Bar Casa Vale Brunch

I’ve shared previously how I enjoy the tapas and the drinks at Bar Casa Vale, but this weekend they are launching a new weekend brunch. From now on they will be serving up, in addition to their all day happy hour on Sunday, brunch from 10 AM – 3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. I recently attended a media preview that let us share a taste of some of the offerings, so here’s my report back on some of the items. As usual, the menu is subject to change – I think they do tweak the dinner options pretty often by swapping out what is on flatbread or toast and such, so go open-minded. Based on my meal here, I am sorta thinking this is now the best hungover brunch spot in Portland.
Bar Casa Vale Brunch is served on weekends, Sat and Sun 10-3 Bar Casa Vale Brunch cocktail of Tea Cobbler with Brandy, hibiscus, and citrus Bar Casa Vale Brunch Chocolate Toast with pistachio and olive oil Bar Casa Vale Brunch Grilled Sardine Toast with potxta beans, calcot, and 'nduja
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Signature

Headwaters Brunch

I’m going to share one of my brunch secrets – Headwaters PDX, a place that is never too crowded for brunch so I’ve easily walked in (they serve brunch both in their main restaurant area and their lounge area by their bar so have large capacity). PLUS they take reservations! It’s only been almost exactly a year since they opened and I’m not sure if not everyone knows they offer brunch. Whatever, this all adds up so it’s perfect when you have out of town guests and want to stick to a schedule and not have to wait around so you can get going on your way to other weekend adventures. The atmosphere is classy and the service has always been impeccable for anytime I stop in. Weekend brunch is available Saturday and Sunday 8 AM – 3 PM and they also serve breakfast on weekdays.

Start with a brunch cocktail – of course I always recommend a bloody mary. The Headwaters Mary version offers lemongrass green chili vodka and housemade bloody mary mix, horseradish, and Steigl Radler
Headwaters Brunch - Headwaters Mary, lemongrass green chili vodka and housemade bloody mary mix, horseradish, and Steigl Radler

But, my other favorite and highly recommended cocktail for your consideration is the Never Too Early brunch cocktail with aged rum old fashioned, averna, coffee syrup
Headwaters Brunch - Never Too Early brunch cocktail with aged rum old fashioned, averna, coffee syrup

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Signature

Brunch at Pine Street Market

Have you been to Pine Street Market yet? If you haven’t been to this food hall that opened earlier this year in downtown Portland, the market is now open more hours for your visit. They now offer brunch at Pine Street Market from 9 – 11 AM everyday. Now you can visit and get a progressive breakfast or brunch on! You can choose from eight of the nine open vendors to try multiple types of food each visit, or maybe on one visit! This is perfect for a group with multiple tastes so everyone can get something to their tastes, or willing to pool everything together for a huge potluck. Here’s a look at what sample brunch here might include.
Get a progressive brunch at Pine Street Market by choosing from eight vendors for all your drink and food needs and sharing with friends everyday 9 - 11 AM Shalom Y'all options for brunch at Pine Street Market of a Jerusalem Bagel Sandwich with house-smoked mackerel, pickles, za’atar, and herbed labneh, with beverages here from Barista, Kure, and the Shalom Mary

Essentially, you can think of Pine Street Market sort of like a food court. Each of the vendors has a small area with their own menu in this indoor venue. A few of them have some bar seats right near where they cook,  but generally you order at one of the vendors stands, then they give you a placard sign so they can find you to deliver your food if it isn’t ready to take right away. Go ahead and gather a few of those placard signs from multiple places!
The central communal seating area inside Pine Street Market, a food hall in downtown Portland with nine vendors The central communal seating area inside Pine Street Market, a food hall in downtown Portland with nine vendors

Next, find seats in the central common dining area – mostly communal benches and tables though there are a few small tables.  You bus your own table by grabbing water, silverware, napkins, and to-go containers from central carts. The back area has buckets for you to leave your dishware and throw out trash. It can get a little hectic during the main lunch and dinner hours – my tip has always been to come on the edge hours – right before or after the rush. But now you have a new option, coming in the morning before they start serving their lunch, when it’s much more relaxing.
The central communal seating area inside Pine Street Market, a food hall in downtown Portland with nine vendors is more relaxing during the Pine Street Market Brunch time daily 9-11 AM

At Pine Street Market, this is not going to be your typical Hot Dog on a Stick or Sbarro. Instead, the tenants consist of several legendary names in the local Portland food scene, but on a smaller fast casual scale and without the sometimes hour or so wait to get into their restaurant. Here’s a look at who’s offering what for brunch.

  1. Brass Bar Barista is the first to open in the morning (8 AM) but closes by dinner time (6 PM) offering coffees and teas
    Lovely tea being brewed at Brass Bar at Pine Street Market. The Barista team will serve coffee and tea, featuring Brass Bar’s own proprietary roast Coffee in progress at Brass Bar during Brunch at Pine Street Market. The Barista team will serve coffee featuring Brass Bar’s own proprietary roast
  2. Kure Juice Bar offers a healthy choice via organic juices, smoothies, tonic shots, hot beverages, oatmeal, and açai bowls during the day (9 AM – 3 PM). Below, besides the rainbow of smoothies you can see the Bowl of the Gods Acai Bowl. This is an acai bowl with a base (like a super thick smoothie you eat with a spoon) of acai berries, banana, strawberries, vanilla protein, peanut butter, almond milk, and ice then topped with banana, strawberries, sliced almonds, goji berries, hemp seed granola, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and agave. They offer substitutions of gluten free granola if you’d like.
    For a healthy option during lunch or brunch at Pine Street Market, Kure Juice Bar offers organic juices, smoothies, tonic shots, hot beverages, oatmeal, and açai bowls For a healthy option during lunch or brunch at Pine Street Market, Kure Juice Bar offers organic juices, smoothies, tonic shots, hot beverages, oatmeal, and açai bowls For a healthy option during lunch or brunch at Pine Street Market, Kure Juice Bar offers organic juices, smoothies, tonic shots, hot beverages, oatmeal, and açai bowls For a healthy option during lunch or brunch at Pine Street Market, Kure Juice Bar offers organic juices, smoothies, tonic shots, hot beverages, oatmeal, and açai bowls. This is the Bowl of the Gods, an acai bowl with a base of acai berries, banana, strawberries, vanilla protein, peanut butter, almond milk, and ice then topped with banana, strawberries, sliced almonds, goji berries, hemp seed granola, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and agave. They offer substitutions of gluten free granola if you'd like.
  3. Marukin Ramen offers authentic Japanese ramen – they have multiple locations in Japan and imported Japanese chefs to train this stateside location. Unlike in Japan, you can easily identify vegetarian and vegan ramen here. For brunch Marukin Ramen offers an unusual option: Ochazuke. Ochazuke is a traditional Japanese porridge like dish made by pouring green tea and bonito dashi over cooked rice, with savory toppings including salmon, sesame and mitsuba. This is another healthy option that is very filling but has light subtle flavors and you can enjoy warm unlike the acai bowls.
    For brunch at Pine Street Market, Marukin Ramen offers an unusual option: Ochazuke, a traditional Japanese porridge like dish made by pouring green tea, dashi, or hot water over cooked rice, with savory toppings including salmon like you see here. This is another healthy option that is very filling but has light subtle flavors For brunch at Pine Street Market, Marukin Ramen offers an unusual option: Ochazuke, a traditional Japanese porridge like dish made by pouring green tea, dashi, or hot water over cooked rice, with savory toppings including salmon like you see here. This is another healthy option that is very filling but has light subtle flavors
  4. Trifecta Annex offers breads and pizzas from James Beard Award winning author and baker Ken Forkish of the legendary Ken’s Artisan Pizza and Ken’s Artisan Bakery and Trifecta. You can go simple with their Signature Toast – look at that incredible Rustic Bread with Trifecta Butter and honey drizzle. If I worked around here I’d probably grab a coffee or smoothie and that toast every day. Or, fancy it up with one of their Artisan Croissants.. They offer Maple Sugar, Raspberry, Double Chocolate, Honey-Rye-Ham, and Spelt croissants. Or go all out with a substantial Breakfast Pizza topped with potato, pancetta, fontina, eggs, pepper and sausage.
    Come get all the gluten goodness at Pine Street Market brunch available everyday 9-11 am where everyone can eat a progressive breakfast / brunch from seven different food providers including Trifecta Annex with offerings by the legendary Ken Forkish with choices like Artisan Croissants (Maple Sugar, Raspberry, Double Chocolate, Honey-Rye-Ham), their Signature Toast (sorry half of it was already eaten by the time I snapped this pic) with Rustic Bread and Trifecta Butter, and a Breakfast Pizza topped with Potato, pancetta, fontina, eggs, pepper and sausage Keep it simple but still so amazing at brunch at Pine Street Market with the classic Signature Toast from Trifecta Annex from the legendary Ken Forkish of Ken's Artisan Pizza and Ken's Bakery in Portland Keep it simple but still so amazing at brunch at Pine Street Market with the Artisan Croissants from Trifecta Annex from the legendary Ken Forkish of Ken's Artisan Pizza and Ken's Bakery in Portland ranging from Maple Sugar, Raspberry, Double Chocolate, Honey-Rye-Ham croissants Brunch at Pine Street Market could include from Trifecta Annex by Ken Forkish of the legendary Ken's Artisan Pizza, a breakfast pizza topped with potato, pancetta, fontina, eggs, pepper and sausage
  5. OP Wurst offers creative gourmet hot dogs from the same people who created Olympia Provisions, Portland’s famous charcuterie creater and I think the best salumi in PDX. Their location is in the center of the dining area, unlike the others who are all along the outside and around the seating area – so head right to the middle to find them. They do have some of the Olympia Provisions salumi available here so you could even get those and with some Trifecta bread have a great picnic here or to go! From 9-11 AM they offer sides of scrambled or fried eggs as well as fries, breakfast sausage, pancakes, and bottled bloody marys and mimosas. Additionally they offer four different special breakfast hot dogs:
    Brunch at Pine Street Market includes OP Wurst with their four breakfast hot dogs, such as this French Toast Dog with two breakfast sausages, French toast bun, apple butter or the Monte Cristo On A Stick with Maple syrup, raspberry jam Brunch at Pine Street Market includes OP Wurst with their four breakfast hot dogs, such as Breakfast Dog with Bacon-wrapped frankfurter, seasonal scramble, cheddar cheese, French Toast Dog with two breakfast sausages, French toast bun, apple butter or the Monte Cristo On A Stick with Maple syrup, raspberry jam

    • Breakfast Dog: Bacon-wrapped frankfurter, seasonal scramble (here grilled peppers and mushrooms), cheddar cheese
      Brunch at Pine Street Market includes OP Wurst with their four breakfast hot dogs, such as this Breakfast Dog with Bacon-wrapped frankfurter, seasonal scramble, cheddar cheese
    • Monte Cristo On A Stick: Maple syrup, raspberry jam
      Brunch at Pine Street Market includes OP Wurst with their four breakfast hot dogs, such as this Monte Cristo On A Stick with Maple syrup, raspberry jam
    • French Toast Dog: Two breakfast sausages, French toast bun, apple butter
      Brunch at Pine Street Market includes OP Wurst with their four breakfast hot dogs, such as this French Toast Dog with two breakfast sausages, French toast bun, apple butter Brunch at Pine Street Market includes OP Wurst with their four breakfast hot dogs, such as this French Toast Dog with two breakfast sausages, French toast bun, apple butter
    • Pigs In A Blanket: Two breakfast sausages, pancake blanket, maple syrup
      Brunch at Pine Street Market includes OP Wurst with their four breakfast hot dogs, such as this Pigs In A Blanket with two breakfast sausages, pancake blanket, maple syrup
  6. From the impressive John Gorham empire are two outposts representing two exciting restaurants. Pollo Bravo offers a few favorites from Toro Bravo but also adds something new: Spanish-style rotisserie chicken. Here, for brunch they don’t have the chicken ready yet but you have choices of Catalan Sausage Bocadillo with catalan sausage, bacon, mahon, and piquillo peppers; Potatoes Bravas with Sunny Side Egg; Sopa de Ajo (Garlic Soup) with Poached Egg; wash everything  down with a La Tomatina Bloody Mary with Sobieski vodka, Pollo Bravo Mary mix (or make it a Maria with Altos Blanco tequila)
    Pollo Bravo brunch at Pine Street Market options of Catalan Sausage Bocadillo with catalan sausage, bacon, mahon, and piquillo peppers, Potatoes Bravas with Sunny Side Egg, Sopa de Ajo (Garlic Soup) with Poached Egg, washed down with a La Tomatina Bloody Mary with Sobieski vodka, Pollo Bravo Mary mix (or make it a Maria with Altos Blanco tequila) Pollo Bravo brunch at Pine Street Market options of Catalan Sausage Bocadillo with catalan sausage, bacon, mahon, and piquillo peppers; Sopa de Ajo (Garlic Soup) with Poached Egg; washed down with a La Tomatina Bloody Mary with Sobieski vodka, Pollo Bravo Mary mix (or make it a Maria with Altos Blanco tequila) Brunch at Pine Street Market includes Pollo Bravo with their Potatoes Bravas with Sunny Side Egg Pollo Bravo brunch at Pine Street Market option of Sopa de Ajo (Garlic Soup) with Poached Egg Pollo Bravo brunch at Pine Street Market options of Catalan Sausage Bocadillo with catalan sausage, bacon, mahon, and piquillo peppers with a La Tomatina Bloody Mary with Sobieski vodka, Pollo Bravo Mary mix
    Meanwhile, Shalom Y’all provides some casual spins on the offerings at Mediterranean Exploration Company. Here you can order Shakshuka with tomatoes, peppers, baked eggs or a Jerusalem Bagel Sandwich with house-smoked mackerel, pickles, za’atar and yogurt and wash it down with a Shalom Mary with vodka, tomatillo, cucumber, celery, s’hug, and za’atar salt.
    Shalom Y'all options for brunch at Pine Street Market of Shakshuka with tomatoes, peppers, baked eggs; a Jerusalem Bagel Sandwich with house-smoked mackerel, pickles, za’atar, and herbed labneh; and a Shalom Mary with vodka, tomatillo, cucumber, celery, s’hug, and za’atar salt Shalom Y'all options for brunch at Pine Street Market of Shakshuka with tomatoes, peppers, baked eggs; a Jerusalem Bagel Sandwich with house-smoked mackerel, pickles, za’atar, and herbed labneh; and a Shalom Mary with vodka, tomatillo, cucumber, celery, s’hug, and za’atar salt Shalom Y'all options for brunch at Pine Street Market of Shakshuka with tomatoes, peppers, baked eggs Shalom Y'all options for brunch at Pine Street Market of Shakshuka with tomatoes, peppers, baked eggs; a Jerusalem Bagel Sandwich with house-smoked mackerel, pickles, za’atar, and herbed labneh; and a Shalom Mary with vodka, tomatillo, cucumber, celery, s’hug, and za’atar salt Shalom Y'all options for brunch at Pine Street Market of a Jerusalem Bagel Sandwich with house-smoked mackerel, pickles, za’atar, and herbed labneh; and a Shalom Mary with vodka, tomatillo, cucumber, celery, s’hug, and za’atar salt
  7. Kim Jong Smokehouse is the newest tenant here, bringing together the award winning Korean flavors from Han Ly Hwang of Kim Jong Grillin with Southern-style BBQ smoking techniques by BJ Smith of Smokehouse 21 and the strong and meticulous mind of Earl Nissom of LaagBaan. In the morning til 11 AM offers Korean Pork and Daikon Soup with Rice and Ban-chan of kimchee, sesame sprouts, and spicy shredded daikon and a fried egg
    Kim Jong Smokehouse Korean Pork and Daikon Soup with Rice and Ban-chan of kimchee, sesame sprouts, and spicy shredded daikon and a fried egg for brunch at Pine Street Market Kim Jong Smokehouse Soup with Rice and Ban-chan of kimchee, sesame sprouts, and spicy shredded daikon for brunch at Pine Street Market
  8. You normally can get scoops at Salt and Straw, but only at this outpost of Wiz Bang Bar can you get their unique soft serve. Unfortunately, they are the only ones not open for breakfast – I guess I can see that there might not be a huge demand for breakfast ice cream…

Since I’m worried about your fruit and vegetable consumption, I made sure to carefully research the Bloody Mary options available during brunch at Pine Street Market. You have 3 options- Pollo Bravo a La Tomatina Mary with Svedka vodka and Pollo Bravo bloody mary mix; Shalom Y’all offers a Shalom Mary with vodka, tomatillo, cucumber, celery, s’hug, and za’atar salt; or a bottled Bloody Mary from OP Wurst (they also offer mimosas).
Brunch at Pine Street Market includes 3 bloody mary options, this one is from Shalom Y'all, offering Shalom Mary with vodka, tomatillo, cucumber, celery, s’hug, za’atar salt Brunch at Pine Street Market includes Pollo Bravo, offering La Tomatina Mary with Svedka vodka and Pollo Bravo bloody mary mix. You can make it a Maria with Cimarron Blanco Tequila if you'd like. Brunch at Pine Street Market, OP Wurst offers a bottled bloody mary (already poured into a glass here from the bottle) or a mimosa where you can choose our own amount of Prosecco

The Shalom Mary with its green color and cucumber and celery looks healthy, but the most flavor came from the bit spicier La Tomtina Mary, which is the first one I would order again of the three. Additionally you have the option to transform your La Tomatina Mary to a Bloody Maria instead by using Cimarron Blanco Tequila if you’d like. In terms of amount of bloody mary value though, OP Wurst is the most generous with twice as much of bloody mary – and you can simultaneously order a mimosa  where you can choose your own amount of Prosecco.
Brunch at Pine Street Market includes Pollo Bravo, offering La Tomatina Mary with Svedka vodka and Pollo Bravo bloody mary mix. You can make it a Maria with Cimarron Blanco Tequila if you'd like. Brunch at Pine Street Market includes 3 bloody mary options, this one is from Shalom Y'all, offering Shalom Mary with vodka, tomatillo, cucumber, celery, s’hug, za’atar salt

Which would you choose for your brunch?
Some of the delicious options you can choose from - or get them all - when putting together your brunch at Pine Street Market from seven different vendors every day 9 - 11 AM

Disclosure: I attended a complimentary media preview where I was able to sample with others and try most of the dishes, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

Signature

Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary x 5

In what I really hope becomes an annual event, back on May 1 there was an incredible Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party. At each of 5 stops, each ticketholder was able to enjoy a bloody mary sample by that restaurant/bar contestant using the Kachka and New Deal Distillery team up of Horseradish Vodka as well as a food bite. Then, at final stop Bit House Saloon, you decided on who was the best bloody mary among these neighbors. I’m not sure how American of a cocktail a Bloody Mary is – the origin may be in New York, or it may be elsewhere, but hey at least it’s got that pretty red color!
Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Bull in China at Kachka, called the Sitting Duck with Cucumber Caviar garnish and a Kachka brunch bite of Buckwheat Blini with salo lardons braised with onions and topped with lingonberry and pickled mustard seed relish Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Dig a Pony called Blood on the Bayou and brunch bite of The Devil Eats His Tail with lobster tail and asparagus deviled egg with cajun spice, potato crisp, edible flowers and Crystal hot sauce.

Here’s a look at each of the participants and the recipe for their bloody mary entry, which everyone received as part of their check-in!

  • Kachka and Bull in China featured a Bull in China Bloody Mix that used pineaples, tomatillos, and beets as well as their Lemon-Honey Cordial and Frank’s Red Hot
  • Oso Market’s version used Roma tomatoes, pimenton, chili, cayenne powder, fresh garlic and horseradish, pickle brine, and Tapatio
  • Slow Bar used lots of Tabasco and Cholula sauce and threw in some Mezcal
  • Dig a Pony balanced their San Marzano tomatoes with dill brine and cucumber juice with Crystal hot sauce and Cajun spice blend
  • Bit House Saloon did a creative take using fermented tomato water

Kachka and Bull in China

Kachka (hosting Bull in China) was everyone’s first stop since that is where you checked in. You were welcomed with a sample of the Horseradish Vodka on its own so you can taste what wonder it offers and you get to keep the cute shot glass. Ever since I discovered this flavor every time I go to Kachka this is always one of the shots I order. It’s spicy but not too much unlike wasabi, and it has a touch of honey that offers sweetness to offset that burn into a perfect balance that is smooth is surprisingly easy drinking. It’s great with all the food at Kachka.
Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party - You were welcomed with a sample of the Horseradish Vodka on its own so you can taste what wonder it offers and you get to keep the cute shot glass. Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party - You were welcomed with a sample of the Horseradish Vodka on its own so you can taste what wonder it offers and you get to keep the cute shot glass.
The Bloody Mary entrant from Bull in China (serving at Kachka) was called the Sitting Duck utilizing Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Bull in China Bloody Mix, Lemon-Honey Cordial, Jacobsen Salt Co. Chili Lime Salt, and Frank’s Red Hot.
Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Bull in China at Kachka, called the Sitting Duck with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Bull in China Bloody Mix, Lemon-Honey Cordial, Jacobsen Salt Co. Chili Lime Salt, and Frank's Red Hot Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Bull in China at Kachka, called the Sitting Duck with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Bull in China Bloody Mix, Lemon-Honey Cordial, Jacobsen Salt Co. Chili Lime Salt, and Frank's Red Hot
This was served with Kachka brunch bite of Buckwheat Blini with salo lardons braised with onions and topped with lingonberry and pickled mustard seed relish.
Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Bull in China at Kachka, called the Sitting Duck with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Bull in China Bloody Mix, Lemon-Honey Cordial, Jacobsen Salt Co. Chili Lime Salt, and Frank's Red Hot served with Kachka brunch bite of Buckwheat Blini with salo lardons braised with onions and topped with lingonberry and pickled mustard seed relish Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: Kachka brunch bite of Buckwheat Blini with salo lardons braised with onions and topped with lingonberry and pickled mustard seed relish

Recipe for Sitting Duck, by Luke Plant and Daniel Osborne:

  • 1 1/2 ounces Kachka Horseradish Vodka
  • 1 1/2 ounces Bull in China Bloody Mix (recipe follows)
    • 1/2 pineapple (peeled/quartered)
    • 4 tomatillos (leaves removed/halved)
    • 1 large tomato (halved)
    • 2 golden beets (peeled/quartered)
    • 1 large red beet (peeled/quartered)
    • 1 jicama (peeled/quartered)
    • Directions for Bull in China Bloody Mix: On a hot grill, char pineapple, tomatillos and tomato. Remove and cool to room temperature. Use electric juicer to juice all ingredients. Mix. Refrigerate.
  • 1/2 ounce Lemon-Honey Cordial (recipe follows)
    • 10 lemons (halved/charred)
    • 1/2 cup honey
    • Directions for Lemon-Honey Cordial: Juice lemons. In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups roasted lemon juice with honey over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Let cool to room temperature.
  • 1 pinch Jacobsen Chili Lime Salt
  • Dash Frank’s Red Hot sauce
    Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Bull in China at Kachka, called the Sitting Duck with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Bull in China Bloody Mix, Lemon-Honey Cordial, Jacobsen Salt Co. Chili Lime Salt, and Frank's Red Hot served with Kachka brunch bite of Buckwheat Blini with salo lardons braised with onions and topped with lingonberry and pickled mustard seed relish

Oso Market + Bar

Oso Market + Bar created a concoction called Sign of the Times with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Roma Tomatoes, Pimenton, Chili, and Cayenne Powder, Fresh Garlic and Horseradish, Lemon and Lime Juice, Pickle Brine, Celery Salt, Tapatio, and Sea Salt with a brunch bite of Salt Cod and Horseradish Deviled Egg
Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Oso Market called Sign of the Times and a brunch bite of Salt cod + horseradish deviled egg

Recipe for Sign of the Times, by Colin Howard:

Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Oso Market called Sign of the Times with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Roma Tomatoes, Pimenton, Chili, and Cayenne Powder, Fresh Garlic and Horseradish, Lemon and Lime Juice, Pickle Brine, Celery Salt, Tapatio, and Sea Salt

  • 2 ounces Kachka Horseradish Vodka
  • 6 ounces Oso Bloody Mary Mix (recipe follows)
    • 6 pounds whole roma tomatoes, blended
    • 1/4 cup sea salt
    • 1/8 cup celery salt
    • 1/4 cup pimenton pepper powder
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 2 teaspoon cayenne powder
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2 tablespoons freshly grated horseradish
    • 1/2 cup lemon juice
    • 1/2 cup lime juice
    • 1 cup pickle brine
    • 10 dashes Tapatio hot sauce
    • Directions for Oso Bloody Mary Mix: Rough chop tomatoes and place in bowl of food processor. Blend well. Add remaining ingredients and blend until fully mixed.

Slow Bar

Slow Bar spiced things up the most with their Reign in Blood based on their house Bloody Mary with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Vida de San Luis Mezcal, Slow Bar Bloody Mary Mix, and Kosher Salt Rim served with a brunch bite of Deep Fried Sausage with honey. The olive on their bloody mary surprised everyone by being stuffed with hot sauce.
Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Slow Bar called Reign in Blood based on their house Bloody Mary and brunch bite of Deep Fried Sausage with honeyKachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: Slow Bar brunch bite of Deep Fried Sausage with honey

Recipe for Reign In Blood, based on their house Bloody Mary

Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Slow Bar called Reign in Blood based on their house Bloody Mary with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Vida de San Luis Mezcal, Slow Bar Bloody Mary Mix, and Kosher Salt Rim

  • 1 1/2 ounces Kachka Horseradish Vodka
  • 1/4 ounce Vida San Luis del Rio mezcal
  • 6 ounces Slow Bar Bloody Mary Mix (recipe follows)
    • 46 ounces Tomato Juice
    • 2 ounces lemon juice
    • 2 ounces lime juice
    • 1 1/2 ounces Worcestershire sauce
    • 5 dashes Tabasco hot sauce
    • 3 dashes Tabasco chipotle
    • 1/2 ounce Cholula hot sauce
    • 2 tablespoons freshly grated horseradish
    • 1 teaspoon celery salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Kosher salt rim

Dig A Pony

Dig A Pony was ultimately declared the winner of the five by popular vote. They offered a bloody mary called Blood on the Bayou with Kachka Horseradish vodka, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh lemon, Worcestershire, dill brine, cucumber juice, Crystal hot sauce, Cajun spice blend, pepper, Jacobsen black garlic salt. Yes that is a hot puppy garnish too on the bloody mary.
Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Dig a Pony called Blood on the Bayou with Kachka Horseradish vodka, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh lemon, Worcestershire, dill brine, cucumber juice, Crystal hot sauce, Cajun spice blend, pepper, Jacobsen black garlic salt. Yes that is a hot puppy garnish too on the bloody mary
The Dig A Pony brunch bite of The Devil Eats His Tail with lobster tail and asparagus deviled egg with cajun spice, potato crisp, edible flowers and Crystal hot sauce
Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Dig a Pony called Blood on the Bayou and brunch bite of The Devil Eats His Tail with lobster tail and asparagus deviled egg with cajun spice, potato crisp, edible flowers and Crystal hot sauce. Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Dig a Pony called Blood on the Bayou and brunch bite of The Devil Eats His Tail with lobster tail and asparagus deviled egg with cajun spice, potato crisp, edible flowers and Crystal hot sauce.

Recipe for Blood on the Bayou, by James Ault and David Benedetti

  • 2 ounces Kachka Horseradish Vodka
  • 3 ounces San Marzano tomatoes (blended and strained)
  • 1/4 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/4 ounce Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 dash dill brine
  • 1 dash cucumber juice
  • 1 dash Crystal hot sauce
  • 1 dash Cajun spice blend
  • 1 dash black pepper
  • Jacobsen black garlic salt rim for the glass
    Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Dig a Pony called Blood on the Bayou with Kachka Horseradish vodka, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh lemon, Worcestershire, dill brine, cucumber juice, Crystal hot sauce, Cajun spice blend, pepper, Jacobsen black garlic salt. Yes that is a hot puppy garnish too on the bloody mary

Bit House Saloon

Bit House Saloon on the other hand was my personal vote for the winning bloody mary. I liked how their version was risky and unique. They named their bloody mary Red Herring and crafted it with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Fermented Tomato Water, Fresh Tomato Water, Lime Juice, Kummel, Tabasco, and Worcestershire.
Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Bit House Saloon called Red Herring with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Fermented Tomato Water, Fresh Tomato Water, Lime Juice, Kummel, Tabasco, Worcestershire Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Bit House Saloon called Red Herring with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Fermented Tomato Water, Fresh Tomato Water, Lime Juice, Kummel, Tabasco, Worcestershire
They offered a brunch bite of Cheddar Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Bit House Saloon called Red Herring with brunch bite of cheddar biscuits and sausage gravy

Recipe for Red Herring, by Chauncey Roach

  • 3/4 ounce Kachka Horseradish Vodka
  • 3/4 ounce fermented tomato water (recipe follows)
    • 1 gallon water
    • 1 cup kosher salt
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 4 ounces horseradish root
    • 12 garlic cloves
    • 5 pounds tomatoes
    • Directions for Fermented Tomato Water: Bring water to a boil and whisk in salt and sugar to dissolve. When cool, add horseradish, garlic and tomatoes, and keep submerged. Cover tightly with cheesecloth. Brine in cool, dark place for up to 5 days until it starts to ferment (gets fizzy). Take tomatoes out of brine and chop them up. Pulverize in food processor. Hang processed tomatoes and pulp in cheese cloth. Collect the liquid and toss the tomatoes.
  • 3/4 ounce fresh tomato water
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • 1/4 ounce kümmel
  • 1 ounce water
  • 5 dashes Tabasco hot sauce
  • 5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
    Kachka Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary Bloc Party: bloody mary entrant from Bit House Saloon called Red Herring with Kachka Horseradish Vodka, Fermented Tomato Water, Fresh Tomato Water, Lime Juice, Kummel, Tabasco, Worcestershire

Which of these Bloody Marys or Brunch Bites sounds like it would be your vote?

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Upcoming PDX Bloody Mary Events

There are two upcoming PDX Bloody Mary events if you are a big Bloody Mary and Brunch fan that I would like to highlight. As a lover of bloody marys myself – they are healthy with fruit and vegetables! And a snack because of the garnish! – I’m thrilled with two Sundays in a row featuring bloody marys in Portland. Both events feature the ability to enjoy multiple brunch bites and sample different bloody mary concoctions which you will vote on which is best! I love events like these where you get to try a lot of little things at once.

Portland Monthly Country Brunch


I have previously recapped the Portland Monthly Country Brunch when I attended last year in 2015, the year before in 2014, and then in 2013. If you haven’t heard of this event before, it’s an annual event, now in it’s fifth year, that will benefit Zenger Farm. The event includes a punch card so that you can visit all the booths and taste a brunch sample dish from this year seven restaurants or food carts, as well as get a sample of each of the seven entrants for the Bloody Mary Smackdown where participants vie for the title of Best Bloody Mary from either the Judge’s Choice Award or People’s Choice Award.

Portland Monthly Country Brunch 2015, Brunch bite from The Sudra offered a healthy vegan option with Tofu Scramble and black rice porridge along with a Bloody Mary Smackdown entry from Urban Farmer of a Spicy Bell Pepper Bloody Mary with a hint of smoke and spice from the roasted peppers Portland Monthly Country Brunch 2015, Bloody Mary Smackdown entry from Raven and Rose of Full Bloody Irish. Blending the spiciness of chile pepper-vodka and a touch of nitro stout topped with a skewer that contains an Irish breakfast including potato and black and white pudding

This year the date of the fifth annual Portland Monthly Country Brunch is Sunday April 24, 2016 from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM. The event takes place at Castaway Portland this year on and is sponsored by Portland Monthly Magazine as well as others.

Chef Rick Gencarelli from Lardo of course brought the fat with a Pork Belly Egg Benedict with a buttery buttermilk biscuit, big hunk of pork belly, fried quail egg, and Frank's hollandaise. Portland Monthly's Country Brunch 2014 at Castaway benefiting Zenger Farm Chef Johanna Ware from Smallwares brought one of my favorite Asian breakfast dishes, Breakfast congee with Chinese Sausage, egg, scallion, granola and maple ponzu at Portland Monthly's Country Brunch 2014 at Castaway benefiting Zenger Farm

The restaurants and food cart offering brunch bites include

Meanwhile, the seven competitors for the Bloody Mary Smackdown (I’m guessing the vodka used will be from Crater Lake Spirits since they are a sponsor) include

Portland Monthly's Country Brunch 2014 at Castaway benefiting Zenger Farm

One of the reasons I enjoy this event is that they offer lots of seats and tables unlike many other food events where you left trying to balance your plate of food and beverage while standing. The lines for the food and drink in previous years under regular admission were generally maybe at the most 7-8 minutes I’m sure we can also expect some coffee thanks to another sponsor, Coava. , Last year a pushcart would come by offering bottomless Manmosas (beer +orange juice) and Crispin Cider is returning as a sponsor this year as well.

There is live music (this year provided by the June Bugs) to enjoy while dining, and there are always a few adults and many children who dance. Other extras for this year’s event seem to include “a breakfast-in-bed photo booth (possibly from sponsor Bedmart?) Recreation Dept’s über designed lawn games, baby livestock, and more”!

Portland Monthly Country Brunch 2015, Hank Sinatra and the Atomic Cowboys and emcee Poison Waters

You can buy your tickets here. It is $50 for VIP admission that includes early admission and a swag bag and all food and drink, $45 VIP without bloody marys, $40 for regular admission that includes the brunch and bloody marys, $30 for the food only without bloody  marys, and kids 5 and younger are free. Yes, it’s a family friendly event (to drink alcohol must be 21+ of course).

Kachka Bloody Mary Bloc Party

A new event this year, the Kachka Bloody Mary Bloc Party is set to celebrate the release of Kachka‘s incredible horseradish vodka now by the bottle thanks to New Deal Distillery.

Taking place on Sunday May 1, 2016 from 11 AM – 3 PM, the event includes brunch bites and housemade bloody marys from

Only Oso Market usually serves brunch, so this is a unique opportunity to see what the other 4 Grand Avenue bars will be offering.

The cost is $30 ticket (buy your tickets here) and is good for a shot of Kachka Horseradish Vodka when you first check in to get your passport in your souvenir shot class. Then the passport is good for one mini bloody mary and one brunch bite at each of the five location with a closing rally at Bit House Saloon from 2 – 3 PM for your vote (votes must be in by 2:30 PM) to hear the winner of the “Best Bloody Mary on Grand.” The first 75 people to purchase a ticket, like myself, also get a Kachka Trucker Hat. I can’t wait to model mine during the event.

Sounds pretty grand to me!

Do you enjoy bloody marys, and if so what is your favorite bloody mary joint in Portland? If bloody mary is not your brunch beverage of choice, what is?

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