Entering Eugene, I found the river trail and rode till I found the ferry street bridge. I asked for directions from a passing man, as I was trying to find the residence of the Thompson’s. They had invited me via email to come stay with them during my stay in Eugene, as well as preparing me an authentic northwest meal. After I took a shower, I was first handed a beer and I sat and chewed the fat with Duane about our conjoin adventures travelling the world.
He had ventured to the market to find some beers I might like, him not being a beer drinker himself. What he found was a beer not found too far away, a lager that I suspect was dry-hopped in a fashion as to produce a bite near the end. Unique, but not strongly to my tastes.
From there, I consumed a beer from a local company which I later visit, called Ninkasi Brewing Company. I had drunk a total domination IPA when I rolled through Prarie City, OR and was very interested in trying another beer by their company. This IPA, Maiden the Shade, was full of different hops. This produced a very complex resiny flavor that I was now very fond of.
Him and Susan invited over some friends, and we consumed what Susan/Duane had prepared, A HUGE chunk of Salmon, some corn-on-tha-cob, a some cheese garnished greens from there garden and afterward a delightful bowl of fruit and ice cream.
After our main course, Susan told us that we were going to have a “Toothpick Experience.” It was and interesting alternative, shaped like that of a flexible blade, as opposed to our spear-like splinters of birch-wood.
This blend of malbec and cabernet had me surprised. Typical Malbec, but finished rather cleanly. A good pre-meal option.
The Salmon was paired with this Pinot Noir from Western Oregon, not a lingering as many of the imported Pinot Noir’s i’ve sampled.
The owner of perk ‘n play was supposed to be known for his mastery of latte art. He obviously had the skill down, but his timing was off so the complexsion of the drink suffered. They introduced me to an espresso blend lightly roasted by the Wandering Goat. The atmosphere on the otherhand was well balanced between tables and couches but really desired a dark quiet corner.
The “play” part of the name was introduced under the idea of having a multitude of puzzles for the customers to occupy themselves with while they wait for their cup of coffee. The trivia on this espresso machine is a great example:
After showing me all the best spots in town on top of two wheels, Duane had to follow the river trail to a golf lesson. And I was left to explore alone; At least for now.
I entered Perugino, already enticed by their decor. What thrilled me was the perfect latte they provided me with. Very well balanced and centered and I even had the option of ordering short(an 8oz size), which happens to be how I pour all the lattes that I later consume.
The Pastry that accompanied my latte complimented it very well. It was pastry dough, crimped and rolled into the shape of a rose, with the sweetest of onions places in all the tiny folds. Perfection.
The Barista handled herself very well behind the counter, AND on the floor. She knew the wines they displayed like she picked them out herself, and was eager to chat.
Center for Appropriate Transport
CAT as it’s called by the locals, housed Eugene Bicycle Works. They have a service area welcome to anyone to use(for a nominal fee), give instruction, and recycle old bikes into something very ridable.
They had a number of unique bikes and recumbants around the floor and on the walls.
My favorite was the highweel bike with a 36 inch Coker tire. I knew it seemed familiar, as the unicyclist I met on my first day had a tire just like it.
I met Joanne, a girl from Eugene, that I met when I was working at the Hard Bean. That was 6-7 years ago. We had some catching up to do. And in the mean time, she showed me around her neighbor hood.
First she to me to a local Taqueria and we got Guarachas. Cheap and delicious.
When we rolled by Ninkasi the first time, she introduced it as the “Pride of the Neighborhood.” The establishment alone was incredible. Brushed steel was everywhere and other art littered the walls. Much of it was in the style of the Ninkasi Logo. Ninkasi was named for the goddess of fermentation that the sumerians once worshiped.
I really enjoyed the Wandering Goat’s atmosphere. The Paint on the walls was all cool colors, and realist art was all over the walls. Good music played overhead, and the staff was knowledgable about their product.
They offered me a second cup of coffee when they brewed a new pot. It was a light roast with a slight chlorophyll taste.
After vistiting Laughing Planet just down the street for burrittos, we entered the line at this small Patisserie. I was assured that the coconut cream pie was amazing by Joanne and Bert. She pointed out the Chocolate Cream Pie, and I got that instead. It was so rich that almost couldn’t finish it on top of that burritto. The cream top, was plentiful and the slice was well garnished with a broken piece of sweet chocolate.
In the morning, Duane shuttled me around town, as I didn’t want to ride on a rest day and accomplish little healing.
He took me to Eugene City Bakery and I ordered a Red Hot Velvet Cupcake, as I have a new appreciation for cupcakes after spending time around Anqi.
Hide away bakery was opened by the son of a family whom already ran a restaurant just ajacent to it. They had a ponderous oven which took up nearly the whole kitchen, and I line out the door.
I ordered a Parma Braid with Procuito and Fontina cheese. Wrapped in pastry dough, the savory meat/cheese bliss of this creation had been peppered to leave the customer wanting more.
