“That’s delicious,” my two friends and I announced almost simultaneously as we sipped on Campfire Cucina’s maple old fashioneds, made with Buffalo Trace, fresh orange juice, maple syrup, bitters, and soda. That d-word would get repeated again and again during the meal that followed, starting with the new Sunriver restaurant’s special salad – romaine, strawberries…
(Photos courtesy of One Stop Writing Shop) What do you do when you’ve owned and run some of the most renowned eateries in Central Oregon, including Bend’s The Victorian Café, Camp Sherman’s The Kokanee Café, Sunriver’s The Trout House, and Redmond’s The Pig and Pound? If you’re local restaurateur Paul Mercer, you open The McArthur…
(Photos courtesy of One Stop Writing Shop) After years of people begging Brasada Ranch, the stunning resort east of Bend, to keep their fine dining open during the winter, you can now head to Wild Rye four days a week. You owe it to yourself to go. Executive chef and culinary director Karl Holl, a…
(Photos courtesy of One Stop Writing Shop) If you haven’t experienced the magic of Joe Kim’s culinary talents, you’re missing out. After years of spearheading the 5 Fusion kitchen, he and his wife, Laura, opened Yoli. There, Joe, a three-time James Beard Foundation nominee for Best Chef Northwest, honors the flavors from his childhood in…
(Photos courtesy of One Stop Writing Shop) If you have a list of favorite Bend restaurants, make room for one more, ‘cause you’re going to fall in love. I’d been hearing about Salute for a while. Some friends raved about the $42, three-course special (just mention that to your server if interested). Another couple touted…
(Photos by Linden Gross) I don’t get surprised that often when I go out to eat. Pleased? Yes. Excited? Yes. Disappointed? Sure. But surprised? In a good way? That just doesn’t happen all that often. Then, I dined at Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club, where surprise seems to be their word of choice. I had…
((L-R) Pork chop and chocolate cake | Photos by Linden Gross) South Bend Bistro may have changed hands in December 2024, but you would never know it. The tiny restaurant’s interior, which seats a maximum of 83 people, still delivers a sophisticated yet cozy, welcoming atmosphere, accentuated by the friendly and attentive staff. The menu…
((L-R) Sweet Potatoes, Meat Board) Did Bend really need another high-end steakhouse? I have to admit that when Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge opened last June, I didn’t think so. Of course, the ginormous space — with its dark walls, dramatic pendant lighting, and a twinkle-star ceiling — is beautiful, and the slightly rowdy cowboy atmosphere…
(Photos courtesy of One Stop Writing Shop) For years, The Jackalope Grill was my favorite restaurant in town, but consistency slipped after its move to its current downtown location. When Laura Bliss bought it in 2022, I had high hopes since she had done such a terrific job at her other restaurant, South Bend Bistro…
(Photos by Rebecca Zook) If you hunger for top-notch Mexican food, the Oxford Hotel’s Roam has you covered this Cinco de Mayo. From Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5, once the restaurant’s daily brunch is over at 2pm, the fiesta is on. Two friends and I got to sample the elevated Mexican food and…
