The voice on the phone was excited, yet teasing, “Guess who has pork hash on their brunch menu!” Before I could utter a word, Lisa exclaimed, “Beast!” Thinking this was the cruelest of all jokes, I pleaded, “Are you kidding me?” She quickly assured me that indeed Beast offered pork hash, explaining that her friend mentioned that it offered brunch. I quickly ran to my laptop while simultaneously executing cartwheels and hollering like a drunken cowboy winning at poker. And so it was with extreme anticipation and reverence, we set out for the superlative and amazing Beast for a hashcapade.
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| Beast – NE 30th and NE Killingsworth |
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| Beast’s cozy kitchen. Be sure to sit where you can see the action! |
As we entered the cozy and inviting restaurant, the amazing aromas of our soon-to-be 4-course brunch greeted us as we opted for seats that gave us a view of the action in the kitchen. For those of you unfamiliar with Beast, there are 2 large communal tables you share with other foodies as we quickly fell into a friendly conversation with Meg and Thompson. They share our enthusiasm for athletic endeavors and belief that it represents a license to eat well – great company! We didn’t meet the other group at our table, 4 hipsters whom I thought were continuing the previous night’s bender – “Dude, you’re gonna be wasted. You’re on your second mimosa and you’re having the wine pairings?!?!” On with the first course!
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| Champagne-Poached Apricot Clafoutis with Candied Walnuts and Maple Glazed Bacon |
And now to the pork hash itself: Beast Hash – Tails and Trotters Braised Pork Shoulder, Market Potatoes, Garnet Yams, Leeks, Brussel Sprouts, Poached Farm Egg & Truffled Hollandaise. Finished with an artistic swirl of sweet balsamic reduction, where do I begin to describe a complex, sumptuous, gorgeous celebration of my obsession that is hash? The combination of roasted brussel sprouts were balanced by the sweetness of the yam. The pork shoulder was succulent, especially with the yokey and silky goodness of the egg and hollandaise. All of these flavors, textures and aromas combined to create a symphonic culinary masterpiece!
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| Beast Hash featuring Tails & Trotters Braised Pork Shoulder |
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| Radicchio & Butter Lettuce with Champagne Vinaigrette & Cheese Bar Cheese |
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| Chocolate Truffle Cake with Prune & Vanilla-Cognac Whipped Cream |
The final two courses above were perfect companions to the pork hash. The
Cheese Bar cheeses offered with the radicchio and butter lettuce salad were creamy. And the finale, a chocolate truffle cake sprinkled with gold leaf was divine. Lisa and I were completely satisfied, complete in the knowledge that we had just experienced the *perfect* hashcapade!
Happy Hashcapades,
Super jealous of your brunch experience. I've wanted to go to Beast for ages, just haven't made it over there yet! Your post is making me SO hungry. Looks/sounds amazing.
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Clark & Lisa,We were just dreaming of our amazing brunch and found your blog! Oh, we feel so COOL to be mentioned! Seriously, that was the coolest place we have been to while living here in Portland/Lake Oswego. Thanks for being part of it! Your blog makes us want to make a reservation to head back to BEAST!BTW, my new bike is sweet!Best,Meg & Thompson
Meg & Thompson,We really enjoyed our brunch with you guys and would love to get together again. If you're up for Beast for dinner, we should plan it!Ooooh, I'll bet your bike is sweet! You'll have to tell us all about it :-)Cheers,Clark and Lisa