The M&J Tavern has stood on the corner of Greenwood and Hill collecting colorful stories for the past 70 years. The tavern, which has changed hands six times, opened in 1947, just after World War II, when Bend’s population was barely 11,000. They only served beer and wine back then and their patrons were primarily […]
Chow
Posted inFood & Drink
Little Bites: Saying Goodbye to Family Businesses
Mazza Bistro Closing; Devores Selling
Just as they turned five years old, Mazza Bistro announced on Facebook, “Dear customers, this is to inform you that this coming Thursday, March 30th, will be Mazza’s last day in business due to loss of lease.” Mazza Bistro was a family-owned authentic Middle Eastern restaurant that served fresh, affordable food downtown. Michel Shehadeh, executive […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Search for a Candy Factory
Finding a home rental can be tough in Bend—and the trend continues in commercial kitchens
If the availability of commercial kitchen space is an indication, Bend likes its sweets, treats and eats. A combination of the popularity of locally made food products, food trucks and the legalization of marijuana are making it tough to find a commercial kitchen space in Bend. It’s not tough to see why; in the last […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Get Your Garden On
Spring is here, time to prep
There may be the occasional flake flying, but still, the time for prepping the garden is upon us. For those with established gardens, you may even be seeing the first tendrils of life springing up from the soil. For the rest of you, there’s plenty of help out there to get your garden growing—or to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Plant Meat Burger Coming for Your Beef
Can a veggie burger taste like the real thing?
The burger is America’s favorite food, so it’s no wonder vegetarians and vegans have been trying to find a suitable replacement for years. Almost every veggie burger lacks in some department. It’s either too mushy, the wrong color, or it tastes rich and delicious but nothing like the real thing. Maybe plants just can’t be […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Don’t Call It a Bar
Bendistillery opens its downtown tasting room
You’re leaving work downtown and the mood to whip up a locally-made martini strikes you on the way home. While you could head over to one of the liquor stores that hover in the nether regions of Bend (read: away from downtown), nowadays, you don’t necessarily have to. Another option now available to you: pop […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Little Bites
Empty Bowls: Good food,
good cause.
Looking for a way to get out and about, and to benefit a good cause at the same time? This might be your jam. Tickets are now on sale for the 4th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, taking place at Ridgeview High School in Redmond March 26. Here’s how it works: students from the ceramics classes […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Peanut Butter and Deli
Wild Ride Brew’s beer is just the beginning
“Nut Crusher Peanut Butter Porter.” This I’m reading off the chalkboard beer menu at Downtown Redmond’s popular garage-themed Wild Ride Brew. It’s a phrase I’ve never actually considered before. Fascinating. “One Nut Crusher, please,” I say to the 6-foot-tall bartender who could pass for Uma Thurman’s little sister. She begins pouring while I try to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Your Number is Up
The secrets behind “auctioning” food at the table, and other server tricks of the trade
“Who had the pork chop?” We’ve all been through this. You and your dining companions have chosen a restaurant, been seated, presented with menus and had your orders taken. When the food arrives, the server starts making you do all the work. It’s a conversation-stopper. Hands point to one another across the table. A glass […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Makin’ Soup in the Maker’s District
123 Ramen offers a cozy lunch or dinner spot on the east side
A small history lesson for you, Benditos: It was 1958 when Japanese company Nissin rolled out the first iteration of the instant noodle—that phenomenon now well-loved by college students with only a microwave to feed them, and middle schoolers whose parents haven’t quite taught them to cook anything else. Fast forward, and behold! Instant noodles, […]
