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| - A week ago I had the opportunity to enjoy the Yard pre-opening at one of their sampling parties where they test their menu and service prior to opening day. Under normal circumstances (i.e. when I'm paying for it), when experiencing a new restaurant for the first time, I would rarely deviate from what I consider my "go-to's", on a menu. I'm predictable like that, something I know about myself. But these weren't normal circumstances.
The food was pretty good and nothing I wouldn't have expected from Culinary Dropout. I had the prime rib dip, and it was alright. No onion soup that day, but the au jus was a decent complement. The thing I really liked was the beer selection. It's refreshing, all the new places that are stocking craft beers, with names you never heard of. The Yard is no different. Now Deschutes and Delirium are starting to pop up all over the place so I wouldn't say they are anything new, but delicious none the less. What they do have is a Lager called Batch 19 Pre-Prohibition. Sounds cool and tastes even better. I had to try it, even at lunch which I never do, but again, this was no ordinary day.
The size of this place is just massive and I can't wait to see what the next couple months hold. The metal canopy that used to house Ducati's and Kawasaki's has be tastefully re-purposed and can easily fit 300 people on a bad day. I hear they are going to be hosting concerts and events. I'm sure I'll be at a few. As long as the crowd stay's cool and not to pretentious I'm sure I'll be back a lot. It's got a phenomenal location, in a much needed part of town. I can't wait to go back and see what the nightlife is like!
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