Pasty Magnificence.

In case you don't know, you're looking at a pasty. And you see that bulging pocket? Well, that's filled with beef. It was braised in port, along with some potatoes, carrots, onions and rutabagas, then inserted into a flaky, buttery crust. It may sound like a fancy Hot Pocket, but I assure you, its excellence is beyond compare. And that pile of ruffage? IT'S ALL PICKLED. Even the apples. This meal blew my doors off.

Pasties are a Midwestern thing, associated most closely with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The 'ole U-P, if you will. When picking out a place to celebrate my birthday this week, my eyes lit up when I read about this new-ish establishment in North Portland called "Saraveza: Bottle Shop and Pasty Tavern." Bingo. And as if the pasties weren't enticing enough, they also sell Leinenkugel's, a Wisconsin microbrew that holds a dear place in my heart.

I could gush about Saraveza all day. They serve over 200 beers! There was a Belgian tasting going on while we were there! They offer cheese and summer sausage platters! They make their own chex mix! Before I knew what was happening the energy in the space propelled me to try to sing, then subsequently attempt to explain, the Turdy Point Buck song.

Or maybe the Leinie's was to blame. Either way, you know where to find me from now on.