Da Nang: Bend, Oregon

Out Of Town Travelers

Da Nang: Bend, Oregon - Where Vietnamese Street Food Hugs Craft Beer (and Your Furry Friend!)

My daughter, a connoisseur of mobile munchies (and apparently a secret agent with a network of favorite food trucks – this was one of three!), recently led me back to Da Nang, a beacon of Vietnamese deliciousness nestled in the surprisingly vibrant culinary scene of Bend, Oregon. Now, while this wasn't my maiden voyage to this particular purveyor of portable perfection (last time I went rogue and tried a different protein, a decision I still occasionally ponder in the quiet hours), I knew I was in for a treat.

This time, the siren song of the chicken banh mi was too strong to resist. Let's break down this symphony of textures and tastes, shall we? First, the carrots. Oh, those glorious carrots! Pickled to a perfect tang, they offered a zesty little wake-up call to the palate, like tiny orange exclamation points in a culinary sentence.

Then came the chicken. Picture this: succulent pieces, kissed by the flames of a grill, boasting a delightful char that hinted at smoky secrets. And the sauce! Oh, that sauce. It wasn't just a sauce; it was an experience. An unforgettable, possibly magical concoction that lovingly embraced the chicken, whispering promises of flavor explosions to come.

And boy, did it deliver. The moment you bite into that glorious creation – the savory, slightly charred chicken mingling with the tangy pickled carrots, all nestled within the embrace of a crunchy yet chewy baguette – it's like a tiny party erupts in your mouth. A flavor fiesta! A textural tango! It's the kind of sandwich that makes you close your eyes and briefly consider writing a thank-you note to the food truck.

Now, let's talk logistics. This wasn't some haphazard hunk of poultry. No, no. This was thoughtfully prepared chicken thigh, marinated with the kind of care usually reserved for prized jewels. And the best part? Someone had the foresight and kindness to remove all those pesky bits of cartilage. It was a well-dressed piece of chicken, ready for its close-up (and my eager chompers).

The setting for this epic culinary encounter? None other than the tasting room of Deschutes Brewery. A stroke of pure genius, especially considering the rogue snowflakes attempting to turn Bend into a winter wonderland. It was a cozy, aromatic haven, filled with the happy murmurs of beer enthusiasts and the clinking of glasses.

And the best part for animal lovers (and those of us who consider our pets furry family members)? Deschutes Brewery rolls out the welcome mat for our four-legged friends! They've thoughtfully designated a few tables in the lobby, right before you enter the main tasting room, so you can enjoy your delicious food truck finds and your craft beverages without leaving your best pal out in the cold. It's the kind of pet-friendly hospitality that makes your heart (and your dog's tail) wag.

To wash down this delightful Vietnamese adventure, I opted for a Wayfarer cedar traditional, a dry cider boasting a respectable 7.3% ABV. It was crisp, refreshing, and you could genuinely taste the apple – a far cry from those overly sweet, vaguely fruity concoctions. It was the perfect palate cleanser, a sophisticated counterpoint to the banh mi's vibrant flavors.

All in all, this Da Nang experience was a resounding success. Delicious food, fantastic beer, a cozy (and pet-friendly!) atmosphere – it's the kind of fun that makes you immediately start planning your next visit. Bend, Oregon, you're doing it right! And Da Nang? Consider me a loyal customer (and my daughter, your most enthusiastic hype woman).