Mike Bookey

A spot of milk with your tea at Townshend’s, Bend’s new downtown teahouse.As the menu at Townshend’s Tea Company states, tea has been relegated
second-class status in the States. Ever since rogue colonists tossed
their British rulers’ supply overboard into Boston harbor, tea has
taken a back seat to the more pungent, and stimulating, coffee bean.
The new downtown teashop, Townshend’s, embraces that underdog
reputation, offering an unabashed sanctuary for tea leaves and tea
lovers.
The location that housed Pfundementals for as many years as I
can remember has been cleaned up, buffed out and infused with a
tea-worthy atmosphere. Retro, antique and modern furniture blend with
the polished concrete floors, pillowed benches and brick walls to lend
a tranquil, but energetic, climate that is imbued with alternative
atmospheric music. The menu is extensive and slightly intimidating for
the tea neophyte. To alleviate some of the possible stress of deciding
from more than 100 teas and infusions, owner Matt Thomas has divided
the selections into types of teas such as white, rooibos and oolong;
rare and top-grade teas like matcha, bao zhong and pu-erh wang; as well
as separating out the infusions which are listed under “Apothecary”.

I hate to call on a cliché (as well as date myself) but my recent visit to The Decoy Bar and Grill reminded me of a real-life version of "Cheers." You know, the 80's show that made Ted Danson, Shelly Long, Woody Harrelson and Kristie Alley famous and where everyone yelled "Norm!" when George Wendt came through the door. It was that mix of neighborhood, preppy, blue-collar, college, yuppie, sporty and regulars that only few places can pull off. The Decoy, at least in its initial impressions, seems to have succeeded in that welcoming atmosphere. It's "Cheers" with a good menu.

I hate to call on a cliché (as well as date myself) but my recent visit to The Decoy Bar and Grill reminded me of a real-life version of “Cheers.” You know, the 80’s show that made Ted Danson, Shelly Long, Woody Harrelson and Kristie Alley famous and where everyone yelled “Norm!” when George Wendt came through the door. It was that mix of neighborhood, preppy, blue-collar, college, yuppie, sporty and regulars that only few places can pull off. The Decoy, at least in its initial impressions, seems to have succeeded in that welcoming atmosphere. It’s “Cheers” with a good menu.