162: Jamaica Red

I used to work in Southeast Portland when I first moved to town. I also lived in Southeast Portland, and rare was the day I ventured out of that quadrant of the Rose City. Everything I needed was in reach: job, home, grocery stores aplenty, and of course, beer. Great beer. I’d argue that Southeast Portland, at least for beer lovers, has the highest density of exceptional imbibing venues in Portland. Within walking distance from my first apartment were the Horse Brass, Basement Pub (a highly under-rated beer venue), the Lucky Lab, Rose and Raindrop (now closed) and of course, Produce Row.**

I went to Produce Row most frequently for Friday lunches, rain or shine (thanks to the partially-covered patio). For my money, they had the best fries in town. Crispy, beer-battered goodness that were as reliable as they were delicious. But the Jamaican chicken sandwich was incredible. Red peppers, provolone, and jerk chicken on a hoagie bun, for $7 or $8.

After I left SE Portland (I moved my home to NE, and work to SW), I visited Produce Row less frequently. But the last time I revisited my old luncheon standby, while the fries remained, the Jamaican sandwich inexplicably disappeared.

So the first question I asked the kitchen staff at the Row’s re-opening party was, “Are you bringing the Jamaican sandwich back?” The answer, sadly, was no (but they knew immediately what I was talking about!).

The fries are still awesome, but the decor has stepped up a bit, reflecting the new investments being made in (not so) Industrial Southeast. There’s still a large covered patio out back, and despite the passage of time, and a major remodel, the prices are still reasonable (sandwiches are $7-9, with fries).

Beer Name: Jamaica Red
Brewer: Mad River Brewing
Price: FREE*
Sampled: June 11, 2010
Rating: 3/5
Notes: Fairly malty with a dry, toasty, almost smoky malt thing going on. Not scotch, but a teensy bit of peat. Very drinkable but seems fairly alcoholic.
ABV: N/A
IBU: N/A
OG N/A
TG N/A
Serving Type: Draft.
* I sampled this beer at a media preview/opening party for Produce Row. All the food and drinks were comp’ed.
** Now, you could add the Green Dragon, Roots Brewing (for now), Maiden in the Mist, Beaker and Flask, and several others to that list.