Destinations: Cato's Ale House

Late spring in Northern California is a beautiful time. Intoxicating beauty accompanied by toxins, as Michael Pollan would say. One Woman, about to depart from this beautiful state in utter financial crisis has been taking advantage of the lovely things to do: exploring the great outdoors, bike trips and all.

Nothing is more glorious than a cold lager or pale ale after a good hike, or a steady incline on an ultra-heavy chunk of a clunker bike. And so, the recent beers in my life have been not only satisfying in a fine-art-of-beer way, but also in an oh-my-god-I-need-a-beer-now way after biking uphill for an hour, against the wind, in the blistering sun... (okay, fine, not all at once).

Cato's Ale House to the rescue. On my list of upcoming Destinations is the venerable Monk's Kettle in San Francisco. But after a sweaty hike, who wants to shower, change, and take the train and then some to go to a fancy beer bar where you want at least 15 of the beers but can only afford one? One Woman hopped on her bike instead and pedaled over to Cato's Ale House in Oakland (they also have many fine beers). 

Thanks to the long daylight hours, from the many windows of the building,  the sun was still shining on to the darkwood floor and walls of the beer themed ale house on Piedmont Avenue. Burgers and pizza for all, and happy hour pitchers and pints made for a boisterous but family friendly publick house scene. A couple of old ladies even came in to have a cuppa tea, and then left cheerfully.

Thristy from a hike and bike, I went for the extra pale ale on tap--the Steelhead from Mad River Brewing Company. Banana colored, nicely carbonated, notes of clover honey sweetness, and mild hops. That's about it. Does the job fine--I'll take it! Nothing bedazzling, but actually, it would probably make a really good fish and chips pairing with cod and a little vinegar drizzled over the whole mess.

Musical pairing: Stone Temple Pilots, "Plush." I think Steelhead is a good alternaradio beer. Cool, somewhat inspired, and catchy. Good song. Nice hair, Scott Weiland. And what's with the funny warped lens effect on the video? Quoting from a youtube commentator, 2 months ago--"i was born in 1996 but i wish i was born in the late 70s so i could have been teenage for this music along with Nirvana and Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and stuff. :( Music is crap today, with all the mainstream." But wait--1) omg. 2) check out the internet. yr only clicks away people who are still making inspired music. 3) punk's not dead!!