“Jason Evers” and the OLCC’s mess

So, with “Jason Evers” sitting in a jail in Idaho, accused of stealing the identity of a three-year old murder victim who died almost three decades ago (the Bulletin has a good summary) and up on federal charges, it certainly begs the question: what’s the OLCC (Oregon Liquor Control Commission) … Continue reading

St. Patrick’s Pub Hoppers guide

It’s that time again—St. Patrick’s Day! Although it’s a Wednesday this year, that shouldn’t stop you from having a good time, so here’s my "official" pub-hopping guide for the holiday. As always, it’s not definitive, but a list of the places that strike me as St. Patty’s-appropriate (more in the … Continue reading

Winter Scotch Tasting

I may be too late on blogging this one, but McMenamins is hosting a Winter Scotch Tasting on Friday the 23rd; for $50 you’ll get to try five different scotches and enjoy a gourmet-ish appetizer menu: Bacon-wrapped quail eggs Scallops gratin Duck wontons with orange sauce Vension chop with single-malt … Continue reading

Holiday Shopping 2009: Food and Drink

Christmas is fast approaching (less than two weeks away!) and for any last-minute shopping you need to do, herewith are some suggestions. Organized by category, all as local as possible, with some specific suggestions and some general. Feel free to leave additional suggestions in the comments. Both Newport Avenue Market … Continue reading

Absinthe at the Blacksmith

Show of hands: how many people know the Blacksmith Restaurant has absinthe on their drink menu? They do, and you won’t go crazy or have any psychedelic experiences from drinking it. I tried it this past weekend, and I’ve written up a review on my beer blog. Bottom line, it’s … Continue reading

Silver Moon’s OLCC conundrum

We went down to Silver Moon Brewing this weekend for drinks and found out that they are unable to serve wine anymore. Apparently about six months ago the OLCC informed them of this situation: since they are a defacto production brewery (they brew on-premise but are not licensed as a … Continue reading

Ah, St. Patrick’s Day: the Pub Hopper’s Guide

Hard to believe, but everyone’s favorite drinking holiday is just around the corner: Tuesday the 17th. Like the last couple of years, it’s time for the "official" Pub Hopper’s Guide. It’s not definitive, but a list of the places that strike me as St. Patty’s-appropriate. And like last time, I’m … Continue reading

Marine Minute: "Boating and Booze"

Another "Marine Minute" dispatch from the County, which I’m finding pretty interesting. This week’s topic: drinking and boating. Not trying to be preachy—I genuinely find this interesting. Ask any ten Oregon boaters if they can legally drink alcohol while operating a boat (powered or otherwise), and there’s a good chance … Continue reading

Blacksmith Martini Wednesdays

Yeah, I’m running a bunch of press release type stuff recently, I know—people keep sending me stuff that I’m actually interested in posting. (For the record, I don’t post every single thing I receive—only stuff I think is interesting or that I think readers would like. And sometimes I just … Continue reading

St. Patty’s pub hopper guide

Here we go again. This may be a perennial favorite: The St. Patrick’s Day pub guide! This time around, I’m also noting when a place has a specific St. Patty’s thing going on (I’ve bolded the name and included a blurb). I’ve also broken last year’s rule of "not restaurant … Continue reading