two-liter glass boot, a vessel which when filled with Paulaner or Hofbrau should provide the impetus for spirited chugging followed by some impromptu drinking songs, and the ceremonial summoning of the taxi.

Occidental Brewing at Cathedral Park Place New brewers on the block Occidental Brewing in St Johns will unveil their Festbier 2011, a special Oktoberfest autumn warmer that should serve as an appropriate and tasty introduction to Occidental’s impressive roster of Bavarian-inspired ales. Gypsy dance band Chervona will keep things moving as attractive citizens attired in lederhosen and dirndls spin and stomp gracefully. Traditional German foodstuffs will be provided by Cathedral Park Kitchen.

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Tags: Beer Festivals, Oktoberfest, Prost!, Occidental Brewing

Bikes, BBQ & Smokin’ Brews

There’s still plenty more beer fests on tap

Posted by: John Chandler on Sep 16, 2011 at 11:00AM 1 Comments

Congratulations on surviving the Summer of Beer, drinking buddies! The one-two punch of Oregon Brewers Festival followed by PDX Beer Week definitely upped the ale ante this year, but for anyone planning on drying out until the Holiday Ale Festival, well, you’re not out of the hops yet.

In order to wring the last drop of sunshine out of the summer, the good people at Hopworks Urban Brewery are encouraging bike enthusiasts to peddle over to their flagship pub (2944 SE Powell Blvd) this Saturday for Biketoberfest, a fundraising event for the Bicycle Transportation and Sunday Parkways. It’s a car-free party that starts at noon, and attendees can sample 15 HUB brews, watch daredevil cycle antics from BMX stunt riders, get an eyeful of break-dancing demos, and groove contentedly to live music from the likes of Jared Mees, Oh Darling, and Ascetic Junkies. Plus, there will be Huffy tossing, kids activities, and an appearance by the Wanderlust Circus troupe at 8:30 in the evening.

Since you’ll be out riding around on Saturday anyway, it would behoove you to spread the wealth and swing by the 10th Annual Laurelfest, a barbecue bash over at Laurelwood Brewing (5115 NE Sandy Blvd) that starts at 3 pm. In addition to a bountiful bargain menu that includes grilled albacore tuna, Dungeness crab salad rolls, double-smoked pork and sausage with beer-soaked kraut, and grilled oysters, the lads and ladies of Laurelwood will unveil Laurelfest Bier; a new seasonal that’s described as “Vienna lager style fresh hop beer,” Live music from Keegan Smith, among others, also will be part of the festivities.

By next weekend (Sept 24-25) you should be thoroughly recovered, and just in time for Fire & Brimstone, a celebration of “smoke and chili beers” happening at Hop & Vine (1914 N Killingsworth). This two-day taste-a-thon will present devilishly hot and hearty beers from Burnside, Lompoc, Breakside, Upright, Oakshire, Heater Allen, Migration, Coalition, and more. On Saturday evening, the titanic trio of Yetta Vorobik (from Hop & Vine and Brewing Up Cocktails), Ben Edmunds (Breakside), and Alex Ganum (Upright) will tap a special collaborative keg of Smoked Porter that’s dedicated to the late comedian Bill Hicks. Reason enough for a party? We think so.

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Tags: Beer Festivals, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Hop and Vine, Laurelwood Brewing

Ale Al Fresco

Shacktoberfest at D-48 Bistro

Posted by: John Chandler on Sep 12, 2011 at 10:00AM 12 Comments

It was a most opportune evening to discover D-48 Bistro (48th & SE Division). Saturday night was fairly stultifying, with the temperature only grudgingly inching back down from its angry mid-90s apex of the afternoon. The prospect of sitting outside, sipping an icy cold pint of Burnside Oatmeal Pale Ale ($3, cheap!) whilst watching moths bounce off a naked bulb proved to be a biological imperative. Fortunately, drinking buddy Lucy was keen to try this place that she’d spied from the nearby Landmark Tavern.

D-48 Bistro is part of a food cart village that looks like it’s putting down some roots. In the casual courtyard setting, overheated patrons lollygagged at tables, the nearby gurgle of a fountain providing a cooling accompaniment. The rambling structure, comprised of a small bar, a covered sitting room with a couch and flat screen TV, and a charmingly slapdash back patio with ping-pong and pool table, sits betwixt 7 Hills Turkish cuisine and LeRoy’s Barbecue carts. The menu is basic burgers and pressed sandwiches (all $5-6) with three rotating taps ($3) and tall boys of Rolling Rock ($2). That’s it.

The back patio is spacious and resembles a reasonably well-kept SoCal junkyard, with plenty of long tables, a couple of conversation circles surrounding fire pits, and some random statuary placed at strategic points. During my visit, a flock of older folks in the covered portion of the patio hovered around a grey-haired gent playing oldies like “Autumn Leaves” and “As Time Goes By” on an electric piano, occasionally singing along. Aside from the statues, a Goodwill sofa, several strings of Christmas lights and an Elvis poster represent the extent of the decorating efforts. And I dug it. Sitting under the anomalous Yuletide glow with a cold beer, listening to gentle music, it seemed as if I could be in Spain, Mexico, or at least a friendly flea market at a nameless Southwestern cantina.

The owner (Larry? Gary? Jerry? Harry? Terry?) told me he plans to stay open year-round. I found it difficult to picture this same sultry scene during a furious episode of February wind and rain, but I’m willing to suspend my disbelief. I don’t want to be a fair-weather friend.

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Tags: New Bar, D-48 Bistro, Outdoor beer drinking, Pool and ping-pong

First Impressions: Northwest Public House

Just your average locally sourced sports bar with a fine wine list

Posted by: John Chandler on Sep 08, 2011 at 02:00PM 2 Comments

My observational instincts seldom fail me. Normally I can discern with unerring accuracy the nature of a drinking establishment long before I’ve plopped my butt in a chair and ordered a first round. Velvet paintings on the wall? Hipster dive. Athletic accoutrements and multiple screens? Sports bar. Belching husky guys in cargo shorts? Beer bar.

I have to admit that Northwest Public House (2327 NW Kearney St) momentarily fouled up my bar-dar. Directly in front of the freshly refurbished, early 20th century Craftsman was a sandwich sign announcing the college football TV schedule for the coming weekend—as well as an invitation to sample a smashing new salad and a notice about $15 bottles of wine all night long.

What exactly is the crossover appeal between college sports, a lovely salad, and a wallet-friendly wine list? Upon discovering the that this modest little pub was a split level with three separate dining/drinking/chilling dens, my confusion was slightly alleviated. On sunny afternoons, either of the decks (one out front, one upstairs) offer an ideal harbor for catching a few rays whilst pondering 15 highly rated (“by some wine snob,” according to the menu) vintages, 11 taps, and more than 30 beers in the can. The main floor is suited to low-key dining and discourse, while armchair quarterbacks can congregate upstairs in front of the dozen or so HDTV’s.

Happy hour at Northwest Public House runs from 3-6 daily, which kind of makes sense given the Northwest Trendy-Third locale. Folks in this part of town take their drinking and lounging seriously, which explains the necessity of an early start. During this stretch, craft beers are a reasonable $3, small plates are $5, or you can wrangle one of their six tasty burgers (Painted Hills beef, quinoa/veggie, and “turducken” are among the protein options) with a side of fries and a pint of brew for $10.

The pub grub is locally sourced and prepared with a deft, artisanal touch. Undoubtedly the jocks in attendance will power through their share of burgers regardless of what pasture Clover the Cow came from, but there’s always room for conscientious restaurateurs in this town. No less than seven regional farming operations are noted on the menu by proprietors Jason and Julie Tecza.

I made short work of the Churrasco, a pile of flatiron steak strips marinated in chimichurri, with a fried egg on top. The relish was sufficiently spicy, but not so much that the peppers overshadowed the chewy, tender steak. My gluten-free girlfriend was giddy to discover that most menu items could be prepared with her food allergy taken into account, and promptly demolished a plate of Dirty Mac (mac and cheese with bacon, ground beef, onions, tomato, and jalapeños), breathlessly describing it as “the best gluten-free pasta” variant she’d ever had.

I don’t get over to this part of Portland all that much, but I do feel a return trip is necessary. After all, I haven’t tried out the upstairs deck, watched a football game, sipped a glass of vino, or built my own burger yet. Oh, and they serve a mean-looking brunch from 10-2 on weekends. Does Northwest Public House try to wear too many hats? Maybe so, but from what I can see thus far, each one is a neat fit.

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