Setting the Scene
Tucked away and shrouded in thick trees and overrun with all
manner of exotic birds, the destination was anything but ordinary. As our daring
group neared the entrance the cautionary squawk of a large fowl warned us not
to proceed further. But we were daring
adventurers, hell bent on fulfilling our quest, no matter the cost.
What
was that quest you might ask? Simple: to experience the Sunday Morning Brunch
at The Perch Brewery in Chandler, Arizona.
The Experience:
When we arrived, my group of 5 was
informed that there was open seating on the brewery’s rooftop bar. Naturally we
headed upstairs eager to feast and partake in the establishment’s offered
libations. Immediately, we realized that it was early spring in Central Arizona
and that the rays of the Earth’s only, and mightiest sun would surely wreak
havoc with the more porcelain-skinned members of our party. Plus I ain’t got no
damn hair, and didn’t have a hat.
Back
downstairs we went, where the hostess informed us it would be about a twenty
minute wait, and advised we could pass the time within the indoor bar. I will
admit, I couldn’t refuse.
The
five of us miraculously saw 5 open stools at the bar, and claimed them. The bartender
was friendly, knowledgeable, and chatty (which I happen to like), though not to
the point he was interrupting the conversation within our group. I attempted
the Irish Red, which was from The Perch itself, on a scale of 10, I’d rate it a
seven.
However, once we got to a table and
after a lag in being tended to by a server (per one of the managers we also
received a free round of BMs due to this oversight- also not the BM you’re thinking of, Bloody Mary- get
your mind out of the gutter!).
As you might’ve guessed, we
discovered a make-your-own-bloody-Mary
bar – or as I have renamed it “my-new-reason-for waking-up-early-on-Sundays”
bar. The server gives you the vodka of your choice, and you are free to go to
town acting out all your bloody Mary fantasies in a public forum. A bacon, hardboiled
egg, Sriracha, Worchester Sauce, salt, lime, pepper, tomato juice, and olive –
nirvana!
Oh and interspersed between the
drinks, there were some of the most beautiful dishes brought to our table.
Things like “Prime Dip” (house smoked prime rib, topped with bourbon glazed
caramelized onions) and Fried Green Tomato sliders (the namesake tomatoes
dressed with white truffle oil on a pretzel bun.
Random Observations:
These are some of the more quick hit, random, and perhaps
particularly defining (although perhaps not) things that were noticed during
the visit.
·
Glazed, vacant eyes
·
Booty Shorts
·
Morons taunting caged birds
·
Said morons sticking their fingers inside the
macaw’s cage
·
Delicious beer
·
Great food
·
Even better Bloody Mary’s
The Rating
Considering
price, quality, ambience, service I’d give The Perch an 8 out of 10- however I
did get to put bacon and Sriracha in my Bloody Mary, so easily a 9/10 overall.
The
Rub
The Perch has a knack for artfully prepared food and drinks.
While there were some missteps in the service the group received, these were
remedied, and overall the staff was attentive despite the crowd that was there
while we were present.
It was also noted by one patron (who may have had 1 too many
Nitro Milk Stouts) that the restrooms were “weird, but smelled good” – whatever
the hell that means…
Ultimately though the question becomes: Would I go back? The
Answer: Absolutely! The craft beer and craft food atmosphere that The Perch
promotes is one that is often strived for amongst upscale breweries that have
ventured into food pairings. Plus, I hope to see that macaw take that guy’s
finger off on the return trip. I can’t wait to point and give him the Nelson “Ha-Ha”.
Want
more info on The Perch?
Click http://perchpubbrewery.com/ to visit them!
-
David “Doc” Schroyer
