tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-164966712011-11-01T05:46:44.257-07:00It's not that I can't cook -- I just LOVE eating out. Bend, Oregon, now has restaurants worthy of bragging about. I plan on doing just that.BrENDanoreply@blogger.comBlogger421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1145312758582329542006-04-17T15:16:00.000-07:002006-04-17T15:26:57.990-07:00

The Westside Cafe & Bakery --The Westside Cafe in Bend, Oregon, is such a fantastic place. I have so many memories built into this restaurant, and even a "personal" belonging that makes me feel as if I have a vested interest in it's success.It all started back in 1991, when I cashed in on a car accident and bought a house a few places behind the Westside Cafe (asking price? $82,000). The house

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1142667931720004812006-03-17T23:16:00.000-08:002006-03-17T23:47:07.136-08:00

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

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1141283686944278102006-03-01T23:10:00.000-08:002006-03-01T23:14:46.956-08:00

The Bend Fish Market --Finally, a place to buy fresh fish besides Newport Avenue Market! Nothing against NAM except the price -- OUCH! I love fresh fish, and finding seafood smack dab in the middle of Oregon has been a bit of a problem since I moved here about fifteen years ago.The Bend Fish Market opened recently in the old Blimpies location, on Revere, across the street from Blockbuster Video.

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1139130970385839382006-02-05T00:50:00.000-08:002006-02-05T01:16:10.396-08:00

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

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1138764672693373052006-01-31T19:27:00.000-08:002006-01-31T19:31:12.713-08:00

DiLusso Bakery, Bend Oregon --I love bread, so therefore, I love DiLusso. There are many pop-up bakeries in town now, each pitching their own take on bread, each proclaiming itself to be the best, and yet none can compare to DiLusso Bakery.DiLusso began in Bend in the early 90's, with the orginal owners selling their loaves door to door to downtown restaurant owners. I remember Kim, one of the

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1138296037991075042006-01-26T09:08:00.000-08:002006-01-26T09:20:38.003-08:00

Pizzicato, Bend Oregon --Pizzicato is here, and it's good. If you love a true thin-crust pizza, crusty and crunchy, you'll love Pizzicato. If you're a thick-crust, Chicago-style pizza person, well, get lost. Chicago-style lovers don't belong here. :o) Alright, maybe if you're FROM Chicago you can appreciate deep pan pizza, but everyone else has to love thin, crunchy crusts.Pizzicato has opened

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1138036473519755162006-01-23T09:13:00.000-08:002006-01-23T09:14:33.523-08:00

East Bend Liquor Store, Bend Oregon --It's not fine dining, but it's certainly worth a mention. Besides, some people claim that liquor is a main food group.... The Eastside Liquor Store is the finest liquor store in Bend, with the largest selection, and the best deals to be had. Mark, the owner, takes pride in keeping his store in stock of the finest brands, and also those bottles that are hard

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1137898698151339572006-01-21T18:42:00.000-08:002006-01-21T18:59:16.160-08:00

Staccato's, Bend Oregon --Alright, I'm coming around. Staccato's is finally getting their kinks worked out.A few evenings ago, a large group of friends and I met there for drinks and appetizers, and we all were pleased with the end result.For starters, we ordered the potato croquettes, fried zucchini spears, and bruschetta.The Croquettes were decent - very large, with a crusty outer layer and

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1137897769082526132006-01-21T18:22:00.000-08:002006-01-21T18:59:52.736-08:00

La Rosa, Bend Oregon --DH and I went to La Rosa for lunch today, and even though I've already praised this restaurant, it was worth mentioning again.El Caporal's long-time bartender, Gene, is now working here, and greeted us with a big smile and my favorite margarita. Because I didn't actually order the drink, it was okay to drink it before noon without feeling like I have a "problem". Mmmmm,

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1136434845166796382006-01-04T20:03:00.000-08:002006-01-04T21:26:25.936-08:00

Red Robin Restaurant, Bend Oregon --Why do I go here?I know why. I have no choice when a group of people from the office plan lunch. Today was a friend's birthday, and it was somehow decided that we'd partake in the over-zealous experience that is Red Robin. I didn't complain too much - I knew exactly what I'd order, I knew I'd pay too much for it, and I knew that they'd sing a silly little song

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1135921534986637782005-12-29T21:27:00.001-08:002006-01-04T22:33:15.800-08:00

High Tides, Bend Oregon --Who knew that High Tides has been here for so many years? Hidden on Bond Street across from the Deschutes Brewery, High Tides Seafood restaurant has had continued success in the ever-changing landscape of Bend, Oregon eateries.I received a gift card for High Tides from my company, and decided to try it out last week. We tried to make reservations, and had to settle for 5

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1135918809198648902005-12-29T20:53:00.000-08:002006-01-04T21:15:30.023-08:00

Staccato's, Bend Oregon --Alright.We went back.It was just for cocktails and appetizers, though, as I didn't want to "waste" my money again. And guess what? I was pleasantly surprised.The Staccato's cocktail menu is fancy and unique, so I felt obligated to try the most ridiculous of all of the drinks on the menu: the Framboise Balsamic Martini.It's made from a raspberry puree and a tablespoon or

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1133416114592212742005-11-30T21:48:00.001-08:002006-01-04T21:17:53.370-08:00

La Rosa Mexican Restaurant, Bend Oregon --Ah, La Rosa. How do I love thee?If you haven't been to La Rosa, get off your butt and go --RIGHT NOW!La Rosa is the most authentic Mexican food I've found outside of Mexico, yet without the lard and beans. The recipes are varied and delicious, from the halibut salad to the crab enchiladas.... you cannot go wrong with your choice here.My favorite is the

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1133416123035104502005-11-30T21:48:00.000-08:002006-01-04T21:17:26.196-08:00

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

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1133416097028576062005-11-30T21:36:00.000-08:002006-01-04T21:17:02.486-08:00

Anthony's Homeport Restaurant, Bend Oregon -- Yes, I've been here before. And yes, I've written about it before. Yet, my dear, dear friends... I have NEVER, EVER consumed the main course item that was presented to me on a recent Sunday evening.Fresh, NEVER, EVER frozen, GIANT Alaskan King Crab Legs.Now, we all know about the previously frozen crab legs that we buy at the Albertson's One-Day Meat

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1131941737807294612005-11-13T19:32:00.000-08:002006-01-04T21:16:25.196-08:00

Staccato's, Bend Oregon -- Staccato's, Bend Oregon --No, they're not open. Not just yet.However, I was invited to their "soft opening" last night. All of the food would be free, with only our beverages charged to the bill. Of course, I said "To Hell With The Diet" and dressed to kill, prepared to feast like a rottweiler on a bear hunt.Staccato's is located in the old Firehouse on NW Minnesota

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1131665051800558352005-11-10T15:14:00.000-08:002006-01-04T21:14:22.433-08:00

My House, Bend Oregon --I can't believe how GOOD I'm being! I haven't eaten out since the first of the month -- am on a diet. I'm getting pretty creative in the kitchen, though. Blackened Ahi, broiled cajun salmon, vegan spaghetti... so many dishes I've never made before! I get one cheat meal every 7 to 10 days, so I'm sure that we'll use that for our dining out priveleges. It will be Anthony's

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1130723440621086182005-10-30T17:38:00.000-08:002006-01-04T21:13:48.160-08:00

Sideline's Sports Bar, Bend Oregon --Ahhhh, Sideline's. Bend's ONLY sports bar. Don't argue with me -- O'Kane's is NOT a sports bar, and Player's, while they do have the NFL package, only serves deep fried food and is too smoky and off the beaten path.Sideline's is located on Wall Street in downtown Bend. They boast about 30 televisions, thus every sports game is able to get equal coverage. Just

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1130558206185622252005-10-28T20:33:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:13:20.476-08:00

The Grove, Bend Oregon --Mmmmmm... so happy to be back at the Grove! I'm now officially an old lady -- now that I prefer The Grove BEFORE it gets dark! After 11pm, this place is a 'rockin! Hence this photo ---->The Grove is the most underrated restaurant in town, and it's most likely due to the fact that it's a nightclub after hours. Old people are afraid of those "crazy kids bumping and grinding

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1130535891556041492005-10-28T14:31:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:12:53.200-08:00

Crouton's, Bend Oregon --Lunch today was from Crouton's, a new eaterie on the Westside of Bend. Crouton's specializes in SALADS, and also serves fresh paninis (grilled sandwiches) and homemade soups.I love the premise of Crouton's -- fast and fresh, big crunchy salads with tons of goodies on every bite of lettuce. I've had lunch from Crouton's about three times since they've opened, and have been

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1130478063026542982005-10-27T22:25:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:12:28.563-08:00

Shoji's, Bend Oregon --We went to Shoji's for sushi again -- I know it doesn't sound glamorous, but this place has fantastic sushi!The Keiska roll is made with tempura shrimp, avocado, cucumber, crab, and topped with a very generous portion of tobiko. It's our favorite. We also had the Hashimotosan stuffed with tuna, cucumber, and spicy sauce, and topped with Unagi and fresh avocado. YUM! The

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1130302698702607382005-10-25T21:43:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:12:06.836-08:00

Blue Fish Bistro, Bend Oregon --I know, I know -- AGAIN??? I just love this restaurant!Tonight we decided to go to my favorite restaurant, and boring ol' me had the same thing as usual. Hey, why change perfection?We started with the Ahi Firecrackers - flash-seared ahi diced and wrapped in soft nori, served with vinegar soaked cucumber noodles and a shoyu reduction and chili sauce. DELICIOUS!For

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1130044078293722312005-10-22T21:58:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:11:38.866-08:00

Cibelli's Pizza, Bend Oregon --Pizza is as close to Nirvana as one can get, according to DH. He claims that there is no such thing as "Bad Pizza", it's just that some are better than others. He also says this about beer, so now you can kind of understand the DH is just like your dear husband. Screw apple pie, hotdogs and Kool-Aid, the All-American meal is PIZZA AND BEER!This being said, DH and I

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1129948234000103072005-10-21T19:24:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:11:06.833-08:00

Anthony's Restaurant, Bend Oregon --I went to Anthony's Homeport Restaurant in the Old Mill District for lunch today with 5 co-workers. It wasn't a celebration of any sorts, just an excuse to meet and eat with nice people.I've always liked Anthony's, from day one their menu has been inventive and reasonably priced. Yes, it is a bit spendy, but you certainly get what you pay for.I ordered the Chop

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1129867495866180202005-10-20T20:50:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:10:40.570-08:00

The Astro Lounge, Bend Oregon --The Astro Lounge is located on NW Minnesota Avenue in Bend, Oregon. This place is the epitome of "Super Cool", and is the perfect place to meet, greet and join new or old friends. The bar is super chic, with the bar seating about 10 people. The tables on the main floor seat maybe another 30, and then upstairs? Ohhhhh, if you are able to sit in the coveted upstairs

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1129869903493108512005-10-20T14:35:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:10:16.890-08:00

Yoko's, Bend Oregon --Yoko's is Bend's oldest Japanese restaurant, however, their original downtown location is GONE! It's a bummer, but the building they were leasing was sold, and Yoko's rent was tripled in a short time, and so they had no choice but to leave. Thank goodness they still have an Eastside location!We went there this afternoon for lunch, having previously visited Yoko's at least

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1129872063811384122005-10-17T13:06:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:09:55.073-08:00

Pizzicato, Bend Oregon --OOOOOHHHHH Pizzicato, How I Long For You!I, BrENDa, have come across a menu for the planned Pizzicato restaurant in Bend, Oregon. It's going into the old Pizza Schmizza space, located near Ray's Food Place off of Century Drive.Forgive the crappy photos -- I had a brief moment to scan parts of the menu and tried my best to upload them here.All I can say is BEWARE Bend

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1129269410956988602005-10-13T22:43:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:04:03.083-08:00

Thai on the Fly, Bend Oregon --For lunch today, I enjoyed a relative newcomer to the area, Thai on the Fly in Bend.Thai on the Fly is kind of creepy if you haven't been there before. It's the white trailer sitting next to the Quick Lube place on Greenwood Avenue, across from the (ghetto) Sentry Market.At first glance, one might think the trailer to be serving up mystery meat and sugar water, and

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1128665151696953712005-10-06T23:01:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:09:34.440-08:00

Papa's Pizza, Bend Oregon --Papa's Pizza SUCKS unless you have kids -- That, or if you have it delivered.The restaurant itself is built around having kids, and boasts a gi-normous kids playland with slides, ladders, balls.... and hundreds of screaming children.HELP!Anyway, if you have kids, God Bless you, and this is the place for you. Good pizza, a decent salad bar, and BUDWEISER on tap.If

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1128664463020014112005-10-04T07:49:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:05:07.006-08:00

The D&D --Here we go. How do I go about reviewing the "D" (as it's affectionately called by the locals) and still maintain my reputation of a self-proclaimed restaurant critic?How about this? The D & D is Bend's oldest and most notorious restaurant / bar, and a true Bend resident can't be called a local until they've ingested the wares here.Hurumph!I remember my 21st birthday, going into the "D",

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1129270621768527142005-10-04T07:20:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:02:39.016-08:00

O'Kane's Steak and Chop House, Bend Oregon --Who?Exactly.O'Kane's Steak and Chop House in Bend is the latest restaurant to make a home in the old Stuft Pizza location. Located on Oregon Avenue in downtown Bend, O'Kane's is the new and improved Legend's Restaurant ... no wait.... On The Rocks Restaurant, and it has a fancier interior to prove it!Warning. If you own or manage the place, go refill

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1128663595105427802005-09-30T22:23:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:04:50.696-08:00

El Caporal, Bend Oregon --This place will always be a staple in Bend, Oregon. We went here tonight for a quick dinner and a couple of drinks, and again ended up being impressed with their unique niche in an over-populated Mexican restaurant area.This is a "Family-Style" restaurant, which basically means that you can bring the little brats, feed them, AND entertain them at the same time. Thus, DH

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1127456604100721032005-09-22T22:47:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:04:36.536-08:00

Shoji's, Bend Oregon --So I'm not normally a "Showgirl", and the entertainment value of "dinner & a show" (Shoji's tagline) wouldn't ever convince me to dine at their establishment. I can't even remember the first time that I went to Shoji's in Bend -- but I do know that I am a regular now. Not for the crappy stir-fried tennis shoes and rice, but for the sushi!Believe it or not, this gal LOVES

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1127097025718291172005-09-18T08:22:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:04:22.103-08:00

Blue Fish Bistro, Bend Oregon --Went here again last night. I really, really love this restaurant. This time I tried the seared marlin (swordfish) on a bed of linguine with a chantrelle mushroom buerre blanc (that's butter-wine sauce for those that aren't in the know). PERFECT! The chef (Matt?) can do no wrong! Add three glasses of nummy yummy wine and I was flying high! We walked to Goody's

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1127098008476185222005-09-17T09:16:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:08:37.640-08:00

Cascade Lakes Restaurant, Bend Oregon --The Cascade Lakes Lodge is the first casual eaterie off of the main drag from Mt.Bachelor. It's cozy and, well, "Lodg-y", with exposed log beams, shiny dark floors, and fireplaces throughout. The service is excellent (always is), the atmosphere is good, the food is average.We went to the Lodge last night for dinner, and again I was not impressed. I had the

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1127099013269241922005-08-13T19:54:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:08:10.290-08:00

Bon Bien, Bend Oregon --There's a reason I remain anonymous about my identity, and Bon Bien is it.If I can reach just one person, just one, and convince them to spend their hard-earned money elsewhere, this blog will have done justice.Bon Bien is Non Bien. Not good.Crab Cakes? Tastes like solidified deep fryer oil.Escargot? Snails the consistency of frozen gummy bears in a buttered spinach dip

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1126163219504533652005-08-02T17:10:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:07:48.506-08:00

Taco Time, Bend Oregon --Fantastico! I hate to even bother this blog with a fast food restaurant, but Taco Time next to Fred Meyer on Hwy. 97 is now my favorite junk food! Their burritos are friggen amazing! For two bucks, I got a three-pound burrito filled with fresh ingredients and enough sour cream to actually notice it was in there. It even had sunflower seeds! The green sauce that came with

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1126380982861702032005-07-28T09:14:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:07:30.003-08:00

Cork, Bend Oregon --DH and I went to Cork last night, and once again, were so impressed with everything. This place is of such high-caliber -- it would fit right in with the acclaimed restaurants of upstate New York, or Los Angeles. I just can't get over that the chef, Greg Unruh, is self-taught. Turns out, Greg used to work down the street from Cork at Eddie's Canton Chinese. From that, to THIS?

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1126380289559960962005-07-16T09:17:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:07:07.066-08:00

Blue Fish Bistro, Bend Oregon --This new restaurant is absolutely amazing. We went here last night and were just blown away by the food, service, and presentation. I found PERFECT flavors and the presentation of each dish was top notch.First, the Ahi Firecrackers or the Seared Scallops for an appetizer, and for our entrees, the seared halibut in a lemon thyme buerre blanc and the hoisen seafood

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1126379617105866872005-07-12T15:10:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:06:44.256-08:00

Kayo's Roadhouse, Bend Oregon --I remember eating at Kayo's on the southside of Bend back in the day. It used to be considered one of the nicest restaurants in Bend, Oregon. Steak, seafood, pasta, and the best damn Bloody Mary's this side of Boston. Now it's a sports hangout with gambling addicts, chain smokers, and sticky carpets. What a shame.Kayo's has two other locations: one on the Eastside

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1127099633469578482005-07-01T16:09:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:06:22.300-08:00

Red Dragon Chinese, Bend Oregon --This place just might be the best Chinese food I've had since moving to this town 15 years ago! The only problem they have is the location, which I believe lends itself to a "cheap" image. The Red Dragon is located on Hwy. 97, right in front of Wal-Mart. Yuck. And the atmosphere is one of a diner -- not a fine dining experience.Here's the thing: When you want

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16496671.post-1126162773698884152005-06-25T23:52:00.000-07:002006-01-04T21:05:46.296-08:00

Bend, Oregon Restaurants --Okay, so here we begin. Bend, Oregon is the place. Food is the topic. There are more restaurants here per capita than in Palm Springs, California. We've got everything from the four-pound, two-dollar burrito to the two-ounce filet for fifty bucks. From the Wine Spectator to the Wine-O, Bend, Oregon has got edibles and drinkables to brag about. That's why I'm here,

BrENDanoreply@blogger.com0