The Local Dish: Fried Chick Bliss at The Riv
By Charles Childs/CCCNews Foodie
It was a rainy day in the last fleeting days of summer.
The grey skies and cool weather made me crave something warm and comforting for lunch. My first thought was to find a cozy up in The Riv with an artisanal sandwich.
The Riv is in The Dalles inside a stone building that was previously a church. While it is not a church anymore, have faith that the atmosphere is still just as heavenly. With high white ceilings, modern decor, and stained glass entry doors, this space is a perfect cozy setting for having a sip of coffee while you study or to have a family meal.
The rain kept me indoors for this meal, but I looked fondly out at the dreamy outdoor space under the trees that create an ideal place for brunch.
I ordered at the counter and was greeted by friendly staff. I ordered a Mango Passion Fruit Kampuchea and a fried chicken sandwich with a side salad. Kampuchea is a fermented tea that is lightly carbonated and flavorful. After choosing a seat and sipping on my delightfully tangy Kampuchea the chicken sandwich arrived at the table.
The fried chicken sandwich was towering over my plate. This sandwich had jaw-dropping fluffy buns that had a formidable squish that is indicative of freshly made bread. It instantly transported me to my grandmother’s house eating hot buttered rolls. The fried chicken breast was moist on the inside and crunchy on the outside. I am almost certain that the chefs at The Riv pound their chicken before dipping it into the batter for frying. This encourages the chicken to be tender after cooking. The fried chicken was very flavorful, one could assume that the batter was seasoned to flavor the dish from within and add an extra depth of flavor.
The chicken sandwich was adorned with pickled onions and studded with whole ground mustard that settled into the crust of the chicken. The pickled onions and the mustard are essential to this dish. With the decadent homemade rolls and hearty chicken, it is important to refresh the pallet with a source of acid.
This sandwich was coupled with a simple side salad that had tomatoes and cucumbers finished with a homemade lemon vinaigrette. The Riv has many side options such as soup or chips but this salad balanced the richness of this dish.
The thing that stands out about The Riv is its commitment to quality and community. This business is family run and the Staff try to make almost everything in-house. They create an inviting atmosphere with occasional live music or other fun events.
The Riv is open for breakfast and lunch with a full espresso bar, wine, and beer options. They are located at 401 East 10th Street in The Dalles. Their hours are 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday through Saturday. In addition to their lunch, I would recommend trying their full breakfast menu and baked goods. I have been to The Riv numerous times and they always delight.
Cheers!
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CCCNews Foodie Columnist Charles Childs is out and about monthly looking for great menu items around The Dalles. Their Column, The Local Dish, reviews plates too good to miss.
