East Side Trip 02/02/2009

Gosh, I guess it's about time I posted something new. Not that some good tasting hasn't taken place but time seems to have a way of getting away from me.

I hesitate to even write anything of my own since Good Rat Andy wrote such an eloquent piece on his blog. You can see it here: http://www.malchert.blogspot.com/.

An important note here is that I was the DD on this trip. Therefore I didn't get to drink many of the brews the others did however they showed true GR kindness by letting me taste a number of different ones they ordered. Thank you one and all. However, that will explain why I am not commenting too much on the brews. You really should read Andy's post. Those who came along on this excursion were Good Rats Darren, Ron, Todd, Andy and of course your's truely.

The day started off on a disappointing note because Good Rat Recruit Patricia couldn't make it. She's still a recruit because she has now missed two opportunites and has yet to actually rat around with us. I'm not sure what will happen if she misses the next trip... strike 3?

GR Darren provided the tunes with music ranging from Reel Big Fish to Real McKenzies to... of course DKM.


The day saw much improvement however once we got to Vancouver. We'd heard about the Salmon Creek Brewery & Pub and we were anxious to check it out. We were not disappointed. In fact, by a unanimous decision, it's going to be a mandatory stop on all GR trips when we're headed south. Co-proprietor Ana showed us some great hospitality. The food was very good and the beer was great. After our meal we met with Assistant Brewer Mr. Mike, Andy's name for our long time friend who's found a new life doing something he really enjoys. I'd highly recommend you stop by and check it out if you ever get to Vancouver USA. The address is: 108 W. Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA. Be sure to tell Mike hi from all the Good Rats.

Our next stop was, as the title of this post says, on the East side of Portland. GR Darren had heard about Biddy McGraws Irish Pub. Now, GR Andy wasn't too kind to this place calling it "dirty, it smelled, and they didn't brew their own beer". Although it was empty I actually liked the atmosphere of this corner pub. It's true, they didn't brew their own beer but they did serve a very cold glass of Smithwick's. Any place that serves Smithwick's can't be all bad and I would go back again.

The next place was Horse Brass Pub. We've wanted to check this place out ever since we read about it in one of the beer rags. Actually, we really wanted a peek at the proprietor Don Younger. His magesty was there in all his spaced out glory. I have no idea who he was talking to or what he thought he was looking at but he was there in body if not in any other way. Some of the boys had fun playing darts and nobody was the worse for wear. No poked out eyes or anything but now that they had a few under their belts I was hoping disaster wouldn't strike. I agree with Andy's assesment and I don't think I'll be going back again. By the way, what was wrong with our waitress anyway?

I guess I didn't mention that Brad, GR Todd's friend, well, a friend to most of us, joined us at Biddy McGraw's. I'll say it now, we have a new official Good Rat among us. Anyway, Brad suggested we try the Lauelwood Brewing Co. I guess Darren said it all "I like this place. Good food, good beer, good service". A big thumbs up to the appetizers during Happy Hour. None of us were really sure what Todd meant when he said "I don't like suckin' on bone". As far as the atmosphere goes, I wasn't too excited. It was more upscale than I think is appropriate for a pub. But that aside, the beer and food and service were very good.

Back on the north side of the mighty Columbia and headed homeward our final stop was Hazel Dell Brew Pub in Hazel Dell, WA of course. The GR's said the beer was good but other than that the place is really quite forgettable. However, at least one GR thought our waitress looked like she should have been a security officer on Star Trek. I don't know if that was true but I do know that by that time everyone but me had been tipping just a few too many. Those sampler trays can really sneak up on you.

Now for some good news. Today almost two weeks later, Recruit Patricia told me she has a long list of east side pubs that are a must try. I vote we give her one last chance provided she shares "the list".

Prost!