My first thought was family style country food. Homey, comfy, very laid back. I was not disappointed but was reminded that it really is Asian cuisine when I took a glance at the menu. My nerdy friend and I took a seat at the small bar at the end of the restaurant. The decor is simple and from what Will, our Bay Area bartender, told us- all handmade by Ben, the owner. It is a completely family run business on its way to success.
Since we were the only ones there right at opening, Will took the time to chat and fill us in with his story about how he came to Portland and how he ended up here at Fish Sauce mixing up some pretty mean drinks. I'd tell you but you could go in and ask him yourself too. I took on the Short Round, for a short round, and the daily punch- better than Hamburger Mary's punch since I didn't wake up with a raging headache in the middle of the night and really there is no comparison. Will seems like a guy who loves what he does. He took quality time to make each drink and still took the time to chop it up with us and the new wave of guests that came in.
Opening time also meant happy hour! My favorite hour of the day. An already inexpensive menu with an even more inexpensive happy hour menu with filling and delicious home cooked food. And from what I understand, it's Ben's mother cooking- you can't get more homemade than that. As an owner Ben is very friendly and takes the time to stop and say hello to every guest- I love these kinds of places. And even if starting and running your own place takes up most of your time and away from sleep, with Ben you could never tell.
The food is simple, delicious, and filling. As usual I over ate but left happy. I broke down and got some Cha Gio (crispy rolls) which tasted surprisingly like the lumpia that my mom and I make at home. I took down some Bo Cuon (beef rolls) filled with Walla Walla onions and carrots and the lettuce wraps with the recommended chicken and mushroom filling. Delicious. My nerdy friend got the pho and it could have fed two! None of the items that we picked off the menu, including drinks exceeded $7- where else can you find a deal like that?
By the time we left, it felt like we had made some new friends and were sufficiently full and filled with good booze. To put it simply, I can't wait to head back for more from Fish Sauce. And best yet, it supports local business and what your tummy wants.
Tip for the Day: Sometimes recreating childhood meals yourself isn't the same. But sometimes someone else can make it or you might need to head home for that yummy goodness and home felt feeling. Mom- the next time I come home I want pos pas please :)
