I don’t go on a lot of dates. I think I’m bad at them. But when I booked a reservation at Salute Restaurant & Bar in order to write this article, it seemed like going there alone the day after Valentine’s Day would be just this side of mildly depressing. The reservation was set for earlier […]
Chow
Posted inFood & Drink
Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean Celebrates Five Years in Bend
Family-owned Greek restaurant marks its anniversary with special deals and a celebration of its community
As its name says, Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean is known for its quick, fresh Mediterranean cuisine. The family-owned restaurant in Bend is marking a major milestone this month — its five-year anniversary — and will celebrate with a weekend of deals, including bowls and wraps for just $11 (the same price as when it first […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Nome Italiano Unexpectedly Shutters
The popular eatery served its last customers on Saturday night
Over the weekend, would-be-patrons at Bend’s popular Nome Italiano were surprised to find the restaurant’s doors locked and a sign announcing the eatery’s closure. It was a sudden end to a once-promising restaurant that opened in 2022, coming in runner-up in this paper’s popular Best of Central Oregon competition for best new restaurant that year […]
Posted inFood & Drink
2025 Brings New Chef and Organic, Local Menu to The Jackalope Grill
Chef Josh Podwils focuses on simple dishes made with high-quality, local ingredients
If you’ve ever thought to yourself: “If only there was a secret garden here in Bend that serves organic, local dishes curated with the utmost attention to detail….” I’ve got great news. The Jackalope Grill is exactly what you’re looking for, and it’s right in the center of downtown Bend. When you arrive, you’ll walk […]
Posted inFood & Drink
World-Renowned Ken’s Artisan Pizza Opens in Bend This Month
The award-winning, Neapolitan-style pizzeria is ready to serve its famed wood-fired pies in
Central Oregon starting Feb. 20
One of the world’s best pizzerias is opening in Bend. Ken’s Artisan Pizza, a beloved Portland institution known for its Neapolitan-style pies, will open its doors on Thursday, Feb. 20 in downtown Bend’s historic Downing Building, which has been renovated from the former Seven nightclub space. The opening marks the end of a two-year journey […]
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Papillon Brings a Taste of Morocco to Downtown Bend
On select evenings, Blissful Spoon transforms into an intimate, Moroccan-inspired dining experience with shareable dishes and craft cocktails
From Thursday to Saturday evening, Blissful Spoon, a gluten-free, European bistro in downtown Bend, transforms into Papillon — a cozy, Moroccan-inspired dining experience. By day, Blissful Spoon serves European-inspired brunch, but come evening, it shifts into Papillon, with an inviting ambiance and a menu celebrating the flavors of Morocco. With soft lighting, decorative panels and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Romantic and Delicious
A few ideas for foodies on Valentine’s Day
Bend is a pretty romantic town most of the time. I don’t just mean our cute cafes, bars and private little nooks dotted throughout the city limits, but we’re also surrounded by some of the most beautiful lakes, mountains, trails and waterfalls on the planet. But, as a very dedicated food writer who eats out […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Every Central Oregon Brewery Will Be at Drake Park This Memorial Day Weekend
Thanks to the inaugural Bend Brews & Beyond, beer, cider and N/A options will abound on May 24 and 25
When Brian Yaeger published “Oregon Breweries” a decade ago, he documented 190 breweries and brewpubs from sea to high desert. Today, we’re closer to 300 in the Beaver State, he says. Yet, the massive brew fests of the aughts and twenty-tens have gone the way of the dodo, including Portland’s waterfront Oregon Brewers Festival and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Bend’s First Dominican Food Cart Delivers Savory Flavors and Warm Hospitality
Robert and Trisha De Los Santos bring authentic Dominican cuisine and vibrant culture to Central Oregon
Robert and Trisha De Los Santos, a husband-and-wife duo who met in the Dominican Republic, are bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Bend with their new venture, The Dominican Food Cart. As the city’s first eatery dedicated to Dominican cuisine, the couple aims to share their passion for food, community and connection — one […]
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Domaine Serene Closes Doors in Downtown
The Oregon winery will shift its Bend location from brick and mortar to pop-ups and exclusive member events
After three years serving the Bend community, Domaine Serene closed the doors to its downtown wine lounge on Jan. 3. “This decision was not made lightly, and we are profoundly grateful to the members, guests and staff who have made this location a special place in the community,” said Danielle Holbrook from the winery’s marketing […]
