If you are looking for a great afternoon of Vietnamese food, I have a couple suggestions that just might whet your appetite. With so many great offerings in the Valley, you just can't go wrong. I've highlighted a few of my favorites and hope that you'll give them a try.
Tony's Bakery & Deli has a great Pork Vietnamese Sandwich for $2. But I'll warn you to take off the jalapeno peppers if you aren't looking for a kick to your sandwich. Tony's is located in the Viet Wah Shopping Center at 6020 Martin Luther King Jr. Way South. While you pick up your sandwich, you can get a great mango or coconut soda or just get a basic Pepsi - your choice. Tony's is owned by Hugh Tran, a local entrepreneur, and has been in operation in the Valley for more than four years.
If you don't like pork but you still want a great sandwich you might try a new restaurant called Rainier Beach Café. If you go, check out their chicken barbecue sandwich. The new café is located at 8738 Rainier Avenue South. If you go during the week at lunch hour, you might have to wait in line with the students of Rainier Beach High School. It's fast becoming a great sandwich spot, even though it's only been open six months.
If sandwiches aren't what you are craving, maybe you'd like to try the #5 at Pho Hoa in Columbia City. It's a great meal for a great price, and I especially like pho during the winter months because it warms my belly and I always feel the broth is helping to ward off cold and flu bugs.
Rainier Restaurant & BBQ offers great rice vermicelli with pork skewers (#32 on the menu). Rainier Restaurant is located at 6400 Martin Luther King Jr. Way South and has been operating at their current location for five years.
To finish off the day you should try Tammy's Bakery for a great dessert with fresh fruit, or try my favorite, the mango bubble tea.
Tammy's sister Jackie just opened a new restaurant called Le Bambou Café where you can find healthy treats made with no MSG. Her specialty at lunch is a lemongrass chicken salad. You'll also want to check out their number one best selling Vietnamese ice cream in the coffee flavor. Jackie also told me that her new mango dairy and non-dairy ice creams are selling very well, too. Stop in and check out this new deli. Le Bambou Café is located in Hillman City at 5607 Rainier Avenue South.
Be adventurous, try one of these local restaurants and find some great new treats.
Tiffany Crosby is head of the Rainer Chamber of Commerce. She may be reached via editor@sdistrictjournal.com.[[In-content Ad]]
