Where would you eat?

Where would you eat if you only had three days in Bend Oregon?

An out of state visitor to the Bend Oregon Restaurants blog emailed and asked for some advice on dinner options for three days in July. So I started thinking of where I'd go if I had only three days in Bend and was looking for dinner for two adults and an 8 yr old child with a preferred budget of around $12-$20 per entree.
Considering the child...Baltazar's is out of the question. If you have any thoughts (not about Baltazar's), feel free to post or email and I'll send them along to our soon to be visitor. Following is what I'd recommend but if you ask me tomorrow, I might have a different plan.

Friday night I'd take it fairly easy and hit up Big Island Kona Mix Plate for their prime rib special:

This photo shows the 10 ounce prime rib with some Shoyu Spare Ribs which were also the special for that Friday. Prime Rib is always the Friday special but I'll take anything Shoyu style. Wednesday's are the Shoyu Chicken which is insanely good. Slow cooked over night, the chicken and these ribs had the meat just falling off the bone. So tender, just like me. If you go for just the prime rib I believe the price is $14 for the 8 ounce and a couple bucks more for the 10 ounce. If you do get the prime rib, ask them to slice it for you since you eat with plastic ware. For the prices that they are charging, I'd really like to get away from the plastic ware and the styrofoam to-go containers.

They do have their full menu on their myspace page...don't even get me started on how silly it is to JUST have the myspace page and abandon their actual site. Not everyone has a myspace account. Anyway, the menu is accomodating for adults and kids. Opt for the Potato Mac as one of your sides.

For dessert I would definitely swing by the Blacksmith for the dessert sampler for two (it'll be plenty for all three of you) and a Spanish coffee:

On Saturday I would totally do the tourist move and go to Deschutes. Their daily specials menu is awesome but if nothing on the specials is right for you, I recommend the French Dip for only $8:


For dessert walk a block down to Goodies for some treats.

On Sunday I would head over to the west side for Baldy's to get some of the best ribs I've ever had:


You won't have room for dessert. There you have it. Locals, let me know if you agree / disagree / don't care for tourists / want to dance / like me / whatever.

Kona Mix Plate, Bend Oregon

Does anyone know where you can find Kal-bi ribs in Bend? I do. Kona Mix Plate located in the Reed Lane Plaza offers authentic cuisine from the Big Island. The entire crew is from Hawaii which is good if you are offering authentic Hawaiian food.

The menu is pretty confusing when you first walk in (and their website doesn't help much either, yet) so I grabbed one of their printed menus which made it easier for me. They were more than helpful and very patient with me while I tried to make up my mind.

I decided on the Kal-Bi (Cal-bee) ribs and the Chicken Katsu. That's right I MIXED IT UP which is encouraged. Getchyur, getchyur, getchyur MIX ON! Like that mixed tape you made for that 9th grade hotty that's all chuck full of hits from Boys to Men and Fine Young Cannibals, you can add two or three of Kona's hits to one mixed plate for $8.50 and $11.50 respectfully. For some weird reason that even I can't explain, the results you get from your mix at Kona is more satisfying than when you get that "Oh, a mixed tape, uh, thanks?" response as she tosses it into her locker before heading off to Algebra 1-2. B#*ch.

HAHA ok ok, that last part was uncalled for...just jokes people. Moving on.

I started off with a Fire Rock Pale Ale from the Kona Brewing Company which apparently is huge on the Big Island. I've never been to Hawaii so I have no idea what I'm talking about when I'm ordering it.

"Duh...Is um, Kona Brewing Company associated with this restaurant" I ask thinking that Kona Mixed Plate and Kona Brewing are the same company...idiot...gosh!


I wouldn't go as far to say that it was a "Pint of Paradise" but it was a great beer that went well with my meal. It went down smooth and I wish I had time for another pint but the service was too fast...maybe next time I'll just drink faster...yeah that's smart.

With your meal you get the choice of rice or fries as well as a choice of Grandma's famous PotatoMac or a tossed green salad. Why is there a choice between PotatoMac or a freakin green salad? I'll personally smack you across the back of your neck if you choose the latter.

The wife was running late to meet me so I order for her and got the Kal-Bi ribs and Shrimp Tempura. She normally gets the Bulgogi, my bad. She didn't complain though, this junk is the bizzomb!

We devoured our perfectly prepared ribs in no time. The Chicken Katsu was light for being a deep fried piece of chicken. The PotatoMac was awesome and I don't even like potato salad or macaroni salad. I chose it cause I thought it would be cheesy like macncheese. Obviously my brain was not firing on all cylinders.

With a menu this big, I can guarantee that I will be posting a few more times on Kona Mix Plate. I can't wait to try the Chicken Teriyaki sandwich...can't say I've seen that on a menu before.

Kona Mix Plate
A taste of Hawaii in Bend! Call for Pick up - 633-7378
61470 S. Highway 97, Bend, Oregon.
Open Monday - Saturday 11am - 9pm, Closed Sundays.
http://www.konamixplate.com/