Restaurant of the Year | The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon

Restaurant of the Year

Stick a Spork in it

Congratulations to Spork! An eatery that was once on wheels has been in its permanent home on Newport Avenue, since June 2013. With new renovations finished in November, 675 square feet were added to the dining room. Spork is now pleased to be able to feed so much of Bend and is even a must-stop spot for tourists popping in from all over the world. Having been such an amazing addition to Bend, it's no wonder that this year Spork is receiving Restaurant of the Year 2016.

Co-owner Erica Reilly, along with Jeff Hunt, and Chris Lohrey are three souls on the journey that led Spork to become such an amazing experience. "We are incredibly honored and we find great joy in feeding our community," says Reilly. Feed their community, they do indeed. Spork has an interesting advantage being close enough, but away from downtown, and they want it that way. "We like being in a neighborhood," says Reilly, who adds that the downtown area was becoming very much a scene and they wanted Spork to be its own destination. The added benefit of being in a residential area is having multiple regulars who come in to eat up to three times a week. It's not just regulars who come in often, however. Reilly says it never ceases to amaze her how often travelers come in every day during their stay in Bend. Spork's menu and flair for everything Asian hooks people for good.

Spork has its own counter-style theme where ordering up front is not only encouraged, but also actually required. Reilly equates this style to hosting guests at home. "It's kind of what we are about, community," she says, and the service reflects that as well. Respect for the community is also shown through the food and where it comes from, something that is easily forgotten in today's fast-paced world; Spork gives extra care and attention to finding local sources. This care comes across in wonderful ways, from delicious food to mutual respect between Spork and its many loyal customers. Though Spork has won many awards, the team remains humble and willing to always do better not only for themselves, but also for the community as a whole.

Spork

937 NW Newport Ave., Stuite 120, Bend

Mon-Thu, Sun: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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  • Junaco

    @ Bunk+Brew

    Fri., March 29, 7-11 p.m.

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