Donna Britt

Everybody in Bend seems to be talking about Runaround Sue Barbecue right now. Either they’re planning their first visit, raving about the brisket they inhaled over lunch, or comparing the smoked turkey to the barbecue they grew up with back in Texas, Memphis or the Carolinas. Around here, a new restaurant that’s generating this much […]

At first glance, the new Casa Sur Southern Mexican Cuisine might look like just another neighborhood Mexican restaurant wedged into the busy stretch of SW Century Drive in Bend. But spend a few minutes with the menu and it quickly becomes clear this is aiming for something deeper, richer and a little more regional than […]

The former Sweetheart Donuts building on Southeast Third Street has undergone quite a transformation. These days, instead of maple bars and bear claws, the little storefront is serving steaming bowls of ramen, colorful bento boxes, fresh sushi and a menu packed with Japanese comfort food. PAN Japanese Kitchen, opened a few months ago by the […]

There are restaurant openings, and then there are restaurant openings that feel like the beginning of something special. Rosemary and Fox, the new chef-owned restaurant in the former Jackalope Grill space in downtown Bend, falls firmly into the latter category. While many longtime locals will recognize the building, they may hardly recognize the interior. The […]

If there is one thing that seems to be crowning every iced drink in Bend this summer, it’s cold foam. From cold brew and iced lattes to colorful fruit teas and energy drinks, cold foam has become the fluffy finishing touch that coffee shops and tea houses cannot seem to stop pouring. What started as […]

Bamboo Sushi has finally arrived in Bend and judging by the crowds, Central Oregon has been waiting patiently. Originally expected to open back in December, the restaurant finally welcomed its first guests during the first week of June. Since then, word has spread quickly. On my recent early evening visit, the wait for either […]

One bite of Cascade Alchemy Bowls’ Mt. Hood Bowl and I immediately regretted every visit I had ever made to Blacksmith Public House without ordering it from the food truck. The creamy Thai-inspired peanut sauce was bright and citrusy. Tender marinated chicken, crunchy pickled carrots, sautéed bok choy and cool cucumber slices came together over […]

There’s something appealing about a place where you can order a craft cocktail, grab a sliced brisket sandwich, pick up bone-in chops or ribeyes for the grill and leave with provisions for your next mountain adventure. That is exactly the niche The Way West hopes to fill. The new collaboration between Bend Brewing Company and […]

The first bite of Roman’s Pork Belly Burnt Ends makes it clear this is not your typical barbecue joint. The exterior has the caramelized crispness that good burnt ends demand, while the inside remains surprisingly meaty with just enough rich fat to carry the smoky flavor. Instead of leaning into heavy sauces and oversized portions, […]

There are restaurant patios, and then there are restaurant patios that make you want to cancel whatever plans you had for the rest of the day. Brooks Street Boathouse falls firmly into the latter category. The newest addition to downtown Bend’s riverfront dining scene, Brooks Street Boathouse is a seafood eatery and event space from […]