Big O Bagels - Bend Oregon

Big O Bagels

A friend of mine swears by Big O Bagels on Galveston. He'd marry them if he could (I heard it's legal in Texas). While I'm not as big of a fan as he is, I do find that the Eye Openers are perfect the morning after a few too many pints. Usually I will pick the bacon, egg, and cheese but on this occasion I opted for the sausage. You really can't go wrong with either one especially only for a few bucks.

I messed up though and got the salt bagel. That was just too much sodium even for me. Salt bagels are good though, it's like a pretzel.

Now for the Eye Opener. I eat them and will continue to go to Big O Bagels for my breakfast sandwiches...BUT, I just wish the eggs were made fresh. I'd love to have my egg over easy with the yolk still soft.

Big O Bagels
1032 NW Galveston Ave
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 383-2446

Microwavable Pork Rinds

A bunch of guys drinking beers, listening to music, talking about their feelings, and playing video games. Everyone brings a snack to share. One guy brings a bag of Microwavable Pork Rinds. "Pop" them just like a bag of pop corn. Three minutes later:



The burnt smell was incredibly awful. I do not recommend Microwavable Pork Rinds.


I'm just glad that these were not done in my microwave.

Super Burrito is Closing...Moving?

Super Burrito

I was reading Duncan's post on Super Burrito closing and thought that today I'd go down there for lunch to check out the situation. Then I read Lyle's comment about how the Bulletin should hire me (where do I send my resume?). So I was checking out the Bulletin this morning to see where I apply and found their article on Super Burrito being forced out.

"At the beginning of the month, Moreno (SB Owner) said DesertScape issued a 30-day notice to move out because the space would no longer be used for food service."

"Central Oregon residents loyal to downtown’s Super Burrito have until Tuesday to gobble up the restaurant’s generous portions of quickly made and affordably priced Mexican food."

I liked that Super Burrito was downtown. I thought it was a good place to get a quick bite really cheap. Seems like there are not many options left downtown unless you want to buy from the street vendors.

There are many many Mexican restaurants in Bend. I wonder how Super Burrito will do outside of downtown when they are competing against the Taco Stand, Pepe's, the El Caporal gang or restaurants, La Rosa, and so on.

You have until Tuesday July 31st to get your downtown Super Burrito on.

Super Burrito
118 NW Minnesota Ave
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 317-1384

Additional Coverage:
http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070727/AE02/707270482/1002&nav_category

http://www.newwest.net/index.php/city/article/super_burrito_set_to_close/C509/L509/

http://www.tsweekly.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1765&Itemid=71

thump coffee, Bend Oregon

august @ thump

Friday, August 3: First Friday Art Walk

ART: Zambian AIDS Orphans Benefit (and continuing throughout the month)

Bend native Malerie Pratt recently said in an interview, “I’ve always known that I want to live with purpose.” Not yet of legal drinking age, Pratt has already made a huge difference in the lives of a handful of Zambia’s more than one million orphans.

With the help of Zambian social worker and mother of two Violet Membe, Pratt has opened an orphanage in the small town of Luanshya, Zambia.

Drawings made by these children will be featured throughout August, and a benefit auction in October will help build additional homes for these children, mostly orphans of those who have succumbed to Africa’s AIDS and malaria epidemics.

“The intent is to raise the children as a family,” she said in the interview. “A Zambian family, not as Westerners with western culture, values and religion.”

For more about the Vima Lupwa Homes project, go to http://www.lupwahomes.org

ART: Beads & Handbags Trunk Show featuring Anne Scott and Jessica Russell

Thump Coffee barista Jessica Russell has an alter-ego. When she’s not pulling the perfect espresso shot, she's a designer of handcrafted jewelry and owner of Tumbleweed Bead Co. in Sisters. Anne Scott of Bend designs the Mari Lassa line of original leather handbags and sells them locally at Lulu boutique. The two artists' work will be showcased in an old-fashioned trunk show.

Jessica Russell says she finds inspiration in shapes found in nature and in the timeless beauty of precious and semiprecious stones. Her designs are all made by hand, with an eye for simplicity — balanced with the use of luxurious materials — to create one-of-a-kind pieces.For more of Jessica’s work: http://www.tumbleweedbeadco.com

Anne Scott’s work is inspired by and named for Mari Lassa, her French great-grandmother who came to America as a strong and fearless young woman. The handcrafted leather Mari Lassa Handbags capture her old world heritage and strong spirit.

Saturday, August 4, 10:30am - 2:00pm

POKER WALK: Bye, bye miss American pie – it’s the Central Oregon Classic Chevy Club’s Flashback Cruz Downtown Poker Walk. We’re holding all the good cards and serving both regular and unleaded. Winning and losing hands win the jackpot.

For more on the Flashback Cruz: www.centraloregonclassicchevyclub.com

Sunday, August 26, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

CUPPING: New-Crop Coffees

Inhale. Slurp. Describe. This, in a nutshell, is coffee cupping. Be among the first to taste new-crop coffees from around the world at this fun, informative, informal exploration.

Learn more about cupping here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_cupping

Throughout August

ART: Mark Bernahl – “Wishes” installation

Customers wrote their heart’s fondest desire on pieces of cedar, which are suspended from the ceiling at Thump Coffee, creating a kinetic, literary sculpture.

For more see: http://picasaweb.google.com/bernahl/WishesAtThumpCoffeePart1

FEATURED COFFEE: Cold-Brewed Toddy Iced Coffee

Just in time for the summer heat, we’ve got toddies for hotties! Come cool off with Bend’s only cold-brewed, toddy-style iced coffee. The cold brewing process eliminates much of the coffee’s acidity, lending it a smooth, rich, full-bodied flavor.Learn more about toddy coffee: http://www.ineedcoffee.com/06/coldbrew/

----------------------

Thump Coffee is located at 25 NW Minnesota in Bend (downtown next to
the old Fire Hall).
For information, call 388-0226 or visit http://www.thumpcoffee.com

Keep on Thumpin’

Dining Out with Kids

One of the rules my father had us when we were growing up was that we "were to be seen and not heard". Meaning that it was ok for us to be around as long as we kept quiet and didn't bother the adults. This rule was in effect when they had company over. My dad taught me his version of how kids should act around adults. We went to church and had to behave appropriately while we were there. We rarely went to restaurants for dinner but when we did, we were well behaved. But times have changed.

With the restaurant industry predicted to "reach a record $537 billion in 2007—a solid 5.0 percent increase over 2006 sales" it's obvious that we are dining out more and more these days. People have busy lives, parents are working, kids have their extra after school activities, play dates, homework, school projects, leaving little time to make a home cooked meal. "The industry is heading into 2007 as an economic powerhouse and an essential part of Americans' lifestyle, with Americans spending 47.9 percent of their food budget in restaurants." (source)

As more and more families are dining out at restaurants, I'd like to offer some friendly advice/commentary to make every one's experience a little more pleasurable. In my experience dining out at restaurants I have come across a few different types of children. They are:

- The Roamer - The Roamer ranges in age from "just learned to walk" to about 3 yrs old. Roamer likes to walk up to roughly 8 ft from his table. Just enough to come hang out at my table. I don't mind the Roamer too often as long as they don't want to touch me with their often dirty hands. Most of the time a smile will send them running back to their table to shy away from the looks. But then the game begins where the Roamer will creep back, make eye contact and then run away again.

I'd prefer at least a simple gesture from the guardians of the Roamer to coral the child. Many times I have witnessed the guardians who don't say anything and let the Roamer do his thing. The Roamer can be cute but can also get annoying at times...especially if they have the sniffles like Coughy.

- Coughy - Coughy actually ranges in age from infant to adult. Coughy is an annoying child for me. I don't like sitting near a child that has the sniffles or a bad cough. No matter what the parents say "oh it's just allergies", "oh he's not contagious", not acceptable. Germs = bad. Take your junk to-go please.

- The Pitcher - "Oh he's going to be a baseball player" I hear as chips, fries, dino-nuggets, go hurling across the table bouncing off the floor and end up resting near my foot. No, no he/she is not going to be a baseball player. The worst is the spitball Pitcher. Once food enters the mouth, I would prefer that it stays there. Throwing food at the table is only acceptable when the child is too small to hurl the projectile past your party. Once it enters another patron's circle of trust, action needs to be taken.

- Pig Pen - I like Pig Pen especially since I don't have to clean him/her. That girl chomping away on her corn dog all the while with her hair in her mouth...that just cracks me up. Pig Pen leaves such a mess on the table and floor, I just hope the 'rents tip well for the extra clean up.

- Poltergeist - This scary child lives exclusively in the booth next to you. Her head spins around while the adults are not paying attention and next thing you know, BAM, there's a 3 yr old's face two inches from the back of your head. Scary. I normally handle Poltergeist as I do with the Roamer, a smile and hope for parental guidance on the other side of the wall. The worst is when Poltergeist makes physical contact...or has a bit of Coughy tendencies. Eyes front!

- The Screamer - This innocent child is usually the youngest of the bunch. In its infancy, the screamer is actually rather cute. Newborns that don't have the lung capacity to scream loudly is adorable...but once they get that second wind...its time to take it outside. Wrap that meal to-go and enjoy it at home.

- Stinky - Oh man, nothing worse than that kid that's just a little too old to still be in diapers dropping a deuce in the middle of the restaurant and the parents being oblivious cause they are used to it. This needs to be a hazard zone, bring in the Hazmat team and sanitize the building. Oh it's that bad and you know it.

- Hey Mom - hey mom...hey mom...hey mom...hey mom...mommy...mommy...hey mom...hey mom...hey mom...hey mom...mommy...mommy...mommy...ANSWER HIM!!! I know you can't hear him anymore as your ears have tuned this phrase out but the rest of us heard him the first 13 times.

The point of all this nonsense is that I feel kids these days (yes, I just said "kids these days") have been given, or maybe have slowly taken, some sort of equality as adults. They seem to think that they can say NO to their parents now. That it's ok to express their unhappiness really loud in public places. There seems to be way too much freedom and acceptance or tolerance with kids now. I don't get this.

It's purely my opinion but I think that the above characteristics are annoying for people with and without kids. A couple of these are not really a big of a deal for me (Coughy is just not right) but could be an issue for many. Obviously with the Baltazar's conversation the comments showed that there are some people who have strong opinions about the subject of kids in restaurants.

I'm not saying that your kid is annoying. I like kids. Kids are great. I just think that SOME parents and SOME kids should display a little more common courtesy to those around them. You know who you are and you are NOT hansei. Most parents I've witnessed dining out at restaurants actually do a great job with their children, it's just those few that ruin it for the rest.

Eat or die,

-BOR

Setting a Counterexample

Additional Articles:
http://www.ncpamd.com/Dining_Out.htm
http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/refcap/preschooler/ptravel/63913.html
http://www.babyzone.com/momtomom/stories.asp?mcid=71

Jake's Diner - Bend Oregon

Jake's Diner

I'm ashamed to admit it but our recent trip to Jake's Diner was our first time ever. How sad is that? Well no more. Jake's will be a good reason for us to venture out East on a more regular basis. In an earlier post I wondered where you can get breakfast on the Eastside. Leave it to Keeneye, who doesn't even live in Bend anymore, to remind me of Jake's Diner. I still think of Jake's as being on South 97.

So we went to Jake's Diner and are currently kicking ourselves for not making it out there sooner. I'm sure I'm not telling you locals anything new here but damn, go get you some Jake's!!

No seriously, go....NOW!

After having the burger at McKay Cottage the other day and our waitress saying that their burgers are on par with Pilot Butte and Dandy's Drive In, I wanted to see for myself. I chickened out of getting the 1lb burger and went for the Jake's Megaburger - 1/2 lb patty with ham, bacon, a fried egg, and cheddar. OH MY YES!


Brilliant, effing brilliant! My normal process for digesting a burger is to cut the sucker in have and then have at it. So as I was just over half way through my first half, I handed it over to the wife for A BITE. NOT THE REST OF IT! I really didn't expect her to pour on the Tabasco and finish that puppy off.

There are so many items on the menu that we want to try including the infamous (which means more than famous) Elvis Cinnamon roll.

I don't know what else to say and they say 'quit while you're ahead'. So I'll assume that I am in fact, ahead, and cut this sucker off.

Go to Jake's Diner...go often...it's good for you. Well, good for you emotionally? Maybe?

Jake's Diner
2210 NE Highway 20 (Behind the A&W and the East side Liquor Store)
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-0118
http://jakesdiner.blogspot.com/

Hours:
5:30AM to 9PM Monday through Saturday
5:30AM to 7PM on Sundays

McKay Cottage Restaurant

McKay Cottage

I had reservations about all the hype around McKay Cottage. Especially when Gusto said McKay Cottage won four 'best ofs' from their "readers". No one I know had actually been there and I know almost everyone. Only Jon's wife had said "We have been there and it is wonderful..."

Everyone else says "I have not been there but I hear its good". How does every one hear that McKay Cottage is good but only a couple people have actually been there? I'm confused.

I finally decided that I had to check out this place that Gusto Magazine's "readers" voted Best Burger, Best Waitress (not sure how this is even a category), Best Service, and Best Breakfast. Best burger AND best breakfast, that seems like an odd mix and an amazing task to accomplish. I'm going to assume that the ballot sheets and the results were compiled at McKay Cottage.

So I was there for lunch recently and I went for the McKay Burger...I had to see how this burger at "Bend's Best Breakfast" joint would stack up to Pilot Butte, Dandy's Drive In, and Jake's Diner.

After getting my burger, it only took one bite to realize that Gusto's "readers" (I know you like the quotes Jake) might actually be on to something. I am not going to agree 100% and say that this is the Best Burger in Bend but its probably in the top 4. One of the factors that you need to consider when voting is price. The McKay Burger is $9.95. That's not nothing.

The patty was real thick like in most photos of what a burger should look like. It was tender, juicy, cheesy, and the Thousand Island dressing was a nice touch.

I will return to McKay Cottage as soon as possible to try out breakfast. I'm also kicking myself for not sitting outside. It wasn't that warm out though so I wanted to sit inside. I was a little taken back by the average age of the patrons which was roughly around 74. Seriously, my friend and I were the youngest in there by a couple decades. My buddy and I honestly discussed if we were up to date on our CPR certification. At one point I knocked over the bottle of ketchup on the table and after the loud noise it made, we both scanned the room making sure everyone was ok and not startled too much.

Some may claim agism on my part but I have always called it like I see it. The elderly love Pine Tavern and apparently they love lunch at McKay Cottage. I can see why, it's a really nice place. The service is great and the waitresses talk really loud to some of the customers around us. I'm not joking, it caught me off guard twice.

Ok, I'm making way too big of a deal about this. I'm just saying, there were a lot of elderly kicking it while we were there. That's all.

Overall our experience was great. Great food and service, can't complain.

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

Next Food Network Star Finale Results

Next Food Network Star Finale

After a week of waiting for the big Next Food Network Star Finale, it's finally arrived. I've wasted my day watching the NFNS marathon while I prep for dinner and do my 'Honey Do' list. The week has been interesting.

I'm still rooting for Rory to take the victory as I feel her show would be more suited to something I would watch. I don't really want the French Gourmet next door...I think they would annoy me.

So the WINNER IS...

AMY!!

I'm so sorry Rory, I tried to get the votes. I personaly think that being from Vega and not a major metro like SD had a major roll. You don't really have the population that Amy had in her home town backing her. Plus if you didn't even have the Food Network on your cable provider's list of channels, I wonder what the percentage of that town was able to get online and actually vote.

It was heart wrenching watching the results and seeing Rory grip onto anyone that was near by and not face the camera. You could tell that she was crying her eyes out. That sucks.

To be honest, Amy didn't even look that happy to win. Maybe she was feeling bad for Rory as well and didn't want to go over the top in her face. I will admit, after seeing Amy's tape of her home and the compound that she lives on, I started thinking that there was more to her than they had previously shown.

Anyway, I'm sorry Rory, I wish you well in your new restaurant and the next time I'm in Vega, I'll make sure to swing by.

Congratulations Amy, I hope your new show is a hit!

Greg's Grill - Bend Oregon

Greg's Grill

Could there be a bigger restaurant than Greg's Grill in Bend? Who are the ad wizards that came up with this one? I'm a big guy but I feel like Gimli walking through the Great Hall of Minas Tirith when we are escorted to our table. It's that big.

These photos are from our first visit to Greg's Grill and we have been there once more since. On our first trip we tried the lettuce wraps. I know that it looks like we have already dug in here but that's how they serve em. In two of the lettuce cups you have rice and the lima bean salad. I actually can't remember if that was BBQ Pork or Chicken but it had mushrooms in it. Eh. Not a huge fan of fungi in my food.

How lame is it that I can't remember what it was yet I'm writing about it? Pretty lame, don't listen to me. I liked the wraps, I remember that. They weren't as good as at PF Changs by any means but they were pretty good.

I also had a cup of chowder. After a bite I asked the waiter (who looks like a young Hugh Grant ... not that I am in the Hugh Grant fan club or anything .... damn it) if it was low fat. He assured me that it was, he said that there actually are zero calories. So there you go, eat all you like.

The chowder was so thick and creamy, I could feel the fat on my thunder thighs multiplying with each delicious spoonful.

While we looked over the menu we almost got two dishes that were NOT off the grill. Then we realized that we couldn't do that. Not on our first visit. I mean why go to Greg's GRILL if you don't get something off the grill? Reminded me of when Jerry ordered "just a salad" at a steakhouse.

So the wife go the chops with potato pancakes and I got the NY strip and the baked sweet potato.

That's a lot of food. For the money I think Greg's Grill is a great deal. Greg's Grill - Great Deal ... print it. I could go without the obligatory vegetable ensemble but I get why they add it. While the wife liked her potato pancakes, she couldn't keep her damn fork out of my brown sugar butter that was quickly melting away into the sweet potato canoe. Maaan, that shit is like crack! Sorry for the cursing but it really is that good. I started getting the junky itch ten minutes after all the crack butter was gone...and I'm pretty sure the wife had cut some lines while I wasn't looking.

Our meat was prepared perfectly. My steak was rather good and the wife's chops were as well. All in all the meal was pretty good. For the money the portions are huge and I think it's worth it. I'd probably skip the appetizer menu the next time and save a few bucks since your main dish will be plenty.

Greg's Grill
395 SW Powerhouse Dr
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 382-2200

HackBend's Review of Greg's Grill:
http://www.hackbend.com/2007/05/10/gregs-grill.php

The Source Weekly's "Best of" Ballot

The Source Weekly is accepting your votes for their "Best of" list. Only a couple more days to vote although I'm not sure it matters. I mean is it different from year to year? Seems like the same people and places make the list each year. Let me guess, Kristi Miller will get the Best TV Personality for like the 20th time in a row....is there another TV personality out there?

Vote Here

Feel free to copy my answers for Best of Food since I am right and everyone that disagrees is just wrong.

Best Fine Dining - The Jackalope Grill

Best Place to Buy Fresh Veggies & Fruit - I don't buy either of these normally but the wife loves going to the Farmers Market so that's my vote. When the farmers market is not available, Rays has some good produce.

Best Casual Dining - Deschutes Brew Pub. Now, this has been a staple of mine for a long time but they have recently gone through a major restructuring. They lost some management, servers, and kitchen staff. All on top of a new menu. The service has been great especially when we get one of the waitresses that have been there a while and knows us. But the food has been taking forever to get out of the kitchen. Hopefully things will get back to the way they were.

Best Service - El Caporal or Les Schwab. Les Schwab counts doesn't it? They have popcorn and free beef.

Best Rookie Restaurant - Deep (of course)

Best Vegetarian - I didn't answer...I have no idea. "Vegetables are what food eats".

Best Bakery - Hurricanes

Best Grocery Store - I know you will all say Newport or something lame but for me it has to be Rays...they have a liquor store, hands down the winner.

Best Lunch - Toomies can't be beat for $5.95 you get a small salad with peanut sauce, rice, phad thai, and whatever your dish is.

Best Cheap Eats - Reyes Tortillaria

Best Breakfast - I now you will say The Vic but for me it's Westside Bakery.

Best Coffee House - Thump is pretty cool.

Best BBQ - Really? Does this really need to be a category. It's obviously Baldy's...is there another BBQ joint in town? Don't you dare say the all you can eat one on 97, when was the last time they were robbed?

Best Pizza - Cibelli's on the West Side.

Best Sushi - Another obvious choice...Deep.

Best Mexican - Nice category...sooo many places to choose from it should almost be top 5 Mexican restaurants. I listed Pepe's as my favorite even though I've only been there once. My top 5 would be:

Pepe's
El Caporal
Hola!
Reyes Tortillaria
Taco Stand

Now Hola! has been getting some jacked up comments on their post lately. I have had good experiences there but it's been a while.

Best Asian - I'm not even sure how to answer this one. I guessed SOBA since they have a variety of Asian dishes.

Best Italian - I didn't know Bend has any Italian restaurants so I said Cibelli's.

Best Steak - The Jackalope Grill...I know you didn't think the $32 Zydeco steak was going to get my vote.

Best Seafood - I think I made a mistake on my form when I submitted to the source, I put Cork. Why would I do that? I had fish there once and it was delicious....I should have said Bend Fish Company or even better, Baltazar's! Yeah that's right, I said it, Baltazar's Seafood and Spirits. Bring the hate comments on, I don't care. I like Baltazar's and many of my friends have admitted to going there knowing full well of the news coverage. And these are friends with kids. Why do they go there? "We wanted to go somewhere without kids on our night out". Interesting.

Best Dessert - Can't beat the sampler for two at The Blacksmith.

Best Bagel - Big O' Bagels

Best Burger - Dandy's. Skip Pilot Butte, they win every year.

Best Ethnic - I thought for a long while on this and finally decided that you can't get more "ethnic" than Reyes Tortillaria.

Best Patio Dining - At least until construction starts I like Bend Brewing Company's patio for it's location downtown but not on the sidewalk. The outdoor seating at the Bendistillery is pretty sweet too. I don't like outdoor seating when people can walk too close to your table...especially with their dogs...not a fan.

Best Wine List - Merenda's? I don't know. Oh shoot! I should have said Cork! My bad.

Anthony's - Bend Oregon

Anthony's HomePort

Anthony's Sunset Dinner is a four-course dinner that includes a choice of appetizer, chowder or salad, entree and dessert and is served Monday through Friday, until 6 p.m.

I went for the shrimp cocktail app, the chowder, prawns, and the chocholate moose. The wife got the same starters, the salmon, and the burnt cream.

For $18 it seemed like a great deal at the time. But as we worked our way through the meal, it was apparent that there were corners being cut. Like the cocktail looks good but if you look closely you'll see that more than half of the glass is filled with diced celery. My prawns were small in size and quantity. I mean I like the variety of courses but it just seemed to be lacking in quality for each course.

My prawns were drenched in butter/oil and it wasn't that good. The rice and green beans were underseasoned. Overall we felt the meals were quite bland.

I'd go to Anthony's again but I think I'll stick with the fish tacos.

Anthony's Homeport
475 SW Powerhouse Dr
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 389-8998

Anthony's Hours:
Sunday Lunch With Brunch Items Available - 11:00 – 2:00

Lunch:
Monday - Sunday: 11:30 – 4:00
Sunday: 2:00 - 4:00

Dinner:
Sunday to Thursday: 4:00 – 9:30
Friday and Saturday: 4:00 – 10:30

Martini Bar or Bendistillery - Bend Oregon

Bendistillery Martini Bar

I can't quite tell what Bendistillery in the Old mill wants to call itself by looking at their site. Everyone I know refers to it as the Old Mill Martini Bar or just the martini bar.

"Meet me at the martini bar for a drink"
"Old Mill"?
"Yup"

Done. The wife and I went to see a movie but had a long time before our show started so we walked over for a drink and an bite. Since there was only one dessert item available that day, we went for the potatoes wrapped with bacon.

Mashed potatoes wrapped with bacon. I didn't like it. The bacon was difficult to slice through and made a mess with potatoes everywhere. It's tough for me to knock a dish with bacon on it but this wasn't good and I wouldn't get it again.

The wife sipped on a citrus infused mamma jamma that the waitress recommended that she take the straw and sip from the bottom and pull the straw to the top to get a little of everything in the first sip. She likey.


I enjoy gin. Bendistillery offers two and when I'm drinking a gin martini, I like to go with their Cascade Mountain Gin and a couple olives. Good stuff. I actually enjoy going there for a drink or two. Good stiff drinks, hot waitresses, and great outdoor seating while the sun sets.

The movie you ask? It was good but for the first five minutes of the movie and through the previews there was this annoyingly high pitch screeching that pierced our ears. The theater seems to have issues in some capacity every time we go. We just sigh and say "Bend".

Old Mill Martini Bar
360 SW Powerhouse Dr
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 585-1011
http://www.bendistillery.com/

Dandy's Drive-In - Bend Oregon

Dandy's Drive-In

Now the photos of a Grand Dandy (sans tomato) that you will see below are not the sexiest photos. But Dandy's Drive-In has one of the best burgers in Bend and I had to have one.

If you go to Dandy's Drive-In and you're driving your F25000 Diesel Mac Truck Hemi 2x4 V89, do me a favor and shut your stupid engine off. People like to have their windows down but no, you need to keep your nasty engine running right next to me for 15 minutes while you chit chat on your old cellular telephone while waiting for your chocolate malt to take back to your double wide. I don't like you.
But I do like the Grand Dandy.

Like I said, not the sexiest photos but damn these burgers are good. Their everything you want from a burger. Juicy, thick, I'm pretty sure there's butter in the patty, and yet the bun stays nice and dry. The Grand Dandy has bacon (of course) which is thick and meaty.

Get the large fry for twenty cents more and when you do, make sure you get some extra special sauce. It's especially delicious.


I would recommend that you call your order in ahead unless you have a good 15-20 minute wait or more if you arrive during a peak lunch or dinner rush. I'm not a fan of eating in my car. Not only do I not enjoy watching the other patrons munching on their food but I like to wash my hands before I eat and especially after money has changed hands. Money is nasty, your hands are dirty, wash your nasty dirty hands.

I didn't mention anything about tipping rollerskating waitresses in my Restaurant Tipping Guide. I do tip a dollar or two when I visit at Dandy's. They ARE on roller skates after all.

Dandy's Drive-In
1334 Ne 3rd St
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-6141

Hola! for Breakfast?

Hola Bend Oregon

If you're stranded way out on the East side of Bend and need some breakfast, where do you go? Starting this weekend Hola will serve breakfast. I'd recommend calling to confirm just in case they are postponing a week or so.

The wife and I were doing a little shopping on the East side of town and thought we'd get ourselves an early beverage. But then we realized we were on the East side. What do you guys do over there? I was lost, parched, confused, and the sun was in my eyes.

So we decided to get a margarita at Hola!. We had enjoyed our first experience there and so we thought we'd check it out again. We were pleased with the drinks as well as with the chips and salsa. I noticed that they do not offer the rolls along with the chips anymore. I asked about it and they said that they were throwing more than 80% of them out cause no one was eating them.

Marcus, one of the owners, told us about the plans for breakfast so hopefully that will be a treat for you guys. Some folks have commented on my other Hola post about the decline in service and the portion sizes. I'd like to hear from others if they are noticing the same thing. We didn't eat that day, just got our drink on.



Hola!
2670 NE Highway 20 Bend, OR 97701
541 389 4652
Open 7 days a week 11am to 10pm - Dinner Menu after 4pm
http://www.holabend.com/

Sno Cap Drive In - Redmond Oregon

Sno Cap Drive In

Driving back into town from Portland, the wife was all like "We gots to gets our eat on at da Sno Cap yo!" Yeah she's pretty ghetto-tastic. Watch what you say, if she don't like you, she WILL cut you.

I don't make a habit out of eating in Redmond since I'm never there. We did drive there once to eat at the only place in Central Oregon that serves Pho (written as pho and pronounced "fuh" by English speakers, is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup dish) but it's no longer in business as my friend from North of the yuppie line told me.

But I have a not clogged all of my arteries yet so I was game to give this place a try. Located on the right side of 97 as were coming into Redmond it was perfect for me as I don't like trying to cross traffic in them parts.

As we sat at the table looking over the menu I was looking at the locals in their cowboy boots, hats, HUGE belt buckles and what they were eating. Couples were splitting some of the burgers since the half pounders were that big. I settled for the chili burger. Why not? I like chili. I wasn't ready for this though:


The wife went for the 1/4 pound burger supreme (I'm guessing cause I can't exactly remember what it was called) which had bacon and ham. Seriously, I love that woman!



Next time I'm returning from a trip in that direction, I'll swing by Sno Cap again. I want to try to take on one of those other big boy burgers. The huge list of shakes and malts is also enticing. I'm sure I'm not telling Redmondites anything here but if you're in that neck of the woods (haha do they have trees in Redmond?) definitely swing by. Oh an they have special sauce that they put right on the table! I LOVE special sauce!

What cracked me up was the "one free refill" on the sodas. The wife and I remember the good ol days of going to some place very similar to Sno Cap with our ghetto ass friends and we'd split a soda and hang out for a while getting our free refills. You gots to get your free refill on if you know wut I'm sayin!

Sno Cap Drive In
1053 Nw 6th St, Redmond, OR
Tel: (541) 548-2343

Tortillaria Reyes - Bend Oregon

Tortillaria Reyes

A friend emailed me and said that I should check out Reyes Tortillaria, a place she believes to be "one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants" in Bend. So I grabbed up a trusty Mexican food enthusiast buddy and off we went. Tortillaria Reyes is located in that strip mall next to Big O Bagels on SE Division (in the strip mall next to the strip mall with Jackalope Grill and Blockbuster).

Restaurant is a fairly loose translation I guess. It was like going to a 7-11 in the heart of Mexico (so I'll assume since I've never been). I stood there a little confused trying to read the menu and seeing if there was any difference between the menu over the cashier and the menu behind the cashier, they looked identical and I couldn't read either of them.

I have no idea what to do and neither does my companion. So I ask "do you make an Al Pastor burrito"? To this day neither of us know what the response was. He said something, I said yeah ok, I'll have that.

Then my friend asks for some cilli verde pork burrito and the guy says "no we don't have that but we do have (no idea what he says here)". My friend says, "yeah I guess that's the same" and then we have a seat at one of the three tables in what we refer to as a doctor's office waiting room. It was small, and they have a small tv on in the corner playing some Mexican soap opera.

I walked around looking at all the different stuff you could get there. I didn't know what any of it was but I enjoyed looking at it. Shortly my burrito arrived and for $5 it was the best burrito I've had in Bend...sorry El Caporal.


The flavors blended nicely together even though I'm not a fan of lettuce in a burrito. But the lettuce was still crisp, the rice and beans were good and the meat (assuming it was actually pork) was juicy and tender. I could not get enough of the hot sauce. Loved IT!

While we sat in the waiting room, we saw all the regulars getting these huge plates of goodies, plates of tacos, something that looked like the Barbacoa at Pepe's, and other goodness. I can't wait to go back and attempt to get something like that. I know some of my friends love finding hole in the wall type places like this for Mexican food and I have recommended that they give it a shot. I hope I can tag along to figure out how to order.

Tortillaria Reyes
1155 SE Division St
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 383-2025

Pepe's - Bend Oregon

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant

I feel sad for Madras. They lost a great Mexican restaurant when Pepe and the familia moved to Bend and into the old Bernie's BBQ building on Division.

Pepe's is probably the most authentic family style Mexican restaurant in Bend Oregon. Of all the restaurants in Bend I've been to, I have never seen Tortas on the menu. Just having Tortas doesn't make a restaurant the most authentic sure but we have a theory. If Mexicans are eating there, it's probably good. Do you disagree?

The wife decided on the chicken and rice soup and a ala cart Al Pastor taco. This taco was the cutest thing ever. It wasn't huge by any means but it was just the right size for her and for only $2 she was happy with it. I love when you get the two tortillas for a taco, one is never thick enough and it breaks. Then you have Al Pastor juice all over your hands instead of where it belongs.


I went for the special of the day which was the Barbacoa (marinated & shredded Beef AND Pork) platter. The beef and pork were tender, juicy, and damn good. I have to say that although it's not the headliner of the dish, the handmade flour tortilla was my favorite part of our lunch.

Our overall experience was top notch. Pepe's daughter was our waitress. She gave us a moment to look over the menu as she collected our drinks. Then she realized that we were not familiar with their menu and asked if it was our first time there. She gave us the run down, explained how everything is made fresh daily by all the family members that work there from Grandma to the cousins.

Fully family owned and operated, Pepe's is definitely worth checking out. Sorry Madras.

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
2650 NE Division
Bend, Oregon 97701
Phone 541.330.2652
Dine-In or Take-Out

You can call in your order, just go to the Menu Page.
Hours
Monday - Thursday 10:30 - 9:00
Friday & Saturday 10:30 - 10:00
Sunday 10:30 - 5:00
http://www.mypepes.com/