They say (whoever they are) that it is good to admit your weaknesses and addictions. I try to spare folks most of my politically incorrect addictions, yet one I gladly fess up to is my affection for warm pub pretzels with grainy mustard.

Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon does a wonderful job brewing. Their Pale Ale and Inversion IPA rank among my favorites. If you have never visited the brewpub in bend you may not know that they also do an excellent job on food as well. The dual attraction resulted in a major expansion over the last year, easily doubling their square footage. They have more room, yet is it still crowded on a Friday night, a testimony to the growing popularity.

This pretzel with an assortment of mustards was presented in a most unique fashion. Instead of boring piles of three different mustards, these were aesthetically swirled in concentric circles, a touch of class for a pub tradition. Even the pretzel breaks from the traditional shape, adding the twisted braid down the center; a work of art and taste to enjoy.

Another place I enjoy pretzels is at the Thirsty Lion Pub in Portland, Oregon. Here it is the venue that makes it. The Thirsty Lion is a British themed pub with a real emphasis on soccer and rugby. So a lunch of pretzel and soccer is about as good as it gets.

When it comes to pretzels they should be similar in texture to a bagel, but not quite as chewy, a bit more of a bread like texture. What does not work is if they are gummy.