Food & Drink

My first impression upon entering the Bond Street Grill, formerly known as Decoy Bar and Grill, was that of a warm and delicious-smelling haven from downtown bustle.
The wind was blowing and the chill was sharp.

My first impression upon entering the Bond Street Grill, formerly known as Decoy Bar and Grill, was that of a warm and delicious-smelling haven from downtown bustle.
The wind was blowing and the chill was sharp. But the moment we stepped into the restaurant I was reminded of other cozy club-type restaurants I've enjoyed in my life, from the classic Bull and Finch Pub in Boston (the original Cheers) to dozens of other similar places in the Bay Area.
The restaurant was about half full. There were several large groups chatting, drinking and eating, and everyone seemed comfortable and happy. Although the patrons were primarily of the AOL users crowd, younger people were filing in, perhaps anticipating the live blues and jazz music that the restaurant has on Saturday nights. The music is a new addition since father-and-son team Fran and Chris Nardella purchased the restaurant last year. In December, they changed the name to Bond Street Grill. Fran was a physician in Phoenix and Chris had managed restaurants, but this is the first restaurant they have owned.

Jen's Garden in Sisters doesn't do shtick. Dishes are served without flashy components, such as the now-ubiquitous vertically stacked plate presentation. Instead, Jen's keeps the focus on quality ingredients and execution. Rather than opt for modern, sleek decorations, Jen's Garden channels a country-style living room. Still, despite the lack of flair, Jen's Garden has carved a name for itself as one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Central Oregon and its $26 entrees are worth every penny.
But recently, Jen's Garden began offering a less-expensive version of their prix-fixe menu Wednesday through Friday, at its ten-seat “Community Table.” Diners pay $19 for three courses, which change on a nightly basis.

For anyone who's been to any city with a sizable Chinese population on the Chinese New Year, you know the holiday as an explosion of good luck charms, music, firecrackers, people in dragon costumes crawling through the streets and an abundance of all things red.
It's a celebration of the year to come, calling for prosperity, luck and happiness. Each year is marked by one of twelve animals, each carrying its own set of attributes – 2011 is the year of the rabbit, and those born this year are said to be ambitious, virtuous and financially lucky. Tradition dictates that one sweep his or her house the night before the New Year, but not the day after – the good luck will be swept out. The food is, of course, important as well, involving a lengthy feast, often with eight courses – a lucky number – marking the evening portion of the holiday.