We were tasked by some friends to check out the local brew pubs to determine suitability for future gatherings. Toltec was our first stop. It seems an odd choice to send out a couple that doesn't drink to review brew pubs, but there are always a few other designated drivers at gatherings, and it's no fun for us if there's nothing to eat.

Being the first reviewed, Toltec sets a high bar for anyone else to meet. We tried 2 "Beer Bites" and one pizza today, and are taking home a significant amount to reheat for dinner. 

The cost on the "Beer Bites" was right up there with main dishes, so I got a bit of sticker-shock until I saw the massive portion on the Peruvian Chicken Fries. If they served the awesome mix of marinated chicken, cheese, peppers, onions, tomato, and crema atop a bed of greens, it would make one helluva salad that I'd probably go in for regularly. As it is, the tasty y hings top some of the most perfectly prepared and seasoned fries I've had on 2 continents.

Some of the most perfect fries, rather than the most perfect, since the Gilroy Garlic Fries are significantly crisper outside and the garlic, parmesan, and parsley in the ideal ratios to make for one of the best pomme-frites experiences I can recall, ever. Despite the standard portion being equivalent to 2-3 large potatoes, we finished every last one.

As I said, we rounded out our trial of this pub with a pizza, the Truth or Consequences. Not sure the specific link with the name, but the white sauce is dreamy, the three cheeses well complimented to one another, and the big cloves of roasted garlic are caramelized to perfection. It's a tasty pizza, but next go-round I'm likely to see if I can get some green chile added..