Food & Drink

Clams and mussels at the Trout HouseIn a departure from our usual format, we sent writer Alice Finer in search of a different kind of dinner pairing: a day of play in the great outdoors followed by a memorable meal at one of the many far-flung restaurants around the region. Look for other destination dining stories under the Retreats flag in upcoming issues.

Last week, with Memorial Day looming, my organizational skills severely lacking and a dramatic economic recovery increasingly unlikely, it was time to come to terms with the collapse of my summer's more ambitious plans. But living in the land of plenty when it comes to recreation, I could instead embark upon a season-long staycation here in Central Oregon to rival my most riveting excursions to date. Unfortunately, in all my excitement, pragmatism flew out the window, and I kicked off the summer with a tour of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument on a holiday weekend along with every visiting man, woman and their six screaming children. I ended up on a trail of tears, the highlight of which was a full panic attack about 50 feet into the mouth of the Lava River Cave that sent me screaming back into the light while grannies and preschoolers skipped by me with their lanterns and wide-eyed enthusiasm.

Clams and mussels at the Trout HouseIn a departure from our usual format, we sent writer Alice Finer in search of a different kind of dinner pairing: a day of play in the great outdoors followed by a memorable meal at one of the many far-flung restaurants around the region. Look for other destination dining stories under the Retreats flag in upcoming issues.

Last week, with Memorial Day looming, my organizational skills severely lacking and a dramatic economic recovery increasingly unlikely, it was time to come to terms with the collapse of my summer’s more ambitious plans. But living in the land of plenty when it comes to recreation, I could instead embark upon a season-long staycation here in Central Oregon to rival my most riveting excursions to date. Unfortunately, in all my excitement, pragmatism flew out the window, and I kicked off the summer with a tour of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument on a holiday weekend along with every visiting man, woman and their six screaming children. I ended up on a trail of tears, the highlight of which was a full panic attack about 50 feet into the mouth of the Lava River Cave that sent me screaming back into the light while grannies and preschoolers skipped by me with their lanterns and wide-eyed enthusiasm.

A veggie sandwich on focacia served with sunshine at Jackson’s Corner.It's rare to find an environment where freelancers with laptops, ladies
who lunch, families with children and neighborhood locals are equally
comfortable, but less than a year after opening, Jackson's Corner has
achieved that and more. In attitude, it certainly has the feel of
"corner store," which reflects its location in the historic Delaware
Market building. Though you're out of luck if you're expecting to pick
up your groceries-unless, of course, your diet consists entirely of
gourmet condiments, Kettle Chips, many and varied local and
international beers and organic cat food. But behind the curiously
stocked shelves is a kitchen of the highest caliber, and in the end,
isn't that what you'd rather have on your corner?

It also doesn't
hurt that the open, bright space, dominated by blonde wood and brick,
has something for pretty much everyone. It's perfect for your morning
coffee and croissant with the paper, a lunch meeting or takeout for the
office (it's just blocks from downtown) or a couple of pints with a
sandwich at one of the sidewalk tables on a summer day. As Jackson's is
rather near my corner, I've spent an afternoon or two plugged in at the
window counter using the free wi-fi (as I am now) and have never felt
pressured by the friendly staff to wrap it up after my meal was
finished.

A veggie sandwich on focacia served with sunshine at Jackson’s Corner.It’s rare to find an environment where freelancers with laptops, ladies
who lunch, families with children and neighborhood locals are equally
comfortable, but less than a year after opening, Jackson’s Corner has
achieved that and more. In attitude, it certainly has the feel of
“corner store,” which reflects its location in the historic Delaware
Market building. Though you’re out of luck if you’re expecting to pick
up your groceries-unless, of course, your diet consists entirely of
gourmet condiments, Kettle Chips, many and varied local and
international beers and organic cat food. But behind the curiously
stocked shelves is a kitchen of the highest caliber, and in the end,
isn’t that what you’d rather have on your corner?

It also doesn’t
hurt that the open, bright space, dominated by blonde wood and brick,
has something for pretty much everyone. It’s perfect for your morning
coffee and croissant with the paper, a lunch meeting or takeout for the
office (it’s just blocks from downtown) or a couple of pints with a
sandwich at one of the sidewalk tables on a summer day. As Jackson’s is
rather near my corner, I’ve spent an afternoon or two plugged in at the
window counter using the free wi-fi (as I am now) and have never felt
pressured by the friendly staff to wrap it up after my meal was
finished.

Eat large with small plates at 28.Anyone who grew up with a big brother, particularly one that is
handsome and talented, knows how it feels when said sibling invades the
little niche that you have diligently and meticulously carved out for
yourself, that tiny corner of the world where you shine the brightest.
With one step into your sacred space, he steals your thunder, along
with all the attention and probably a few of your friends. Being just
such a little sister myself, I immediately thought of 28, a fixture on
Bond for the past three years and the second child of owners Steve and
Cheri Helt, when big bro Zydeco opened last month in its new downtown
location right across the street.

As a diner, of course I'm thrilled
to have the whole brood in town. A recent visit to the new Zydeco
showed that, though the decor is slightly more sterile than it was at
the old location, the service remains impeccable and the menu is
largely unchanged. Every bite was as impressive as always. But while
lavishing my attention on the new kid on the block, I felt a little
like a traitor to my kind and increasingly compelled to throw 28 some
much deserved love-for little sisters everywhere.

Eat large with small plates at 28.Anyone who grew up with a big brother, particularly one that is
handsome and talented, knows how it feels when said sibling invades the
little niche that you have diligently and meticulously carved out for
yourself, that tiny corner of the world where you shine the brightest.
With one step into your sacred space, he steals your thunder, along
with all the attention and probably a few of your friends. Being just
such a little sister myself, I immediately thought of 28, a fixture on
Bond for the past three years and the second child of owners Steve and
Cheri Helt, when big bro Zydeco opened last month in its new downtown
location right across the street.

As a diner, of course I’m thrilled
to have the whole brood in town. A recent visit to the new Zydeco
showed that, though the decor is slightly more sterile than it was at
the old location, the service remains impeccable and the menu is
largely unchanged. Every bite was as impressive as always. But while
lavishing my attention on the new kid on the block, I felt a little
like a traitor to my kind and increasingly compelled to throw 28 some
much deserved love-for little sisters everywhere.

The Bend restaurant merry-go-round has continued to spin over the past
few weeks. The most recent casualty (again) was Fireside Red, the
departure of which officially confirms that the area around Industrial
Way is suitable for kayak shacks and law firms but cursed for
restaurants. R.I.P. Honkers.

In more positive developments, the
eagerly anticipated Joolz opened Friday to strong weekend crowds who
mostly heard by word of mouth that the eclectic restaurant with a
Middle Eastern-inspired menu was serving dinner. Owner Julie Hamden
said customers responded well to their concept that fuses dishes
evoking her Lebanese husband’s upbringing (Mixed Nut Dukkah and Lamb
Flatbread Pitadilla) with the Northwest influenced fare (Simspon Ranch
Elkburger). Look for the restaurant whose appropriate tagline is “where
the mezze meets the mesa” to add lunch sometime in the next three
weeks.