Alice Finer

There are pros and cons to situating a ski resort on National Forest land, but one of the biggest cons for Mt. Bachelor – that last call for food and alcohol coincides with the last chair at around 4 p.m. – can also be a huge pro. Since après ski up top lasts only a few minutes, local businesses all the way down the mountain and into town roll out some excellent happy hour options to lure in passers-by looking for post-play refreshments. Whether you're a vacationer or a local, a hungry winter sportsman or simply a bargain hunting day-drinker looking for a deal, there's après ski merriment to be found around every corner. Set yourself up with an appetite and a designated driver and embark on your very own après pub-crawl down the hill – a must for any winter in Bend. Here's one possible route, in geographical order:

There are pros and cons to situating a ski resort on National Forest land, but one of the biggest cons for Mt. Bachelor – that last call for food and alcohol coincides with the last chair at around 4 p.m. – can also be a huge pro. Since après ski up top lasts only a few minutes, local businesses all the way down the mountain and into town roll out some excellent happy hour options to lure in passers-by looking for post-play refreshments. Whether you're a vacationer or a local, a hungry winter sportsman or simply a bargain hunting day-drinker looking for a deal, there's après ski merriment to be found around every corner. Set yourself up with an appetite and a designated driver and embark on your very own après pub-crawl down the hill – a must for any winter in Bend. Here's one possible route, in geographical order:

When Lilian Chu of Hong Kong Restaurant fame and Soba founder Di Long got together to discuss the concept for their joint venture in Deep's former Wall Street location, I can't imagine there was much argument about the cuisine. Bend's new Asian fusion supergroup went straight for what they do best. Though named for the core seasonings in Chinese cooking, 5 Spice is as fusion as you can get. Pan Asian with a European accent, flavors span the globe, often all on one plate.

When Lilian Chu of Hong Kong Restaurant fame and Soba founder Di Long got together to discuss the concept for their joint venture in Deep's former Wall Street location, I can't imagine there was much argument about the cuisine. Bend's new Asian fusion supergroup went straight for what they do best. Though named for the core seasonings in Chinese cooking, 5 Spice is as fusion as you can get. Pan Asian with a European accent, flavors span the globe, often all on one plate.

The first time I visited El Rodeo it was on a whim. Running errands on Business 97 and completely dejected having failed to accomplish anything on my list, I was tired, hungry and desperate for shelter from strip mall world. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted El Rodeo. Though a pretty standard-looking Mexican restaurant from the outside, I sensed a certain cheerfulness about it that drew me in. My instincts couldn't have been better. Immediately upon entering the sunny terra cotta tiled foyer and walking up to the host station, I was greeted by the friendliest smile I had seen all day, and it was a genuine one at that. In fact, every staff member I came in contact with from the hostess to the bartenders and servers in their tan satin guayabera shirts replicated that smile, and my day of frustrations quickly melted away.

The first time I visited El Rodeo it was on a whim. Running errands on Business 97 and completely dejected having failed to accomplish anything on my list, I was tired, hungry and desperate for shelter from strip mall world. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted El Rodeo. Though a pretty standard-looking Mexican restaurant from the outside, I sensed a certain cheerfulness about it that drew me in. My instincts couldn't have been better. Immediately upon entering the sunny terra cotta tiled foyer and walking up to the host station, I was greeted by the friendliest smile I had seen all day, and it was a genuine one at that. In fact, every staff member I came in contact with from the hostess to the bartenders and servers in their tan satin guayabera shirts replicated that smile, and my day of frustrations quickly melted away.

Everything about chef Juri Sbandati makes an impression, from his flaming red chef coat and playful demeanor to his enormous talent in the kitchen. After years working as a private chef and caterer in and around Central Oregon, it's no wonder that his new restaurant, Trattoria Sbandati, opened with a built-in following. Not only is his authentic Tuscan cuisine spectacular, but his very presence radiates good cheer. Stewarded by Sbandati's charming wife Kinley, the intimate space in La Rosa's old spot on College Way is as warm and inviting as the food it serves. But when Juri comes out to greet his liege of loyal patrons, which he does frequently, the room lights up.

Everything about chef Juri Sbandati makes an impression, from his flaming red chef coat and playful demeanor to his enormous talent in the kitchen. After years working as a private chef and caterer in and around Central Oregon, it's no wonder that his new restaurant, Trattoria Sbandati, opened with a built-in following. Not only is his authentic Tuscan cuisine spectacular, but his very presence radiates good cheer. Stewarded by Sbandati's charming wife Kinley, the intimate space in La Rosa's old spot on College Way is as warm and inviting as the food it serves. But when Juri comes out to greet his liege of loyal patrons, which he does frequently, the room lights up.