Category: Distilling & Cocktails

Steven Lovenguth

| Posted in People, Distilling & Cocktails

Today’s Portland Daily Sun includes an article about Steven Lovenguth, the bartender/mixologist at Walter’s Cafe.

Sangria is the project of the moment; it’s summer after all, but what’s next? Lovenguth loves Bloody Marys and his special spice mix is the centerpiece of the one served at Walter’s. But lately he’s been trying to shake Mary out of her rut, so he’s been taking her around the world. Japanese Mary has wasabi and soy, Mariner’s Mary has Clamato and a little clam garnish, Greek Mary has a little Ouzo, Danish Mary has Aquavit flavored with Caraway.

April Bollard

| Posted in Reviews, Distilling & Cocktails

The April issue of The Bollard is now out. The new issue includes another installment in the Land of the Forgotten Cocktails series and a Breakfast Serial review of Kath’s Cafe and Catering on Brighton Ave.

I was a fan of the Blue House Café, and our family quietly mourned its passing…But Kath and Tim have done an admirable job maintaining the comfortable atmosphere and high standards that will keep us coming back.

February Bollard

| Posted in Reviews, Distilling & Cocktails

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

| Posted in General News, Distilling & Cocktails

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

| Posted in Distilling & Cocktails

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

| Posted in Reviews, Cooking, Distilling & Cocktails

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.