Lunch Before the Deluge

Knowing we wouldn't be able to sit down to supper tonight because trick-or-treaters would be ringing our doorbell for several hours, I suggested to P that we have a hearty lunch at The Copper Hog, a local pub with excellent food and beer. (P would say great beer and food.)

We weren't disappointed -- P's small steak was rare, as he likes it, and the frites that accompanied it were superb. He had a pint of Oyster Strong Ale from Burnside Brewing Company in Portland, Oregon. The brewery's website describes this ale as "brewed with 18 gallons of Hama Hama oyster liquor and four pounds of lemon peel," and even though that sounds odd, the beer was delicious.

I opted for an oatmeal stout from Firestone Walker Brewing Company in Paso Robles, California, mainly because I loved its name -- Velvet Merkin. Aged in bourbon barrels, it is very smooth and easy to drink, and went well with Irish onion soup and a lovely autumn salad.

Wanting to participate in this week's Challenge theme -- texture -- I took some photos of my salad, but after seeing what P had ordered for our shared dessert, I knew the salad couldn't compete against that decadent pie, swirls of chocolate sauce, and clouds of just-whipped cream.

It was definitely much better than any Halloween treats we are handing out tonight!


ADDENDUM

I'm gradually backblipping photos from our September vacation. Below is what's up now; I'll be adding our Paris days soon.

Bridgend & Bristol

Roujan/Le Couvent

Gabian BLIPMEET & Beziers

Lunch in Olargues

First Visit to Pezenas

A Very Full Last Day (Roujan)