Pacific Northwest, Day 2: Our France Away From France

recently consumed

vacation: Willamette Valley

tasting notes

Actually, I’d call it our France and Tuscany away from France and Tuscany. If you are in the right sections of Portland and the surrounding Willamette Valley area, looking in the right direction, you can easily trick yourself into thinking you are in a foreign land. Take, for instance, Ken’s Artisan Bakery. While the aesthetic of the baked goods might be a little more rugged and a little more oversized than their French counterparts, if you close your eyes the flaky chocolate croissants and the colorful macarons will send you straight back to the streets of Paris.

We spent the bulk of today exploring the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s famous region for Pinot Noir. We thought it fitting seeing as though last November we had spent a few days in the Burgundy region.

However, the rolling hills of the landscape with the bright green grape leaves reminded us much more of Tuscany, and the wine seemed to follow suit. Sure, they smelled like Pinots and were undeniably rustic in flavor. Even some of the wineries had a location in France. But, these wines were dark and bold and full of a richness that we had not experienced while in Burgundy. This is one area of the wine competition that I feel the New World has a leg up on the Old.

We ventured back to the hotel, happy and hungry. A quick stop at the City Market for picnic supplies was only a teaser. We tasted various cheeses, while our tummies grumbled. It was time to leave the wine behind and immerse ourselves in Portland’s beer culture.

I had a fear that we’d be walking into something touristy at McMeniman’s Kennedy School. I always want to find that hole in the wall, something not in the city guide books. To be honest, after we went there, I think I’d be pressed to find anything “touristy” at all in the Portland area. Everything has been authentic, local, low-key, and enjoyable. Kennedy School was no exception.

The McMeniman’s have made it their business pursuit to take dilapidated buildings and turn them into brew pubs and brew theaters. Kennedy School is an old Elementary school that has been transformed into a hotel, theater, restaurant, fireplace courtyard, and several bars. You are allowed to wander the halls with drinks in hand, but we decided to stay for several hours comfortably seated at the Courtyard Restaurant.

We tried burgers and beer, which weren’t necessarily the best we’ve ever had, but everything tasted better in the ambience. As we stared at the wall of liquor, Tom decided he had never had a cocktail with Hot Damn in it before. We decided to be adventurous and make up our own drinks.

Tom’s Hot Tamale
2 parts Hot Damn and Gin
1 part Rose’s Lime and Triple Sec
Dash of Grenadine
Serve over ice

Marti’s Fudgesicle
2 parts Chambord, Frangelico, and milk
1 part Crema de Cacao
Serve in a martini glass topped with cocoa powder

Tomorrow is Labor Day. We will wake up and have our first wine and cheese picnic in Forest Park. I can already tell this will be a vacation to remember.