The Driftwood Room Is Going All-In on Absinthe

This week has been big for expansion news, between a new XLB heading to Slabtown and the Seasweets that just swung open doors in Beaverton. Still, there are a few other tidbits we didn’t catch this week, including a new beer “museum,” a ritzy absinthe program, and the end of a chocolatey tour. Let’s dig in:

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP — The so-called Portland Beer Museum has opened in downtown Portland, but hop historians shouldn’t get too excited yet: The SW Washington space is mainly filled with beer merch for sale, as well as a large growler fill station and tasting room. The “museum” is located at 308 SW Washington Street for those who want to see for themselves. [New School]

THE GREEN FAIRY’S — The Driftwood Room, the classic bar within the Hotel Deluxe, has expanded its absinthe offerings, now serving seven varieties of the spirit as well as a handful of absinthe cocktails. The most eye-catching serving of the spirit is likely the tableside French fountain, which drips ice water into the glass of absinthe two-drips-per-second, to help aerate the chosen variety. Take a look at the full menu here. [EaterWire]

ROAD TRIP — In case you missed it, there’s been a massive chocolate truck driving around Portland for the last week. The truck is giving away free chocolate samples at various locations around the city, but it’s finishing up its Portland-area stops this weekend. Today, it’s at the Nyberg Rivers New Seasons in Tualatin from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; tomorrow, it will be at the PSU Farmer’s Market from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; finally, on Sunday, it will be at the Fisher’s Landing New Seasons in Vancouver from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check out the Facebook event page for more details. [EaterWire]