Pow and Tacos
If you enjoy being on the mountain, you know what the term “bluebird” means. And if you can combine in extra cold temperatures, 10 inches of fresh, no wind, very little crowd, and some seriously insane tacos and mid mountain craft beer, well, this is nirvana in the making. This also describes my recent Tuesday. Yes, I am particular to Timberline Lodge, given its incredible history, breathtaking views and truly original vibe, but it’s more than that. I mean I have been to many different ski resorts over my lifetime and few have the level of authenticity that Timberline seems to just have coming out of it pores.
This is a bluebird day indeed. Deep in “Jack’s Woods” at Timberline Lodge. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Just a short video showing a bluebird day at Timberline Lodge. So dreamy, so fun. Video Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Some of the Worlds Best Tacos and Beer
After cutting fresh lines through the trees for the entire morning, my friend and I had to find some food. You see, I had found myself, just prior, in a nasty little hole that threatened to collapse into a nearby tree well. Needless to say, my repeated and eventually victorious efforts at extricating myself from this quicksand-like predicament left me devoid of any remaining energy. I was totally sapped and I realized that food and cold beer was the only way to bring me back to life.
Phlox Point Cabin, a mid-mountain food and drink destination at Timberline Lodge Ski Resort. In one word: epic. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Mission in hand, we went to the historic Lodge hoping that the Blue Ox restaurant would be open. Normally only open on the weekends but boasting the best pizza on earth, we were out of luck, but just momentarily. We were quickly reminded that the mid mountain Phlox Point Cabin was open and serving Mount Hood Brewing beer and street tacos. Say no more!
Just look at these amazing tacos. Fresh ingredients and downright delectable. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
If you were able to ask anyone that knows me, I pretty much cook tacos on every camping trip, shared beach house, etc. I am definitely a taco lover, so when I am talking about the Phlox Point’s street tacos, well, I began as a real skeptic. But these tacos are seriously really good. Granted I was hungry enough to eat the bark off a tree, and who knows how the mind can play tricks, but these tacos transcended. Five star, all the way. And heck, you just don’t expect to find food that good in the middle of a snowy mountain with just a couple people running the whole show. Unreal and incredibly special. Powder and bluebird conditions aside, I’d likely hike into this place just for their tasty fare.
Yes, I had to get a shot of the taco interior…I mean I just had to capture what was causing the outrageously good taste. I think the pickled peppers and perfect, grilled chicken took this over the top. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
And let’s not forget the beer. In a region where craft beer is such a big deal, finding brews that stand out can be tough. But no doubt you have heard of Mount Hood Brewing. I had a Tucker Double IPA that went so well with the tacos I just had to have another! Ski and ride safe for sure…but such great beer from these folks!
The Timberline signature Tucker, Double IPA from Mount Hood Brewing. So good. Image Courtesy: TimberlineLodge.com
Fueled and ready to hit it again we returned to the slopes, scoring un-tracked conditions even after a zoo of a crowd the day before. So I take my hat off again to Timberline Lodge and all that they are doing up on the mountain. And while there are much more convenient places to find good tacos around Portland, can you imagine a better mission than skiing or snowboarding into a sweet spot to eat and drink, hidden in the trees? That could be a tough one.