Sbandati Personal Chef Services

Sbandati Personal Chef Services

I want a personal chef. I need to figure out how to make some money so I can hire a personal chef to make my meals in my house all the time. That's how I'm feeling after having Dr. Juri Sbandati from Sbandati Personal Chef Services cook us the best Italian dinner I've ever had.

Seriously, the best Italian dinner I've ever had. The best. I'm going to hit up the "Italian restaurants" in Bend this year so I can write up some good comparisons so when I do my Best of 2008 it won't looked rigged. But its already a lock that Sbandati Personal Chef Services will receive the Best Italian in Bend Oregon award. Call me unfair, I don't care. I've been called worse.

Ok, enough sucking up. We started off with imported Mortadella with rustic bread and three year aged Parmigiano Reggiano which was served with 25 year old balsamic vinegar.

The parm and balsamic was a great combo and balanced out the saltiness of the Mortadella. The 25 year old balsamic had a syrupy consistency and I couldn't get enough of it. I want to pour it all over my bod....wait, never mind.

After some wine we sat down to a serving of Penne alla Chiantigiana - Penne pasta with a Chianti red wine sauce, tomato, sausage and fennel seed sauce.


Sausage and pasta...yeah you know I'm going to like it. After I finished my plate we were sipping our wine and chatting away and next thing I knew...next course. I had actually forgotten that there was more food and was quite content with the appetizer and the Penne.

But sure enough, next came the Maiale in Crosta di Pane - Pork tenderloin wrapped in a roasted baguette served with a field greens and pear salad drizzled with that same 25 year aged balsamic.



OH mamma, the pork was so tender and juicy. The baguette was like a salty, warm pretzel that just soaked up all the pork juice. Even the salad was good and you know I don't say that often.

It was about this time that I brought up the fact that I worked in a cheesy restaurant back in the day and my manager was a 5'2" Italian named Claudio. He use to reach up and grab me by the back of my neck and curse me in Italian when I messed up. I told this to Juri and Kinley and actually was able to recite the words that Claudio taught me.

Juri and his wife Kinley's eyes lit up in shock as the words rolled off my tongue. I've used those same words in traffic jams or in long lines at Safeway (why soooo long lines Safeway....why?!?!). All this time I've sort of thought that Claudio was just messing with me and calling me things like "Your face looks like a Salami" or "You think a you know a everything" but he was really cussing at me and in some pretty harsh words. Thanks to my man Claudio, I now know some GREAT cuss words in Italian.

Testa di cazzo - Google it.

Back to the meal. We had tortino di Monteveronese (cheese souffle) for dessert.

Now you can see actual photos as to why I said this was the best Italian meal I've ever had. Absolutely delicious all around and the company was awesome as well. It was great to have Juri describe the dishes in his heavy accent and to hear some stories from his lovely wife Kinley about their adventures here in Bend.

One such story cracked us up. Soon after Juri came to Bend via Italy, he heard a knock at the door. With Kinley at the store he went ahead and answered it. Friendly neighbors had been dropping off cookies and other baked goods welcoming them into the neighborhood so when he saw the two girl scouts at his door dropping off the cookies that Kinley had ordered, he thought it was just another friendly neighbor. They don't have girl scouts in Tuscany. The two girls stood there waiting for their check and Juri says "Thank you, I make a you Lasagna" with his boisterous Italian accent.

Kinley is rolling up the driveway and sees two girl scouts standing at the door and their mother's are across the street letting the girls do their thing. She's in slow motion waiving her arms like in some action movie "Noooooooo." The poor girls standing there confused as Juri tries to explain that he'll bring them lasagna to their house in exchange for the cookies.

It all worked out fine and an animated Kinley tells the story much better than I just wrote it up. If you have the means, I highly recommend looking into the personal chef services of Dr. Juri Sbandati.

You'll have to contact them for pricing information as I'm not sure if they have a set fee or if every party is priced based on menu and number of guests but you can expect somewhere around $70 a head. Again, you'd want to talk to them about pricing.

Sbandati Personal Chef Services
1466 Ne Revere Ave
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 610-6278
Sbandati Personal Chef Services

There is more about Sbandati in the Source

Family Friendly Restaurants - Bend Oregon

Family Friendly Restaurants

If you were asked to name the best family friendly restaurants in Bend Oregon, what would your choices be? Tonight I received an email from a family that is going to be visiting Bend this weekend with quadruplets that are celebrating their 12th birthdays. Oh my goodness!! Could you imagine? I've written about dining out with kids before but I couldn't imagine going out to eat with four kids every time. That's like taking out two other couples every time you go out to eat!

Andre Jensen wrote a good article on his top 5 family friendly restaurants over at True North Parenting which I will totally agree with. Deschutes, BBC, Baldy's, SOBA, El Caporal, 38 Degrees, and Jake's are all great places to take the fam. If you're going to take your kids to 38 Degrees, go on Tuesday for their special Tapas Tuesday's menu on top of their normal menu.

One of the questions in the original email was about which restaurants will sing Happy Birthday or do something special for the birthday child. I instantly thought about one of my favorite movies "Waiting" when the waitress yells "Birthday Singers!!" and everyone groans and cusses before singing one of the worst birthday songs to an oversized 6 year old.

The only places that I know in town that will sing Happy Birthday are Red Robin and Every Mexican Restaurant. I like El Caporal where they sing in Spanish and again in English and will take your photo in a Sombrero. But I'm 89% sure they do the same at the other El Caporalesque restaurants in Bend.

Red Robin is ass and they sing Happy Birthday every 37 seconds. Time it....I'm accurate. There was a study at the University of PSU that the average Red Robin employee loses their upper register by the age of 37 due to their overactive singing glands, which is 58% higher than the average Red Robin employee in China. Google it.

If you know of another restaurant that you'd recommend for birthday kids please feel free to let me know. If you say that pizza place by Fred Meyers, I'll block you from my site.

Tumalo Feed Company is a good one and rather affordable, I'd take that pack of kids there for sure, even though I don't have a review of them.

UPDATE: Alandra Johnson from the Bulletin has compiled a list of family friendly restaurants HERE. The list is pretty good but a little heavy on the chain restaurants. Everyone knows that McDonalds is kid friendly. I'd like to see the chain restaurants in their own section at the bottom of the list with the local restaurants towards the top.

Now I want to see a list of Adults Only restaurants or Date Night Dinners.

High Tides - Bend Oregon

My first ever visit to High Tides restaurant in downtown Bend was just a couple of weeks ago. I like to consider myself on top of the restaurant scene in Bend but not going to High Tides until recently is almost a crime.

So some friends and I met up at High Tides for a quick lunch and were able to score the last table available in small restaurant. We all ordered different dishes off the menu and I, of course, went for the all deep fried option. Deep fried prawns, clams, scallops, and halibut with fries and slaw...done and done.


For everything being deep fried, it wasn't that heavy. The batter was light and everything was fried to perfection. I especially enjoyed the prawns and could have had a whole plate of just those. The fries had some Red Robin type seasoning on them which I loved.

The slaw was a bit thick with mayo which I'm not a fan of, and it wasn't deep fried so it had two strikes against it. All in all, I think High Tides is a great spot for a nice sit down lunch for an affordable price. I've heard that dinner is pretty much the same menu but twice the price. I don't like that but I've never been there for dinner so what do I know.

High Tides
1045 NW Bond St
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 389-5244

McKay Cottage - Bend Oregon

McKay Cottage is soooo far away from where I live and work. I've actually said "man, that's so far away" when someone says we should go to McKay Cottage. That's funny cause nothing in Bend is that far away. I'm spoiled...and a bit of a whiner obviously.

I've already tried the Mckay Burger and received many glowing comments/recommendations about McKay Cottage that when a friend recommended going back, I was all for it. I looked over the menu and was wanting something that I normally don't get the chance to have. Merlot Braised Short Rib Open Face Sandwich or the Turkey Pot Pie looked tempting but then I saw it...

Classic Monte Cristo
Egg bread topped with turkey, ham, and Swiss cheese dipped in egg batter and grilled to a golden brown. Served with a side of strawberry preserves, $8.95



OMG WTF TMC!!! This was insane! The egg bread (french toast) was sooo good as a sandwich and with the strawberry preserves, I thought I was in heaven. I was a bit cynical about McKay's in my last post and all the glowing reviews but I have to say, I'm a fan. I'm sold. McKay Cottage is money and you should go...right now.

I left giggling like a school girl over the joyous meal I was presented. It had everything I love in a meal and the price was right. That was honestly the best Monte Cristo I've ever had and I can't wait to get it again. You go girl!

McKay Cottage
62910 O B Riley Rd
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 383-2697
http://www.themckaycottage.com/

Easter Brunch in Bend Oregon 2008

Easter Brunch in Bend Oregon 2008

Update on March 21 to include Terrebonne Depot

I received a couple of emails asking for information on any Easter Brunches this year. I was able to dig up a some info on a few places online and I sent an email out to some restaurants to find out who's doing something special for Easter Brunch. There are a few restaurants opening early (Jackalope Grill) and doing special menu items (Blacksmith) but for brunch, the following restaurants are open for business:

NOTE - If you're restaurant is doing and Easter Brunch, let me know and I'll update the details below. Luv ya.

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Staccato has a brunch every Sunday:
http://www.staccatosfirehall.com/brunch

Easter Sunday they are open with their "standard plated brunch in addition to some specials." Hours for brunch are 10am-1pm and reservations are excepted.

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Scanlon's
http://www.athleticclubofbend.com/Dining/Scanlons/default.aspx
Scanlon's Brunch 10am-2:30pm
Easter Egg Hunt - 3pm

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McMenamins
http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=98&id=782&eventid=58423
EASTER BRUNCH
9 a.m. 'til 3 p.m. $23.95 adults; $18.95 for seniors; $11.95 kids 6-12; free fkids 5 and under All ages welcome; reservations required

Put on your Easter best and come out for a delicious holiday brunch. All are welcome! Enjoy McMenamins houseroasted coffees or perhaps a glass of Edgefield sparkling wine along with your meal.

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Terrebonne Depot
Will be open this Sunday at 9am for Easter Brunch. They will have a special brunch menu that will run from 9am -2pm. They will also offer our full lunch/dinner menu starting at 11:30 am and close at 5pm.

http://www.TerrebonneDepot.com

Reservations are recommended: 541-548-5030

Some of the Easter Brunch menu items include:
- Blina (crepe style pancake) stuffed house smoked salmon with a lemon beurré blanc sauce
- Spinach Feta Quiche served with rosemary roasted red potatoes
- House smoked Andouille Sausage Scramble with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Homemade biscuits and gravy
- Fresh baked pastries.
- They will also offer our lunch/dinner menu starting at 11:30am.

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Mt. Bachelor Ski Restort - Easter Sunday Brunch
http://www.mtbachelor.com/winter/activities/easter.html
Date: Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008
Location: The Clearing Rock Bar in West Village
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM $

19.95 Adults/ $12.95 Children 12 or under
Required Reservations can be made at West Village Information booth or by calling 541-382-2442 ext. 2280


Brunch Menu
Eggs Benedict Provençal
Smoked Bacon, Italian and Pork Link Sausage
Roasted Red Potatoes and Pesto Rice Pilaf
Stuffed French Toast with Crème Anglaise and Fresh Berries
Dungeness Crab Cakes with Tomato Cream
Tequila Chicken Sauté
Home Made Pastries
Cheese and Berry Blintz
Smoked Salmon with Bagels and Herbed Cream Cheese
Baked Honey Ham
Roast Prime Rib Au Jus
Three Cheese Egg Scramble
Fresh Fruit Assortment
Extensive Dessert Selection

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Sun River Resort
Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt - Sunday, March 23, 2008
http://www.sunriver-resort.com/easter/

MEADOWS AT THE LODGE
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: Adults $33 / Children (6 to 12) $17 / Kids 5 and under eat free
Unique interactive serving stations will include creme brulee station, make-you-own juice station, sushi station, kids-only station, and more.

GREAT HALL
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: Adults $33 / Children (6 to 12) $17 / Kids 5 and under eat free
Elaborate buffet-style brunch featuring a carving station, omelet station, seafood station, gourmet salads, a house-made dessert table and signature hot entrees.

EASTER EGG HUNT
Starting at 11:30am, children are invited to take part in the annual Great Hall Easter Egg Hunt. For $10, each child receives an official "hunting license," a basket and all the eggs he or she can find.

Please call 541-593-4609 for reservations.

Village Baker - Bend Oregon

Every so often someone will bring in goodies from one of the local bakeries or donut shops. Whenever the Village Baker is brought in, there is always one of these "Brain Bug" looking things filled with cheese and ham. Its flaky like a croissant and it has just a little bit of ham and cheese, just enough to let you know it's there but not enough to be a croissandwich. Lovely.


I know what you're thinking - "Brain Bugs?!?! Frankly I find the idea of a bug that thinks, OFFENSIVE!!"

Brain Bugs Video Clip

I like to throw mine in the microwave for just a few seconds to warm it up. But just before I hit start, I imagine that I'm Doogie Howser, M.D. and I say "It's afraid!!" and then I laugh a little to myself.

Village Baker
1470 SW Knoll Ave # 201
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 318-1054

Quick Lunch on the West side - Bend Oregon

There is a new Taco Del Mar open on the West side next to Starbucks in the Safeway parking lot. I am very pleased to see another quick lunch option in that area. I find myself over on THE Westsieeede often and sometimes I need a quick bite before one of my important board meetings where I buy and sell things on the nasdaque jones. I'm a big time power lunch kinda guy.

That got me thinking of all the spots for a quick bite on the West side of Bend. West side being between Colorado and Newport and West of downtown.

Baldy's is not super fast plus is it can be messy. You have to call ahead at Croutons if you want to eat lunch during lunch time. McDonalds is ... well ... McDonalds. Subway is ok but gets old really fast. Pizzicato lacks seating space in the winter months. Cascade Lodge is not very good. Longboard Louie's is decent if you get in before the highschool punks flood the place. Cibelli's is good if you don't mind standing while you eat your monsterous slice as other patrons bump paste to get theirs. Parilla is aight, but it's difficult to get a parking spot sometimes and doesn't really fill you up. Mother's is for the organic smoothy lovin hippy's along with the quick wraps at Devours.

I actually love the wraps at Devours. A nice filling wrap for a few bucks and some kettle chips are some good eats, if you can only get into them. Seriously, they seal those things in about a ton of plastic wrap. Take it easy on the earth there hippy. A wrap from Devours followed by take out from Toomies and you've just made Al Gore shed a single tear.



So, where else can you get a quick bite on the West side?

UPDATE - Because of the great comments, I had to update the above post. I meant to say Pizzicato in the post instead of Pizza Mondo. I was going to mention the grocery stores but I don't like any of them really. Props to Rays Liquor Store, that's the best lunch in town!

I forgot that Hurricane's has sandwiches, I'll have to give them a try. The OHP isn't quick enough to make the list in my opinion.

And I've never heard of Nancy P's. Do they have food?

New York City Sub Shop - Bend Oregon

New York City Sub Shop

New York City Sub Shop in downtown Bend Oregon serves up sub sandwiches on bread that's baked fresh daily. They have a great story and you can read all about it and view their menu online. I don't really care about all that, I just want a good sandwich at a great price.

On my latest visit to the NY Sub Shop I decided on the New York Special - Extra Salami, Provolone, and Ham served hot.


When I told a friend that I went to the NY sub shop for lunch, she summed it up nicely with "Want some meat with your bread".

The bread is good but there is a lot of it. For the $11.20 I paid for the full sandwich, about $9 of it was bread. For the $11.20 for the sandwich, whatever for a fountain drink that will cost $0.75 for refills, the Sub Shop is crazy expensive for the amount of meat you get. Now if you like bread, this is the place for you.

New York City Sub Shop
http://www.newyorkcitysubs.com/
1043 NW Bond St.
Bend, OR 97701
Phone: (541) 388-4498
Fax: (541) 388-0090

Beer is Good

Have I mentioned that I like beer? Well, I do. I love it. I've only met a few beers that I have not liked. If I come across a beer that is not my favorite I'll say "This is not my favorite" and I'll slosh it down and get something else.

You like that? I don't want to waste, you know, just doing my part for the environment and all.

Anyway, I got word that the Blacksmith had two new beers joining their already impressive beer list. The Blacksmith has the best beer list Bend by far. The new additions are the Victory Storm King Stout and the BBC Imperial Pilsner.

The Victory Storm King Stout reminded me of the Abyss which has been so popular in Bend. It has 7.6% ABV which I think means Alcohol Beer Volume and 72 Kuricks, 12 parsecs, and 3 credits. They threw in some IBU (International Beer Units) for that robust, rich, malty flavor.


BBC's Imperial Pilsner was scrumptious. Containing only 5 xml's and 6 php's this beer is incredibly flavorful. All my research on the beer attributes are thanks to the interwebs. I use my AOL 4.6 cd's to gain access to my emachine. It worx wells.



I think the IBUs have done their job for the evening.

http://www.bendblacksmith.com/drink/beer/

CHOW - Bend Oregon

In my previous visit to CHOW, I expressed my concern over the rather small portions. Since then many people have expressed their different opinions on CHOW to me. One friend said "CHOW is the best thing to happen to Bend in ages". I still have not had the opportunity to try CHOW's breakfast but was able to swing by for dinner.

The menu we looked over was quite a bit different than the one posted online. We decided to start off with the Ahi Tuna with a slab of pork belly. The tuna was delicious and when you combined it with a small bite of the fatty pork belly, you're in heaven. Pork is really good for you. No it's not healthy, but it is good for you. Makes you feel good inside, like a hug.



The tuna appetizer was $14 dollars and I'm not so sure I'd get it again. I felt that the portion of tuna was a bit on the small side. I would have liked more tuna and less pork belly (I can't believe I just said that). Tasted great all around though.

I ordered the Beef Tenderloin served with some foie gras butter, a beef cheek ravioli and some greens for $28.





The beef was cooked a little long but was still very tender and absolutely grubbin. I was very pleased with my meal and the beef cheek was insanely good. Beef + Beef + very little greens + fatty duck liver butter = Happy BOR. I'd go back for this dish for sure.

The wife got the Pork Loin that also came with a slab of the pork belly, some potatoes au gratin, and some collard greens for $27. The only knowledge I have about the price of pork belly comes from the 100 times I've seen Trading Places with Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroid. I know that pork in general is not as expensive as beef so why would her pork loin cost only a dollar less than my double beef delight? No idea, but that stuff drives me nuts.

The photo of her entree did not come out. After this dinner, CHOW will be in the rotation for a nice dinner out. Oh, I have to mention the HUGE clock by the fire place. Not sure what's going on over there but the wife pointed out that the time on the clock was 4:20 and not moving. Funny stuff.

So anyway, the portions were much better at CHOW this time around and I do look forward to going back. I also am really trying to get over there for breakfast. Stay tuned.

CHOW
1110 NW Newport Ave
Bend, Oregon 97701
541-728-0256
http://www.chowbend.com/

Hours
Open 7 days

Breakfast and Lunch 7am to 2pm
Dinner 5pm to Close

BOR made the Bulletin, almost

I'm pleased to see that Peter Sachs covered the Blogger Meeting that took place last month. The meeting was news worthy, you bloggers are a powerful bunch. It was great to see so many people that write about some interesting things.

It's so easy to post about a news worthy event and get the word out before the traditional press can get it to print. I'm always trying to post about a restaurant before Jon does. There is only one publicist that sends me any news on restaurants so sometimes I'm finding out about a new place thanks to the CO Bloggers. So it was good to hear that Peter was interesting in writing an article on the CO Bloggers.

I enjoyed speaking with Peter briefly at the Blogger Meeting and we exchanged a few emails afterward to set up an interview but I withdrew when his editor would not allow me to be quoted as BOR or the Bend Oregon Restaurants Blogger. They had to have my real name to use in the article so I decided against it.

I really enjoyed the article and was mentioned by my boy Keith over at the Speedshop Deli. I like chatting with Keith every time I go in. I like to get updates on the nuke pickles and now he even has Nuke Peppercini's and looking to add more NUKE items to the deli. I was just visiting the Speedshop the other day and got the Red Line. Genoa Salami and Swiss Cheese. Keith sliced the salami paper thin and stacked it up high. It was hella good. But I wussed out and went to 2nd gear. Don't tease me bro, don't tease me.

The article is going up on the wall but I'll just put a burger over Jake's face and pretend that it's me.

Bistro Corlise Open House & Tasting

I received this notice the other day about Bistro Colise's wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres coming up tomorrow evening. I am going to start posting things like this that I hear about on Friday's. However, since this event is happening tomorrow night, I am posting today. I really don't feel that I need to explain, just read it, show up for your free food and drink and shut up.

I'll be there.

EVENT DATE: First Friday, March 7

First Friday: Bistro Corlise Open House & Tasting

(BEND, OR) Bistro Corlise will host an Open House & Tasting with complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres for First Friday, March 7. The restaurant will be closed for dining, but the bar will be open. For more, please call 385-6979 or visit http://www.bistrocorlise.com/. Bistro Corlise is located downtown Bend at 916 NW Wall Street.

El Burrito - Bend Oregon

Some Mexican food lovin friends of mine met me at El Burrito for some lunch last week. It is no secret that I and a huge fan of Mexican cuisine. I'd eat it for every meal if I could. El Burrito was off my radar until I took a wrong turn looking for Stars and ended up on the wrong side of 3rd street.

I'm kidding. I wasn't looking for Stars...shoot, I KNOW where Stars is. I'm just not allowed to go. The wife doesn't really mind the naked ladies, just doesn't like the idea of me giving them our money. It just occurred to me that I have not reviewed the food at Stars yet. Mmmm stripper glitter on my steak like some sea salt sounds good right.

Anyway, one of my friends uses tacos as his benchmark for whether a Mexican joint is good or not. He orders three tacos; al pastor, carna asada, and pork/carnitas on "a comal" (soft corn) tortilla shells. I totally bit off him and ordered the exact same thing. I LOVE tacos and I don't care that I ordered the exact same thing as someone else at the table.


I didn't fall in love with El Burrito like many of the loyal followers yet. I do want to go back to try something else. The tacos were ok but not great. The al pastor was really salty and the carna asada was a bit dry.

The chips and salsa were just like I like them, free and spicy. Nothing on the menu is overly priced and I am looking forward to trying something else soon.

El Burrito
335 NE Dekalb Street
Bend Oregon 97702

Bo Restobar - Bend Oregon

Bo Restobar

I went to Bo Restobar for lunch last week and honestly can't wait to go back. There were so many different Pan-Asian dishes on the menu that looked really good and quite reasonably priced. Prices ranged from about $8-$13. The small plates were not that cheap in comparison to the sandwiches and looked really small when I was watching them arrive at the tables around us. For a fatty like me, I need something with more substance for my dollar.

I looked over the menu and was close to getting the Thai Chicken sandwich but at the last minute I saw the King Crab Club. You all know that I'm a sucker for a good club. I mean, slap some bacon on a sandwich and I'm totally there. I also could not resist trying Bo's Lemongrass Clam Chowder. With a description like "a chowder to make you forget all others" I had to give it a go.

First up, the Chowder:


I would say that this is the best clam chowder I've ever had in Oregon but I can't honestly remember any of the others. Funny how that happens. The photo was taken after I had grubbed up half the cup.

The King Crab Club consists of crab cakes, bacon, avacado, and lettuce on toasted egg bread. For a side, I chose the Asian Salad over the fries since I was getting the club and had a cup of creamy chowder. You know, got to watch the figure and all. This bad boy was a killer club and followed most of the traditional requirements that I enjoy (aside from the crab cake).

I was also able to get a bite of my friend's Koreadilla. Another awesome name for a dish. I was cracking up thinking about Napoleon's Grandma saying "Make yourself a dang Koreadilla". Ahhh good times. Anyway, it was good too.



I will be back soon to give some of the other dishes a try. Believe Dat!

Bo Restobar
550 NW Franklin Ave
Suite 118
Bend Oregon 97702
http://www.borestobar.com/