Black Cherry Stout = Yum

Ken and I went out to dinner at Caldera Public House, a Portland neighborhood restaurant on 60th & SE Stark. We got sucked in by the big windows and rich-looking interior. We walked in to find deep rich red wall, hardwood floors, rich wood booths and an insanely beautiful ornate wooden bar. There were people of all ages there -- enough to not be empty nor full. Not bad for a Wednesday night at 8. We asked where we should sit and they said anywhere -- "I think there are even some seats left on the patio".

What? There's a patio. Bee-line.

And it was perfect. Secluded. Perfect lighting. Varnished picnic tables with umbrellas. Some small tables with chairs. Lights and lanterns hanging from the tree canopy. Very intimate.

They handed us drink and food menus (happy hour is 5-6 and 9-close -- daily. Good to know, a perfect happy hour place). I got the dark garnet (herradura reposado tequila, pomegranate juice and fresh lime served in a martini glass), which was awesome and smokey. Instead of a cocktail and true to this blog, Ken got Walking Man's Black Cherry Stout (which they had on tap. Per WM's website: ABV 7.2% IBU 35. Our stout combined with the richness of dark cherries. Chocolate and cherries – a perfect match.) They were right. It was killer. Great nose, not very fruity or sweet. But just enough of that cherry heaven.

So in sharp contrast to Marsha's yucky apple lambic, this beer was a winner. Plus, add on a secluded patio, comfortable weather and great company -- ah, the joys of summer.