More than a decade ago, Michelle and Darren Cartledge, along with Jamie Ashdon, launched Humboldt Cider Co. Back then, they were brewing in 5-gallon fermentation vessels. They are bigger now — several of their fermentation vessels now are 5,500 gallons and they employ 18 people — but they remain wonderfully Humboldt-centered. I was assigned to […]
Michael Kraft
Posted inFood & Drink
Catching a Flight at Six Rivers Brewery
It’s fitting that a brewery named after the North Coast’s rivers swims upstream. At a time when alcohol consumption has fallen generally, and beer drinking has fallen particularly, Six Rivers Brewery has just expanded its brewhouse and significantly upgraded its equipment. They also have a semi-new chief brewer, Aaron Weshnak. Weshnak’s beer journey goes back […]
Posted inEat + Drink
Deep Roots at Paskenta Mad River Brewery
It had been too long since I last visited Paskenta Mad River Brewery in Blue Lake. It’s not that I hadn’t been drinking their beer all that time, but returning to those comfy surroundings reminded me to get out more, and farther. CEO Linda Cooley met me in the bar. She’s been in the beer […]
Posted inOn the Table
Return of the Strange
I’m writing this while simmering in the mild, buzzy afterglow that follows attending a beer festival. In the past few years, Humboldt’s beerfests have slowly come back, and the return of Strange Brew, a benefit for the Eureka Theater, feels like a full-circle moment. With at least three dozen libations to sample, I tried, I […]
Posted inOn the Table
Beer-flavored Beer at Pale Moon Brewing Co.
Tucked away around the corner from the CVS and Safeway in Arcata, Pale Moon Brewing Co. (600 F St., Suite 7) looks nondescript from the outside. Step inside, however, and you’ll find it inviting and lovably pubby. You sit among the metal brightwork — so pretty — and have a pint or two with an […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Questions to Ask Yourself When the Power is Out
Who am I, when it’s overwhelmingly dark? Who am I, alone in this expanding gloom? Who am I, staring at weakly flickering candles? Who am I, writing in this otherwise unlit room? Who am I, untethered from the global clatter? Who am I, in this quiet city amid stark and present stars? Who am I, […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Heard on the Deck, 5 a.m.
From our silent little home between the sea and the bay We hear the waves; we almost hear the spray A light mist comes around to drizzle and drip Nearby, winds in spruces whisper and whip Down the road, Japanese roosters cry kokekoo American cockerels call cock a doodle doo Our Korean rooster replies kokioo, […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Eucalypts Over the Water
They’re not from this place The Eucalyptus trees spearing the sky Their naked trunks below near gleaming in the morning sun Massive branches and leaves darkly silhouetted against backlit morning fog The trees reach wide and tall near the bay It’s a negative tide and little wriggles of water sparkle in the sun The water […]
Posted inArts + Scene
A Song for Wednesday Morning
Seinfeld said you’re not a cat Bathing top down’s where it’s at Wash hair and face, scrub the pits Don’t forget the naughty bits Grab some breakfast, cup of Joe Kiss my wife before I go Measure life with coffee spoons But I play some classic tunes Out the garage, pass the bay Moo at […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Colossus 2017
You’re not from here; you’re poor You homeless, turbaned Sikh You refuse of Syria, you masses of Sinaloa’s shore You’re tempest-tossed; you’re not their best; you’re meek Take heed, beware lest ye be spanked as you exit through the golden door
Posted inArts + Scene
Lunch for One
Alone at Chili’s Lunch in the intertidal region, a table in the bar Men in camo ball caps pick at Buffalo wing salads and wolf Coors We’ll tell our wives the truth: salad for lunch Marla, the bartender, has chosen the music She’s piping in Billy Joel today,Uptown Girl Marla’s your basic brick shithouse Her […]
Posted inArts + Scene
I hear my pulse
I hear my pulse in dead of night wee hours it thrums so soft deep in my brain muted bassline from a distant prom dance endless endless and yet the dance must end