This was the first time at Pacific City in the winter since Christmas of 2009. I'd forgotten that many of the restaurants close this time of the year.
However, there were a few notable events.
The Sportsman's Pub & Grub has changed its fish & chips recipe. The breading on the fish is crunchier and a significant improvement. Barb & I both thought it was much better.
The Pelican Pub & Brewery introduced a new beer, Keg Monkey. It's a strange name, but the choice was explained in the Pub's press release, "The entry-level position in a brewpub or craft brewery almost always involves cleaning and filling kegs. The Keg Monkey. This beer is dedicated to all who have labored on the keg line: washing, racking and rolling!"
Keg Monkey is described as "a special lager beer inspired by the brewing traditions of Germany, yet faithful to none. A fusion of the Dortmunder and Pilsner beer eer that styles, and served Zwickel-style (unfiltered), Keg Monkey is a lager beer that crosses style boundaries."
The beer is reminiscent of a hefeweizen, unfiltered wheat beer, but with a clean, much hoppier flavor profile. I predict it will be gone by the time I return in May, and I feel privileged to have enjoyed a glass with my fish tacos for lunch.
The surprise was the season opening of the Ribcage Smokery on February 7, the day before leaving. I had to go back for dinner. Shea, her hubby Shawn & daughter Sophia and I had a great dinner. I have said that this is the best barbecue I've eaten since moving to Oregon, and the folks at the Ribcage did not disappoint!
So, the week is almost over. But, I'll be back in May for Reach the Beach! That is always a fun time.
