February Bollard

200902bollardThe February issue of The Bollard includes another installment in the Land of Forgotten Cocktails series by mixologist John Myers, a survey of Portland hotel bars (Port of Call, Top of the East, Eve’s at the Garden, Great American Grill, Armory Lounge) and a review of Steve and Renee’s Diner.

It seems the traditional diner is a dying breed. The temptation to go upscale with lobster benedict, caramelized onion frittata, and almond-encrusted brioche pain perdu must have a powerful appeal, given the prices they can command. To be fair, I readily admit a fondness for a snooty brunch now and then. But when a straight-up, no-frills diner breakfast is in order, there’s nowhere better in Portland than Steve & Renee’s.

Cold River Vodka

Wine Enthusiast has listed Cold River Vodka in a recent article on the Top 50 Spirits of 2008.

“The lovely, austere and enticing bouquet offers scents of black pepper, charcoal and limestone. Entry is sweet and lightly spiced; at midpalate luscious tastes of caramel corn, charcoal, quartz and cocoa bean make for wonderful North American unflavored vodka drinking. Concludes smooth, complex and layered. A coming superstar.”

November Bollard

The November issue of The Bollard is out and this month’s edition includes a new installment in The Land of the Forgotten Cocktail series by award-winning bartender John Myers. Myers writes about the history of the word cocktail as well as providing background and mixing instructions for the Ward 8, Between the Sheets and Alaska. Copies of the newspaper can be found just about anywhere free newspapers are distributed.

October Bollard

The October issue of The Bollard has hit newsstands. This month’s edition includes a review of the Sunday brunch at Caiola’s, articles about the advantages of home canning and about cooking fresh caught fish, and a new installment in The Land of the Forgotten Cocktail series by award-winning bartender John Myers. Copies can be found just about anywhere free newspapers are distributed.