(Photo above: Oysters by Linden Gross) Some brand refreshes amount to little more than putting lipstick on a fish. That couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to Kanpai. The cozy sushi restaurant and sake bar, located on Bend’s westside, has served some of the best sushi in town since its inception. But…
Do the angels sing when great wines meet a chef’s undeniable talent? I know I do. And I was sure singing at Currents’ Chateau Ste. Michelle wine dinner, during which some of Washington’s tastiest vintages were brilliantly paired with some of Bend’s best cuisine. The evening, which took place in the private dining room, started…
(Photos courtesy of WAVEJourney.com) Want a change of pace? Just head over to Trattoria Sbandati and let the server know you want to dine family style. With co-owner and chef Juri Sbandati sending out dishes that only a native Florentine could produce from the semi-open kitchen just a few paces away, you’ll swear you’re in…
(Photo courtesy of WAVEJourney.com) Got a hankering for fresh fish or seafood? Baltazar’s, an upscale Mexican restaurant on Bend’s Westside, might not be the first thought that comes to mind, but it should be. Just one caveat: Come hungry. Baltazar’s pitcher of Cadillac margaritasand his shrimp cocktail reveal a lot about owner Baltazar’s philosophy. I’ll…
(Photo courtesy of French Market) My food posse and I settled into our bar-height table from which we could peer into the French Market kitchen as well as around the restaurant that feels casual and yet special all at the same time. “Okay, let’s come up with a game plan,” I said as we peered…
(Photos by WAVEjourney.com) If you haven’t tried Chops, you’re missing out. For starters, the Sisters restaurant, which features live entertainment Friday, Saturdayand Sunday evenings, is downright beautiful, with its high ceiling, rustic beamsand posts,and wood-burning, floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace. Even better, the food lives up to its surroundings in a monster way. Every dish we tried…
(Picture above: clam chowder, photo courtesy of WAVEJourney.com) Dining at Black Butte would be a treat simply based on the view alone. But then there’s the food. My friends and I had been wanting to return ever since seeing the Lodge’s new menu. As usual, the meal didn’t disappoint. Our only struggle was agreeing on…
Looking for a place with lovely cocktails, good food and affordable price points? You owe it to yourself to try Rockin’ Dave’s Backstage Lounge on Greenwood between seventh and eighth in Bend. I’m not talking about the bagel bistro, which is still awesome for breakfast and lunch, but rather the joint Dave Flier (aka Rockin’…
When you live on the eastside of Bend, a brew pub opening within walking distance is cause for celebration. Add awesome food to the mix and, well, can I hear a hallelujah? Our Saturday early lunch started on the outdoor patio with three dogs parked under the table and two stellar beverages—10 Barrel’s light cider…
Going out to breakfast is a Central Oregon pastime. For that matter, so is going out to lunch. So as sad as I was to hear that Sisters’ wonderful fine dining establishment, Jen’s Garden, had closed, I was darn happy to hear that it had morphed into the Cottonwood Café. I was even happier to…
