THE HUB

Yesterday, the wife, the child, and I made our way to Point Defiance Park to hang out with what felt like half of Tacoma. We happened upon a parking spot and then walked around in the sun and warmth of the afternoon. We played Frisbee, watched the Rhododendron ferry make its run between Point Defiance and Tahlequah, walked down to the waterfront, threw rocks into Puget Sound, played on the "big toys," wandered through the Rose Gardens, and hiked around.

Afterward, we headed to The Hub, sister restaurant to The Harmon, for food and refreshment.


Chili-Chocolate Ale, a Spice/Herb/Vegetable Ale by Harmon Brewery & Restaurant

16 ounces on tap at The Hub, served in shaker glass.

This was my "warm up" pint prior to the meal. It was a beautiful and brilliant light brown fading into ruby red. There was no head, no lacing, and no detectable carbonation.

The aroma was of chocolate, vanilla, pepper, and spices.

The flavor began with an intense earthiness that would best be described as what the smell of a field of young and tender stinging nettles after a brisk spring rain has just ended would taste like. This slowly morphed into chocolate and a light smokiness. A chipotle heat slowly crept in as the finish lingered.

I realized that I could "change" the flavor depending upon how much beer I imbibed with each drink. Sips meant more stinging nettles. Full mouthfuls meant more chocolate, more smoke, and more heat. I opted for the latter.

This was an interesting ale that I would definitely try again, if it was paired with the right food.


Point Defiance IPA, an India Pale Ale by Harmon Brewery & Restaurant

16 ounces on tap at The Hub, served in shaker glass.

This pint greeted me with an orange and amber body, a finger width of fine white head, and some lively carbonation. It left a fair amount of lacing behind.

The nose was floral and orange zest. There may have even been a few spicy notes.

The palate was lively. The main citrus flavor of this particular IPA tended more toward the orange side of things, with a slight tartness and a hint of tangerine. There also seemed to be quite a bit of pineapple in its flavor profile. I tend to like IPAs that are more grapefruit-influenced, but this was very good for one that was orange-influenced.

This was also a great ale to accompany my hamburger.

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I ordered The Hub's Cinelli Burger. It was a 1/2 pound beef patty dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pepperjack cheese, and chipotle mayo, all of which was held between two buns and piled high with pepperoncini. It was spicy, but not too spicy. And the IPA cut some of the heat that was present to make for a meal that was excellent.

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Then it was back into the gorgeous spring weather of the Pacific Northwest for more wandering.