“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.”
— Abraham Lincoln
Fish and Chips Anyone?
Fish and chips at Placerville Brewing Company was on Russ Salazar’s bucket list and we tried to go there a couple of weeks ago, but it was a Tuesday, the only day of the week they are closed. So, last Thursday we tried again.
Placerville Brewing Company is a cozy but spacious, family run and family friendly restaurant and brewpub. The present owners took it over about seven years ago and made a number of improvements, including additional parking and a great patio on the side of the restaurant. What I especially like is the fact that they have left room between the tables, so that when the restaurant is busy, which is very often, it doesn’t feel too crowded.
With the fish and chips (we voted it outstanding; panko crusted and not over cooked) we also shared an ABC (avocado, bacon, cheese) burger which was very, very good. With it we ordered the ranch beans, which are commercial beans nicely amended to make them even better. The menu says the ABC burger came with chips and salsa, but they must have been deported (I forgot to ask).
We opted for Parmesan fries “chips” ($1.50 additional) with the fish, but could have selected garlic and herb, Cheddar, blue cheese or pepperjack, or stuck with the plain regular ones.
Salazar had and loved a strong blond ale, I had water. A strong beer at noon on a hot day is nice, but I always want to take a nap afterwards.
As I mentioned, the fish was really good and the housemade tartar sauce was yummy. The fries were delicious and crisp, and remained crisp even when they were cold. Our server, Danielle, made sure we noticed that. I dipped my fries in the tartar sauce.
We had the opportunity to share a few minutes with Steve Meylor, owner and brewmaster. Meylor was hooked on craft-brewing 15 years ago when he earned a gold medal at the El Dorado County Fair for his first ever entry. Since then, he has brewed thousands of batches of beer, more than 225 types of those commercially.
Meylor brought us up to date on “what is brewing” at the brewery, literally. He also talked about some of the dinners and parties they have held there for up to 200 people. Proudly he added that they have partnered with Hill Country BBQ owner and authentic Texan, Allen Vickers to add delicious pulled pork, smoked sausage, tri-tip sandwiches, and fall-off-the-bone barbecue baby back ribs to the menu.
Well, the menu has lots of appetizers (try the wings), specialties, sandwiches and burgers, dinner plates and more. And you can get everything to eat in or take out — check out the menu on the Placerville Brewing Company Webpage placervillebrewing.com. The prices are a bit out of date.
In addition to the long list of craft brews they make and serve, they also have soda, ice tea and local wine, among other things to drink.
The brewery is open 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., every day but Tuesday and is located at 155 Placerville Drive. Call 530-295-9166 for more information.