Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Mercury Diner

Mercury Diner, Bend Oregon --







Mercury Diner is not as well known as many of the mainstream restaurants in Bend, Oregon, but certainly deserves to be. The owner, Neal Kramer, has opened many restaurants in Bend, including Marz Bistro and Mangia Pasta. Each has been sold to new proprieters, and then Neal and his wife decided to get back into the swing of things with Mercury Diner. Thank God they did.

Mercury Diner is an eclectic, American-style restaurant with huge portions and a spicy finish. Neal hails from the south, and makes a mean BBQ dish as well as big ol' desserts to finish them off with. They used to serve breakfast on the weekends, but haven't for awhile (unfortunately - they're Benedict was the best in town!). The lunches are postponed until the renovations are finished, so you'll have to stick to dinner.

My favorite appetizer is the Ahi Carpaccio - paper-thin rare ahi tuna layered with a wasabi soy vinaigrette and FRIED capers. I could eat a bowl of those little cruncy green things. For dinner, I always have the rock shrimp chile relleno. It doesn't sound like much, but when you see it, you'll understand. The chile is brought in San Fransisco, and is GIGANTIC! The massive pepper is stuffed full of succulent rock shrimp, homemade red sauce, homemade spanish rice, tons of sticky Jack Cheese, and then lightly battered and deep fried. Oh Mama, it does it for me! Try the "Mercurita" for a refreshing change on the blended margarita, or ask for a great wine pairing. For a "Diner", this place keeps a good stock of great wines.

Be sure to save room for the platter of bread pudding, the authentic Key Lime Pie, or the Chocolate Pecan Pie. C'est Bien, Mon Amie!

Mercury Diner
1444 NW College Way
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 330-0037

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was not a fan of the Mercury Diner. I found it to be cramped and below average food.

10:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I thought the food was good and portions better but I didn't care for their BBQ beans.

12:16 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home