Business trips often conjure images of sterile hotel rooms and endless meetings. But sometimes, if you’re lucky, a Tuesday night can unfurl into an unexpected adventure, especially when you have a colleague like Brady by your side. Our latest excursion to Bellingham begins on a Tuesday night in Redmond, WA on a quest for good craft beer and even better company.
First Stop: Black Raven Brewing – A Farewell Pint
Our inaugural stop was Black Raven Brewing, a beloved local institution. The atmosphere was chill and perfect for our 5pm Teams meeting. As we settled in, eager to kick off the trip right we partook of a Grandfather Raven as our first pour while talking software solutions with our potential partner. Once concluded, we opted for the Black Raven Pilsner as a celebration of a successful meeting. This Pilsner is a crisp, clean delight, a golden hue promised refreshment, and it delivered with a subtle malt sweetness perfectly balanced by a snappy hop bitterness. This wasn’t just any pilsner; it was a masterclass in the style, proving that sometimes, simplicity is perfection.
As we savored our beers, we struck up a conversation with Jess, one of the beertenders. Jess has been a fixture at Black Raven for an incredible 14 years, a testament to her dedication and the brewery’s enduring charm. But tonight, there was a bittersweet note in the air. Jess was embarking on a new chapter, transitioning from pouring pints to managing food services at Microsoft. We wished her all the best, raising our glasses to her new adventure, a true Redmond story if there ever was one.
Next Up: Big Block Brewery – A Tale of Two Craft Beer Tastes
Our palates refreshed, we made our way to Big Block Brewery. This spot had a different vibe, with the majority of the customers hanging out on bar stools at the bar. Here, we decided to explore some contrasting styles. I went for the Chocolate Porter, and Brady opted for the Benevolent Blonde.
The Chocolate Porter was a revelation. It poured a deep, inviting brown with a creamy head. The aroma alone was intoxicating, a rich blend of roasted malt and decadent cocoa. On the tongue, it was smooth and full-bodied, with distinct notes of dark chocolate beautifully complemented by a hint of coffee. It was a dessert in a glass, without being overly sweet.
The Benevolent Blonde, on the other hand, was its bright and lively counterpart. Pale gold and effervescent, it offered a delicate aroma of floral hops and a touch of bready malt. It was incredibly easy-drinking, with a light body and a clean, crisp finish. A perfect beer for conversation and a palate cleanser after the robust porter.
Northwest Brewing Pint and Pies: Pizza, IPA, and the Tuesday Night Quandary
As the evening progressed, hunger began to set in, leading us to Northwest Brewing Pint and Pies Public House. The promise of delicious pizza and another craft beer was too strong to resist. We ordered a Big Kahuna with added pepperoni and a couple of pints of their Stormy Days IPA.
The Stormy Days IPA was a hop-lover’s dream. It was hazy and golden, bursting with tropical fruit aromas, a symphony of citrus and pine. The flavor was equally vibrant, with a pleasant bitterness that lingered without overwhelming, making it remarkably drinkable.
While we devoured our pizza and sipped our IPAs, we chatted with Savana, the beertender. The topic of conversation? Staying open until the posted 9 PM closing time on a Tuesday. “People need to know you are open and have good beer and food before Karaoke starts across the street at 9pm.” we told Savana. She admitted she normally closes up early as she explained the rhythm of Redmond’s weeknights, a gentle reminder that even in a bustling tech hub, Tuesdays have their own unique pace.
The Grand Finale: Tuesday Night Karaoke at Palmer’s East – A Wee Bit of Fun
Our beer and pizza adventures complete, the siren song of karaoke beckoned. Wee found ourselves at Palmer’s East, ready to unleash our inner rock stars with Whitney the karaoke host. The small Tuesday crowd gave us plenty of trips to the mic as we belted out our favorite 80s and 90s tunes.
Brady was up first, ever the showman, he grabbed the microphone, a fearless glint in his eye, and launched into Sweet Dreams by Marilyn Manson. The table in the corner cheered as the rotation had begun. It was the perfect, beginning to the ending to a fantastic Tuesday night.
Here’s a snapshot of Brady owning the floor:
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
