Two Portland Brew Reviews

Beer Luvvas,

I'm Ba-ack! That means I'm able to go try some different places locally in PDX, and write my thoughts down for those of you who care to visit our fare city, or you locals who are looking for new places to go and enjoy a nice quaff or two.

I'll start with a non-recommendation.... When I returned to town from Cali, my Alma mater's Homecoming game was in full swing. And thanks to the magic of Facebook, an impromptu reunion gathering for fellow PHS alums was organized to meet at the Refectory (aka Rejectory) after the game ended. The good news (or so I was told) is that PHS won in dramatic fashion. The bad news is that I actually allowed myself to be dragged to the Rejectory. It was fun to see some people that I haven't seen since our 10 Year Reunion, and a few others that I hadn't seen since they graduated (many, many, many moons ago). Refectory's tap selection included Mirror Pond, and macro-swill. Not a place to go for beer.

Saturday night was a big step up! I met Mickle and his brother in the NE section of town, and we drove down to Stark to catch a flick at the old Nickle Ads building (next to Flying Pie Pizzeria - you can get a slice @ the theater!) which has been remodeled back into a movie theater - The Academy Theater - which follows the McMenamins' lead by serving beer with their $4 ticket price! But what they do better, is serve non-McMenamins beer! I enjoyed a pint of Willamette Stout, while Mickle sipped Laurelwood's Organic Porter. I didn't catch what his brother chose. Tropic Thunder was worth a laugh or two as well.

Finally, I met up with JR at Buffalo Wild Wings' new location down by the Airport. They had a nice selection of well known, and lesser known local Portland beers. I tried a new brew for me, Klamath Basin Brewing's Drop Dead Red. This red was very nicely hopped. It didn't overpower the malt, and it went well with my egg burrito w/pico and Spicy Garlic Wing Sauce!

So in the end, two outta three ain't bad.

Prost to The Academy Theater! Movies & Beer are good!

Prost to Buffalo Wild Wings! Football & Beer are also good!