Volcano Tour Part 2: Mt. Bailey and Mt. Thielsen
We found deep powder on Mt. Bailey, too many hippies at Umpqua hot springs and almost-corn on Mt.Thielsen.
Friday Mixtape: Mixtapers of the world, UNITE!
By Josh Gross In America, we celebrate work on Labor Day. But in the rest of the world, they do it on May Day, the first of that flower-filled month, which is also the date that massive demonstrations in 1886 helped to establish the eight-hour workday, with much resistance on behalf of the robber barons. So,…
The 2015 Restaurant Guide
It has been an odd year for restaurants in Central Oregon. While the economy has blossomed and the population has steadily grown along with tourism, the number of new restaurants over the past year has been relatively low. “It’s about restaurants planting their roots this year,” explains Kinley Sbandati, for Trattoria Sbandati, our choice this…
No Room for More Inns
Kickstarter. Uber. Airbnb. These services have been at the vanguard of the modern “sharing economy.” Yet, what started largely as informal means to generate a little extra money for ordinary people—whether by turning your car into a part-time taxi, or renting out your house while away on vacation yourself—has quickly matured into full-time businesses; in…
What’s Trending?
Mostly, our Advisory Board was positive about what they are seeing—and eating—in local restaurants. But, the panel members did have a few bones to pick. “One of the negative trends we are seeing is pricing,” said Alan Dietrich. “We are seeing prices that are exceeding what the town would really like to pay for going…
Side Notes 4/22-4/29
Marriage equality will continue to be the law of the land in Oregon, despite the best efforts of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM). The conservative activist group, which opposes extending civil marriage rights to same-sex couples, had asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in Oregon. The court’s response: “Petition denied.” No one seems…
By the Numbers: Restaurant and Food Index
U.S. restaurant industry sales (2014): $709.2 billion Farmers’ markets in Portland (2014): 20 Farmers’ markets in Bend (2014): 2 Oregon’s national rank for number of farmers’ markets: 15 Top rated Bend restaurants on Yelp: 1. Spork, 2. Zydeco, 3. Ariana Number of Mexican restaurants in Bend: 23 Number of Indian restaurants in Bend: 2 Average…
Letters 4/14-4/21
IN REPLY TO “BURSTING AT THE SEAMS” (4/15) Yes, the city did get its UGB plans sent back from the state in 2008. But you neglect to inform that they also didn’t follow any of the state’s laws about the UGB, so naturally the plans were rejected. If Bend didn’t think it was a special…
Restaurant of the Year 2015
Juri Sbandati did not dream about growing up to be a chef, and he really had no dreams of moving to America. He grew up in Italy, and it is that distinctly Italian childhood—and, moreover, his self-admitted stubbornness to concede to America influences—that makes Sbandati such a pure ambassador for the country’s food and lifestyle. …
Making Sense
It is almost getting tiring to say, but kudos to Rep. Knute Buehler. And, at some point, an elected official acting on his best judgment and breaking from traditional political party dogma will not be news. But, for the time being, when Democrats and Republicans are expected to follow the party’s playbook for most social…
Rookie(s) of the Year 2015
STIHL WHISKEY BAR Call us indecisive. Or, as we prefer, say we found a yin to the yang for this year’s Rookie of the Year choice. We simply could not choose between two strong entries—each is so different and stands out for different reasons—that we are selecting both the vegan “burger” joint, Next Level Burger,…
Source Suggests 4/22-4/29
You Knew Me When In June 2012, Cie and Karisa Hoover uprooted from their full time jobs and Nashville home in order to tour the country for a full year. But what started as a year for the married duo hasn’t stopped. They continue to play their progressive blend of indie rock and folk in…
Trending: Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts have gotten a bad rap over the years, evoking an image of a scornful mother standing over her tearful children as they finish their Brussels sprouts before going outside to play. It’s time to shake off this misconception and take a closer look at this fascinating little vegetable. “What I like about Brussels…
By Any Other Name
A year ago, a local beverage manufacturer was going by the name of Kombucha Mama, and boasting a label with a lotus flower. It was a name and image that reflected the simple beginning for the company. ”It was about two moms taking care of the world,” said Jamie Danek, one of the two original…
Trending: Figs
Figs are unique and versatile, with a flavor that differs widely depending on the variety. They are grown in the hot and dry climate of the Central Valley of California, and unlike most fruits and vegetables, have a small seasonal window and a very short shelf life. As for flavor, John Gurnee, executive chef at…
Go Here 4/22-4/29
Many of us think of wildfire as being a destructive force, but fire plays a number of important ecological roles in the landscape. The ponderosa forests we know and love here are dependent upon periodic wildfire for nutrient cycling, revegetation, and to prevent the buildup of fuels that, given enough time, will produce the sort…
Trending: Pickled Foods
Jeff Hunt, Spork’s executive chef and co-owner, has a love for all things pickled. “We love pickles of all types at the restaurant,” affirms Hunt—and with a primary focus on fermented pickles, quick pickles, and vinegar pickles, that love is evident throughout the flavorful dishes on Spork’s menu. Korean-style fermented pickles, known as kimchi, commonly…
A Second Baby
Some bands try too hard to create synergy, to harmonize their vocals and find a groove. Not Wilderness. Like the name suggests, the band’s sound is a bit chaotic. Jared Nelson Smith’s guitar occasionally races off toward Lynyrd Skynyrd Americana, while drummer Bradley David Parsons holds down a slamming beat, creating a musical diversity that…
Trending: Smoked Meat
From the smoky pits of Southern barbecue to gristly Montreal kosher delis, smoked meat is more than a method of preserving food, but a way of sharing a culture of flavor. “People love smoked meat because it adds great flavor to numerous dishes and allows chefs and eateries from different regions to put their own…
New Season, New Breweries
For hopheads, the highlight of the group is undoubtedly Alpine Beer Company. Based in the foothills east of San Diego, Alpine started in 1999 as a tiny brewery that quickly won the hearts and minds of Californian beer fanatics. Green Flash purchased them last year, and it’s now expanded to the point where you can…
Trending: Avocado
With minimal menus and low-overhead, food trucks live by the maxim that less is more, and a certain versatility that can respond quickly to trends, This is certainly the case with Bethlyn Rider’s Global Fusion Food Truck, which is currently making inspired use of the humble avocado. “I tend to go for ingredients that have…
Whatever, Mom
Yesterday, I was the greatest mom in the world. Today, I’ll be starring in the dramatic, must-see production of Evil Mommy and the Unlucky Boy Who Never Gets His Way. It’s official. My five-year-old son has fulfilled all height requirements, led me to the front of the line, and dragged me aboard the love rollercoaster.…
Food Cart of the Year 2015
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for local chef Bethlyn Rider. Since leaving the Broken Top Bottle Shop last August to launch her own food cart—Bethlyn’s Global Fusion—she has held down a regular spot off Galveston Avenue, catered events, and developed a strong following. “[Customers have] responded really well,” Rider says. “I think it’s…
Art Watch 4/22-4/29
When people ask me if I make art, I pretty much always answer, “No.” If someone describes me as “creative,” I will usually scrunch up my nose and make a self-deprecating comment. I do like to spend time creating things that are visually and or intellectually beautiful—shadow boxes or short stories or terrariums—but I decided…
Film Events 4/22-4/29
OR7 – The Journey Oregon Wild premieres the documentary OR7 – The Journey. Named as if a New York hip hop artist, OR7 is the famed male wandering gray wolf that formed the first wolf pack west of the Cascade Range in 70 years. A truly heartwarming story about rebounding wolf population, and a story…
Our Picks 4/22-4/29
friday 24 Riley’s Range Benders MUSIC—Set on a crest facing west, Crux already has one of the best vantage points for mountain ranges and evening sunsets and, increasingly, they seem to be adding another element to magical evenings: Live music! Riley’s Range Benders are easy-going folk music; a great way to wind down the week.…
Out of Town 4/22-4/29
portland wednesday 22 – thursday 30 Portland Photo Month Whether feeling photogenic or not, Portland had better be ready for glamour shots. As the fifth annual Portland Photo Month comes to a close, the final weekend promises a Portfolio Walk on April 23, giving a chance to stroll and see the best photos and photographers…
A Girl and a Gun
Portland author Phillip Margolin has made a name for himself in the world of noir fiction, with a particular emphasis on the legal aspects of the genre. His historical drama Worthy Brown’s Daughter is a heartbreaking story of slavery and murder set in 19th-century Oregon. “Writing Worthy Brown’s Daughter,” he explained, “was a huge challenge…
