Hunger Satisfied in Hood River
While we primarily cover all cool and interesting things around Portland, we occasionally venture out. This time? Hood River. Indeed, I just enjoyed a meal there on the way back from Mt. Hood and, well, it’s worth some ink. I’m not sure I’d drive the full hour just for the meal…but if you’re out that way, well, you can’t go wrong with relatively new brew pub Pfriem.
Great decor and out-of-this-world food and beer make Pfriem a worthy destination. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Set in a wonderful location on Hood River’s new waterfront, Pfriem boasts a VERY tasty menu and a wide selection of craft beers and local wines. Now keep in mind, this isn’t a coat and tie restaurant, nor are its prices in tandem with a 5-star establishment (a good thing). That said, the food might as well be as the tastes here are really, really darn good. Heck, it’s not every day I feel compelled to write about mac n’ cheese, or, in my personal case, a fancy grilled cheese sandwich. However in this case, Pfriem has pushed me there. Check out the pics and links below and, if you’re hungry, you might just find yourself headed east…
Some Out-Of-This-World Mac N’ Cheese
I have to admit that I had order envy when my wife’s plate of Smoky Mac n’ Cheese arrived at my 12 o’ clock. I felt a bit nervous as it looked so good. I hoped I didn’t make a mistake with my yet-to-arrive grilled cheese. Of course, right behind the mac was my order and, well, I was anything but disappointed. But first, take a gander at the Smoky Mac n’ Cheese (and I did get several, lucky bites).
The Smoky Mac n’ Cheese at Pfriem in Hood River has to be top 10 in the world. Serious. Here is the menu description: gemelli pasta, three-cheese sauce, garlic breadcrumbs, fresh herbs - 11; add bacon lardons - 3; add bratwurst - 5. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
A Grilled Cheese to Write About
Perhaps you saw my other blog post on a grilled ham and cheese sandwich I got at a local McMenamin’s. Apparently I love a good grilled cheese. That said, I don’t just write about any old sandwich…it has to be extra good and unique. Pfriem far from dissapoints on this account with its aptly titled Pfriem Grilled Cheese. And what makes it so good and unique? Well, here’s the menu description: Thick cut Grand Central sourdough, four cheeses, red pepper jam, roasted delicata squash - 13; add bacon - 3. Now I got mine without bacon (just a reason to return!). Yet this sandwich was AMAZING. Every bite screamed goodness. Most interesting was the squash and red pepper jam. These two items really took this sandwich to the next level.
From the amazingly-good fries to the super unique grilled cheese that boasted Red Pepper jam and squash as extras, well, let’s just say this was a great, mid-day meal. Thanks Pfriem! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Useful, Pfriem-related Links
You’ve likely seen the various menu links above, but here it is again. See the full menu here. Also, check out the craft beers that are brewed onsite. In fact, the beer deserves a whole separate blog article as their Blonde IPA (my choice) was so darn good.
Getting to Pfriem in Hood River is darn easy. Check this map link for their location.
Got kids? Or just want to take a nice walk while waiting for your table (yes it gets a bit busy, but you know now know why), check out Hood River Waterfront Park, complete with a really cool, interactive playground that boasts an outdoor climbing structure, several ride-on toys, drums, a giant xylophone and more. In summer, there’s a beach to swim off of. Of course, if you’re into kiteboarding or windsurfing, well, this is Mecca. Enjoy!