The Local Dish: Freebridge Brewing
By Charles Childs/CCCNews Foodie
Pintsized Stone Hunter - The wheat in this beer steps into the spotlight providing an overall rounded flavor that is not as hop-forward tasting as the Dirty Juicy IPA, as one would assume for a Blond Ale. This wheat was welcomed by succulent aromas of apricot that did not overpower the taste of the beer. This beer was made for sipping on a hot summer day.
Freebridge Brewing is nestled in the heart of Downtown The Dalles. As you walk in, you pass the quaint covered outdoor seating area with a fireplace, string lights, and plenty of seats for you and your friends. I walked inside to be welcomed by tall steel brewing equipment that built anticipation for the beer I was about to consume. Passing through a set of double doors, I was greeted by the refreshing air conditioning that I needed on a hot August evening. On the walls, you see menus, local’s beer mugs, and some interesting artwork if you look hard enough. I was immediately greeted by the friendly staff.
As I stepped up to the bar to order a beer I was delighted with their selection. From Blond to Amber Ales they have something for everyone. My usual go-to beer at Freebridge Brewing is the Dirty Juicy IPA.
I love it because it has everything I look for in a good beer. The bitterness of the hops is complemented by the tangy fruit flavors. However, I spotted a new beer on the menu that I have not seen before- the Stone Hunter. On a hot day of over 100 degrees, the Stone Hunter, an Apricot Blond Ale made with seasonal fruit, seemed so refreshing that it stood out on their menu.
With a taster, I made the decision to go all-in with a 16-oz. cold glass. This beer was an attractive golden color that Blond Ales are famous for. The wheat in this beer steps into the spotlight providing an overall rounded flavor that is not as hop-forward tasting as the Dirty Juicy IPA, as one would assume for a Blond Ale. This wheat was welcomed by succulent aromas of apricot that did not overpower the taste of the beer. This beer was made for sipping on a hot summer day as is so common for August in The Dalles.
Freebridge Bites - Each pretzel bite is adorned with large flakes of salt that studded the golden-brown color of each morsel like a starry night. My favorite thing about these pretzel bites is their texture. They are made with spent grain which attributes to their satisfying chewy texture that it is unlike any pretzel I have tasted.
After sitting down and taking a moment to meditate on the hoppy fruity flavors of the beer, the pretzel bites arrived at the table. Each pretzel bite is adorned with large flakes of salt that studded the golden-brown color of each morsel like a starry night. My favorite thing about these pretzel bites is their texture. They are made with spent grain which attributes to their satisfying chewy texture that it is unlike any pretzel I have tasted.
Pairing that texture with the contrast of the crunchy salt is so good that I’d take it to the altar and put a ring on it. I had these bites served with beer cheese sauce and marinara sauce. When you dunk the pretzel bite in the cheese sauce it clung to the pretzel providing a bite of cheesy perfection. The marinara was also well seasoned and provided some acidity that was welcomed by the pretzel bites.
Backyard BBQ Pizza - This sauce was not spicy but it created a sweet tangy backdrop that balanced the flavor of many toppings. The caramelized onions play off the tanginess of the barbecue sauce creating more depth of flavor when eaten with salty cured meats such as ham and bacon. Of course, the cheese and the chicken were great additions and pulled everything together.
After the pretzel bits were devoured, the glorious Backyard BBQ Pizza arrived at the table. This pizza was showered with chicken, caramelized onions, cheese, bacon, ham, and thinly sliced jalapeños. The crust caressed these toppings with what looked like heavenly ripples of yeasted delight. Freebridge boasts about its house-made crust and it stands out with a soft texture followed by a satisfying crunch. This pizza has a barbecue sauce base. This sauce was not spicy but it created a sweet tangy backdrop that balanced the flavor of many toppings. The caramelized onions play off the tanginess of the barbecue sauce creating more depth of flavor when eaten with salty cured meats such as ham and bacon. Of course, the cheese and the chicken were great additions and pulled everything together. The sliced jalapeños that crowned the top of each bit have a great kick of heat if you were so lucky to get a jalapeño seed on your slice. Overall, I was blown away by this pizza and its ability to balance so many flavors to complement each other in one dish.
I would recommend going to Freebridge and enjoying the classic pairing of pizza and a cold crisp beer. Freebridge Brewing is located at 710 East Second Street they are open from Wednesday to Thursday from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday. Try it for yourself!
Cheers!
