Specialty Cocktails Inspired by "Astoria: Part Two"
Resident Mixologist and The Armory Bar Supervisor Melissa Larrabee writes about creating the delicious specialty cocktails inspired by Astoria: Part Two.
 | Angel of Death
Astoria: Part Two opens with the "angel of death" looming over the Overland Party. Because the Overland Party had little to drink or eat, I imagined pioneers drinking a lot of whiskey — one of the main spirits of the time — to chase away fear of the angel of death. A nod to the Overland Party’s final destination, Eastside's new Burnside Oregon Oaked Bourbon is paired with another common commodity of colonial North America, molasses. Tart blackberries and vermouth balance the rich malty sweetness of molasses, creating a beautifully deep rusty-plum concoction. |
 | Concomly's Invitation
In honor of Concomly, a Chinook headsman, native huckleberries and sage used by the Chinook people were the inspiration for this drink. I have a weakness for anything huckleberry and was excited to use the newly released Wild Roots Huckleberry Vodka. Paired with a sage-clove simple syrup and soda water, this drink is garnished with a lemon triangle bearing a "crown" of cloves to contrast the cocktail's bright hibiscus color. |
 | Marie's Might
This cocktail pays homage to the courageous Marie Dorion and her heroic struggle to keep herself and her children alive through the expedition. Marie’s tribe, the Ioway, would have used native rhubarb that grew in the Great Plains. Rhubarb has a strong, colorful stem. It was first introduced to me by one of the strongest women I know, my grandma, and I felt it would be a good representation of Marie's strength. Dry's Sparkling Rhubarb is mixed with New Deal's Dry 33 Gin infused with mint and Meyer lemon rind, and garnished with candied Meyer lemon slices. |
 | Pearishing at Snake Much of the Overland Party’s dramatic journey occurred along the Snake River, aka Mad River, leading to some expeditioners (spoiler alert!) perishing there. A cocktail with "snake" in the name should have a bite: New Deal's Ginger Liqueur is sharp and slightly sweet, and is paired with New Deal's Portland Original — the new 90 proof (!) version of their Portland 88 — and pear juice. Idaho’s primary pear production grows southwest of the Snake River. Thus a pear pun was born. A dried pear garnish and tumeric simple finish off this deliciously dangerous* drink. *In a dramatic twist of irony, turmeric, ginger and even pear all have known health benefits. |
 | Burn it to the Ground
With news of the War of 1812 and a British warship on its way, MacKenzie turns to Ross at his post and says, “Tell the men to bundle every pelt we’ve collected and bury the bundles beneath the floor boards ... Burn the place to the ground. We’ll leave not one pelt for these bastards to enjoy.” For a cocktail to symbolize this moment, Raft’s Smoke Tea Vanilla syrup — tastes like campfire! — is paired with Below the Deck Spice Rum for a little sweetness and spice. A few dashes of grapefruit bitters enhance the campfire flavor. The drink is finished with soda water and a garnish of curled, candied grapefruit rind. |
More about Astoria: Part Two:
Reviews of "Astoria: Part Two"
"Astoria is a great way to learn the history behind the place we all call home. It reminds us to be grateful to the people who sacrificed their lives, as well as recognize the cultures that had been here long before Astor conceived his plan.”
A Family History Unfolds On Stage
In 1811, Alexander McKay and his son Thomas arrived at the mouth of the Columbia River aboard the Tonquin ship as members of the Pacific Fur Company. 206 years later, in 2017, Alexander’s great-great-great-great-grandson, Bob Nelson, settled into a seat at The Armory to watch Astoria: Part One.
Art Installation by Portland Cherokee Artist Brenda Mallory
The Armory will host Recurring Chapters in the Book of Inevitable Outcomes, an art installation by Brenda Mallory, a local artist and member of the Cherokee Nation. Now through the run of And So We Walked.
The Astor Expedition Ale
In celebration of Astoria: Part Two, we've partnered with the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce and five Astoria brewers to create a limited edition beer to commemorate the 19th century expedition.
The Music of Astoria
From the French Canadian voyaguer songs to traditional American folk songs, explore the music in Astoria.
Resource Guide for Educators: Peter Stark
Astoria author Peter Stark talks about writing and researching the book, and the journey's lasting impact today.
A Bird's-Eye View of "Astoria"
Astoria is an overflowing treasure chest of history; this article offers a peek into the context of the world of the play and snapshot introductions to some of its fascinating inhabitants.
"Astoria" Marathon Day Happy Hours
Artisans from our costume department will be showing off their work between marathon performances of Astoria: Part One and Two.
Current & Upcoming
Art Exhibit: ¡Soy Yo! by Mika Martinez
¡Soy Yo!, is a multi-media project, created by Mika Martinez, that examines and celebrates Latinx identity featuring more than 50 portraits of the Hispanic/Latino community in Portland.
Piano Bar with Courtney Freed and David Saffert
Join us for this monthly event with local songstress Courtney Freed and Portland-based pianist David Saffert as they host a good old-fashioned PIANO BAR.
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Nassim
From Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour (creator of the Off-Broadway smash hit White Rabbit, Red Rabbit) comes an audacious new theatrical experiment, presented in collaboration with Boom Arts. Each night, a new, unrehearsed local performer joins the playwright on stage, while the script waits, unseen, in a sealed box... Touchingly autobiographical yet powerfully universal, NASSIM is a striking theatrical demonstration of how language can both divide and unite us.
Art Exhibit: Garam Garam Chai by Yusra Siddiqui
Portland Center Stage will host Garam Garam Chai, an art exhibit by Portland-based multidisciplinary artist Yusra Siddiqui, featuring a series of hand-sewn teabag printmaking pieces that serve as a contemplation of the communal tea times shared between Desi and British culture.
Coriolanus
Shakespeare’s tragedy about the war hero Coriolanus and the fight between the elite and the deprived masses will be fueled by a dynamic female and non-binary ensemble with a muscular, movement-focused staging.
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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