Breweries, Bikes and Vegan Valhalla

As previously mentioned, Portland has been chosen as the destination for this weekend. A couple of other spots were on the list, Bellingham(with hikes in the Chuckanuts) and the ONP(with cold, damp camping and hikes). Portland won for several reasons. First, it's just easier and no gear needs to be purchased. Second, Portland is home to Cascade Brewing and their Barrel house(which I will get to in a few). Third, VEGAN FOOD!!!!! and tons of it. Lastly, should we choose to get some exercise we can rent bikes for the weekend or step out of town for a few to enjoy one of the many hikes within close range.

Let's talk about Cascade Brewing. They make all sorts of beer but specialize in sour, cask aged, blended ales. Today is "Tap It Tuesday" at their Barrel House. They'll be tapping Cherry Bain de Brugge. This little brother of Bourbonic Plague, 2009 Bain de Brugge is a spiced porter with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peel and star anise, additionally aged on cherries.  There are hints of cherry sweetness throughout the deep maltiness of this cellared beer. The cherries appear again in the finish and leave a lingering sour coating on the palate. This is a single barrel project. I really hope there is still some of that left Friday when we arrive.

Good thing about the Barrel House is that it's only blocks away from Jupiter Hotel where we will be staying. We have stayed here in the past. It's a bit of a hipstery place but it's nice and it's CHEAP. Also, it's on the same property as, and owned by the same people as, Doug Fir. Doug Fir is an amazing venue. We saw Black Mountain and Howlin' Rain last time we were here(Howlin' Rain decimated Black Mountain). This time we'll be going to a local shoegaze/psych show with The Prids, The Upsidedown and Ten Million Lights happening on Saturday.

Now on to food. There are a few places that I'm dead set on eating. I really want brunch at Blossoming Lotus. I'm a sucker for some BBQ so a trip to Homegrown Smoker Vegan BBQ Cart may be in order. I refuse to leave town without making it to Portobello. That's the type of vegan food this town is missing.

Something tells me this trip is going to be the trip that changes my mind about how I feel about Portland. Then again, this will also be my first visit there that has been researched as well as my first trip with an actual purpose other than just being out of town.

I'll be dropping a few updates from Portland along with some photos so expect to see lots of food and beer.

ADDENDUM:

Talk about convenient.....looks like we can rent biks directly from Jupiter Hotel. Sweet.