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Archives for April 2008

Deschutes Brewery’s Portland Pub: a sneak peak

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pdxbrewery_sign.jpgThe grand opening for Deschutes Brewery’s first Portland pub (210 NW 11th Avenue) is scheduled for next Friday, May 2nd. This Saturday, April 26 the pub is hosting a (sold out) pre-opening fundraising party to benefit Oregon Trout.

We’d heard rumors, however, that the pub might be open already for lunch, so Amy and I walked by today at about 11:30. What appeared to be customers were sitting at tables, and an ample supply of pub staff, decked out in brand new Deschutes Brewery polo shirts, flitted about. Upon further investigation I noticed a sign on the front door, something about Friends and family only, but before I could bring this to her attention, Amy had entered. I followed. The friendly hostess saved us the embarrassment of having to back out by informing us that though this was an exclusive event, they weren’t too busy, and she would gladly seat us, and oh yeah, we were entitled to a pint each, an appetizer, entrees, and a dessert – for FREE!

We couldn’t believe our good fortune, and hastily sat before she could change her mind.

Reminiscent of the SE Lucky Lab crossed with a McMenamins, the high ceilinged space has red walls, mismatched light fixtures, and unpainted wood rafters – some real and some for effect. There’s a long bar along the north wall, a semi-open kitchen in the northeast corner, and seating every where else. Huge windows let in lots of light.

Much like the Rogue Public House up on Flanders (i.e. decent food and selection, but overpriced), the menu is standard upscale-pub (e.g. $14.95 fish and chips, $9.50+ for a burger). I ordered the fish and chips and Amy ordered the spicy mac and cheese. Both were nothing special. Filling though.

We shared an appetizer, a huge soft-baked pretzel with white cheddar dipping sauce accented with Black Butte Porter-Honey mustard. For dessert we split a slice of fantastically rich carrot cake with vanilla cream cheese ice cream (food wise, the highlight of the visit).

But the beer is the thing.

We decided to stick to the “pub exclusive” beers.

Amy had a pint of the Kilgorian Vanilla Porter. It’s a solid English-style porter; dry, with a strong, but not overpowering, warm vanilla flavor and aroma.

I went for the St. Tanith, a strong (8.7% alcohol) Belgian style ale, aged in oak, hopped perfectly (60 IBUs) with noble hops, and spiced, like a Belgian Witbier, with coriander and orange peel.

Out of curiosity we also tried the Rootin’ Tootin’ Low Gluten Ale; a very drinkable (4.5% alcohol), beautifully clear, and surprisingly tasty sorghum ale, spiced with Cascade hops.

The beers were excellent.

We tipped well.*

The pub is much like I expected. When it really opens I might be tempted to stop by for the pub exclusive ales, and maybe the occasional lunch.

*Free food/beer = huge tips!

April 24-27: Perfect Portland weekend – soccer, beer, and rain

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The festival packed, beer soaked, and sun drenched weekends of the summer are still months away.

But this late-April weekend is shaping up nicely. Don’t let a little rain bother you.

Thursday

stumptown_tart.jpgAt 5pm today head up to the old rope factory at NW 13th and Marshall for a free sample of Bridgeport‘s Stumptown Tart, an Oregon Marion Berry infused Belgian style ale. To Oregonize it a bit more, they even age it in Pinot Noir barrels.

The release party runs from 5pm-8pm. John Foyston blogs all the details at The Beer Here.

Good thing you got to the Bridgeport event early, as by 7pm you have to be up at PGE Park. The Minnesota Thunder were horrible last year, but still gave the mighty mighty Timbers some trouble (3 draws); with our improved offense, the hope is that we’ll get a couple Ws this year.

Friday

Recover from the fruit beer and the Timbers match.

Saturday-Sunday

scf08_banner_200×40.pngCalling all comics nerds, as you no doubt already know and have already blogged about (nb: all nerds have blogs) the Stumptown Comics Fest is this weekend. I don’t really know much about comics, but that dude Mike Richardson from Portland’s Dark Horse Comics is the Special Guest of Honor, and there will be, oh, about a million exhibitors.

hod-adam.gifHair of the Dog‘s Earth Day sale is also Saturday, from 10am-4pm at 4509 SE 23rd Avenue. Some of the beers available include the Spring 2008 bottling of Blue Dot IPA, and 200 cases of Fred from the Wood. The lines may get long, but it’s worth a trip to snag a bunch of hard-to-find beer, and to check out the Hair of the Dog facility.

And again, John Foyston has all the details.

The beer sale runs until 4pm, and the comics festival ends at 6pm (both Saturday and Sunday), so Saturday you’ll have time to geek out a bit, stock up on strong beer, and still make it to PGE Park in time for an epic battle:

Our Portland Timbers defend the home turf against the Seattle Sounders.

Sunday will be a good day to recover.

Portland Timbers opening day – Beautiful day 4 soccer

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Timbers!I texted a half dozen friends “Beautiful day 4 soccer” as I walked to work Thursday morning. There was something in the air, even at 7am.

Work was pure torture, but 4pm rolled around and I rolled into the Fryolator-and-cigarette-smoke-infused embrace of the Bullpen. The weather, however, was fine, so we enjoyed the fresh air on the patio. We consumed pitchers and suppressed our giddiness. Primed, we crossed 18th at 6pm to stake out our shoulder-room spots in section 107, row N.

The rest of the evening was pure bliss:

Timber at The Offside: Match 1: Portland Timbers 1-0 Puerto Rico Islanders

The Bottom Line: The Portland Timbers ushered in the 2008 season with a 1-0 victory against the Puerto Rico Islanders in front of 10,977 at PGE Park. Playing a man up after the Islanders Tairo Atieno was shown a straight card in the 40th minute for a behind the ball elbow against Justin Thompson, the Timbers found the net in the 71st minute when Chris Brown blasted home a shot from 30 yards out.

(Check out the links to other match reports at the bottom of the post.)

The sweet sweet sound of chainsaws and chanting: Photographer Craig Mitcheldyer has created a beautiful slide show with audio

Tonight was Timber Jim’s last game. He has been the mascot for the Timbers since the 70’s. An amazing person and an icon in the city as far as soccer fans are concerned. I decided to try my hand at a little multimedia, gathering audio and shooting stills and then piecing it all together before leaving the park.

Oregonlive video: Timber Jim puts down chainsaw – a tribute including an interview with Timber Jim and game footage from Thursday night.

Looking to the future: the Timbers’ latest signed player, Benjamin Totori, is well loved in Honiara, Solomon Islands:

Simplicity; an art Benjamin Totori perfected- Solowaterboy blog

Benjamin Totori has always been a footballer with an uncanny ability to succeed at the very highest level. All throughout his career, he has been a shining and most vivid example of how young people can transform their lives when driven by unparralled ambitions. Its a trait I fiercely admire. My blog is proud to announce that this young man will now ply his trade with the Portland Timbers in the United States. Pending international and USSL clearance, Benjamin will have a remarkable opportunity to make his dreams come true. It remains to be seen if Totori will succeed at this level but judging from his past experience, nothing will stop him from achieving his ultimate goal.