Does anyone else feel like we’ve hit the point of quarantine where
a n y t h i n g out of your daily “routine” is the most exciting thing ever? The bars I paid visits to this week are all about service with a side of fun, which they’ve since adapted to The COVID Times while staying true to their identities.
At the core of these two different bars is the same fighting spirit, and an openness to collaboration. We’re by no means out of the woods yet, but my hope is that the f&b industry emerges on the other side with stronger bonds than ever; spearheaded by local gems like these who understand that despite the individualistic values this country tries to drill into us, we’re better together.
Drink in History: Whiskey Sour
“I’m perfectly capable of fixing my breakfast. As a matter of fact, I had a peanut butter sandwich and two Whiskey Sours,” says Richard Sherman to his secretary in the 1955 movie, The Seven Year Itch.
Lucky for Sherman, his liquid breakfast of champions is easy to make with only three elements: whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. Historically this popular classic has been in and out of fashion; because it’s not too fancy and out, because it’s usually poorly made with inferior ingredients and is often associated with dive bars and casinos. But, wait. Perhaps it’s heyday is coming again.
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The Landmarks We Lost The year felt like an extended last call. (Brian Burk) Updated December 23, 2020 When the clock strikes 2021, Portlanders won t be gathered in beloved pubs and diners. (Only patios are open for dining, and service ends at 11 pm.) But the year felt like an extended last call, with our most cherished venues, bistros and watering holes felled by the pandemic and a lack of government aid. Downtown got hit the hardest, as empty office buildings meant no lunch or after-work crowds. But soon the blight touched every neighborhood. When we return to social life, we will still feel a vacancy: Many of our favorite hangouts won t be waiting for us. Here are four we ll miss.