3 minute read
New Sports Pub Menu Strikes Perfect Balance
Old Favorites, New Ingredients & Future Classics Await
By Jake Ten Pas
Right down to its logo, the original MAC Sports Pub practically invited members to burst into song. “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name …”
The newly refreshed Sports Pub promises a design set to parallel with the looks of some of Portland’s premier eateries, as well as exciting new directions in the food itself. But any member suspicious of change can rest assured that the atmosphere will remain welcoming — and wafting with delicious, mostly familiar aromas.
In short, you’ll always be glad you came.
“The whole redesign was done by a committee of members, and everybody who sat on it was there to represent different stakeholders and communities within the club. Plus, there were multiple opportunities for input from the general membership,” says Food & Beverage Committee Chair Amanda Harvey.
That includes representatives from Athletics, who might be focused on the healthy, restorative aspects of meals; others from Communications perhaps fixated on perception and presentation; and MelloMacs who might still burst into song when the reimagined Sports Pub opens its doors.
“We’re really trying to strike the balance that will make as many people happy as possible,” Harvey continues. “Personally, I’m excited about the aesthetic, which is going to be much more in line with where the club wants to go in the future in terms of being timeless, but more modern, and a place where I think we’ll all feel proud to bring friends and guests.”
In addition to the cleaner, airier design — complete with subway tiles, locally sourced tables, and bespoke furniture and fixtures — the food is set to mirror the adaptability promised by its modular design. Just as staff can rearrange the space to accommodate parties of various sizes and occasions, Executive Chef Rodrigo Ochoa is committed to using the new point of sale to customize dishes for more particular patrons.
“You want to move ingredients over or have a different type of protein? They can do that, which is pretty special. Not all restaurants are willing or able to do those kinds of substitutions,” Harvey says.
Staples such as burgers and salads will continue to provide comfort, while healthier rice bowls featuring poke and other fresh proteins provide expanded healthy options. Meanwhile, loaded baked potatoes and now house-made onion rings promise to wow those who think they’ve tasted such fare before.
“I thought the poke bowl was great,” Harvey opines after sampling a smorgasbord of forthcoming items at a preview dinner for committee members. “That is what I want to eat when I am wanting a healthy meal.”
“I see this reopening as an opportunity to tweak some old habits and come up with new routines.”
