Sunriver

It was the Bend Chamber of Commerce Annual Recognition Dinner last night, and I was privleged enough to rub elbows with the high-society that Bend has recently created with it's population boom. Whatever. I was there for the food, and then outta there!

I arrived (purposefully) late to the mingling session across the walkway from the Great Hall, and meandered into the dining area. The tables were already set, and I must say, I was impressed.

Very nice. The salad was a roma tomato, hollowed out and stuffed with baby romaine and a parmesan-encrusted crouton. This was set atop a balsamic reduction alongside a few other slivered vegetables. Tiny, and probably for sheer presentation factor. The table also was set with dessert, which I had to wait to eat, as I was sitting with socialites, remember?

After the salad, we were served a set menu dish of New York Steak and Salmon, along with mashed potatoes and broccolini spears. Fancy shmancy, eh? The steak was raw, so I traded my dining partner his salmon for the rest of my steak. Just like kindergarten lunchtime.


The salmon was good, although a bit overdone. I guess if I were preparing over 400 salmon dinners, I might overcook a few, too. No harm done, it was fine. The mashed potatoes were a cold, crusty ball of starch which I steered clear of, and the broccolini was al-dente and enjoyed thoroughly.

Dessert was a nutty crusted pecan torte of sorts, and was delicious! It had a white chocolate spear that was perfection, and everyone at the table ate every bite. The only annoyance were the little "sponsor flags" set in the torte. Why on earth would I be persuaded to use David Evans & Associates because their silly little flag was in my dessert? I only knew their name just now because I brought the flags home to stick in a dinner that I make for my husband in the future (I'm thinking April Fool's Day?). I know that he'll find them a nice touch the next time I make Rouladen. Right.

Not that it has anything to do with a food review, I have to mention a bit more about the event itself. The Bend Chamber Recognition Dinner. Just the name should clue you about what it entailed. Everyone slapping each other on the back, shaking hands with faces with no names, and congratulating each other for jobs well done. Everyone is talking about everyone else's business, and the women are all racing to the restrooms with their safety-buddy to gossip about the garish outfits that the other women are wearing. Silly kids. I couldn't believe how much chest-puffing and hot air was going on in that room. When name-removed-for-privacy won an award and after walking on stage pulled a NOTE CARD out of his suit jacket with a list of "I'd like to thank the Academy" statements, I about lost it. Please. We live in Bend, Oregon, not Los Angeles, not New York, and not Las Vegas. Bend. It used to be humble, now it's in a race to be pretentious. Alright, I'm done.

All in all, I believe Sunriver to do a great job of group catering. The service is good, the food is above par, and the atmosphere is outstanding. The company I could've done without. I think that next year I'll wear a top cut down to 'there' and give them something to talk about.