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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (March 15, 2012)
By Shannon Finnell I ’ve got information, man! New shit has come to light! Ever want to sip a white Russian in a bowling alley without worrying that you’ll end up serving 6 months in Chino? As long as you don’t do something foolish, like expose yourself to an 8-year-old, you can enjoy what you want at Strike City, out on Highway 99. First a little clarifi cation: This is not ‘Nam. This is bowling. There are rules. Liquor is sold downstairs in the Spare Room, in an area where minors aren’t allowed. Christie Scott at the OLCC says that liquor can be sold in the area without minors and that place is said to have a “predominant activity” that’s drinking-related. When patrons leave the bar, they enter an area where the predominant activity is bowling, and liquor can be consumed but not sold — so separating the selling from the drinking makes it legal. I know, I know, this is a very complicated case. A lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have- yous. And, uh, lotta strands to keep in your head, man. You might have to adhere to a pretty strict, uh, drug regimen to keep your mind limber. Don’t get down on yourself if you can’t keep all those strands in your head; if you’re into the whole brevity thing, you can just be a nihilist about it and not adhere to any belief. “Every restaurant is different; every bowling alley is different,” Scott says. The white Russians — or Caucasians, if you’re a fan of the preferred nomenclature — are just about perfect, with their milky softness and coffee punch, and they were just on the right side of strong the night we visited. Strike City’s Eric Gilbert says having a bar with a full liquor license is a pretty rare thing. “We’re the only one I know of,” he says. Gilbert says that right now specials like 75-cent tacos on Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular, but he’s looking to start up more Lebowski-themed events, such as a night with drink specials or special deals for those who bowl in costumes or bathrobes. Anyone with ideas or who wants to be kept in the loop can contact Gilbert at info@ eugenesgamecentral.com In the meantime, sipping on Caucasians isn’t the only way to celebrate the Duderino at Strike City. Each of the Spare Room’s burgers is named for a character in the movie — Brandt, Jeffrey, Donny, Hungus, Maude, Jackie, Bunny and The Sobchak Slammer — and made with Ninkasi’s Brew Beef Patties; they’re range-fed, hormone and antibiotic-free and fi nished with spent grain from Ninkasi. Does beef make you feel like you’re out of your element? Substitute a turkey, chicken or garden burger for free. There’s also a handmade free-range buffalo burger for $1.50 more. Still think having liquor in a bowling alley is too scandalous for Oregon? Well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man. ■ b wine bar Caucasians really tie the room together 2 CAREFUL MAN, THERE’S A BEVERAGE HERE! Over 60 Wines Full Bar Local Microbrews Lunch - Dinner Dessert - Appetizers Monday - Thursday 12-10pm Friday - Saturday 12-12 Sunday 3-9pm Located in Eugene’s Crescent Village 2794 Shadow View • 505-8909 • b2winebar.com Note: Those unfamiliar with the 1998 Coen brothers classic fi lm The Big Lebowski might wonder about the origins of that reference to Chino, ‘Nam and Caucasians. Check out the movie before writing to our dear editor. www.eugeneweekly.com March 15, 2012 SWIZZLE 7
