Redmond, OR - Wild Ride Brewing

The entrance of Wild Ride Brewing.

On a gorgeous February afternoon, after a spectacular hike at Smith Rock, a world renowned rock climbing venue, we were in search of some tasty craft beer and a little fun. We found what we were looking for at Wild Ride Brewing, in Redmond, Oregon.

Wild Ride offered 12 of their beers on tap. 

Located in an industrial building, near the center of town, are housed the taproom and on-site brewery. When we arrived mid-afternoon the place was buzzing and there were few empty seats to be had. Other outdoor enthusiasts, bicyclists, hikers and apres-skiers, were all there to enjoy the lively atmosphere and drink a pint or two.  

Everyone is having fun at Wild Ride!

We had 12 house made beers to choose from, everything from a light lager, to a bourbon barrel aged stout. I was thirsty so I chose the Whoopty Whoop Wheat, and my thirst was happily quenched.  Others in our group chose the Mount Up Maple Brown, the Hopperhead IPA and the Stand Up and Shout Stout.

 

Three happy  patrons enjoying the afternoon.

In our opinion, the quality of the beer was balanced and brewed by people who know their craft. By offering 12 selections, every beer lover I should find something to like. The atmosphere is festive and lively, and the imaginative décor and beautiful artwork only adds to the fun.

Some of the imaginative decor at Wild Ride. .

 

First time I've ever seen tasters served in skis.

We were hungry after our hike, and although, Wild Ride does not serve food, there are food carts outside, with staff that is ready to please.  We ordered some chicken and pork barbecue and it was delivered to our table inside the pub.  It filled us up and was a fine accompaniment to our beer.

Wubbas's served up some fine barbecue to enjoy with our beer. 

If you in search of refreshment after enjoying Central Oregon's outdoor recreation, or just looking for a fun place to drink a pint with friends, a stop at Wild Ride will not disappoint.

Wilmington, NC - The Front Street Brewery

The popular Front Street Brewery and Restaurant

All these years we’ve lived in the Southern US, we never visited Wilmington, NC.  After pulling into town on our way to the North Carolina Outer Banks last week, I had to ask myself why?  What a charming a vibrant city! My husband Bruce, and I stayed in the historic downtown neighborhood near the Cape Fear River waterfront, and upon the recommendation of several friends, made our way to the Front Street Brewery.  At 4 pm on a Thursday, the brew pub, located in a beautiful historic downtown building, was packed.  The half-priced appetizers (available until 6 pm) and 10 microbrews kept folks coming in all evening.  

The bartenders stay very busy at the pub. 

We sat at the bar and decided to try all of their offerings.  Two samplers of five brews each, and a pint of the quite amazing barrel aged Eccentric Nobility, did the trick.  Unfortunately, the IPA was tapped out, but I was impressed with the overall quality of the brewing, and a few selections really stood out.  It was August and it was hot and the Coastal Kolsch was crisp, clean tasting and flavorful.  It did the trick as a thirst quencher.  The El Hefe Hefeweisen was also a good choice to help with the heat.  The fruity Raspberry Wheat was fun, and the Amberjack ESB, is a respectable British style brew.  I did favor the Eccentric Nobility for the depth and character created by the oak aging process, and was glad we ordered a full pint.

Such pretty colors!

On our second visit to Front Street we sampled the food with our brews, and I ordered a fried green tomato BLT that did not disappoint.  The pub grub on the menu is varied and good.  Bruce chose an entrée, the coriander seared tuna, and he finished it all and left with a smile on his face.  And why not?  Good food, excellent service, plenty of tasty beer… what’s not to like?  Even the prices were very fair, and if you choose the daily beer and food specials, you can leave with your wallet mostly intact.  Yes, I understand why the Front Street Brewery is so popular, and if you’re in their neighborhood I definitely recommend you stop by. 

Paris, France - Beer and the Cafe Culture

I saved the best for last this year. This past October, my husband and I were fortunate to spend a week in Paris. With 12,000 cafes to choose from in the City of Light, how do you ever expect to find the best place to enjoy beer, and perhaps a bite of traditional Parisian fare?  In truth, it's the Parisian experience that matters, not necessarily the specific cafe.

We stayed in the 17th Arrondissement, a high energy neighborhood away from major tourist areas, where stylish Parisians live and work. The cafe where we spent most of our evenings was located a block from our small hotel, situated right by a metro stop, perfect for non-stop people watching.

We became regulars at the Royal Periere Cafe

It only took a visit or two for the waiters to remember us (it helps to tip American style), so the service was excellent.  The Royal Pereire had several excellent Belgian ales on tap and our favorite was Grimbergen Dubbel. It tasted especially great accompanied with a plate of local cheeses and crusty French bread. Parisians spend hours socializing in cafes and it's great fun observing the talkative clientele as well as the folks passing by with bags of fresh bread from the bakery or colorful cut flowers from the nearby outdoor market. Our favorite seat was inside, where it was smoke free, right next to the front window.  By the end of the week we felt like regulars and we really hated to leave.

Perfectly French!  Goat cheese salad, olives, bread and Belgian Ale!

If you are lucky enough to visit Paris, here are my suggestions for a great beer experience.  First of all, unless you're fond of tour groups, stay away from the main tourist areas.  Find a cafe near lots of pedestrian traffic in proximity of shops or a metro stop.  Check to make sure they have a few great Belgian ales on tap.  Find a table outside, or by a window, order a beer and enjoy the show.

The Royal Pereire was hopping at night. 

There is one unique place to drink beer in Paris that I should mention.  And I recommend you climb there to really appreciate the experience.  That would be the Eiffel Tower.  We climbed up 1,652 steps, as far as we could go, then back down a level to the bar where there was only one choice of beer -Heineken.  Although not usually my favorite, that beer sure tasted good, and on a clear day, the view of Paris was spectacular.  This was definitely a beer tasting experience I'll never forget. 

The bar on the Eiffel Tower. 

Cheers to you from the Eiffel Tower!