I used to work at P.F. Chang's years ago. Earlier this year, they closed down my Chang's to remodel and enlarge it and I hadn't been back since it reopened. Last night marked my return.
It's nice to know the bartender. As we are all standing around up front, waiting for seats at the bar to become available, I have a look at the drinks menu. I see the usual suspects- adjunct lagers and Asian beers, and, what's this, Morimoto Soba?
A Rogue beer, a 22 oz bottle no less, at a mainstream, franchise Chinese restaurant? Before I have a chance to ask the bartender if this is what I think it is (it didn't say Rogue in the menu), one of my friends orders me one. Yup, low and behold, it is the same Rogue 22 oz bomber I had been reading about on Rogue's website only a few days earlier. Will wonders never cease.
So, thanks to this fortunate oddity of fate, I was able to sample another impressive Rogue beer. One I probably would have never bought myself, I might add. I won't review it from memory but I will say that it was a slightly hazy, light golden color and it didn't produce much head. The Soba (buckwheat) adds an interesting, yet hard to describe, taste to it. Smooth and slightly sweet, it is most noticeable in the finish.
The beer is light and thin, great to wash down lettuce wraps and crab wontons. The flavor the soba imparts on it may not be to everyones liking but it does make this ale an interesting change of pace and a memorable experience. It is, no question, a quality brew.
If your ever at your local P.F. Chang's, or neighborhood beer place, and you come across a soba beer, check it out. Who knows, you just might like it. Oh, and while your there may I suggest the Chengdu Spiced Lamb. Delicious. Thanks to Jen for the beer and to Luis for the picture. Cheers!
