Portland (Timbers) Pretzels

Exhibit A

I attended a Timbers game a couple of weekends ago, and let's just say I took one for the team by trying the Portland Timbers Pretzels.

Timbers Game!

I guess without too much surprise these pretzels were what you might expect, concession-stand quality. I thought I was going to pass out with the amount of salt on that poor little pretzel (see Exhibit A). To make matters worse, it was cold, it didn't even get to bask in the heat-lamp long enough! I enjoyed watching the Portland Timbers play, but when it comes to their pretzels, they might need to start thinking local...

No Twists for The Timbers Pretzels

You have a pretzel blog?

Today I wanted to take a moment to capture the reaction people have when I try to spread the word about Portland Pretzels. It goes a little something like this:

Me: (at the right moment/out of the blue in a new setting) "You should follow my pretzel blog"

Them: "Huh? You have a pretzel...blog?" (silence) "Does Portland even have pretzels?"

Me: "Yes, a lot of places actually and I review them"

Them: "weird" (laughter) "what is the website...do you just talk about how much salt it has?"

....Hooked! The next thing I know they are reading my blog and/or trying to follow it. Although I don't expect any other reaction, it never gets old at how predictable (and confused) people's reactions are. Fortunately for me I live in Portland now, so 'weird' is definitely not something that drives people away.

My next post will be a pretzel review, don't you fret!
-Holly 

Wetzels Pretzels

Wetzel's Original Pretzel gets "Three Twists" 

Although Wetzel's Pretzels isn't just in Portland, I figured if I eat in Portland it counts, right? I have decided to do some pretzel posts about some "main stream" places dedicated to pretzels - namely, Wetzel's Pretzels and Auntie Anne's, and others as they come (aka while I am at Target, because let's face it Target has everything). First up, Wetzel's Pretzels, although I technically tried my first Wetzel Pretzel at the Bridgeport location, they also have one at Lloyd Center in Portland - and for those U of O fans, there is one located in Eugene, OR too. Greatest things about chains is that you can count on the food to taste the same no matter the location.

For consistency sake, I tried the original pretzel and I must say it was delicious. I think the salt topped it off (as it tends to do) and even though it was a bit buttery/greasy, I wouldn't expect anything else. If you're doing some shopping at Bridgeport or on your way to a movie it is conveniently placed to tempt your taste buds. 

Deschutes Pretzels, are De-lish.

Deschutes get a "four full twists

Occupying a former auto body shop, Portland's Deschutes Brewery, located in the Pearl District (210 NW 11th), has a lot of appeal - and so do their pretzels. I won't lie, this isn't my first time to Deschutes, as I had the privileged of going here the first time this summer with a friend, but for consistency sake I thought I should go again to ensure I got my pretzel rating right. Their Brewery pretzel is served with a delicious "creamy white cheese and Black Butte Porter stone ground mustard" and although it is a bit pricey (compared to some pretzels at $7.50) the dipping sauce combined with the buttery, salty croissant like pretzel is simply irresistible. Deschutes is not just a Portland pub, as they have locations in several states in the U.S (primarily west coast and mid-west, although sadly not in Oklahoma). So for my family in California and Texas, if you're reading this post - make a date night at Deschutes!

a little taste of "Germany"

Grüner pretzels get "two twists"

A friend of mine recently took me to a little German place in SW Portland, Grüner Restaurant. This restaurant has a lot of charm and the staff is wonderful! Although these pretzels aren’t on the menu, once you order they bring you a plate full of delicious bread, butter and…low and behold a pretzel. The pretzel was a bit tougher on the outside (apparently this could be a more authentic touch, although I have never been to Germany, so I will take my friend’s word), but had a wonderful, fresh taste and just the right amount of salt. The butter added a nice touch, but when is butter ever a bad idea? I definitely recommend not only the pretzel, but the restaurant itself.