Not too long ago, I had the terrible idea of trying to make myself a spice lord by trying some of the hottest dishes in town to see if I could hang. “Hot Ones” was at the peak of its popularity on YouTube, and I knew there was no way some of those ridiculous celebrities […]
Chow
Food for the Festive Season
Both feasts and fast meals have their place during the holiday season. Here are a few of my go-tos including a fancy dinner dish, the easiest app ever and a festive drink. Heirloom Tomato Turkey Piccata Stack The definition of piccata in cooking is thin slices of meat, typically veal or chicken, that are dredged […]
A New Izakaya on Division Street in Bend
A new Japanese izakaya opened Nov. 3 along Division Street in Bend. Yokocho Izakaya opened in the space once occupied by Orchid Thai, featuring small plates, ramen, curry and other Japanese food and drinks. An izakaya, according to a description from a Tokyo-based tour company, is translated as “dine-in sake shop,” and is a traditional Japanese […]
Local Brew: Behind the Counter at Bellatazza Caffé
Step into Bellatazza and let the symphony of coffee culture envelop you: the methodical whir of grinders preparing the day’s beans, the rhythmic tamp of espresso, the gentle hiss of steam transforming local milk into frothy goodness. Beyond the familiar cafe percussion, there’s the warm hum of conversation and the rustle of newspapers โ a […]
A New Menu for Neighbor Rotisserie
Neighbor Rotisserie, the restaurant on Newport Avenue that opened in May and quickly earned the “Best New Restaurant” designation by the readers of the Source Weekly, has made some changes to its menu. While there’s still a focus on the rotisserie items that gave the space its name, the new menu includes a bowl and […]
Revamped Digs for the Bar, Restaurant at Juniper Preserve
Two new restaurant concepts at Juniper Preserve, the resort at the Pronghorn Golf Club, are offering a reason for a locals’ staycation. Juniper Preserve introduced Iris and Blue Bar, its newest restaurant and lounge, in September. The culinary offerings, the vision of Chef Ryan Eisert, incorporate ingredients from local farmers and purveyors and include a […]
Community as Comfort
If you’ve lived in Bend for any number of years, there are a few things that remain true no matter how much changes: 1) people forget how to cold-weather drive after the first snowfall, 2) Pilot Butte is going to catch fire on July 4th and 3) Anna and Chris Hall genuinely care about this […]
Give My Regards to Ryoshi
It’s Sunday night, and in most quarters of Bend that would mean quiet diners, empty tables and a vibe of everything being ready to tuck into a pre-Monday slumber. But that’s not the case at Ryoshi Sushi & Izakaya, located in the complex housing the Bend Factory Stores on the south side of Bend. In […]
Soup for You, Soup for a Neighbor in Need
A new venture is warming up bellies from Bend’s east side โ and helping neighbors in need while they’re at it. Paul Hegg opened Central Oregon Soup Company at the beginning of November, featuring hot soups, “little dippers” โ something of a combo of breadsticks and a sandwich, for dipping into soup โ along with pasta […]
Indian Grocery Items at Real Taste of India
Real Taste of India, the Indian restaurant located along OB Riley Road in Bend, now has more to offer. The business announced this week that it’s now offering Indian grocery items, adding more flavor variety to a city that until recently didn’t have its own market dedicated to Asian foods. (With the opening of Tomi […]

