Sunday, February 05, 2006

Toomies

Toomies, Bend Oregon --

If you aren't familiar with Toomie's, then you haven't lived in Bend for any length of time.

Toomie's was one of the few ethnic restaurants back in "the day" that took a chance on Bend and opened their doors. Since then, more and more people are beginning to appreciate the unique flavor and style that they bring to the table, so to speak.

Prior to choosing our restaurant for dinner, DH and I had the same back-and-forth that you have had many times with your significant other:

"Mexican? Seafood? Italian? Do you want to go downtown? Is there anything new we haven't tried?"

Bam! Toomie's. We hadn't been there in almost a year, and it was due time.

We arrived early, about 6 o'clock on a weekday evening. We were one of two tables seated for about a half an hour.

Our server was prompt, and offered drinks and appetizers. I asked him to bring us whatever appetizer was his favorite, and a glass of spicy red wine.

After our wine, we were soon served a plate of spring rolls that were out of this world! With crunchy vegetables, diced peanuts, and other secret ingredients rolled firmly in a rice paper wrap and a fresh mint flavor, we dipped and ate until they were all gone. YUM!

Our entrees appeared, and I was a bit intimidated. It was ALOT of food, and I'm always wary of food in mass quantities at a restaurant that isn't JJ North's All-You-Can-Eat buffet.

Oh, was I wrong.

My entree was delicious -- spicy, yet sweet with flavor. Perfectly cooked shrimp, crisp veggies, and a stir-fry sauce of some sort to die for, tossed with flat pan-cooked noodles. It was the best thing on the menu, in my opinion. Yet, DH decided that HIS was the best thing on the menu as well, so we kept switching plates. We finally agreed that it was a tie... and we also agreed that it was a shame we didn't frequent Toomie's more often.


We asked for boxes, and wrapped up two more meals worth of left-overs. Then, the ultimate.

Warning: South-Beach diet readers, press your "Back" button now.

Dessert.

Never, ever, have I been so in love with a dessert. DH ordered the fried bananas and coconut icecream. Now how can that be even remotely OK to eat? Regardless, the presentation was impressive, and it FORCED me to try a bite.

Sweet bananas in a crisp batter, deep-fried and topped with powdered sugar. Hot and sweet, and served with a mellow, fresh coconut-flavored icecream sprinkled with deep fried coconut shavings.

It was SO wrong. Look at this!!!!



That is not a human-sized portion of a dessert that delicious.

We rolled out of Toomie's, then walked to Pave Fine Jewelry about two doors down. Great food, an even better dessert, then to top it off I get to go shopping at my favorite jewelry store?

What's the catch?

Toomie's. Get in there as soon as possible!

My dish: $12
DH's entree: $13.95
2 glasses wine: $13
Dessert: $5
Bill: $43.95
Tip: $15.00
Total: $58.95 (and with two lunches and one dinner for left-overs!)


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