Best Corned Beef Sandwich!

Connie and I came into Bend tonight for the Farmer's Market and Bend Drum Circle, and as always when we visit Bend, a big question on our minds was, "What's for dinner?"

"What's for dinner?"

That's a big question. Connie suggested fast food. I suggested the Farmer's Market. And that's when my Lovely Wife had a stroke of genius. "How about that place in the breezeway?"

"The Downtowner?" That was the one. We'd been in there for sodas, but never eaten there. Silly us.

I've had a hankering for a hot corned beef sandwich. Among the choices of corned beef on their menu was something called the Maloney: "House braised corned beef, grilled onions, dill pickles, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo & stone-ground mustard on a kaiser roll." Served with house chips and a pickle. I ordered it with no mayo and no cheese.

mmmmm, heaven. The corned beef was lean, tender and plentiful. The roll was hot. The potato chips were thick, crisp and well seasoned (salt and onion powder?). Barring evidence to the contrary, I'm declaring this sandwich the best corned beef sandwich in Central Oregon.

Connie ordered the Catalina Club: "House roasted turkey breast, bacon, swiss cheese, avocado spread, lettuce, tomato & mayo on a kaiser roll." She loved it. She even finished it, and The Downtowner doesn't skimp. These are big sandwiches.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Sorry, it's the food. Had to say how good it was. Anyway, we ordered, got a number for our table and took our seats. A short time later, the cook comes out with two plates and hands Connie the Catalina and me the corned beef. "How'd you know who got what?" I asked him. "I heard you order. It's a small kitchen." Smart guy.

After our meal, he comes out again to ask how it was, and we related how wonderful the meal was. His name was Matt Gordon. One of the four owners. He said they were opening a new restaurant downtown, just a few blocks away, where the old Bend City Grill was. They hope to open in October, but they know it's hard getting everything together. The new place will have two floors, and will have good seating for live music. I suggested hopefully they make it like The Grove. "It'll be better than The Grove!" he said.

That depends on how you liked The Grove, I guess. When I inquired if they'd have poetry slams and belly dancing, as The Grove periodically did, he didn't think that would fit their plans. Otherwise, it sounded great to me. Nice decor, a comfy fireplace, live music, good food. You can't get too much of that. It beats another dress shop or gift store. (Right, Duncan?)

I asked Matt if I could quote him in my blog. "Are you Bend Oregon Restaurants???" he asked hopefully. When I shook my head, he was crestfallen. Poor guy.

The Downtowner is going to be high on our list now when we want a sandwich downtown, and we're looking forward to the new place.

Good stuff, Maynard.

The Downtowner
852 NW Brooks St. (back of the breezeway)
Bend, OR
Free downtown delivery, eat in, or call 388-2467 for takeout.
No web site. (Shame on you, Matt!)


Posted by Dave    Blog Tag: Reviews