Fricken Faco

(After this posting, I was contacted by Michelle Staley, co-owner of Fricken Faco. She explained that the food truck is addressing its opening jitters and invited me to come back. She says the menu has been updated and staff is being better trained to respond to questions about gluten content. Thanks, Michelle! More to come here, after my next visit...)

I’ve tried Fricken Faco twice at The Lot in NW Bend because I’m dying to eat gluten-free fried chicken somewhere in town. Unfortunately, both times the experience has been confusing and, ultimately, disappointing.

The eatery’s green, two-tier bus opened a couple months ago after a long wait. Prominently listed on its short menu are fried chicken and fried-fish tacos described as being made with GF breading. Portions are generous and the chicken nuggets are crisp, juicy and tasty. The delicate fish is a bit overwhelmed by the heavy breading, but that’s not really the issue.

The staff was courteous and friendly, but clearly lacked knowledge or training as to which items were gluten-free and what exactly that meant. On both visits, I was told that the fryers are dedicated and apparently used only for the GF-breaded chicken and fish. The employees said, in fact, that “almost” everything on the menu is gluten-free, but couldn’t be specific about which weren’t.

On my first visit, a young man told me that only two of the accompanying sauces were GF. The next time, I was assured all of them were. Likewise, the soy-sauce used in the preparations was “probably” wheat-free. I wish I had asked to see the bottle but didn’t want to be a pest.

The last straw came when the fried-fish taco arrived. I looked excitedly at its tortilla. It was so fresh and soft! I said to my husband, “Wow, do you think they make their own fresh tortillas?” When I examined it further, though, I realized it was flour! Yikes!

I showed an employee. He was apologetic and accommodating, just uninformed. “The owner likes us to use those unless people ask for corn,” he said. Whoa! Nowhere on the menu does it mention a choice of tortillas. I’ve eaten thousands of tacos and never seen one on a flour tortilla.

I realize that sometimes in this blog, I must sound like a pain. I try to be courteous, understanding and honest. It's just that when a restaurant advertises GF, why doesn't it enthusiastically and thoroughly get behind its product?

On the one hand, celiacs and those who have a gluten intolerance are enormously grateful to any restaurant offering gluten-free options. We are desperate for good and safe places to eat. We want restaurants to succeed!

On the other, restaurant owners and managers have every right to offer whatever they want on a menu. GF is not required. However, if a restaurant decides to reach out to GF diners (and we are 18 million strong), embrace it! Be excited by the challenge. Educate yourself and your staff to know what it means and, most importantly, care.

After both visits to Fricken Faco, I suffered some mild distress. Was it the result of some misinformation I was given? Cross contamination? I have no idea. I only know that, sadly, lacking trust and confidence, I can only advise caution.

745 NW Columbia St., Bend OR 97701, 541-668-1815