With its distinctive wooden trim, Daanen's Deli in Hayden still looks like a German restaurant from the street. Inside the building, however, change is afoot. New owners Marc and Claudia Zuniga still do customizable sandwiches for lunch, but have overhauled their deli takeout and dinner menus. Instead of Bavarian wurst by the pound or a schnitzel dinner, Daanen's is exploring new geographical territory with appetizers like Jamaican-inspired jerk wings ($10) and Mahi fish tacos ($10). Look for former Bardenay chef Christian Kearns' healthful pub fare of salads, soups, sandwiches and light entrées.
The Flying Reuben sandwich ($11) is a hint of things to come; the Zunigas are developing a 10-barrel brewing system. Inspired by a trip to Wallace, Idaho, and some North Idaho history, look for Flying Rodent brewing later this summer.
In the meantime, you can still buy beer and wine to go at Daanen's. And while the Zunigas happily refer those in search of deutsche dining to the Wine Grotto, the uber-popular annual Oktoberfest will be held at Daanen's, as it has been for decades.
