At the end of 2010, the Pure Skate Shop next to the Taco Stand shut its doors and local skaters of the neighborhoods around Hill Street hung their heads. But others, including myself, have been eagerly waiting to see what the recent construction would yield and delighted when kitchen items began to be trucked in. And recently, a sign went up - Gotta B Gluten Free.
The owners, Jodie Kelly and Susan Walker, plan to open this Friday, with gluten-free baked goods and an espresso bar. The friends, who raised their children together, have talked about opening a gluten-free bakery for years. Walker's husband, Tom, became allergic to gluten 13 years ago and Walker is now an adept gluten-free baker. All of the recipes must pass her husband's strict standards (not dry, taste like regular baked goods). She utilizes tapioca, soy, sorghum and garbanzo flours for her treats. The shop plans to open this Friday and will be open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The former Riley's Market space in Northwest Crossing has been empty since the market closed last year, but will soon be occupied by Tate and Tate Catering. Tate and Tate, an already established local catering company that was named 2010's Best Caterer by the readers of the Source Weekly, will now have a "grab and go" section, offering salads, sandwiches, soups and take-home casseroles. Look for Tate and Tate to open its doors mid-February.
The clump of shops on SW Industrial Way recently got a welcomed addition in Southern Wine Group. The Bend-based company, which distributes select wines from Argentina, Chile, Uraguay and Mexico, opened a retail location and tasting room at 550 SW Industrial Way near Bend Electric Bikes. In addition to distributing wines, the company produces wines in three countries. The tasting room will be open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with six wines on nitrogen tap. I know Bend is a beer town, but with Volcano Vineyards, Maragas Winery and now Southern Wine Group, perhaps it's time for a Bend wine tour in addition to the Bend Ale Trail.
