For eight years, Prep–A Chefs’ Kitchen on NE Revere Avenue in Bend, has been more than a set of ovens and countertops. It has been a lively hive of energy and ideas, a testing ground for food ventures that would go on to feed Central Oregon in food trucks, farmers markets, cafes and grocery store […]
Chow
Pho Viet & Café Reopens
Pho Viet & Café on 3rd Street in Bend has re-opened following a complete renovation. The distinct yellow walls are now painted white with seafoam trim, the floor is a black and white tile, the laminated menus are now encased in wood, historic photos of the original family in Vietnam hang on the wall, the […]
Standout Summertime Cookbooks
Summer is a strange time for cooking. On one hand, the season gives you the juiciest peaches, the brightest tomatoes and sweet corn that is practically candy. On the other hand, who really wants to be stuck inside fussing over a complicated recipe while the sun is shining and the lake is calling? The good […]
Best Japanese
The team behind Yokocho Izakaya had a clear vision when they opened their spot on Northeast Division in November last year. “We wanted to build the food scene in Bend,” said Kwan Singhakham, co-owner of Yokocho Izakaya. “Most people, if they think about Japanese food, they’re gonna think about a sushi place. But actually, I […]
Best Gluten-Free Menu
Blissful Spoon’s owners Miki and Kamal Bekkari are excited about their win for “Best Gluten-Free Menu” this year. “We’d like to thank our community from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to vote for us as the best gluten-free menu in Central Oregon,” the couple said. Located in downtown Bend, Blissful Spoon […]
Best Breakfast in Redmond
When they were traveling across the nation as a military family, Kristy Cross, her husband and her four kids always found themselves at cozy, homey, eclectic diners. Inspired and imaginative, they would sketch on paper napkins what their own cafe could look like. Seventeen short years ago, when Cross’s husband began building homes in Redmond […]
The Hole Story on 5th Street Bagels
Tucked into Ponch’s Place in NE Bend, 5th Street Bagels is more than a food truck — it’s a full-on family operation rolling out small-batch sourdough bagels with intention, heart and a “hole” lotta time and hustle. In a world drowning in sourdough starters, if yours pays the bills, it’s not just bread—it’s gold. Owner […]
Pho 88 Brings Vietnamese Comfort Food to the Old Mill
A new addition to Bend’s Old Mill District is serving up steaming bowls of pho, crunchy banh mi sandwiches and plenty of crispy fried appetizers, all with a welcoming, family-friendly vibe. Pho 88, located in the former Mill Works Pub space, is the newest venture from Alice Nguyen, a seasoned restaurateur who previously managed Mio Sushi […]
Simón
The restaurant formerly known as Esta Bien on NW Hill Street in Bend has been sold and rebranded as Simón. The new owners are Roberto Cardenas, who’s held leadership roles at La Rosa, Rio, and Fat Tony’s, and Rocio Villalobos, from Rio and Madras Brewing. The two chefs are offering a Latin Fusion concept that […]
Immaculate Vibes
Look, if there’s one thing that Bendites love, it’s a patio in the summer with a happy doggo, a microbrew and some delectable cuisine. In fact, patios have become so synonymous with the Central Oregon experience that you’d be hard pressed to find a spot without one that doesn’t offer some combination of good beer, […]

