Happy Anniversary, Hawthorne Hophouse

            Last weekend Pat and I attended the First Anniversary celebration of the Hawthorne Hophouse (SE 41st and Hawthorne, Portland). A $10 cover bought admission to the beer garden, a free pint of beer, and unlimited access to a buffet consisting of all their stellar "Happy Hour" food.  Live music was preformed from 6 - 9 by local band Bitterroot.
          The atmosphere at the Hophouse is warm and casual, with lots of natural wood. Booths and tables-for-two fill in the space beside the long bar which boasts 24 beers on tap, mostly Oregon micro brews. An outside patio holds several picnic tables, partially screened from the street by a trellis covered with living hops. Unfortunately, my husband and I don't currently drink alcohol, so we didn't sample those offerings there.
           Although everything on the buffet table looked delicious, we decided to check out the dinner menu.  Specials of the day, written on a chalk board at the end of the bar, were Butternut Squash Soup, Blackened Salmon Sandwhich with ginger-lemon aioli, and gourmet Macaroni and Cheese with Ham and Carmelized Onions. The regular menu includes a Grilled Mac & Cheese sandwich, the Bacon Oregonzola Burger,  (a hamburger featuring thick slices of honey-cured bacon and Oregonzola cheese, and a White Cheddar Mushroom Burger topped with sautéed Portobello mushrooms and white cheddar cheese.

          Being seafood lovers, we were both immediately drawn to the Coho Salmon fish and chips. We were served within minutes, and the food was awesome. (Special thanks to Christy for the wonderful service.) The portions were ample, with two large salmon filets, deep fried to perfection, and a generous serving of crisp tender seasoned fries. Ramikins of fresh, ginger-lemon aioli and sweet tomato chutney, much tastier than ketchup, accompanied the full plate. We requested extra tartar sauce when we ordered, not expecting the fancier dips. Chef James Brown came to our table personally, bringing a soup-cup of custom made, delicious sauce that he had prepared just for us. It was not a condiment that the Hophouse usually served.
           If the first anniversary is any indication, there will be many more to come. In conclusion, if you're looking for somewhere inviting and affordable to go this weekend, the Hawthorne Hophouse is an excellent choice.