From Beer To Eternity

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You say you want a revolution?
Well, you know, we all want to change your head.
You tell us it's the institution?
Well, you know, you'd better drink a beer instead.

Fortunately, that's easy to do at Novare Res Bier Cafe in Portland. Translations of the Latin name vary depending on whom you ask — new beginning, new thing, to start a revolution. Owner Eric Michaud told Maine Today he's going with the latter. And if Saturday night's crowd was any indication, the revolution has started, and it's gaining momentum.

We had been hearing about this place from our foodie/drinkie friends for months, but our recent southern Maine visits have included more dinners and drinks at home with family and friends than barhopping. That all changed on Saturday night, when we took the Maven's little sister there for her bachelorette party.

For the record, Novare Res is not the type of place one would typically go for a bachelorette party. Then again, this was not the typical bachelorette party. The bride and her fiance love craft beers and imports, so we were sure she'd love it. We were the only people in the place wearing leis (and she was definitely the only woman in the place with a tiara and light-up "bride-to-be" button). The crowd was decidedly hip, but not a single person, including our patient beertender, raised an eyebrow .

Good sign.

Said beertender helped us navigate the menu, which includes 25 rotating taps, more than 300 bottled beers, tequila, single malt scotch and wine. Even the bride was overwhelmed, but after a sample pour of two Belgian-style ales, the Unibroue Ephemere Pomme, which has a hint of green-apple flavor, won two of us over, while the bride ordered a Stone Pale Ale.

For the first three weeks of May, Novare Res is holding a Belgian Bier Fest, and the menu offerings are impressive. If you need a nibble with your beer, Novare Res does offer food — in fact, Avery Yale Kamila at the Maine Switch describes the place as "a beer drinker’s paradise and a foodie’s dream." We considered the meats and cheeses, but we were still stuffed from dinner.

Next time, we'll leave room. And there will be a next time — we've joined the revolution.

For more information or to see the Novare Res menu, click here.

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