Bend

Dear Irene, Bend, OR., 5/2/24

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building – 926 NW Brooks St, Bend, OR 97703

Dear Irene is the creation of Chef Jonny Becklund and his wife Irene.  Opening in July 2023, Jonny moved to Bend from San Francisco where he owned a 12 seat tasting menu restaurant.   He likes to change the menu here as he did there based on what he can find at the market.  Their wine list was not particularly great but they do have a huge selection of bourbons.  It was a long space with brick walls, tile floor, a high wood ceiling, music in the background and draping on the lights over the long bar.  There was a second dining area through a window which was about a third of the length and then the kitchen.  Art was on the walls and there was lots of color in the decorating scheme.  Small tables were along the walls with one side utilizing bench seating.  The place could have noise issues but the food was good enough to put up with it. Continue reading →

BOSA Food & Drink, Bend, OR., 5/3/24

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exterior at night – 1005 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97703

BOSA owned and operated by chefs Bill Dockter and Nate King, offers regional Italian and French specialties including housemade pasta.  They opened in August of 2021 in the historic Bakery Building, just before Covid hit.  The restaurant is named for a town in the Sardinia region of Italy that the owners felt resembled Bend.  It’s a long space with counter seating running the length of the place divided by a low wall with the table area.  The open ceiling is decorated with cloth ‘flowers’ probably for sound absorption as the rest of it is hard surfaces.  Opposite the counter seating are numerous windows that offer views of the street.  The other walls have mirrors or art.  The noise level was significant as it was packed with tables changing out regularly, but it did get better when one large group left and was replaced with 2 or 4 person groups.  The plates are served family style and meant to be shared.  Our server wanted our entire order in at one time and said he would course it out.  He did, it was well paced and the small table did not get overwhelmed.  It was really tasty food and I would recommend this place be on your schedule when you visit. Continue reading →

Bonta – Natural Artisan Gelato, Bend, OR., 5/3/24

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street entrance – 920 NW Bond St #108, Bend, OR 97703

Bonta Gelato had one of their locations very close to our hotel so we stopped in to try it.  Owners Jeff and Julie Labbhart have traveled to find different flavors to incorporate into their handcrafted gelato.   The small batch gelato is made with techniques they learned working with Italian gelato masters.  They make their gelato with Oregon milk, desert lavender and mountain hazelnuts or whatever local ingredients they can source.  They scoop into cups or a variety of cones as well as have pints and quarts to go.  They also offer non-dairy sorbets and have seasonal flavors.  The gelato had marvelous texture and well developed flavor.  If you see their product I encourage you to indulge. Continue reading →

That Guy’s Bistro, Bend, OR., 5/3/24

~ hsnixon ~ 3 Comments
exterior – 61147 Bend Parkway, Bend, Oregon 97702

That Guy’s Bistro has 3 locations, one of which is in Redmond.  It started as a food truck in 2018 and now has a brick and mortar location, where we ate,  in addition to the 2 food trucks.  They serve salads, pizzas, burger and Philly sandwiches – which are offered with a variety of fillings.  In addition to the large menu they also have a variety of liquors.   It was a medium sized place in a shopping center that felt to me a little like a “bubba bar”.  Several large TV screens were on each of the walls, mercifully silent, playing a variety of sports and a life guard show that seemed to focus on bikini clad women.  It got a good crowd of working men.    The counter people were very friendly.  We wanted to try the basic TG Burger which was a 1/4 pound beef patty with American cheese, onions, tomato, lettuce, pickle and TG sauce on a grilled brioche bun.  The burger comes with fries or mac salad.  We chose fries and they were a fun curled variety that were dusted with seasoning and nicely crisped.  The burger was cooked to ‘pink’ and loaded with other ingredients.  The bun was nicely toasted and tasty but too big for the patty.  They gave you extra sauce which did have a nice spice to it.  A fine burger, but next time I’ll try one of the Philly options. Continue reading →

Farmer’s Deli, Bend, OR., 5/2/24

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truck – 925 NW Brooks St, Bend, OR 97703

Farmer’s Deli is a breakfast or lunch spot brought to you by Chef/owner Justin Halvorsen.  Opening in summer 2023 it is the result of 24 years of cooking in various capacities for others and now he has his own gig.  The place highlights locally sourced food and ingredients.  It is a food truck behind Bar Rio and next to the restaurant Dear Irene.  There are no tables right next to it but there are tables by a coffee shop 30 feet away where you are welcome to sit and enjoy your food but many seemed to take it to go.  Halvorsen was raised in Vermont so there are numerous East coast inspired items on the menu.  It’s a small menu but the ingredients are quality indeed, even bread from Sparrow Bakery.  Both sandwiches we tried were generous portions and could have easily been split.  They each came with a nice pickle spear.  A fun off-the-beaten-track place to grab a quick bite to eat. Continue reading →

The Sparrow Bakery Northwest, Bend, OR., 5/2/24

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exterior – 2748 NW Crossing Dr #110, Bend, OR 97701

The Sparrow Bakery opened in 2006 on Scott Street  then moved to the present location in Bend in 2014 where they had more seating room.  They now have a second location in Portland.  It’s a large place with high ceilings and lots of windows.  Merchandise is on a long table guiding you to the counter where you order.  They call out your name when your order is ready to come pick up.  A separate station had napkins and flatware.  They sell bakery items, coffee, breads and sandwiches and next door was another spot where you could just get to go items.  We got some Americana coffees and tried a few of their baked items.  The coffee was average.  Their baked goods had a similarity of dough.  None seemed as flakey as I expected but the Ocean Roll was worth going for.  It’s unique and delicious. Continue reading →

Ariana Restaurant, Bend, OR., 5/1/24

~ hsnixon ~ 4 Comments
building – 1304 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97703

Ariana was in an older Craftsman bungalow and run by Chefs Andres and Ariana Fernandez.   Their regionally inspired cuisine was offered as a seasonal chef 6-course tasting that changes weekly as well as an a la carte menu on Wed through Sat evenings.  In 2004 Ariana’s Italian parents were excited about the culinary marriage she had with Colombia native Andres and offered the start up money for a restaurant of their own.  It turned out that they both attended the Cascade Culinary Institute and her father had experience in the wine industry so he started as their beverage manager.  With Ariana’s mother helping work the front of the house, the family restaurant was born.   I’d call it medium sized with some seating available on the porch area and a couple seats in front of the bar.  The main room had lots of windows, bench seating along one wall, lowered lighting, art on the walls and a unused fireplace.   It is the “special occasion” restaurant in Bend.  Both of the Fernandez still cook but she will also work any position in the front of the house, even tend bar, when needed.   We went with their tasting to get the best representation of their cooking but in retrospect I’d suggest ordering a la carte.  It was a good place but the tasting went downward toward the end. Continue reading →

Americana Burger, Bend, OR., 5/1/24

~ hsnixon ~ 5 Comments
food truck  – 536 NW Arizona Ave, Bend, OR 97703

Americana food truck is in The Podski Lot,  a small lot with several food trucks and one brick and mortar place where you can buy drinks or grab a glass of water.    A bunch of colorful picnic tables are on a combination of artificial grass and concrete for a place to eat.  Parking is tricky as it’s just what you can find on the street, but most have a 2-hour free parking zones.  Owner Joe Franco wanted to offer an affordable burger where anybody could come out and eat and opened this venture in 2020 then moved to the Podski in Nov. 2022.  The basic OG Burger is only $8 and includes caramelized onions, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato and secret sauce and is served on a toasted brioche bun.   Each burger includes two 2-ounce patties which are only cooked on one side to form a crust on the bottom of the patty yet keep the beef moist.    For the vegetarians he offers a grilled cheese and for burger lovers there are variations including BBQ or jalapenos.   It made a great lunch. Continue reading →