Calapooia Brewing Co. Review

Calapooia Brewing Co. sits downtown at the end of Hill Street near the Willamette River in Albany.  Established in 1993, it's still running strong on its 18th year.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting from the moment you walk through the doors until closing time. 

A pleasant roar filled the room with a sea of voices and laughter. Everyone was having a wonderful, pleasant time on this evening. 

Tables of different shapes, sizes and wood species fill most of the room and the walls are covered with memorabilia.  Random snapshots of customers are clustered together on the walls. 

While the band sets up, customers enjoy dinner accompanied by their favorite micro brew or glass of wine. Greeted with a smile as soon as we walked in to the small, but alive room filled with satisfaction.

Menu prices are competitive with similar restaurants in the area, ranging anywhere from $5.75 for a Chili Dog to $9.25 for the Cobb Burger.

Steel tip dart boards

Micro brews offered are brewed on site, sold in their restaurant as well as local restaurants and pubs.

The selection is impressive with anywhere from a pale ale to a porter, they also offer seasonal micro brews. The average price for a glass of beer is around $4.   They also have beer-to-go available in half-gallon growler jugs.  The jug is $5 (empty), plus $12 to fill.  This jug can be brought back and refilled.  Prices are spot-on compared to similar, local micro brews.

Jim Jarvis, customer, decided to try something new and decided on the Cobb Burger with tater tots, "Oh, that's good!," said Jarvis.

Cobb Burger with tater tots

To his surprise, he really liked the flavor the blue cheese gave to this burger, not normally caring too much for blue cheese.  "Ok, this burger has brought a new light to blue cheese," said Jarvis. 

Accompanied by SantiAmber Ale, a standard micro brew. According to Jarvis, "The flavor of hops come through more than other amber ale's, but subtle at the same time."

Chicken Ciabatta with chips

Another popular item on the menu is  the Grilled Chicken Ciabatta with chips.  After the first bite -- Oh geez, it just ran down my sleeve --  the juicy goodness of the Chicken Ciabatta is apparent.

This dish was paired with micro brew 'Pooia Porter, one of the standard micro brews. The 'Pooia Porter has a bold, nutty coffee flavor.

Also sampled Undertow Imperial Stout, this is one of their specialty micro brews.   This beer is robust with the slight flavor of molasses.

The Bourbon Porter is a seasonal micro brew, this is the last one sampled.  Sweet and smooth, yet bold, with the gentle after taste of bourbon.  This is my favorite of the three.

Ritchie Styler (Guitar/vocals)

Dave Clark (Lead guitar/vocals)

The Calapooia Brewing Co. also offers a wide variety of genre's of live entertainment every weekend.

This particular weekend entertainment was provided by the group "Cowboy Cadillac." 


Dave Clark, lead guitar/vocalist, who was referred to as old by Ritchie Styler, guitar/vocals.  "I'm older than the dead sea," said Clark. 

Ronnie Letsum, Bass guitar/vocals, actually used to live on Water St. just a few blocks from the brewing co. 

tip jar

Cliff Hatcher (Thumper), drums/vocals, hidden in the corner busted out with some Johnny Cash.  The pleased crowd responded with clapping, whistling and cheering.

Wonderful food and excellent beer, along with the pleasant, comfortable atmosphere make Calapooia Brewing Co.  worth the visit.

More reviews available for viewing the Calapooia Brewing Co. can be found on the beer advocate link.

At a glance:

Who:  Anyone who would like to enjoy good food, great beer and live entertainment on weekends.

What:  Calapooia Brewing Co. and Cowboy Cadillac.

When:  Sun.-Wed. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Thur. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-midnight.   No minors after 8 p.m.

Where:  140 NE Hill Street, Albany, OR 97321

Why:  Great food and micro brews while enjoying live entertainment.


Links:

www.calapooiabrewing.com

http://www.myspace.com/cowboyscadillac/music/songs/stand

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/15636/?view=beerfly

Oregon Country Fair Feature story

This years Oregon Country Fair gears up for the 2012 celebration.  Start planning now, especially if you want to perform, sell products or food.  There are deadlines to be met if you want to participate.

This years fair will be held July 13-15.  Although the fair doesn't start until July, there are deadlines that must be met months in advance in preparation for the event.

Performers wishing to perform at the fair must have their application in by Mar. 15. 

Artists that wish to sell their handmade crafts during the fair must have their application in by Apr. 1.  All items sold must be handmade.

Food vendors must have their application in by Apr. 2, by 5pm.

Tickets will go on sale May 1 and will be sold through TicketsWest. 

The first fair was held in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 1 and 2 in 1969.

Originally referred to as the "Renaissance Faire" that encouraged people wishing to attend to "come in costume".

This year is the 43rd Annual Oregon Country Fair.

It started out as a barter and craft fair to raise funds for an alternative school, the Children's Community School.

The current location, 442 Lawrence Street Eugene, Ore. is 13 miles west of Veneta, Ore. in a wooded setting on approximately 250 acres.  Find your way by using mapquest.  This land is owned by the Oregon Country Fair.

The fair is known in the community for recycling, cooperation, environmental awareness, use of materials and artistic expression.

At the Oregon Country Fair you can dance to music, belly dance, enjoy authentic food, buy jewelry and other handmade crafts, march in parades, get your face painted or just people watch.

Preparations for the fair go on all year long.  They employ seven paid employees, and there are tons of volunteers that help make this event a success every year. 

Permanent structures are maintained year round by a groundskeeper that is on site and is assisted by many volunteers.  A site manager is responsible for set-up and coordination of maintenance year round. 

In 2011 Culture Jam came about.  Culture Jam is an eight day summer youth gathering located on the same site as the Oregon Country Fair, referred to as Alice in Wonderland.

This program is an arts centered program for youth ages 14-18.  Activities like dancing, singing, drumming, circus arts, theatre, media study, writing and painting. 

This year will be the 11th week long event.  Tuition is $400, but scholarships are available.

Norma Sax, Administrative Assistant for the Oregon Country Fair, has been in this position for 16 years and is employed full-time.  The most rewarding part of her job is the diversity of people and experiencing all of the unique talents the entertainers and artists have to share.

"It's a unique event that offers a wonderful experience," said Sax. 

The Family Fair News newspaper is also available for additional information, in print and online.

"I know it sounds cliche, but there really is something for everyone," said Sax.

There are many activities and performances to attend with 15 stages of entertainment.

At the Oregon Country Fair you can be who ever you want to be.  Dress up in costume to express yourself or wear nothing at all.




At a glance:

Who:  Anyone and everyone with an open mind

What:  Oregon Country Fair

When:  July 13-15, 2012

Where:  Eugene, Ore.

Why:  Entertainment and self-expression


Links:

www.oregoncountryfair.org

http://www.powerofhope.org

www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&tbo=1&q=the+oregon+companion&btnG=

www.mapquest.com

www.ticketswest.com