Two Buck Chuck in a plastic cup

Just like any other transplant to Bend who came from some other civilization of any significant size, I too love Trader Joe's, and am happy they're finally here. But wow, people, with all the buzz surrounding tomorrow's opening of the new Bend store, you'd think it was the second coming or something. I think we'll avoid the stampede tomorrow and wait until things have settled down. Just think, no longer will we have to make a TJ's pilgrimage while in Eugene, or Portland, or San Rafael.

We won't be buying Two Buck Chuck, though. Last time we tasted it, we thought it was swillish. So don't get too excited if you've never had it. If you want some cheapo house plonk, try the Crane Lake petite sirah sold at Ray's. It's not something you'd bring to a dinner party, but it's not bad at all for a mere $3.99. The other Crane Lake offerings are only so-so in my humble opinion, but that sirah/syrah is not half bad if you're feeling a bit budgetized.

At Pomegranate Downtown, we are always open for First Friday artwalks, and usually serve something fun to drink. Our latest concoction is a Pomegranate Sangria, which I have to say Robert (mixmeister) has perfected by now, even though he keeps tinkering with the ingredients. Last time he made it, he threw in a splash of tequila. Ugh, said I, until I tasted it.

Gearing up for First Fridays downtown is a rather expensive proposition, so it comes as no surprise that everybody eventually has to figure out ways to cut down on the cost. So there's a lot of Two Buck for these gatherings. Nothing wrong with that -- it's a great way to serve lots of people who are wandering and having fun. What is interesting are the some of the patrons, most of whom we know and love, but there's always that fringe group, armed with every free plastic cup of red wine served at these gatherings. By 9 o'clock, you can already see the imminent hangovers forming for some. That's when it's time to dim the lights, turn off the music, go home and collapse while we have our traditional First Friday 10pm supper: scrambled eggs with herbes de provence, toast, and a glass of cold milk. Ahhhh.