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As Oregon settles into its first weekend without fully operating bars and restaurants, it's becoming clear we're already desperately missing our regular watering holes.
Dozens of local eateries continue to offer curbside pickup and/or delivery of everything from family-style meals to six-packs of beer, but the secondslong interaction it takes for that handoff might not be enough for anyone craving social interaction.
Related: A Portland Restaurateur Has Started Three Delivery-Only "Ghost Kitchens." Great Timing.
That's led to at least a few businesses developing innovative ways to stay connected in this time of self-isolation to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.
10 Barrel Brewing's Pearl District pub, for instance, is hosting its first virtual happy hour this afternoon. You can join the party remotely on the business's Instagram page starting at 3 pm. That's when members of the management team and their social media coordinator will answer any pressing questions you might have—anything from the origins of the company's name to its favorite type of cheese.
And even though you can't physically join them on the location's rooftop patio, they're sure to share the sweeping views.
Just a few blocks away at wine-centric restaurant Arden, sommelier Kelsey Glasser will host a virtual tasting flight for oenophiles who are stuck at home. Tune in on its Facebook or Instagram platforms at 3 pm Sunday, March 22, for a tutorial on terminology and food pairing suggestions. Glasser will focus on Oregon pinots noirs, since that's the wine most people are likely to have stashed in their kitchen.
Related: New Portland's Newest Wine Bar is Still Finding its Footing, But the High Points Are Divine.