drinkportland Archives - Pechluck's Food Adventures

VoteSom Cocktail Election

November 2, 2016 by Pechluck 12 Comments

Starting yesterday and until Monday November 14, there’s another way you can make your vote count – and thankfully it’s not so heavy as the future of this country and your local government that will be decided. Instead, this is a more fun election: a VoteSom Cocktail Election, aka Pok Pok’s #VoteSom Election Week Cocktail Competition.
Pok Pok Som Drinking Vinegar comes in a variety of flavors that includes ones that are available all year round and special edition ones

Pok Pok Som Drinking Vinegar is doing an election-inspired cocktail competition event called #VoteSom happening at bars all around Portland. All of the participating bars were offered three seasonal flavors of Pok Pok Som drinking vinegar to choose from:

Cranberry
Szechuan Peppercorn
Honey

Pok Pok Som Honey Drinking Vinegar
The participating bar then used that flavor and their creativity to create a cocktail candidate which will be on their menu for the next two weeks. During that time, anyone can go out and try the cocktails, then visit Pokpoksom.com/vote-som to VOTE for the cocktail they think is the best! The winning drink recipe will be featured on the Pok Pok Som website so you can recreate it at home to impress your friends or enjoy as many as you want without judgement!

Below are the participating bars and their cocktail ‘candidates’ launching on menus for the 2016 VoteSom Cocktail Election. I’m going to be possibly doing a little cocktail tour next week to check out what are the positions of each of these candidates.

American Local – “Oh! Pear” – Pear gastrique, orgeat, Pok Pok Som Honey drinking vinegar, El Dorado 3 year Rum, Angostura Bitters (3003 SE Division St)
NePo 42 – “Bigly” with muddled cucumber, lime, cilantro, simple syrup, mezcal, averna, soda, and the Pok Pok Som Szechuan Peppercorn drinking vinegar with a sugar cayenne pepper rim (5403 NE 42nd Ave)
Southpark Seafood – “Lil’ Som Som” – Whiskey, Applejack Brandy, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, and a dash of House Made Cinnamon Bitters (901 SW Salmon St)
Spud Monkey’s – “The Monkey Smash” – Muddled Lemons, Vanilla 360, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, Splash Sour, Sugar Rim (17312 NE Halsey St)
StormBreaker Brewing – “This Cocktail is Rigged” – Espolon Reposado tequila, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, lime juice, StormBreaker Brewing ‘When I Froot’ blood orange-conditioned blonde ale (832 N Beech St)
Swift & Union – “Bad Sombre” – Hendricks Gin, Pok Pok Som Honey drinking vinegar, Angostura bitters, Lemon and simple syrup, this cocktail will also be their featured happy hour cocktail for $5 M-F 4 PM – 6 PM! (8103 N Denver Ave)
Tabor Tavern – “Pick Poket” – Prairie Cucumber vodka, Orchard apricot liquor, Pok Pok Som Szechuan Peppercorn drinking vinegar, club soda (5325 E Burnside St)
The Liquor Store {not a real liquor store} – “Not just Som Toddy” – Hot toddy with bourbon, lemon, raw organic honey, Pok Pok Som Cranberry drinking vinegar, and a splash of orange juice.(3341 SE Belmont St)

I’m a fan of Pok Pok Som multiple flavors because the sour acidity that the drinking vinegar offers in a cocktail or even just with club soda is really refreshing. If you have not heard of Pok Pok Som before, they originated from Pok Pok and are a variety of sweet and tart fruit and vinegar based concentrate available in different flavors.

I’m really intrigued by the one from South Park Seafood (and I also love whiskey), and the one with beer from Stormbreaker Brewing. South Park Seafood, by the way, was the winner of the last cocktail competition with Pok Pok Som during the past summer with their Brandy Ginger Som Sour.

Which of these sounds intriguing to you or are you tempted to go try?

Filed Under: Cocktails, Food and Drink, Sponsored Post Tagged With: #VoteSom, Cocktail competition, craft cocktail competition, craft cocktails, drink local, drink portland, drinkportland, PDX Cocktails, Pok Pok Drinking Vinegar, Pok Pok Som Drinking Vinegar, portland cocktails, Vote for Pok Pok Som cocktail, VoteSom Cocktail Election

Pink Rose Happy Hour

September 9, 2015 by Pechluck 4 Comments

Update: Pink Rose has closed

There have been a couple times as I was walking down NW Lovejoy that I’ve heard lovely music instead of the rumble of cars and the streetcar. Then upon getting closer to NW 13th I am distracted from my errands by the live musicians I hear playing outside The Pink Rose on their outdoor patio that also has a waterfall and a fireplace.
Hearing the music of modern troubadour Brian McGinty from NW Lovejoy and 13th on the patio of the Pink Rose

Although tempted to stop and have a drink, interrupting my errands, it was only when musician friend Brian McGinty was playing one late September afternoon last year that I finally I got to experience their happy hour (4-7 PM weekdays, and happy hour ALL DAY on Tuesdays).
Hearing the music of modern troubadour Brian McGinty from NW Lovejoy and 13th on the patio of the Pink Rose

Being able to sit outside with a cocktail and listen to live music without being boxed inside is a wonderful treat.
Hearing the music of modern troubadour Brian McGinty from NW Lovejoy and 13th on the patio of the Pink Rose

It was great, and since then I have been back other times for the tail end of happy hour on Thursdays when they have had live music (check the Pink Rose Facebook page for such events to see who is playing).

They have one standout happy hour item that is worth visiting again and again. And that’s the happy hour $6 pork cheese fries I had that includes Carlton Farms smoked pork, Tillamook cheddar, scallions, Sriracha aioli.
Pink Rose Happy Hour item of happy hour $6 pork fries I had that included Carlton Farms smoked pork, Tillamook cheddar, scallions, Sriracha aioli on fries

Smaller bites might be the Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms with Painted Hills beef house chorizo and Manchego cheese ($5) or the Bacon wrapped Dates with Medjool stuffed dates, toasted almonds, Rogue blue cheese ($4).
Pink Rose Restaurant happy hour option of the Bacon wrapped Dates wtih Medjool stuffed dates, toasted almonds, Rogue blue cheese plus the Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms with Painted Hills beef house chorizo and Manchego cheese

They also have a few interesting cocktails to choose from on their cocktail menu, like here when I had the cocktail Lady Lovejoy with Medoyeff vodka, fresh pressed strawberry and champagne float.
Hearing the music of modern troubadour Brian McGinty from NW Lovejoy and 13th on the patio of the Pink Rose with the cocktail Lady Lovejoy with Medoyeff vodka, fresh pressed strawberry and champagne float

Another favorite is the Patio Punch Mason Jar– because it is a quart sized mason jar that you can call whether it is filled with Sangria or Blueberry Basil, Citrus Sage punches with your choice of vodka, gin, tequila, rum, bourbon well or call. I’m not sure if these photos effectively communicate the scale of a jar you have to hold with two hands.
Patio Punch Mason Jar at Pink Rose Restaurant - a quart of your choice of Sangria or Blueberry Basil, Citrus Sage punches with your choice of vodka, gin, tequila, rum, bourbon well or call. Pink Rose Restaurant happy hour option of the Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms with Painted Hills beef house chorizo and Manchego cheese plus Bacon wrapped Dates wtih Medjool stuffed dates, toasted almonds, Rogue blue cheese to accompany a Patio Punch Mason Jar (quart size!) of sangria

Besides Happy Hour, Pink Rose’s other main claim to fame is the $14 bottomless mimosas at their brunch, which they do not hold back on at all and serve Saturday and Sunday 9 AM – 3 PM.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go to brunch to enjoy their Fried Chicken and Waffle with Draper Valley Chicken that is buttermilk battered and fried, served on a malted waffle with bourbon syrup. The chicken and waffle entree is both on their regular weekday menu as well as at brunch, so you don’t have to wait until the weekend.
Fried Chicken and Waffle at Pink Rose Restaurant with Draper Valley Chicken that is buttermilk battered and fried, served on a malted waffle with bourbon syrup

As an extra perk, they hold a Best Instagram contest weekly on Sunday! You have to post your photo on Instagram and tag them with #pinkrosepdx & follow @pinkrosepdx. They select a photo entrant weekly to win a $30 gift card… which you can clearly consider using towards a happy hour pork cheese fries or a mason jar or bottomless mimosa.
Pink Rose Restaurant happy hour option of the Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms with Painted Hills beef house chorizo and Manchego cheese, plus Bacon wrapped Dates with Medjool stuffed dates, toasted almonds, Rogue blue cheese to accompany a quart sized Mason Jar of sangria Pink Rose Happy Hour item of happy hour $6 pork fries I had that included Carlton Farms smoked pork, Tillamook cheddar, scallions, Sriracha aioli on fries

My favorite excuse though is still for those fries and a drink al fresco while supporting local musicians.

Filed Under: Cocktails, Food and Drink, Restaurant Review Tagged With: #pdxcocktail, #pdxhappyhour, bottomless mimosas, Brian McGinty, brunch, Carlton Farms smoked pork, Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms, cocktail, drinkportland, Fried Chicken and Waffle, happy hour, Lady Lovejoy cocktail, live music, Mason Jar of sangria, Patio Happy Hour, Patio Punch Mason Jar, pdx happy hour, Pearl District, Pearl Happy Hour, Pink Rose, pork cheese fries, Portland happy hour, quart mason jar

TOAST 2015 Ticket Giveaway – The Original Artisan Spirits Tasting

February 18, 2015 by Pechluck 8 Comments

Coming up in 18 days, on Saturday March 7, 2015, is TOAST 2015 – TOAST standing for The Original Artisan Spirits Tasting. The event will be held 4 – 10 PM at the Left Bank Annex. This lets you still enjoy most of the day Saturday doing what you need to, and then spend a leisurely 6 hours being able to wander and learn and taste from among the over 40 distillers and producers and over 120 spirits ranging from locally here in Oregon to across the Northwest, the United States, and oh just the world!

Tickets are $45 for General Admission and includes entry into the event, a commemorative tasting glass, unlimited bites from popular local chefs, unlimited spirit samples from 40+ distilleries, an Oregon Distillery Trail Scout book, plus the opportunity to purchase cocktails from the cocktail bar and purchase exclusive products from the distilleries.

You can upgrade yourself to a VIP ticket priced at $60 that additionally provides 2 cocktails from the cocktail bar, access to the VIP area, and access to the after party with the distillers. Designated Driver tickets, which gives you entry, free non-alcoholic beverages, and food are $15.

Or you can win a ticket to yourself from my giveaway below!

About the Oregon Distillery Guild

The Oregon Distillery Guild was founded in 2007 to promote and celebrate Oregon spirits. Oregon Distillers Guild President Ted Pappas explains that “As the country’s first distillery guild, it was something we looked to our brothers and sisters in the beer industry for. They had their guild and it made sense for distillers to have one as well. We have always worked together and the spirit of cooperation continues.”

The distillery trail has a lot of diversity, ranging from vodka, whiskey, rum, gin, tequila, brandy, liqueurs like limoncello, coffee or butterscotch or chocolate liqueurs, gluten free bai jiu, spirits like absinthe or aquavit… We are very rich in artisan spirits here.

Ted Pappas further noted that “I’m about growth of the industry in our state as it creates jobs not only to the distillery but all of the vendors needed to support them. Growth in the industry is everywhere. It is very strong in the NW as both Oregon and Washington are in the top five total distilleries in the country.”

As mentioned, with your admission you will get the Oregon Distillery Trail Scout book (aka ODT Scout Book). This is a small pocket notebook that provides a map with details of the location and contact information of each distillery on the trail, including the spirits produced and tours and tasting information.

As Ted Pappas explained, “The idea behind the ODT was for the end consumer to fully grasp who we are, and that there is a vast amount of spirits right in their own backyard.”

I’ll say… In Oregon alone, there are 400 spirits being produced by more than 30 distilleries, and the number continues to grow.

If you are in Ashland, Bend, Brookings, Corvallis, Dundee, Eugene, Hood River, Hillsboro, Medford, Newport, Portland, Roseburg, Sheridan, Troutdale or Warren you can check out the book to see if there’s a fun tasting adventure nearby with tarragon or saffron vodka or limoncello…

About TOAST

Or, save yourself the roadtrip and do all your tastings all under one roof of the Leftbank Annex building in Portland, Oregon with TOAST 2015. This is right by the Moda Center so easy to park as well as convenient to lots of public transit options like MAX and Streetcar. Event organizers have also coordinated with Broadway Taxi to ensure attendees have other transportation available (Broadway Cab will be there to provide free rides home between 8:30pm and 10:30pm, which is included with the ticket).

This is the 5th time the event is being held, and this year boasts more than 40 distillers on hand pouring samples of 100’s of distilled spirits from Oregon and beyond. Click here to view a list of all the TOAST 2015 distillery participants
Save yourself the road trip and sample 100s of spirits at TOAST, The Original Artisan Spirits Tasting event by the Oregon Distillery Guild

Local chefs will provide food prepared to pair with spirits and participants include

Elias Cairo of Olympic Provisions
Johanna Ware of Smallwares
Scott Dolich of The Bent Brick
Matthew Fields of Stella Taco
Kevin Schantz of (soon-to-open) RingSide Grill

There are so many times when I am browsing the liquor shelves and am intrigued by descriptions of different kinds of coffee liqueur for a more tasty Espresso Martini, or see a lemongrass lime vodka or lime flavored rum, or fresh peppers or ginger infused vodka, or marionberry whiskey or cherry whiskey…

Or coffee rum or ginger rum, how about apple pie liqueur, or Sweet Tea, Spice Tea and Smoke Tea spirits, or Chai Tea vodka…

OK OK I may lean a lot towards vodka in my own cocktail making. That’s why I am excited to attend TOAST 2015 this year and learn more about these other spirits and learn to appreciate them and distinguish their flavors on their own pre-cocktail.

All these flavors by the way that I mentioned above are all products that are produced by participants at TOAST.
Save yourself the road trip and sample 100s of spirits at TOAST, The Original Artisan Spirits Tasting event by the Oregon Distillery Guild
It’s continuing education… because we should all keep learning and expanding our view right? Including with spirits?

I mentioned the admission came with unlimited samples of the drinks and food right?

I asked Ted Pappas what his tips might be to experience TOAST, and he said “I see TOAST in two waves. For those who just want to have a quiet sampling experience interacting with the participants, the first part of TOAST is for you.

Once 6pm or so rolls around, the activities start with “Ted Talks” (interviews I’ll be doing with participants) on the half hour, introduction of the Oregon Starka Project, and who knows, maybe a few more fun things. Plus, VIP passes get you access to the after hour party with the distilleries, so making an evening out of it is very much an option. ”

And, you can win a General Admission Ticket to TOAST 2015 – I’m happy in conjunction with Little Green Pickle to help hook you up! Just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. You must be an adult 21+ and have valid ID to use the general admission ticket. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To increase your chances of winning, hop on over to my friend’s blog Urban Bliss Life or to Salt. Water. Coffee. or to The Good Hearted Woman or at The Spicy Bee where those lovely ladies are giving a ticket away also!

You can follow the latest news via @TOASTPortland on Twitter and @toastportland on Instagram and/or checking hashtag #TOAST2015!

If you attended TOAST this year, how would you explore spirits? Would you try to taste a variety, or try to taste all of the versions of your favorite kind of spirit, or try new spirits?

Disclosure: I am being provided a ticket to the event for myself and a ticket to give away to you, my reader, in exchange for promoting TOAST and social media coverage. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own. Special thanks to Little Green Pickle for the tickets, and to Oregon Distillers Guild President Ted Pappas for answering some of my questions! Images in this post are courtesy the Oregon Distillers Guild. Follow me and the hashtag #Toast2015 to see more of the TOAST adventures to come!

Filed Under: Cocktails, Festival Event, Food and Drink, Sponsored Post Tagged With: #craftcocktail, #pdxdrinks, cocktails, Distillery, drinkportland, Liquor, ODG Trail, Oregon Distillery Guild, Oregon Spirits, Spirits, The Original Artisan Spirits Tasting, TOAST 2015, TOAST 2015 free ticket, TOAST 2015 giveaway, Toast 2015 Tickets

Holidays at the Heathman with Heathman Cocktails

November 26, 2014 by Pechluck 1 Comment

Now that it is Thanksgiving week, I am ready to officially declare it the holiday season. To me, that means celebrating family and friends and all the wonderful relationships you have that enrich your lives, and being thankful, appreciative, and celebratory.

You should start off by doing a little walk around Pioneer Courthouse Square and the block around Pioneer Courthouse. The gigantic Christmas tree for Portland’s outdoor living room is getting ready for the big lighting ceremony on Friday November 28 after Thanksgiving.
Christmas Tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square, 2013

Meanwhile, the various statues (I especially love the various Animals in Pools) at the Square and around the courthouse are cheerfully wearing festive holiday sweaters around Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets between Fifth and Sixth avenues.
#UglySweaterPDX campaign, 2013: Some of downtown’s most iconic sculptures will don their holiday finery for the season. In the Pioneer District on Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), you’ll see Animals in Pools, Allow Me (aka “Umbrella man”) and Kvinneakt dressed up in festive ugly sweaters. #UglySweaterPDX campaign, 2013: Some of downtown’s most iconic sculptures will don their holiday finery for the season. In the Pioneer District on Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), you’ll see Animals in Pools, Allow Me (aka “Umbrella man”) and Kvinneakt dressed up in festive ugly sweaters. #UglySweaterPDX campaign, 2013: Some of downtown’s most iconic sculptures will don their holiday finery for the season. In the Pioneer District on Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), you’ll see Animals in Pools, Allow Me (aka “Umbrella man”) and Kvinneakt dressed up in festive ugly sweaters. #UglySweaterPDX campaign, 2014: Some of downtown’s most iconic sculptures will don their holiday finery for the season. In the Pioneer District on Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), you’ll see Animals in Pools, Allow Me (aka “Umbrella man”) and Kvinneakt dressed up in festive ugly sweaters. #UglySweaterPDX campaign, 2014: Some of downtown’s most iconic sculptures will don their holiday finery for the season. In the Pioneer District on Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), you’ll see Animals in Pools, Allow Me (aka “Umbrella man”) and Kvinneakt dressed up in festive ugly sweaters. #UglySweaterPDX campaign, 2014: Some of downtown’s most iconic sculptures will don their holiday finery for the season. In the Pioneer District on Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), you’ll see Animals in Pools, Allow Me (aka “Umbrella man”) and Kvinneakt dressed up in festive ugly sweaters.
These photos are sweaters from last year and also this year, and they also change out the sweaters periodically so they may not be what you see when you visit

And you definitely have a photo op with Umbrella Man too
#UglySweaterPDX campaign, 2014: Some of downtown’s most iconic sculptures will don their holiday finery for the season. In the Pioneer District on Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), you’ll see Animals in Pools, Allow Me (aka “Umbrella man”) and Kvinneakt dressed up in festive ugly sweaters. #UglySweaterPDX campaign, 2014: Some of downtown’s most iconic sculptures will don their holiday finery for the season. In the Pioneer District on Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), you’ll see Animals in Pools, Allow Me (aka “Umbrella man”) and Kvinneakt dressed up in festive ugly sweaters. #UglySweaterPDX campaign, 2014: Some of downtown’s most iconic sculptures will don their holiday finery for the season. In the Pioneer District on Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), you’ll see Animals in Pools, Allow Me (aka “Umbrella man”) and Kvinneakt dressed up in festive ugly sweaters.

Then, you should warm up with a few drinks and good company just a couple blocks away at the Heathman. I love their Tea Court Lounge with its fireplaces and sparkling chandeliers and comfy seats and no cover charge Wed- Sat evening live jazz music.

During this time of year, they ramp it up by upgrading their regular Afternoon Tea to Holiday Tea (running Nov. 28–Jan. 4) because of extra yuletile splendor in the atmosphere. There’s also a Peter Rabbit version for the younger guests! Seatings for Holiday Tea are extended from Afternoon Tea to be available at 11:00 AM, 1:00 and 3:00 PM. Tea service is $32 per adult and $14 per child.

If you want to enjoy the Afternoon Tea Service that is one way to take in the warm atmosphere, but I prefer pampering myself with the fancy cocktails and mocktails.

I’ve shared before some of the Heathman cocktails that they unveiled in the spring and which they are still offering this season. To get the best of both worlds, consider bringing tea and cocktail together by ordering the Broadway Punch, which when I had it was called the Tea Court Lounge Punch but is fundamentally the same, crafted of Bacardi select rum, Courvoisier Vs Cognac, various citrus juices (I think Pomegranate, guava, orange & lemon juices) along with Fonte earl grey tea spiced syrup. It is served tableside right from your individual pot into a snifter of angostura foam. It can’t make you feel any more royal than this!

Heathman Cocktails, the Heathman Hotel Tea Court Lounge Punch, crafted with Bacardi select rum, Courvoisier Vs Cognac Pomegranate, guava, orange & lemon juices, Fonte earl grey tea spiced syrup, and angostura foam, it is served tableside right from your individual pot.

Another beautiful presentation and tasty concoction is the Vineyard Margarita with Milagro reposado tequila, Combier d’orange, Fresh lime, organic agave nectar, Fresh rosemary, topped with a float of Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot noir.
Heathman Cocktails, the Heathman Cocktail Menu example, the gorgeous Vineyard Margarita with Milagro reposado tequila, Combier d’orange, Fresh lime, organic agave nectar, Fresh rosemary, topped with a Float of Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot noir Heathman Hotel, Vineyard Margarita at the Heathman Cocktail Menu launch event, photo © Evrim Icoz Photography
First photo is mine, Second photo © Evrim Icoz Photography, third photo is mine

Or, go for the Bubbly Elixers like Oregon Berries & Bubbles Cocktail with New Deal Vodka, Oregon raspberry puree, lemon elixir, Argyle sparkling, or the Provence Cocktail with Grey Goose Vodka, Il Tramonto limoncello, lemon elixir, lavender bitters, Argyle sparkling. So fancy!

Heathman Cocktails, the Provence bubbly elixer cocktail with Grey Goose Vodka, Il Tramonto Limoncello, Lemon Elixir, Lavender Bitters, ARGYLE BRUT SPARKLING "Heathman

Also still on the menu are the Luxury Spiced Vermouth Manhattan with Templeton rye whiskey, House-spice infused red vermouth, Liquid Kitchen Golden Era bitters, stirred and served up with a spirited cherry & 23k gold , Orchard Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Clear Creek Pear Brandy syrup, organic baked apple bitters, and ice sphere, and Northwest Grapefruit Negroni with House-bottled Aviation gin, Carpano antica, Campari, Combier Pamplemousse. Check out the blog of incredible photographer Aubrie LeGault at Portland Oregon Food Photographer where she also shares not only beautiful photos but also the recipe for the Orchard Old Fashioned (below I show the photo of the drink in the glass when you order it, versus the sample in the smaller glasses we sampled at a Fall Cocktail Launch event).

Heathman Cocktails. the Luxury Spiced Vermouth Manhattan with Templeton rye whiskey, House-spice infused red vermouth, Liquid Kitchen Golden Era bitters, stirred and served up with a spirited cherry & 23k gold Heathman Cocktail Menu cocktail sample of the Orchard Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Clear Creek Pear Brandy syrup, organic Baked apple Bitters, ice sphere

There are also new items from the lady who dreamed and made real these lovely beverages, Bar Chef Kathy Casey (and queen of Liquid Kitchen). There is a new version of the 50 Shades cocktail, I believe this is version #3. This one boasts Tanqueray Gin, Fresh Tangerine, Pomegranate Juice, Lemon, and Fresh Thyme and also a small pair of handcuffs to up the sexy factor. Check out the much more sexier photos that blogger The Good Hearted Woman captured!
Heathman Cocktails: There is a new version of the 50 Shades cocktail at the Heathman Restaurant by Kathy Casey, I believe this is version #3. This one boasts Tanqueray Gin, Fresh Tangerine, Pomegranate Juice, Lemon, and Fresh Thyme and also a small pair of handcuffs to up the sexy factor

For a wonderful mocktail, consider the non alcoholic Sparkling Raspberry Rosemary Lemonade with fresh lemon, cane syrup, Oregon raspberry puree, fresh rosemary and soda bubbles. There is also a new signature on tap cocktail available, the Huckleberry Mule with Absolut Vodka, fresh lime, housemade ginger ale and topped with Liquid Kitchen huckleberry preserves. Delicious!
Heathman and Bar Chef Kathy Casey of Liquid Kitchen created this Huckleberry Mule with Absolut Vodka, fresh lime, housemade ginger ale and topped with Liquid Kitchen huckleberry preserves as a new option for Heathman cocktails

A new fall warmer is the Harvest Pumpkin Toddy, with bourbon, spiced pumpkin, frangelico, and the most adorable tiny macaron!
Heathman Cocktails, The Heathman and Bar Chef Kathy Casey of Liquid Kitchen created this Harvest Pumpkin Toddy for fall Heathman cocktails

Kathy was kind enough to share the recipe for this Harvest Pumpkin Toddy, which I hope will entice you even more. The recipe makes 1 drink.
Kathy Casey herself, Photo by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen® Pumpkin Toddy, Photo by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen®

Kathy Casey, Photo by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen®

Heathman Cocktails: Harvest Pumpkin Toddy Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lemon wedge
1 ounce brandy or bourbon
1/2 ounce Frangelico (optional)
2 tablespoons Spiced Pumpkin Mix (recipe follows)
1/2 cup boiling water
Cinnamon stick for garnish(optional)

Directions:

Squeeze the lemon wedge into a coffee mug, cup, or heat-proof glass, then drop in the rind.
Measure in the brandy, Frangelico, if using, and pumpkin mix.
Now add the boiling water. Stir until evenly mixed.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if using.

Spiced Pumpkin Mix Recipe

Makes 3 cups, enough for 24 drinks

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 can (15-ounce) of pumpkin puree

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, whip the butter, brown sugar, and spices with an electric mixer on high speed for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Stop and scrape the bowl as needed.
Add the pumpkin and continue to whip until pumpkin is totally incorporated and mixture is fluffy, about 5 minutes more.
If not using immediately, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Recipe from Kathy Casey Sips & Apps, Chronicle Books

If you pop in for brunch, you might also consider the Portlandia Mary with Krogstad Aquavit, Spicy Mary Mix, and Pickled Garnish, the Marionberry Ramos Fizz with Tanqueray Gin, Oregon marionberries, dash of cream, orange flower water, and fizzed with soda, or the White Peach Rosemary Bellini with prosecco, white peach puree and fresh rosemary. That way, you can enjoy the cocktails crated by Kathy Casey as well as the food created by Executive Chef Michael Stanton and smooth and friendly service by the Heathman Restaurant staff! Check out some of the marvelous samples of brunch possibilities at the Heathman Restaurant by executive chef Michael Stanton I was able to nibble on to try at an Autumn Cocktail Menu Launch.
The team of the Heathman Restaurant Heathman and Bar Chef Kathy Casey of Liquid Kitchen created this lovely Heathman cocktail Some of the marvelous samples of brunch possibilities at the Heathman Restaurant by executive chef Michael Stanton

If you want to take a break from the kitchen on Christmas Day, the Heathman will be doing their Big Christmas Buffet with seatings at 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 4:30, 5:00 and 5:30 PM. The menu includes a huge selection of almost a dozen kinds of salads; displays of cheese, charcuterie, vegetables, and fruits and also one of seafood that includes prawns, oysters, mussels and clams, snow crab claws, various takes on salmon, and ahi tuna; carving stations of ham, prime rib, and lamb; additional entrees and sides like pork loin and petrale sole and acorn squash and potatoes dauphnoise; and oh more than a dozen types of desserts in pie, bar, cookie form and more.

Of course if you haven’t already solidified your Thanksgiving plans already, the Heathman is having a Thanksgiving Feast as well.

Have you been downtown to appreciate the holiday decorations that are going up/are up now, or been to the Heathman for the holidays yet? What cocktail would you try?

Disclosure: I attended a complimentary Fall Cocktail Launch Event at the Heathman, 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.

Filed Under: Cocktails, Food and Drink, Sponsored Post Tagged With: 50 Shades cocktail, 50 Shades of Grey cocktail, Broadway Punch, drinkportland, Harvest Pumpkin Toddy recipe, Huckleberry Mule, Kathy Casey, Liquid Kitchen, Luxury Spiced Vermouth Manhattan, Marionberry Ramos Fizz, Northwest Grapefruit Negroni, Orchard Old Fashioned, PDX Cocktails, Portlandia Mary, vineyard margaria, White Peach Rosemary Bellini

Fire & Brimstone Festival: a Celebration of Chili and Smoke Beverages

July 12, 2014 by Pechluck 1 Comment

Fire & Brimstone 2014, official poster image by Blaine Fontana

One of my favorite beer festivals in Portland is back for its fourth year in just 2 weeks!. The Fire & Brimstone Festival is hosted by both Hop & Vine and Saraveza, which are conveniently only a half mile walk from each other (about a leisurely 10 minute walk, with Sarevaza at 1004 N. Killingsworth St. and The Hop & Vine at 1914 N. Killingsworth St.). Both are reachable by the Max Yellow Line N Killingsworth stop.

Each venue will have chili and smoke beers, a smoked or chili cider and a mini-cocktail special. Both will also have special food to match with the smoky or chili beverages. For instance, Saraveza is offering their ENORMOUS Bamberg onions & smoked skewers and Hop & Vine is dishing out tacos. Of course, the regular menus will also be available and many of those items will compliment the beers in their own ways so you aren’t limited in food options. For instance, from previous visits I can’t resist getting the popcorn at The Hop& Vine, and they have a very tasty grilled cheese sandwich. You can’t go wrong with the classic cheese and charcuterie plate either.
Smoked and Chili beers at the Fire & Brimstone event at Hop & Vine Parmesan and pepper popcorn to snack on at The Hop and Vine, Portland. Charcuterie plate at Hop & Vine Grilled cheese and tomato soup at Hop & Vine

This year, the Fire & Brimstone Festival falls on July 26 and 27th, with the Festival Hours Saturday and Sunday 11 AM -10 PM. Both venues will also be open for regular business if you choose not to partake and/or you want more food or beverages off their regular menu.

Admission is free, but to taste the cost is $20 for 10 taster tokens, with additional tokens at $1.50, and the tokens can be purchased and used at both Hop & Vine and Saraveza, and can be used both Saturday and Sunday. A sample 5oz pour will cost 1 token.

Last year there were more than 15 smokey or spicy beverage samples to select from, so there is definitely a lot to try. This year it seems there could be a total of 20 items available between the two locations. Several of these offerings will be beverages created especially for this festival, so they are truly one of a kind opportunities to taste some of these flavors!

Image courtesy of Drew of The Hop & Vine

Featured Breweries & Cideries Include

At Saraveza

Agrarian Ales – Smoked Chili Porter
Alaskan Brewing Company – 2013 Smoked Porter
Ballast Point – Habanero ‘Sculpin’ IPA
Base Camp Brewing Co. – “Smoooke on the Weisse Beer” Beechwood Smoked Wheat
Breakside Brewing/Ned Ludd “36 Chambers” Sage Smoked Honey Golden Ale
Flat Tail Brewing “El Guapo” Blonde Ale w/Cucumber, Lime & Habanero
New Belgium/Cigar City – 2013 Ale Brewed w/Anaheim & Marash Chilies, Aged on Spanish Cedar
Oakshire Brewing – “Smokin’ Hell Extra” Smoked Helles Lager Infused w/Serrano, Chulaca & Habanero Peppers
Occidental Brewing Co. – Rauchbier
Two Towns Ciderhouse – “Cot in the Act” Apricot Cider w/Ancho, New Mexican & Chipotle Chilies
“Whiskey Inferno” cocktail with house-Infused Ginger, Jalapeno & Honey Whiskey w/Cock & Bull Ginger Ale and a Jalapeno “Hot Rock” w/Smoked Sea Salt Rim.

At Hop & Vine:

Breakside Brewing “Passionfruit Sour” w/ Habanero Chiles
Dogfish Head “Festina Peche” – peach berlinerweisse – via Thai Chiles in a randall infuser
Epic Brewing “Smoked & Oaked” Belgian Strong
Fort George “Hellcat” – belgian strong pale w/ Anaheim, Pasilla, Jalapeno, & Habanero Chiles
Gigantic “Firebird” – Smoked Hefeweizen – via Grilled peaches and habanero chiles in a randall infuser
New Belgium/Three Floyds “Gratzer” – Polish-style smoked dark wheat ale
Reverend Nat’s “Smokey Pineapple Bhut” – smokey Tepache w/ Ghost Chiles
Stone Smoked Porter
Widmer Brothers Brewing SxNW ’12 – dark strong w/ chiles, cinnamon, & pecans – aged in Tequila Barrels
Hi-Wheel Habanero Lime – spritzy fermented fruit wine w/ habanero extract
a spicy & sweet “Hell in a Handbasket” cocktail with muddled Serrano Chile, Tequila, Mezcal, House Watermelon Shrub, & Lime Juice w/ guajillo-salt rim
“Blood & Smoke” cocktail – Famous Grouse, House Smoked Peach Shrub, OJ, Cherry Heering, Bitters
“Ghost Rider” – craft jello shot – Novo Fogo Cachaca, Lime, Terragon Simple, Serrano Juice

Final Draft List and more details to follow as I keep my eye on the Fire & Brimstone Facebook event page!

Images from previous Fire & Brimstone: At The Hop & Vine, they will probably continue having a few beers available at the bar, and more available on the back patio for the event. My favorite pairing of fire and brimstone and food that they have done was when they had specials of a Jalapeno Pecorino biscuit with smoked pork gravy and fried egg and Flourless chocolate cake with smoked chili ice cream, at Hop & Vine Fire & Brimstone version 2012. That was the first year I had the pairing from Saraveza, which was the Smokin’ Bamberg Onion Plate, a traditional Rauch beer meal, that consisted of a Bamburg Onion, Mashed Potatoes w/ Schlenkerla gravy, salad, side of vegetables and a Sugar Pimp Peach-chili dessert.
Hop & Vine, which offered 4 beers inside from their taps and 6 outside from kegs Jalapeno Pecorino biscuit with smoked pork gravy and fried egg, a special at Hop & Vine, Fire & Brimstone version 2012 Flourless chocolate cake with smoked chili ice cream, at Hop & Vine, Fire & Brimstone version 2012 Saraveza's Flight of Five Chili and Smoked Beers for Fire & Brimstone 2012 Saraveza Fire & Brimstone 2012 food pairing of the Smokin' Bamberg Onion Plate, a traditional Rauch beer meal, that consisted of a Bamburg Onion, Mashed Potatoes w/ Schlenkerla gravy, salad, side of vegetables and a Sugar Pimp Peach-chili dessert