Since Day One...Grixsen

In the bare bones beginning

Way back in February, President's Day Weekend to be exact, we celebrated Oregon Craft Beer by attending Zwickelmania.  We attend every year.  It isn't something we want to miss, even though it is growing in popularity and crowds year by year.  It is a genuinely good time mostly because each year we attempt to mix it up and find something new.  It is far too easy to re-visit our favorites year after year and sample their newest brews, I have only love for the brewers, pubs and tasting rooms that participate in this event.

This year was no different and we found a brand spanky new brewery.  When I say new, I mean newer than new.  It hadn't even opened yet.  We were excited by the prospect of new flavors and even more impressed with the fledgling brew staff. Then we had the beer.  All darks, all delicious. You know how I feel about a Stout.  And their Saison?  Incredible.

And so we waited.  A while.  Longer than we wanted to.  It could not have been easy for the owners, all still working their day jobs, to pull this all together.  But they did. Piece by piece.  Keg by keg.  Thank heaven for perseverance.

We have been back a few times since Grixsen opened in April.  The beer has always been delicious.  The bartender, be it an owner or an employee, always gracious.  It has been exciting to see the changes as the tap room and the brewery itself grows.  The decor is handsome.  Clean. Inviting. Fun. There is a pool table, darts, flat screens and Timbers' games.  The only thing missing was food.  There was always pretzels or popcorn on the bar, but I would be more inclined to hang out if there was more.  There was a food cart that saddled up along side them some evenings, but K and I always seemed to miss it.

The wait is almost over.  The lovely folks at Grixsen are developing a menu and it is something to get excited about.  German picnic food.  There really isn't a more proper food pairing for the Grixsen brand of brew.  These beers are deep with flavor and body.  The small sample of the trial menu holds up and more so.  It is luscious.  Savory sausages, pickled vegetables, and a spatzle that will have you switching over from Mac and Cheese with ease.

I especially enjoyed the cheesy spatzle, dolloped with apple butter and a fresh sprig of young dill. It was sweet. It was savory. It was spicy yet herbal. I paired it with the Kolsch because it's still warm outside and I felt this was the perfect version of Winter Fare to be enjoyed in late summer.

The sausages were tasty and hit the spot but I wonder why they are not from one of our top notch local sausage makers.

Before our food came out the chef brought out a sample dumpling she wanted us to try.  Golden beet and goat cheese.  I can only say, I pray this makes the cut for the final menu.  This dumpling was a tease of the deliciousness to come and it was heavenly.

I will be headed back soon to try out the rest of the menu.  Keep it up, Grixsen.  

Getting there!

                                                                                                     

Leftovers: Mid year edition 2016 or why do I procrastinate so much?

I last posted about my wonderful spring break adventures in March.  Now, my summer break is winding down and I've yet to post about 4 months worth of delicious.  I've done you a disservice. Disculpo.

You'll pardon if I resort to my old standby in the BiGMoUtH blog known as Leftovers.  Basically, I upload all of my pictures from my phone and camera, sort through and if I remember when and where and why I took a picture, it makes it to the page.  That is some major scrutiny so trust me when I tell you that this is some good stuff.  

Reaching back to the beginning of the year, I returned to the People's Pig and actually took a picture of my feast before I plowed in. The lighting isn't the best and neither is my patience when I am sitting in front of the Smoked Fried Chicken plate with Greens and Jo Jos (which I can no longer find on the menu).  This is the most uniquely flavored fried chicken I've ever tried, really.  The smokiness under the perfectly crisp fried batter is what takes it over the top.  The delightful People's Mules (Monopalowa Vodka, Lime, House Ginger Syrup, Soda Water) served authentically in copper cups only enhanced the warm fuzzy feelings this meal provided.  The greens are good, mine are better.  The jojos were delicious and one of the better side options so I hope they're not gone for good.  This chicken is one of those items that you want to order every time you visit the place.  It's hard to break away from something this good. 

Another place we visited earlier in the spring was Newport, Oregon's Ocean Bleu at Gino's.  Nothing new here, same old perfection on a plate.  I ordered the fresh from the ocean that morning rockfish and chips.  I can't even explain without crying.  I love this place and everything about it.  This time around I did dive into my food before I could take a picture and so I leave you with some pretty pictures from the comfy fun dining room and sweet hide-away patio. Someday, I'll actually have to write them a legit review. After all, this is a family who shops locally, supports their local industry, processes their fresh fish on site and even participates in some of the fishing themselves.  Talk about a serious farm to table movement.  

This next place is new to me and I get a bit giddy thinking about them.  They are Donut Byte Labs and they are a food cart  at SW 4th and Burnside.  These little baby donuts are just enough.  Just enough sweet, just enough savory, just enough soft doughyness, just enough delightful crisp.  I cannot quite grasp why people will stand in a humongous line at the pink box place two streets over when this little cart is pumping out these little flavor bombs.  They have passed my favorite three picks for best doughnut in Portland and have rolled themselves to the top for flavor alone. My favorite?  So hard!  OK, please try the Milk and Honey, it is heaven on earth.  Just so you know, I still have tremendous love for Joe's in Sandy, Pip's Original, and Annie's on Sandy Blvd.   

I'm not always out and about eating and drinking, I do plenty of that stuff at home too.  I mean with  someone like K whipping out baby Beef Wellingtons and Bacon and Eggs for days, I consider myself pretty spoiled.  

I enjoy the familiar as much as I love trying something new.  Sometimes, it's a little bit of both.  Headed back to the Portland Mercado, we discovered the newly opened Que' Bola!  Pretty much anything from the carts or vendors at the Mercado can be certified delicious but I was really excited to try the Cuban comfort food served up by Jose Perez and family.  It did not disappoint.  K went straight for the Cubano sandwich with a side of gooey crisp sweet fried plantains. My favorite.  I was looking for the savory sour of Cuban Picadillo.  Delicious green olives and golden raisins pack the sweet and sour punch required for this chopped meat dish.  With a side salad and white rice it is a sizable meal;  I could've shared but I didn't.  Served with a smile, I will definitely be returning to Que' Bola! to check out the other items on the menu at this delightful Mercado addition.   

 

Thank you for your patience while I cleaned out my phone and photos to bring you today's blog. It was stuffed with pictures from our family trip to Kauai.

Mahalo!

As my Spring Break comes to an end...

I continue to reflect on the delicious things I've done and anticipate more delightful things to come.  I started my morning feeling a little blue; Today is the last day of Spring Break.  But, today is also Easter and as promises are fulfilled and hope rises anew I'm going to leave this Spring Break, not lamenting the past but looking forward to each and everyday as I prepare for Summer!

Ok, that may seem a bit premature, but let's just roll with it for right now.  It will at least get me through to Monday morning.

You can't really rebuff my wanting this Spring Break to last even a little while longer.  It was really a fantastic one and my only true concern was trying to digest food and drink in time to enjoy more food and drink.  Right, it was a teeny bit glutinous but I have it under control now.  Oh what a start out the gate we had:

 Hood River, Oregon, Windsurfing capital of the world.  Oh don't give me that much credit, I am not the sole stand-up paddle boarder here, nor would you find me attempting to windsurf.  First off, there was no wind for our first 2 days out here.  Secondly, hahahahahahahaha no.

View from our Best Western balcony.

They are lovely to watch though and I admire their strength and skills to manipulate and ride the river this way.

While waiting to check into our hotel room we decided to check into a couple of local Breweries and try their fare.  We have been to Full Sail a number of times and so we avoided that particular brewery this time but focused on a couple we hadn't been to at all but heard wonderful things about.

The first was pFriem Family Brewers. Clean, modern, bright wood and steel; this place has a cool money feel to it that was relaxed but still a tiny bit intimidating.  I always feel a little bit like that when I hang around people who spend more on their hobby or sport than I do on my house payment each month but that is neither here nor there.  Let's talk beer.

I, of course, ordered a flight.  Took the waitress by suprise, I'm not sure why.  I know it was just past 11:00am but she would have served me a breakfast beer, right?  So why the look when I asked for 6 tiny beers?  K ordered his own 6 tiny beers as well and I knew we were hitting the ground running.

K ordered mainly IPAs and I ordered mainly everything else so we hit a good portion of the menu.  Two heavy hitters for me were the Belgian Strong Blonde 7.5% abv 30 ibu  and the Belgian Strong Dark 10.25% abv 38 ibu.  Both for very similar and very different reasons.  Both are very bold, very boozy, in your mouth magic but, the Blonde finishes fresh and bubbly.  Super balanced.  The Strong Dark doesn't stop.  Cherries, Chocolate, Figgy goodness.  Makes me wish it was Christmas time again. My favorite, though, was the Flanders Blonde 7.1% abv 19 ibu.  I'm not a huge fan of Blondes.  I've always leaned towards the darker side of the tap but this had me thinking of Sunday Brunches and sailboating and lounging in a hammock wearing all white.  This zesty, spritzy champagne pinot/oak barreled ale will be on my summer drinking list for sure. My apologies for not having tasted any IPAs this time around.  I'm cutting back. :)

To accompany our libations we ordered the Meat and Cheese plate and an order of Deviled Eggs. The flavor of the eggs was fresh and delicious but the filling was too soft and sloshed out of the egg cups when we tried to lift them too quickly.  I enjoy my Devil Egg filling with a little more body.  But they were tasty.  The cheese plate, don't let the $15 price tag dissuade you.  The meats, (amazing!) pates and cheese on this plate, paired with a delightful sampling of pickles, olives, hazelnuts and a dried cherry mostarda lend themselves nicely to the crusty artisanal bread.  Tasting these treats in a somewhat haphazzard way paired with the truly satisfying beers turns out to be the best way to begin your time in lovely Hood River.

 After pFriem we headed over to the Double Mountain Brewery.  This cozy place can be a bear to get into.  There are often lines and long waiting lists if you attempt to come here on a sunny breezy weekend in Spring, Summer, Fall...Two reasons: Delicious pizza and outrageous beer.  K and I split a Jersey Pie, capicola, mozzzarella, and peppers on a charredelicious crust.  We did, of course, order more taster trays for our beer selection.  I went with Witty Gnome 5.6% abv, 43 ibu (warm and refreshing wit), Black Irish 4.0% abv 50 ibu (creamy nitro stout), The Divine 9.0% abv 43 ibu (9th Anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout), Hail Yeah! (Cider) and the secret cask beer which turned out to be the Divine again so yeh.  So Much Goodness.  I couldn't finish the final taster.  Pity.  They were all truly amazing, my favorite being the Divine.  No, the Gnome. No, The Divine. No. MMmmmm. I'll need to return to finalize my answer.  

Theatre de la Mode, Maryhill Museum

We spent the next few days enjoying the Columbia River Gorge's eastern end, a place we really hadn't spent much time.  We visited the Maryhill Museum of Art (surreal and breathtaking) and the Stonehenge of the Gorge (also surreal and breathtaking)

We hiked a beautiful plateau and ran into a flock of wild turkey and saw some lovely mule deer running on an island in the Columbia.  All in all a really fabulous Oregon staycation.  After returning to Hood River after a day of museums and sightseeing we were a little too pooped out to hit the pub scene again so instead we popped up the hill to Lake Taco, a totally unassuming, relatively hidden taqueria.  I didn't take pictures of the food because I prepped it and stuffed it in my mouth too quickly.  I can promise you, it looked lovely.  It tasted even better.  Now I'm not sure how I'm going to explain driving the 2 hours out to Hood River every week just to get my street taco fix.

When we returned to Portland after some delightful touring of the Gorge and her rich history and beauty we decided to continue in our quest to do what we had not done before and go where we had not gone before.  So we ended up at Hale Pele on Broadway. This place is a kick. True Tiki Bar fashion, lighting is low but the mood is high as a kite.  You can take an entire vacation in a couple of hours just sitting at the bar here. The drinks are a wee bit expensive but so delicious and terribly pretty to look at.  The staff here is wonderful, attentive and friendly and will help you navigate the plethora of choices you have. I enjoyed this Coconaut after it took us a while to put out it's flame.  Still, worth the wait. One thing we did not have to wait long for was our food.  Although I had heard plenty about the drinks and the atmosphere at Hale Pale, I hadn't heard much about the food here.  No idea why not, really. The menu is limited but really spot on.  I enjoyed the Weebimbap and there was nothing Wee about it.  Only $5 during Happy Hour and this was a succulent, sweet, spicy, cool plate of excellence.  K ordered the Shoyu Chicken and proclaimed some

WeeBimBap, Shoyu Chicken, Hawaiian Bread

of the best he has had.  But the Hawaiian Bread, Oh dear Pele, the Hawaiian Bread.  I need more.

Portland Chocolatefest 2016: How sweet it is...

     I'm a big fan of Chocolatefest, big fan.  Ever since it began,  11 years ago, what?  11 years ago? Whoa.  I'm proud to say I was there back in the early years.  It started up at the World Forestry Center as a fundraiser and then it grew, almost too big for it's britches and had to move to the Oregon Convention Center where it opens again this weekend, Jan 22-24.  Tonight was opening night and catered to the 21+ crowd and so there were no young ones to worry about stepping on or tripping over as I ran to my next confectionery grab.  There was a lot of deliciousness to grab for.




Let's begin with what I enjoyed starting my evening with: Tito's Vodka Chocolatini. Smooth, warm, Tito's Vodka distilled small batch in Austin, Texas and poured up rich and delicious, chocolate milk style.  Yes and Please and Thank you, all at once.  A nice way to begin the evening.

I want to go on and on about some of my favorite vendors but I know I've written about them before and I don't want to be redundant.  But I must, at the very least, implore you to try their wares because thinking about them right now makes me happy and I want to share them with you.  Perhaps the Chocolatini is prompting me with an "I love you, man" kind of mood but seriously.  If you go to Chocolatefest this weekend or if you ever happen upon the chance to try out one or more of these vendors, please do yourself a solid and go for it.  Who at that show warrants this kind of love and affection?  Arrowhead Chocolate out of Joseph, Oregon comes to mind.  My favorite will always be the Ginger Cream Truffle, no wait, the Stein Whiskey Truffle, no no the Juniper Gin. Dang!  You get the point.
Sea and Sage Shrubs, a delicious drinking vinegar, and of course, Cupcake Jones, are all great folks to visit.



There is definitely a lot of sweet going on here but with all of the sugar, chocolate and alcohol that was flowing, K and I knew we needed something of more sustenance.  We headed to the Eat area (see food court) and were delighted to find some nice chocolate complimentary entrees.  We went with the Convention Center's catering table Pacificwild and their Cinnamon Dusted Pork Loin with Chocolate Stout Mole and seared polenta.  Oh!  Seriously.  This was Convention Center catering and it was delicious!  I know! I'm shouting!  I would go back to this restaurant if it were a restaurant I could go back to.

Now on to my new Chocolatefest discoveries.  I have found it!  and by it I mean the perfect toffee.  and by perfect, I mean Perrrrrrrrfeeeeeect.  Cowboy Toffee Company out of Oakdale, California.  How can I describe this toffee.  First off, Sam McGinnis, one of the delightful owners, noticed K and I were drinking some beer (Rogue Chocolate Stout) and asked us to please try her Ghost Town Toffee ( dark chocolate, almond dust, roasted ghost peppers, salt).  She knew it would be a perfect pairing and she knows her product.  I was frightened at first.  Mentioning Ghost Peppers in your ingredients intimidates me but this was some serious deliciousness.  The toffee itself has a texture that most toffees wish they could attain, light airy, just chewy enough without sticky tooth residue.  You won't loose your fillings to this but you will lose your heart.  The dark chocolate is a perfectly creamy compliment hugging the toffee.  Love at first bite.




Speaking of love, fera wyn's  motto "Forget Love, I'd rather fall in chocolate"  No truer words spoken when speaking of these delightful artisan style chocolates.  I'm a little sad they didn't have the Green Fairy with them but I thoroughly enjoyed the Limoncello. The tang and zip were perfectly balanced.  creamy but not too sweet. The Hawt Date was delightful. Not too hot with the lovely nutty chewy date finish.  I will be ordering more.




I'm also a huge fan of Lillie Belle Farms'  Most Awesome Chocolate Bar Ever.  It really is. And Goldfinch Caramels.  Creamy, delicious (love love love the Rosemary) Just great caramel.

(Amendment 1/23)  Found out this morning that Nothing But Bundt Cakes took the Best in Show.  Great Choice- they have amazing delicious baby bundts, my favorite was the Chocolate Turtle. Mmmmmm, soft and delicious.  Not too sweet but just enough chocolatey goodness.

Finally, and worth the wait, we have Thomas and Sons Distillery. When I say wait, I mean wait because there were lines at this place All Night Long.  but K and I finally just said forget about it and waited at the side for our turn to be served.  Like I said "worth the wait".  I have never had a liqueur distilled from tea and most likely neither have you because, as far as I know, these are the only people doing it. and I'm not talking about tea infused alcohol.  I'm talking about Tea and sugar distilled into liqueur.  It is surprisingly delicious and they have liquors that run the gamut from White Tea right through bitter black and onto my favorite, Smoke Tea. Smoke Tea is distilled smoke Lapsang black tea flavored with Vanilla Bean and blackberry honey.  It seriously is camping in a bottle.  I know they were using all of their liquors in mixed drinks but I don't think I would want to mix this one.  It would be a nice long sip by the campfire, or the couch or the kitchen table, wherever.  The new release from Thomas and Sons is the Bluebird Liquer.  I'm not quite sure what it is but it reminds me of maybe St. Germaine or other herb and spice based spirits.  Warm, yet fresh.  Sweet and spicy.  The perfect end to a delicious evening.

Leftovers 2015: Time to Ketchup...

Oh my, sometimes I crack myself up.  Funny stuff.  Not funny stuff?  Looking back at my blog and seeing my last post was in April of 2015 and then looking at my camera and seeing pictures of food that I truly meant to share with you.  Best laid plans and all that.  Here's to actually writing about more of the places and I'm eating and drinking at.  Sláinte.

 Always looking for control and order in my life before I just totally give in to the universe and loose all control, I make New Year's resolutions to eat at home more and eat more healthfully.  That's when I generally whip out these great one pan meals like greens, beets and sausages.  Seriously, it was good but then again, this was January.





February brings one of my favorite holidays of the year, President's Day.  The Saturday of President's Day weekend to be precise: Zwickelmania. Brought to us by the Oregon Craft Beer people, this day brings food, fabulous fun and tasters of fine brew all gratis.  It was this past year that I re-acquainted myself with my favorite stout, Base Camp S'More Stout.  Served complete with a toasted marshmallow on the rim.  Deeelicious!



It was while waiting to head over to another OCB event, the Malt Ball, that K and I discovered Martinotti's Italian Deli.  The most delightful cappuccinos I've ever had.  Sadly, this lovely little world market has closed. It only took me 30-some years to find.  Cannoli just like Mrs Davi used to make and a Tiramisu from heaven.  You may or may not know that Tiramisu is one of the only kinds of "cake" that I actually enjoy.  Tres Leches being my first.

 While we were packing for our trip to Austin, we treated ourselves to a Portland Monthly Dining Out deal and tried out Autentica and although we found the Ceviche Pescado and the Barbacoa delicious and the drink menu amazing, it was a little over-priced.  Let's just say, I would go here again, with a coupon.

 May brought back Farmer's Markets and as soon as the Beaverton Farmer's Market opened we headed over to Money Bowl for some savory sweet hot Rice Noodle Bowls.  Just the thing on a chilly May morning.

 Other discoveries for K and I in 2015 included The Local Cow in Gresham where you will find Rosemary, Garlic, Truffle Oil, Parmesan Fries.  A delightful surprise.  The Burgers here rank up with the best in Portland. Period.

 And tucked away, in a tiny little mini-strip mall we found a wonderful Thai food place.  Truly a hidden jewel.  Sa Bai.  The Tom Yum soup was fragrant, hot and sweet.  Divine comfort food and comfortable prices. Really looking forward to returning here, feeling awful that we haven't as of yet.

For the first time ever, in my life, we ate OUT for Thanksgiving Day.  I couldn't believe it but it was a pretty fabulous experience.  There is nothing like a Mai Tai flight at Trader Vic's to let you know the holiday season has officially begun.

I know I've already told you about the Portland Mercado ( My new Happy Place) but we went back, of course, more than a few times and each time we try something different.  The thing is, there is so much good stuff here, you can!  Always delicious, always a treat.  You need to try the Tlayudas at Tierra Del Sol.  Feast!

2015 will go down in history as the year we discovered Pip's Donuts!  Ohmygawd! You haven't been to Pip's? Who can honestly resist these little balls of goodness?  Crispy, creamy, salty, sweet.  Umami for a breakfast treat!  

And then there is the Mama Leo's in the Roseway neighborhood.  Colombian/Venezuelan/Caribbean cuisine served with simple style.  Don't let the term Gluten free scare you from this dining room, embrace it!  Be careful not to fill up on Patacones before dinner and be sure to order coconut rice with your meal.

Alas, I have no pictures of my food from The People's Pig.  I dove into faster than my voyeuristic tendency could pop up and remind me to pull out my camera and it was really dark in there so the pictures I did take didn't do the flavors justice.  This is some good stuff.  Not your traditional bbq so I won't bother to compare it to other's but it has it's own unique style and menu to delight.  Must Have: The Chicken.  The smoked then deep fried chicken is outrageous.  I would like to try it on a waffle but the sandwich does it fine justice, especially with the jalapeno jelly.  Crunchy, juicy, spicy.  Grab the napkins.  Must Avoid: the coleslaw.  Go with greens (although mine are better) and the corn bread or the dilly potato salad, if you must.  Why do I have such a hard time with sides at BBQ places?  I'll need to explore that more.

So, as you can see, we bounced around a lot in 2015 but I didn't really share the way I should and so I start 2016 with a new resolve and a few new quests ( I still haven't found my quintessential Monte Cristo). I'm getting excited for the festivals to begin again.  First up, ChocolateFest January 22nd.  After all, if I'm going to use the nom de plume BiGMoUth, I'd better act like it.