Getting to Know You...Portland.

Cuban Flavor, Bahn Mi, and Tour de Portland

I woke up late. When it's overcast all day, it always feels like morning. There is a sense that you have the whole day ahead of you, the whole day. After I made some German Pancakes, and drank a half a pot of coffee, we decided to unload the trailer for a while. This started off as a good plan but by the time we decided to go for lunch it was 3:00 pm. However, in a city with abundant happy hours, this turned out to work in our favor. Matt suggested we try Pambiche as it is one of the places that I am interview at next week. First of all, the outside of this place is painted in Vibrant colors. There is just something about the exterior splash of cheerful colors that hints at the array of colorful flavors that lie within. My hubby was unhappy with our table because it was right next to the front door but I was loving it because it put my in direct eye line of the pastry case.

PAMBICHE 2188 NE Glisan
Our Meal: HAPPY HOUR
Price: $
What We Ordered: We all Shared Everything

• Empenadas-Beef encased in a flaky crust so tasty
  
• Yuca con Mojo- Fried yuca root with a garlic lemon gravy-like dipping sauce
  
• Moros & Cristianos-Black beans and rice
  
• Potajes de Frijoles Colorados-A very hearty stew of red beans, pork and potatoes with tons of flavor served with white rice it is muy delicioso!
  
• Masitas- Fried Pork and quite possible the best thing on the planet...you know how I love pork and fried foods, this is the holy grail, the best of both worlds, my favorite dish!
  
• Ropa Viejas-Shredded beef simmered in salsa rojo.

This was truly a great meal and we loved every bite. We also got an array of desserts to take home. We haven't tried them yet but will let you know soon.

Best Baguette-8303 SE Powell Blvd
Cuisine: French-Vietnamese
Meal: Dinner
Price: -$ (We're talkin' $2.85 for a 6-inch sandwich)

• Carla's: BBQ Pork Bahn Mi
  
• Kyle's: Meat Ball Bahn Mi
• Matt: Grilled Pork Bahn Mi

So here's the deal Bahn Mi is my new favorite thing seriously. East meets West in a totally unpretentious way. Here's the rundown: Fresh Baked French Baguette spread with a mayonnaise mixed with fish sauce, then comes the meat layer of your choice, (the best was the grilled pork), then comes pickled carrots, cilantro, daikon radish, and Jalapenos. Bahn Mi makes me happy!

We finished off our day with a guided tour around downtown (by our buddy Matt) and we saw all the food carts and about fifty other destinations to add to the adventure list. Back home to unpack some more and our room feels like home.

Stay Tuned for more fun, food, beer, baked goods, recipes, and crazy rantings from your favorite Mad Mistress of Pastry Chef Carla!