Bend, OR - Crux Fermentation Project

The stylistic sign welcomes beer loving patrons at night. 

Just when you think the beer scene in Bend, Oregon can't get any better, it does! During our winter visit we discovered a new exciting craft beer venue.  Crux Fermentation Project opened last June, but we didn’t get a chance to check it out until our visit this winter.  Now I’m sure it will be one of the first stops we make during our summer visit.

The door was open on this mild winter afternoon. 

Crux takes pride in producing small batches of beer with creative and complex tastes, and I’m happy to report they hit their mark...and then some.  It’s fun to find a new venue that is not just riding the super hopped band wagon foregoing all other beer styles.

The brew pub is busy during happy hour. 

The interior of Crux is not all that unusual.  They converted an old transmission shop and mill supply store into a brewery and pub with an industrial feel.   Patrons sit on heavy wood tables or at a long bar in view of the large gleaming vats of brewing beer. Lots of windows and the ubiquitous sliding garage doors surround the tasting room.  A good sized crowd was there the night I visited with my family.  We were in the mood to enjoy some full bodied beer and tasty food, and we were not disappointed.

Darcy likes the Nitro Stout the best!

We ordered two tasters and tried 12 of the 15 beers.  They also offered a draft cider. I don’t think there was one beer that we didn’t enjoy.  Our taste preferences vary and each of us was happy.  My husband goes for German style malt-driven beer.  Our daughter prefers a dark stout, and I’m all about a nice hop finish.  The Marzen, Nitro Stout and Imperial Triskel fit the bill. Original flavors and depth of character categorize their selection.  It’s clear that an experienced beer master created these brews. We ordered some tasty pub grub - sandwiches, wraps and salads - to accompany our beer.  It was one fun beer drinking experience! 

I’m told they open a beer garden in warmer weather and they are building a dog park in the back.  You can be assured we’ll be back to Crux this summer, not too long after we pull into town.

Arlington, VA - Rustico

On my recent trip to the Washington, DC area, I spent a few nights with my sister and brother-in-law in Arlington, VA.  They wanted to take me to Rustico, a recent discovery, with a remarkable draft beer list.  I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed when we got there and I saw the inscription on their front window: “Farm Driven Cooking, Hearth Fired Pizzas, Way Too Many Beers”.

Could you resist?

Rusico has stylistic décor, an eclectic menu and yes, plenty of beer choices.  I was thrilled that they classify their 40 plus draft crafts in interesting categories including Crisp, Hop, Malt, Cask, Roast, and Fruit & Spice.  It made it easier to choose an interesting selection of tasters.  Both my sister and I chose four tasters each allowing us to sample 8 beers that night.  My brother-in-law did not sway from his favorite style of beer, and chose a Schloss Eggenberg Naturtrub lager.  What fun beer! They were all distinctively different and enjoyable.  The only exception was the Heavy Seas Below Decks, a Cabernet barrel-aged ale that I think could have remained below deck.  The Goose Island Matilda and the Founders Dirty Bastard were my two faves of the night.  

Such pretty beer!

As I said the menu is eclectic, and that is for sure.  They featured some of my brother-in-laws favorite food in unusual preparations including deep fried deviled eggs and crispy stuffed dates.  He also ordered the special of the night, the pork schnitzel.  My sister and I got adventurous and shared one of the hearth fired pizzas with pumpkin, rock shrimp, caramelized onions and pecorino cheese toppings.  The crust was excellent although although the combination of toppings a bit unusual, it was still enjoyable and an excellent choice with the beer.

Memorable food at Rusico.

Since the reservation was not made well in advance, only the 5:45 pm time slot was available.  Within a half hour after our arrival every table was filled with happy diners, and the festive environment and excellent service added to our enjoyment.  Our trip to Rustico was a fun and I recommend you check it out if you’re ever in the neighborhood. 

Washington DC - St Arnold's Mussel Bar

Like most American cities, Washington DC is exploding with new and exciting beer venues.  When your visit is only for a long weekend, it’s difficult to choose where to go.  Fortunately, on my recent trip, I had some locals help out, and I came upon two blog worthy establishments that offered great beer and tasty food in a fun-filled environment. 

One of two St. Arnold's locations in the district. 

St. Arnold's Mussel Bar is a lively place located on a side street near Dupont Circle. On the night we visited, the dark, atmospheric, boisterous bar/restaurant was filled with mostly young professionals enjoying a drink and a bite after work.  Fortunately, we had a reservation and a table was waiting for our party of four, including my close friend Debby, her daughter and future son-in-law. 

Although there are other items on the menu, when you go to a mussels bar, I recommend you order the mussels.  There are twenty different choices, everything from classic mussels with white wine, or the more adventurous chipolte, curry or even blue cheese and bacon. They all come with frites, delicious Belgian style fries, and are served traditionally in cast iron pots. Although not quite as tasty as the mussels we had in Belgium, these were pretty darn close.

If you love Belgium style beer, this is your place. 

The draft beer selection featured mostly Belgian and German style ales, and since I’m a big fan, I was very happy.  The challenge was which one to select?  I decided on the Hofbrau Dunkel, a German Dark Lager.  Others had the Hofbrau Original and the Ommegang Witte, a Belgian style white made in Cooperstown, NY.   St. Arnold's also serves wine and cocktails, but great beer pairs so well with mussels, why choose anything else?  

Toasting the happy couple!

If you’re looking for a fun place to enjoy Belgian style beer, tasty mussels and an environment filled with  lively movers and shakers, then St. Arnold's is worth the trip.

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!

Bend, OR - The Cycle Pub Tour

Two weeks after the East Coast branch of our family met in Romulus NY to enjoy some Finger Lakes wine tasting, the West Coast clan descended on Bend, Oregon to hit the craft beer trail.  Not to be outdone by the wine tasting by boat adventure, this group decided to tour the craft beer establishments by Cycle Pub.

On a gorgeous late summer evening, a group of 13 family and friends, gathered in the parking lot behind Good Life Brewing Company, and boarded the cycle pub.  Stocked with growlers of beer, bottles of wine and plates of appetizers, our enthusiastic group was ready to begin our journey through the streets of Bend.

The Bend Cycle Pub - ready for adventure. 

Twelve peddlers lined both sides of the vehicle and one lucky person tended the bar. The traveling pub’s driver is provided by the company. Since our son was nursing a back injury, he was designated as the bartender, a job where he excelled!

The Cycle Pub hits the road. 

Off we went to our first stop, Bend Brewing Company. One of the rules of the road as you drive through the friendly streets of Bend, is that when someone honks, you must drink.  Trust me, everyone honks!  So needless to say, our growlers were nearly empty by the time we reached Bend Brewing and we all hopped off to fill them up at one of our favorite beer establishments in town. 

Our growlers are full after a stop at Bend Brewing. 

Our next stop was Deschutes Brew Pub followed by 10 Barrel. Since you are not permitted to carry a single beer out of the bars, growlers were filled up at every stop.  It’s surprising how much beer you can drink when peddling hard. 

10 Barrels Brew Pub is hopping.

Once we were appropriately lubricated, our driver informed us we were about to hit the highlight of the trip, the big hill. He asked if anyone wanted to wear a helmet and we all laughed…until we started to descend the hill.  We had no idea there was a Disney Land thrill ride included on this adventure. As we picked up speed, then careened around the corner, we all held on for dear life.  Fortunately, with the exception of a cell phone that slid off the counter (and was later recovered) we all got through it unscathed. 

Survived the big hill. 

We rented the cycle pub for two hours, but as our time was coming to an end, none of us were ready to quit.  Fortunately, we were the last group booked for the evening and our driver was able to extend our trip for an additional hour’s fee.  We gladly paid.  Since our group was made up of some seriously fit peddlers, we were able to climb the hill to Cascade Brewing Company for our last stop.  In truth, by this time, I didn't care to drink any more, I just didn't want the fun and adventure to end.  When it finally did, I had to admit I was tired.  We had peddled hard for at least two of the three hours.  I have no idea how much beer I consumed, but it was definitely one of the most enjoyable workouts I've ever had. 

Finger Lakes, NY - Wine Tasting by Boat

Wine tasting is always essential when I head back to my home town, Ithaca, NY, located in the Finger Lakes Wine Region on Cayuga Lake.  The lake is dotted with numerous wineries and on this year's trip we added a new twist to our experience - visiting the wineries by boat.

A family gathering at my sister and brother-in-law's lake cottage is always a treat.  On a gorgeous August afternoon, a group of us boarded their sleek speed boat and traveled to several of the most picturesque wineries on the lake.  After an exhilarating fifteen minute trip, we made our first stop, and docked at Sheldrake Winery.

Just docked at Sheldrake Point and ready to taste some wine.

Sheldrake Point Winery

A rare moment when the there isn't a crowd at the tasting bar.

A short walk up a sloping hill brought us to the tasting room.  After finding a place to gather along the esthetically pleasing tasting bar, we selected the wine and cheese pairing.  For $5 you could taste five wines paired with small bites of a variety of cheeses.  The pairings were excellent and added a little extra fun to the wine tasting experience. 

This group is enjoying their wine!

When it comes to Finger Lake wine, I usually prefer the Dry Riesling and Pinot Gris, and this was no exception. Others enjoyed their Dry Rose, Cabernet Franc and Gamay Noir.  After taking a quick tour of the small gift shop which displayed crafts and food from local atrisans, we bought a couple bottles of wine, took in the panoramic view and headed back to the boat for the next stop. 

Heading back down to the boat.

Goose Watch Winery

The next stop was Goose Watch Winery, located high on a hill above the lake.  A quick call ahead and we were met us at the dock with the electric cart to drive us up the steep hill past rows of vines already heavy with purple grapes. 

The Goose Watch vines are laden with purple grapes.

The view from the Goose Watch tasting room is nothing short of spectacular.  A back deck spans the length of the building and offers unparalleled views of Cayuga Lake. On a day as gorgeous as that, the word breathtaking was not a cliché, it was the real deal. 




View from inside the Goose Watch tasting room.

After taking a quick tour of the kitschy gift shop, we gathered around the wrap-around bar to sample the wine.  There are a few gems in their selection.  I particularly enjoyed the sparkling Pinot Noir Brut Rose, the Pinot Gris and Villard Blanc.  Some of the gang decided to drop a couple extra bucks to sample their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and they gave it the thumbs up. 

Tough choice deciding which wines to taste.

After purchasing a few more bottles, our happy bunch headed back down the hill to board the boat for the cottage.  Perhaps I’ve tasted finer wine, but I have not experienced a more fun-filled wine tasting excursion than this one.  I’m already looking forward to our next visit when we can hopefully check out a few more of the Finger Lake wineries that smartly welcome the boating crowd.



A stroll through the gift shop brought smiles.

San Diego - Karl Strauss

The original Karl Strauss Brew Pub.

San Diego will always be special to me since it's where I met my husband. It was over a pint of John Courage at the old Princess of Whales Pub in downtown San Diego that we fell in love. It's been over twenty years since I've lived there, and a lot has changed. It's become a mecca for microbreweries, and a favorite of craft beer aficionados who love heavily hopped ales. Back in 1989, it all began with the Karl Strauss. On this short visit to San Diego we decided to go back to the original and see how their beer has stood up over time. I'd have to say, it still is great. I love the fact that they brew a wide range of beer styles, from German wheat to a nice balanced hoppy black rye IPA.

A flight of Karl Strauss craft beer, and a pint of wheat. 

What did we have:  Per usual, I ordered the featured flight of four beers. They included the Windansea Wheat, Pintail Pale Ale, Amber Lager and my favorite, the Blackball Belgian IPA. I enjoyed all four featured beers, but the Blackball was really special.  I love a beer with a high IBU (international bittering unit), that's balanced with malt to cut the bitterness.  The complexity makes it interesting, and so enjoyable.  My ever-predictable husband drank a pint of his summer fave, Windansea Wheat, which was reminiscent of our trip last year to Germany.  He followed it with one of his all times favorites. Red Trolley Ale, a Karl Strauss standby.  We wanted to eat light, so we shared a Seared Ahi Salad that was surprisingly tasty and quite the work of art.

The Ahi Salad is a work of art. 

What was fun:  There are now numerous Karl Strauss brew pubs around San Diego, but we went to the downtown original.  It was mid-afternoon and the Happy Hour crowd had yet to arrive. We had a great table on the outside patio and received excellent service. It's great to know that Karl Strauss is still a major player in the craft beer scene after all these years and I definitely recommend a stop there when visiting my former home town.

My "partner in fun" enjoys his beer.