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Hack Bend

• February 05, 2012
• 11:41

  Broken Top Bottle Shop is now open

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  Yesterday, on a whim, we decided to swing over to the westside to see if the new Broken Top Bottle Shop (taking over the old Abbey Pub space) was open yet; I knew that they had been planning to open by this weekend but hadn’t seen any updates online about it, so at the very least we figured we’d drive by (and if not, try out the new Brother Jon’s Alehouse downtown).

  Good thing we did, and our timing was perfect: they did in fact open just at 4:30pm—we got there about 4:45, saw that the paper covering the windows was down and a bunch of people were inside, apparently people were lined up outside waiting on them!

  So, we stopped, got a table (there were four of us, and we were kid-free for the evening), and I’m pleased to say that not only was it busy but we had excellent beers, excellent food, and for only opening within the hour there were remarkably few opening day snags (and the few they had were completely understandable).

  They have 10 or 12 good beers on tap, and are starting with a strong menu; among the four of us we had the pulled pork sandwich, Philly sandwich French dip, Caesar salad with salmon, and Reuben sandwich. They are going to be open 7 days a week (including today!) from 11 to 10pm I believe, so get down there and check them out.

• February 02, 2012
• 19:54

  First Friday (Feb 2012)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  It’s First Friday and Art Walk in Downtown Bend and the Old Mill District tomorrow: art galleries and other businesses stay open late to showcase art and often live music, and many also offer complimentary food and wine. The festivities run from 5 until 9pm and with the weather we’ve been having lately, I can’t help but think it’s going to be super busy tomorrow night.

  The Downtown Bend link has a great list of the participating downtown businesses, and if you want to travel between downtown and the Old Mill you can hop aboard the GETIT shuttle: it runs a free service between destinations from 5 to 9:30 so you can get back and forth without having to worry about driving and finding parking (especially if you’ve had a few glasses of wine!).

  And, if you have kids ages 3 through 12 there is childcare offered at the Pottery Lounge from 5 to 8pm, presented by the School of Enrichment. For $20 it run from 5 to 8pm and includes Pizza Mondo for dinner.

  So who’s heading downtown for Art Walk?

• January 31, 2012
• 13:53

  Battledecks tonight! (Free!)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  Tonight at GoodLife Brewing is the Ignite Bend Battledecks event and voting party: the free “Ignite improv” event where you can come and sign up to do an impromptu presentation to a bunch of slides you’ve never seen—or simply come and enjoy watching others do it.

  In addition, it’s also the official “voting party” for Ignite Bend 8: there will be paper ballots with all of the proposals listed and you can vote on your top 3. (Which is separate from the online voting which you can do too!)

  It’s free to attend, but if you want any beer and/or food you’ll need to purchase that (separately) from GoodLife—and you should at least enjoy some of the good beer they have on tap.

  I’ll be there, of course—I’m on the committee, but it’s also just a fun event that I’d attend anyway!

• January 30, 2012
• 20:52

  Broken Top Bottle Shop (formerly the Abbey Pub)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  I wrote at the beginning of the month about the Abbey Pub changing hands, to become the Broken Top Bottle Shop, and by the end of this week (if all goes well) the new beer bar (or Ale Café as they are naming it) should be open.

  Last week one of the owners, Diana Fischetti, had left a comment on my beer blog about the new Bottle Shop, with a lot of good details:

  The Ale Café will offer a rotating 12 tap selection of craft and specialty beer, along with wine and other beverages, to be paired with delicious, healthy food, such as smoked meats, panini sandwiches, appetizers, soups, salads, as well as awesome vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options (whipped up by Chef Bethlyn Rider). We’ll also have chilled single bottle and canned beer you can purchase from our coolers to drink at Broken Top Bottle Shop or take to-go. We won’t charge you a corking fee on the bottled and canned beer you buy to drink here. And, you can buy your to-go beer as single bottles or cans, mixed-and-matched in any number, 6-packs, and 12-packs. Come on by in early February and taste some great draught beer, have some scrumptious food, and pick up some beer to go!

  COMING SOON… the Bottle Shop!!

  The Ale Café portion of Broken Top Bottle Shop is only the beginning!! We’ll soon be expanding into the suite next door in order to offer you over 700 varieties of single bottle and canned beer in our retail Bottle Shop. Only Broken Top Bottle Shop & Ale Café will offer this unique combination of tasty food, a variety of draught craft and specialty beer, and a grand selection of bottled and canned beer for on- and off-site consumption.

  And this weekend I (and my family) had the chance to visit the new/old location, meet the owners, and get the tour.

  I have to say I’m fairly impressed with the overall plan they have laid out for the new venture and the enthusiasm they’re bringing to it. On the one hand, the space was already set up as a beer bar, so they’ve kept much of that the same, with some repainting, a new foot rail running along the bottom of the bar, more artwork for the walls, and so on.

  On the other hand, they are revamping the kitchen—adding some equipment, reorganizing for efficiency—and have added an impressive smoker/grill/roaster that will sit on a corner of the patio and offer a whole new level of food than was available before. The menu is going to be vastly expanded, and yes, there will be a focus on vegetarian/vegan options (something that—in general—we’re lacking in Bend).

  And of course, the expanded bottle shop is going to be the biggest change: Broken Top will be gradually moving into the old WineStyles space next door, and will be able to offer over 700 different beers (as noted above)—this is going to be huge and once fully realized, may well be the largest single selection in Central Oregon.

  There will be a lot more outdoor seating available too, what with both the former Abbey space and the WineStyles space available. Oh, and minors we be allowed I believe until closing, expanding upon the 5pm limit the Abbey was operating under.

  They plan to be open by this weekend though that will only be for the beer bar portion. They will be open seven days a week, from 11am to until 10pm, maintaining largely the same hours as the Abbey Pub (though the Abbey was closed on Sundays).

  This is definitely something you should be checking out; I know I’m looking forward to heading over there (hopefully this weekend!) and sampling the new menu while drinking some really good beer.

• January 26, 2012
• 16:55

  Ignite Bend proposal deadline is tomorrow

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  The deadline for proposals for the next Ignite Bend is tomorrow—Friday, January 27th. So if you have a burning desire to give a five-minute presentation on stage (on anything you want, really, as long as it’s not a sales pitch or recruiting spiel) now’s your chance to submit your idea!

  And, once proposals are closed, online voting opens the next day for the submitted proposals: only ten of the submissions will be presenting at Ignite, so that means you get to vote on which presentations you’d like to see on stage.

  Right now there are 22 proposals submitted, but there’s always room for more!

  Disclosure: I am on the Ignite Bend planning committee these days.

• January 25, 2012
• 7:33

  Site cleanup and recovery

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Blogging   [edit]

  As I’d twittered and posted on Facebook over the weekend, this blog (and a bunch of other sites that were on the same server account) had been hacked with some malicious server code that was redirecting referring links away to some sort of spam/malware sites.

  Ah yes, the irony of a blog with “Hack” in the title itself getting hacked.

  So I’ve been mostly offline, cleaning up the sites and infected files and locking down the server so that it (hopefully) won’t happen again. So far, so good.

  Everything should be back online and working now, let me know if something isn’t, and we’ll resume our regular programming…

• January 19, 2012
• 9:00

  Poverty Weekend

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  This Saturday and Sunday, January 21st and 22nd, is “Poverty Weekend” as a part of the larger “Poverty in America Awareness Month” being promoted by the Partnership to End Poverty. For this upcoming weekend Greg forwarded the link to the document (PDF) that talks about it:

  As part of this awareness campaign, during the weekend of January 21-22, 2012, people of faith across Central Oregon will be discussing poverty, its effects on people and our communities, the barriers people face and our commitments to help. We are calling this weekend, “Poverty Weekend.”

  The culmination of this weekend will be an interfaith U2charist service held at First Presbyterian Church in Bend, Sunday, January 22, 2012. This service, featuring U2 music and with a free-will offering for Bethlehem Inn, will be held at 5:01, followed by a light meal and a community discussion on the Occupy Movement.

  All are welcome for the Sunday service, of course, and for more information on that you can contact 541-382-4401.

• January 18, 2012
• 6:59

  Snow day for Bend-La Pine schools

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Advisories   [edit]

  Heads up Central Oregonians: The Bend – La Pine School District has closed all schools due to snow today, Wednesday, January 18th. The snow continues to fall so keep your kids home.

  You can always call and check the school district status at (541) 323-SNOW (7669).

• January 16, 2012
• 23:53

  Togo’s in the old Quiznos

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  Over on the eastside, a Togo’s Sandwich Shop is set to open in the space formerly occupied by Quiznos. According to the Bulletin, the opening should be February 1st.

  I know next to nothing about Togo’s as a brand, but apparently there are some 240 of them around; but it looks like pastrami is one of their big signatures. Has anyone tried them? Are they good?

  They should be open in a couple weeks to find out; they’re on east Highway 20, next to Double Happiness and across the street from the East Bend Library.

• January 13, 2012
• 9:00

  Donate to The Stylish Stork

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  clothing   [edit]

  The Stylish Stork is Bend’s largest non-profit baby clothing and furniture store located over on Greenwood, selling new and gently-used items for children up to six years of age. They accept tax-deductible donations and they seem to be going out of their way to provide a good shopping experience to folks.

  This came to my attention because Melanie from Cog Wild is organizing a donation drive to The Stylish Stork to celebrate her mother’s birthday, and would love to get as many people as possible donating to honor her mother:

  My mom is turning 60 this month and has a request other than gifts, which gave me an idea. But first a short background: My mom’s childhood was very frugal. I am happy to say her adult life is different, but she has always volunteered her time to give back to those still in need. For many years now she has been very involved with the Samaritan House in her community that donates clothes to those who cannot afford to purchase clothes for their kids. I have been able to volunteer with my mom, digging though bags of donated clothes looking for school uniforms and specific size pants for mom’s who kids are in need. It was heartbreaking.

  So back to my idea.. My mom has asked that people donate clothes instead of a gift for her. Since I live 8 hours away, I could bring stuff with me, or…. here in Bend I found out we have a place called The Stylish Stork where families in need can get clothes, toys and other necessities for their children. I would much rather help our community and let my Mom know what is going on than bring stuff to her.

  I gave the Stylish Stork a call to share my idea and Danny who answered the phone was ecstatic. Sounds like the demand for kids clothes and toys is much higher than what they can keep in stock. So sending this email is the start in making this idea for my Mom’s birthday a reality. If you are able to help, I am very grateful!

  Info on donating
  Sizes needed:
  Infant through toddler sizes
  Boys and Girls size zero through 6yrs

  Specifics on clothes:
  They will only take clothes and shoes that have no rips, stains, tears or smells.
  Clothes that are good quality, in good shape are preferred.
  If possible, please wash the clothes first.
  Spring clothes and jackets are requested specifically.

  Specifics on toys and furniture:
  Baby equipment and furniture are also needed
  Same with toys that are in great shape

  Where to drop off:
  To drop off items, please call first: 541-550-7055
  The Stylish Stork is at 165 NE Greenwood (across from the Gear Peddler)
  They are open Monday through Saturday.

  Note – you can donate clothes or drop them off for store credit! Anyone can purchase kids clothes here.

• January 12, 2012
• 15:27

  Bites & Brews at the Pine Tavern tonight

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  My wife told me about this, and it sounds like a pretty cool event: The Pine Tavern is hosting a “Bites & Brews” event tonight, where they are pairing beer tasters from seven breweries with special food “bites” for $25 per person.

  Join us for a night of FANTASTIC BEER paired with FANTASTIC FOOD!
  Try 20-30 Beers from Central Oregon’s Finest Breweries with food created by our Executive Chef especially for each beer, bringing out the natural flavors of each distinctly different Beer

  The Pine Tavern Presents: 10 Barrel – Silver Moon – Good Life – Deschutes Brewery – Cascade Lakes – Bend Brewing – Seven Brides

  The “20-30 beers” is no joke, if they truly have 2-3 tasters from each of the seven breweries represented; pairing that variety with a custom menu easily makes the $25 worth it.

  It’s all taking place tonight in the Garden Room (the main room in the back) at the Pine Tavern from 5:30 to 8pm. And the “Advance Ticket Purchase Required” note on the flyer on their website isn’t needed—I had called and was told I could pay when I arrived (if I go).

• January 10, 2012
• 21:56

  Battledecks and Ignite Bend 8 voting party

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  Coming up on Tuesday, January 31st is the Ignite Bend “Battledecks” event which combines what can best be described as “Ignite improv” with the Ignite Bend 8 voting party.

  Join us at GoodLife Brewing on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 7pm for Battledecks and the Ignite Bend 8 voting party! Grab a beer, grab the mic (sign up first, please), let your light shine, or sit back enjoy. While you’re there, be sure to cast your vote for the Ignite Bend 8 proposals you want to see on February 23 at the Tower Theatre!

  What is Battledecks, anyway?
  Get a taste of what the Ignite experience is like with Battledecks: a powerpoint karaoke where you ad-lib your way through slides you’ve never seen before. Inspired by similar events held at SXSW Interactive, Battledecks is a fast-paced, fun, laugh riot where “contestants” have to put together a presentation on the fly as slides are randomly projected for their confusion and the delight of the audience.

  It’ll be a fun time and there’s beer involved which always makes karaoke-improv-like events even more fun! So mark up your calendar for Tuesday the 31st and come on down to GoodLife!

• January 07, 2012
• 16:45

  Maragas closing their tasting room, consolidating in Terrebonne

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  closures   [edit]

  Maragas Winery announced this week that they will be closing their tasting room in Bend (again) to consolidate all of their operations out at their Winery north of Terrebonne.

  After attempting to run two tasting rooms with tapas food service, the split efforts became exhausting.   It was a difficult decision to completely divest ourselves of the Colorado location. Not that long ago we were resigned to having one location but hesitated and remodeled the Colorado spot as the Taverna with additional food service.

  But hey, we learned quite a bit about food service that we’ll be bringing to the Winery this Spring.

  And, with the planting of 18 additional acres of vines at the Winery this Spring, the consolidation became necessary now more than ever.

  You may recall that this has happened before, back in August of 2010. At the time, the tasting room space didn’t sell and they ended up re-opening as the “Taverna” (as they mentioned in their announcement). I hadn’t been to the Taverna, but John Anderson loved it (this is the small building on Colorado and Bond).

  Of course, the recent news that the Oregon Wine Board has officially recognized Central Oregon as a “Wine Region” will certainly help Maragas in this move as I imagine the Wine Region designation will bring in more outside wine tourism than before. But even so, being north of Terrebonne—past the Crooked River Gorge—is going to be a tough pill for locals to swallow.

  In the meantime, I’ll end with the same question I asked last time: What would be a good business/what would you like to see occupy their former tasting room space? (Me, I’d go with something “beer”—no surprise there.)

• 16:13

  Panda Express is now open

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  I don’t remember seeing this reported locally anywhere else yet, but the Panda Express that is located on the north end of Bend (essentially on the northeast corner of the Target lot) is now open. It had been under construction since September and originally I believe was slated to have a December 15th opening date. But our son had mentioned late in the week that one of his friends had eaten there, and driving by today confirmed that it is, indeed, now open.

  (Panda Express is a “gourmet” Chinese fast food restaurant, in case you didn’t know.)

• January 04, 2012
• 23:12

  Changes in the Old Mill

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  Down in the Old Mill District, there are some changes taking place:

  • Bath & Body Works is planning to close from February 8th through March 7th, in order to perform some remodeling.
  • The Children’s Place is closing entirely, on January 21st, and right now they’ve got a big sale going on to clear their merchandise: 60% off on already marked-down items, 50% off on pajamas, and “Winter gloves and hats as low as $2.99!”

  And speaking of shops in the Old Mill, has anyone been in to Savory Spice Shop yet? I admit, I was pretty skeptical, but they have an impressive selection and (while pretty niche) seems like a great source for unusual spices and salts—worth visiting.

• January 03, 2012
• 23:52

  Cone Patrol: Mt. Bachelor snow alerts on your phone

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  There’s a new, free website service you can sign up for to get text alerts sent to your phone when snow drops on Mt. Bachelor: Cone Patrol. It’s a dead-simple service to use—all you need is a mobile phone with texting—and there are a couple of neat additional features.

  You can select the snow threshold that has to be hit to trigger an alert; if you don’t care about 3 inches but want to know about 9 or more inches, no problem.

  And, you can customize the text message you get; details are at this blog entry but basically, once you’ve signed up for an account you can configure the details you want to receive in your text alerts. That’s pretty slick.

  Plus you can’t go wrong with free (well, minus what you pay for texting). If you ski or snowboard you should definitely check this out.

• January 02, 2012
• 23:47

  The Abbey Pub is changing hands

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  Big changes are in store for The Abbey Pub on Bend’s westside: it’s changing hands! Current owner Geoff Marlowe included this tidbit in his “draft list” email newsletter:

  Finally, as some of you know I have sold the Pub and a new group of people are coming in. This is going to be exciting to see the changes that they are going to be implementing. They are going to be expanding into the space next door and adding an expansive bottle selection. So I need to drain the above kegs, thus ALL PINTS WILL BE $3.50 until the kegs are gone! I know several are getting low so if you want the best selection get on down sooner than later. Thanks for all your support over the last 2 1/2 years. Hope to see you soon.

  I emailed Geoff back for some details and this is what he told me:

  • It’s a group of 4 that are buying the Pub
  • They will be expanding into the old WineStyles space immediately next door
  • A big cooler will be installed in the new space to hold lots more bottled beer
  • The name (tentatively) will be changed to “Broken Top Bottle Shop”

  I’m sorry to see Geoff let go of the Abbey but I’m glad it’s not closing down entirely. I had chronicled the start of the Pub over two years ago here; he had turned the former ice cream parlor into a nice, open beer bar that always had great beers on tap and mellow atmosphere. If you get the chance—soon—stop on in to enjoy some good beer before it closes (and changes).

• January 01, 2012
• 13:16

  Near/Far: Start out 2012 with free music

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  Each year Ben Salmon (the Bulletin’s music writer) compiles a big list of the year’s songs in a compilation called “Near/Far“ that comprises 18 songs by national acts, and 18 songs by local acts. The best part is that these are completely free and legal collections of MP3s that you can download, so what better way to close out 2011 and start 2012 than with something free?

  Ben adds,

  Also at that link: My favorite albums (both local and national) of the year, my favorite local concerts of the year, a bunch of “Top 5″ lists from Central Oregon scenesters, a “bonus disc” (aka YouTube playlist) of good 2011 tunes, and more.

  Of course, previous years’ Near/Far compilations are still available too (going back to 2007).

  And finally, we still have the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Near/Far compilations available for free download. That’s 138 great songs, including The Shins, Arcade Fire, Jamie Lidell, The Avett Brothers, Brendan Benson, Atmosphere, Band of Horses, Aesop Rock, Dr. Dog, Midlake, Das Racist, Superchunk and more. Just click to grab them: 2007 and 2008 / 2009 / 2010.

• December 30, 2011
• 19:03

  New Year’s Eve events

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  There are of course lots of New Year’s Eve parties and events going on in Bend tomorrow night, so I thought I’d try to compile a list of the prominent ones I can find. If you know of any others, leave a comment!

  McMenamins Old St. Francis School: Music starts at 9pm, and they are offering New Year’s Eve lodging packages as well. Two concerts are featured: Mosley Wotta in the Theater for $10 (hotel guests are free), and Eric Tollefson for free in Father Luke’s Room.

  Silver Moon Brewing: They will be having a champagne toast at midnight, and live music featuring Empty Space Orchestra with Your Birthday and Oh Sugoi. Music starts at 9pm, and you can buy tickets online for $5, or they’ll cost $7 at the door.

  The Wine Shop: They will be open until 2am on New Year’s Eve (opening at 11 in the morning), and you can be sure to find some bubbly available.

  Common Table: They’ll be open from 7:30pm to 12:30am to ring in the New Year, and they’re offering a five-course, prix fixe menu for $39.75 that includes wine, a champagne toast, live music, a “midnight snack” of grilled cheese and tomato soup, and more.

  Old Stone Church: Larry and His Flask headlines their New Year’s Eve party starting at 7pm. Tickets are available online for $10 ($8 + $2 processing fee), or it’s $12 at the door.

  Maverick’s Country Bar: They are having a Red Solo Cup New Year’s Party, starting at 8pm, with a free champagne toast at midnight. The party is free as well, and when you’re there, “pick a red solo cup above the bar to win a chance at free concert tickets, glassware, food, shirts, hats, and membership to the bar!”

  The Century Center: The New Year’s Eve Bash kicks off at 8pm, featuring live music of Shannon Bex and The Show, with a full bar, beer from GoodLife Brewing, free hors d’oeuvres and desserts, a free champagne toast at midnight, and a cash balloon drop (that I guess you can win cash from?). Tickets are $35 and available at Powder House Ski shop.

  Lava Lanes Bowling Alley: Power 94 is hosting the party with an “Early New Years” from 6:30 to 8:30pm and a “Late New Years” from 9:30 to 12:30am. The Early party costs $20 per person and is family-friendly with 2 hours of bowling, pizza, party favors, and arcade money. The Late party costs $25 per person and gets you 3 hours of bowling, DJ music, pizza and prizes.

  Velvet: They are featuring a champagne toast and champagne drink specials, with music from DJ Byrne starting at 10pm. No cover charge.

  The Horned Hand: Featuring bluegrass band The Pitchfork Revolution starting at 9pm, with special giveaways and prizes all night and a champagne toast at midnight. $10 at the door.

  Deschutes Brewery: Up at the Mountain Room, they have Buckboard Murder Mysteries presenting “Murder on the Menu” from 6:30pm until 1am: for $70 you’ll get dinner, the show, dancing until midnight and (of course) a champagne toast.

• December 25, 2011
• 12:12

  Merry Christmas!

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Holidays   [edit]

  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone in Bend and Central Oregon! I hope everyone is having a safe holiday today (or earlier this week, or tomorrow, depending on what you celebrate) and are enjoying good times with your friends and family.

  Blogging will continue to be light through the end of the year so I hope everyone has a good New Years as well! Have fun and stay safe!

• December 19, 2011
• 8:43

  Holiday gift guide from the Bulletin

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Holiday Gift Guide   [edit]

  In the past I’ve posted my own Bend-themed holiday gift guides but haven’t seemed to have time to do that lately. Not to worry though, the Bulletin has a Central Oregon gift guide that nicely covers some of the uniquely Bend offerings we have available, like Silipints, beer soap, and stained glass “Bend” signs.

  And with just a few shopping days left until Christmas, hopefully it will give you some ideas for those last-minute gifts you need!

• December 14, 2011
• 9:00

  Ladies Of Elk’s Christmas Toy Drive

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Fundraisers   [edit]

  [commons.wikimedia.org] />I received this press release email and it’s definitely for a good cause. Their page about the Christmas Toy Program is here; they’ll be collecting toys in each pickup location until December 22nd.

  Ladies Of Elk’s Continues Christmas Charity Tradition

  The Ladies of Elk’s, the auxiliary organization for the Bend Elk’s Lodge #1371, is continuing its 30 year tradition of providing toys to needy families this holiday season. The Ladies of Elk’s began in 1949 as the Wives, Mother’s, Sister’s, and Widows of Elk’s Lodge members. Their goal is to support the community through donations to several other non-profits in town, scholarships to local students, and providing toys to underprivileged children in the Central Oregon area.

  This year the Ladies of Elk’s, starting the Monday after Thanksgiving have placed holiday colored houses in different stores around town adorned with tags for gifts for each needy child. Along with the Bend Elk’s Lodge, they are putting together close to 300 baskets of food and toys for families. They are looking for help from the community to help fulfill the requests. There are toy houses and tags available in the following stores: Wal-Mart Bend, Wagner’s Mall, Cascade Bank South Branch, Ray’s Food Place on Century Drive, Sentry Market, and C.J. Lovejoy’s. Keep filling them, as LOE members will be picking up unwrapped toys in these locations until the week of Christmas. The toys, and food baskets, are all delivered Christmas Eve Day.

  With the help of the local community the Ladies of the Elks have brightened Christmas for thousands of children in the Central Oregon Area. All the information regarding the Christmas Toys Program is available on their website: www.bendloe.org.

  The Ladies of Elk’s would like to thank Toys for Tots for all their assistance in helping provide Christmas for those less fortunate in the Central Oregon Area.

• December 13, 2011
• 9:20

  Brother Jon’s is expanding

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  Brother Jon’s Public House is expanding, according to the Bulletin this weekend: they plan to open a second location in the old Bond Street Grill (née Decoy Bar & Grill) downtown, across from Deschutes Brewery on Greenwood and Bond.

  John Machell, co-owner of Brother Jon’s, said the new restaurant will have a similar ambiance to the Northwest Galveston Avenue location, but it will offer a different menu so customers will have a reason to go to both locations. He said both locations would offer live music.

  Machell hopes to open the new location, called The Ale House by Brother Jon’s, in January, he said, and plans to hire 20 to 30 people.

  Nice to see some positive restaurant news considering the amount of closures this past year.

• December 07, 2011
• 21:11

  Submit a proposal for Ignite Bend 8

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  The next Ignite Bend (number 8 ) is coming up a scant two months away, on February 23rd, and it’s time to start thinking about submitting a proposal. Yes, I am of course talking about you; you should definitely consider getting on stage for five minutes to talk about—well, anything you want, really. You talk for five minutes and you are accompanied by a PowerPoint slideshow that consists of 20 slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds.

  It’s easy, but it’s also scary, exhilarating, fun, nerve-wracking, enlightening, and amazing. I did a presentation myself, a couple of Ignites ago, on beer (what else?). And though I sweated bullets all the way up until it was time to get up on stage, I had a really great time and in fact the five minutes went much faster than I imagined they would. It was awesome.

  So if you could do a presentation at Ignite, what would it be about? Pretty much anything is acceptable, as long as it’s not a sales pitch of some kind. And it has to be family friendly (kids often attend as well). Need ideas? You can view past Ignite Bend presentations on YouTube.

  Go! Submit a proposal!

  Full disclosure: I’m a new member of the Ignite Bend committee, so I’m officially working on this next Ignite.

• 0:13

  Christmas Kayaking

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Holidays   [edit]

  Yes, you read that headline right. On Friday, December 16th, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe is hosting a Christmas kayaking event. This is the press release:

  Every year, Bend’s most dedicated paddling enthusiasts dress up their canoes and kayaks in holiday garb and paddle around the Deschutes River for a few hours. This is one of those events that gets the whole town in the spirit and feels very authentic to Bend.

  This event normally takes place on Mirror Pond, but this year it is being moved to the Old Mill District. Festive kayakers should meet down at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe on Friday, December 16, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. with decorated kayaks and canoes. After the crowd assembles, the group will depart from the dock behind the shop and paddle upstream up to the Columbia Bridge (near Red Robin). On the way back down, the lighted boats will assemble in formation under the Old Mill’s Flag Bridge. This will give family and friends the opportunity to take photographs of the decorated boats.

  In past years, the paddler’s of Bend have gone all out decorating their boats with lights, trees, wreaths and garlands. Bring some holiday cheer to your paddling experience and be a part of this longstanding Bend tradition.

  Which sounds pretty cool actually, much like the Mirror Pond water pageant that took place on the Fourth of July from the ’30s through the ’60s.

• December 05, 2011
• 21:52

  The Santa Express rolls through this week

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  helping Out   [edit]

  The Salvation Army and the Bend Fire Fighters are participating in the Santa Express again this year; from today (the 5th) through Thursday the 8th, the Santa Express is visiting Bend neighborhoods to collect food, toys, and clothing donations to help support 1800 families requesting support from the Salvation Army this year.

  Anything and everything helps, even if its one can of food or a small toy, that donation will go a long ways to providing a good dinner on Christmas and a smile on a child’s face Christmas morning.

  Bend Fire Department’s Santa Express food and clothing drive is heading into Bend Neighborhoods Monday December 5th through Thursday December 8th. The Bend Firefighter’s Association and Bend Fire and Rescue are working with The Salvation Army to collect non-perishable food items, clothing, and toys for needy families in Bend and Central Oregon. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to listen for the fire engine and Santa, and bring donations to the street for collection. There will be many volunteers walking along with Santa the fire engines to collect the donated items. Please advise children to use caution around the moving fire engines.

  Every little bit helps. Check out the City website link for the neighborhoods the Santa Express will be visiting this week.

  And you can of course always drop off donations directly to any of the following locations:

  • Bend Fire Department fire station or either (www.ci.bend.or.us for maps) – boxes have been places as of Wednesday 11/10/10 and will be there till Monday 12/20/11
  • Bend Memorial Clinics – Westside on Mt. Bachelor Drive and Eastside on Neff Road
  • Ed Wyse Beauty Supply – 1180 S Hwy 97 #B (They are providing discounts off of purchases with a donation)
  • Pappy’s Pizza – 20265 Fred Meyer Rd
  • The Salvation Army at 755 NE 2nd Street, Bend.
  • Starbucks – Westside on Century Dr., Downtown, across from Fred Meyers, Cascade Village Shopping Center and East side on 27th St
  • Wholesale Sports – 63492 Hunnell Rd
• December 03, 2011
• 8:27

  Library Holiday Book Sale today

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  books   [edit]

  Today is the Deschutes Public Library’s “Friends of the Bend Library” Holiday Book Sale: it takes place at the downtown Administration building basement at 507 NW Wall, from 10am to 4pm. (The follow-up sale also takes place on Sunday from 1 to 4.)

  I’ve said it before, but the Library sales are awesome, there are always good deals to be found—people walk out of there with boxes full of books, and I think I always find at least one or two books to buy. You’ll pay no more than a buck or two per book (unless buying from the special collection stuff) and there are tables full of free books as well up on the sidewalk in front of the building.

  Make a morning of it! Hit the Book Sale and then the Christmas Parade!

• December 02, 2011
• 9:00

  Deschutes Brewery Garage Sale Saturday

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  Saturday, December 3rd (that’s tomorrow!), Deschutes Brewery is holding their annual garage sale: where you can buy all sorts of Deschutes merchandise (most or all of which is discontinued or overstock) like t-shirts, sweatshirts, glassware, hats, jackets, and other random things. (For instance in past years, I’ve picked up a Jubelale tap handle and a really nice wood-mounted Twilight Ale poster print for $5 each.)

  This year’s garage sale isn’t taking place at the Mountain Room however, it’s going to be at the Brewery’s Lower Warehouse, located at 399 Shevlin-Hixon Avenue—right across the street from the Les Schwab Amphitheater. The other change-up is that besides the usual excess (leftover) merchandise on sale, they’re bringing in some special garage-sale-only items not available elsewhere—like lip balm, dog collars and leashes! (Part of me has to wonder if it’s beer-flavored lip balm…)

  It all takes place early, from 9am until noon—so you can hit the sale before the Christmas Parade downtown. But remember there will be a lot of people there too, so be patient and get there early for the best deals.

• December 01, 2011
• 12:52

  Newport Market’s Huge Anniversary Sale

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Sales   [edit]

  Over at Newport Avenue Market today they are celebrating their 35th anniversary, and as part of their “Retro Party” they are rolling back prices on select items to 1976 prices, as well as offering games throughout the day and general merriment—takes a look at their Facebook feed for some photos.

  Among other things there is going to be a cake walk today from 3 to 6pm. And apparently if you have a “FoodeFlash” card with them, you have a chance of getting $100 (in “moolah bucks”) put on it (35 people will be randomly selected for this).

  So get down there and take advantage of some deals!

• November 30, 2011
• 20:22

  Free Cascade Winds Symphonic Band, Sunday 12/4

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  This Sunday, December 4th, the Cascade Winds Symphonic Band has their latest free concert, An Afternoon of Sacred Music, at Summit High School starting at 2pm.

  This concert will feature music from Alfred Reed, J.S. Bach, David R. Holsinger, Jean Sibelius, Johannes Brahms and more!

  As always the concert is completely free (with no tickets required) although donations are gratefully accepted. They are also all-ages-appropriate so feel free to bring the kids.

  The concert should last from 2 until about 4; and there is a Facebook event page with the full details.

• November 29, 2011
• 20:46

  Bend Christmas Parade

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Downtown   [edit]

  This Saturday, December 3rd, is the annual Bend Christmas Parade, one of my favorite downtown events (even though it’s usually really cold!). This year’s theme is the “Sights and Sounds of Christmas” and starts at noon.

  The Parade route starts at Newport and Harmon on the west side of the river, crosses the Newport Avenue bridge and follows Wall Street through downtown to Franklin, where it then follows Franklin/Riverside (along Drake Park) to end across the bridge at Galveston.

  So far the weather for Saturday doesn’t look like it will be as cold as in years past: Accuweather is currently showing a forecast of 43 degrees and mostly sunny.

  Should be fun! Who’s going?

• November 24, 2011
• 12:35

  Happy Thanksgiving!

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Holidays   [edit]

  Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is having a safe and fun holiday so far and that you’ll finish the day comfortably stuffed!

• November 21, 2011
• 8:15

  Thanksgiving dinners

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  Happy Thanksgiving week! I’m (mostly) taking the week off for the holiday so won’t be blogging much, but I did want to post a list of places to get Thanksgiving dinner if for some reason you aren’t or can’t have it at home this year. Fortunately there are plenty of alternatives.

  Have a happy and safe holiday!

  McMenamins Old St. Francis School:

  1 p.m. ’til 7 p.m.; hours vary — call for reservations
  (541) 382-5174

  $25 adults; $14 kids 5-12; free for kids 4 and under | All ages welcome

  It’s that time of year again, and we couldn’t be happier! Join us with your friends and families for a delectable buffet just like Grandma used to make. And you don’t even have to help with the dishes afterwards.

  10 Below:

  We’ll be serving dinner from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, featuring our Prix Fixe menu with your choice of herb roasted turkey, garlic crusted prime rib, seared columbia river sturgeon or roasted acorn squash and pears.  For dessert, experience our special, homemade pumpkin cheesecake or apple-pecan tart.

  Reservations are highly recommended – please call 541.382.1010 to make your reservation today.
  $38 per person / $12 for kids 5 -11 yrs old

  The Blacksmith:

  This Thanksgiving join us downtown for our Special Thanksgiving Prix Fixe menu or enjoy any of the classics from our Dinner menu.   Make your reservation today, space is limited.
  541.318.0588

  Thanksgiving Prix fixe Menu [Choose dishes from each course]
  $35 per adult, $16 per child

  Visit Bend has a good list of restaurants offering Thanksgiving dining in addition to what I’ve listed here.

  Sunriver Resort:

  • Thursday, Nov. 24th, 2011
  • 2pm-9pm
  • 3-Course Holiday Menu
  • $36 adults, $18 children 6-12 years of age, kids menu available for children 5 years of age & younger
  • Call 541-593-3740 for reservations

  The Bend Community Center is apparently offering Free Thanksgiving Dinner (though that link is based on a forum post and BCC doesn’t list it directly on their site):

  Bend’s Community Center will host free meals to the community on Thanksgiving Day. A hot breakfast will be offered from 8:30am – 11:30am and will include: pancakes, syrup, biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausages and an assortment of fresh fruits, beverages, cold cereals, and pastries.

  A traditional holiday dinner will be offered from noon – 4pm and will consist of: full salad bar, rolls, butter, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, hot vegetables, roasted turkey, baked ham, cranberry sauce, fresh fruit salad, beverages and desserts.

  Attendance for the Thanksgiving day meals is expected to be approximately 500-600 people throughout the day, and there are no restrictions or qualifications, all are welcome at no charge.

• November 16, 2011
• 23:47

  The end of the Blacksmith?

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  News broke on The Source late yesterday that Gavin McMichael, founder/owner of the Blacksmith restaurant as well as (the now closed) Bourbon Street and Gatsby’s Brasserie, is filing for bankruptcy. (Note that The Source article has undergone several revisions since first appearing last night.) This morning the Bulletin followed suit, and tonight KTVZ had an interview with McMichael on their newscast.

  According to the various news, it is Chapter 7 bankruptcy that is being filed, covering his personal finances and debts (to the tune of nearly $2.5 million); this is being talked about as a measure to protect his restaurants from his creditors and that his restaurants will be unaffected, but of course everyone’s going to have the question anyway:

  What’s really going to happen to the Blacksmith and Gatsby’s?

• November 15, 2011
• 0:08

  Lunch Bites: Aloha Cafe

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  This is pretty much an eastside restaurant mini-review feature that I’ll be running periodically. You can view my “lunch bite” critera at this first post.

  The Aloha Café is located in the Crossroads shopping center on the northeastern corner of the Highway 20/27th Street intersection (across the street from the Forum center), nestled into the (mini) strip mall layout along with Cuppa Yo, China Doll, Max Muscle, and the like. They serve up Hawaiian-style dishes with such tasty fare as Kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, ribs, and the improbably-tasty potato-mac salad.

  They offer sandwiches with chips and a side for $6, but I usually opt for one of the mixed plate menu options: an entree of one of their meats with either rice or noodles (I like the noodles) and either potato-macaroni salad or pineapple coleslaw for the sides. Most of the mixed plate dishes are in the $7 range (from $6.90 up to $8.90 for the tri-tip beef) and you get more-than-ample portions. Bear in mind, though, that except for the sides there really aren’t any vegetarian-friendly dishes.

  On my last visit I opted for the Kalua pork with the noodles and potato-mac; their eastside space isn’t terribly large but it’s comfortable and friendly and the service is quick—I waited less than 5 minutes for my to-go order. The pork was tender and delicious, though I wish I’d ordered extra sauce on the side. It wasn’t dry but could have used a bit more (and really, extra sauce is always good).

  The $7.25 for the mixed plate was a little bit more than I’d like to spend (keeping in mind I’m exploring options on the cheap) but that’s really a minor quibble—there’s certainly enough food to split over two meals which makes it worthwhile. Overall you won’t go wrong with Aloha for lunch and the Hawaiian-style food is a nice break from the usual fare.

• November 10, 2011
• 23:35

  Veterans Day Parade

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Downtown   [edit]

  Tomorrow is Veterans Day, and at 11am downtown is the annual Veterans Day Parade. The streets downtown will be closed as the parade follows essentially the same route at the Christmas Parade: Wall Street to Franklin/Drake Park to Galveston to Harmon Street (unfortunately I don’t know exactly how long the parade lasts).

  The Veterans Day Parade is one of three parades each year (the other two being Christmas and the Pet Parade at the Fourth of July) and is sponsored by the City of Bend. It is (of course) free to attend, and there will also be a flyover by the Oregon Air National Guard, F-15 Eagle fighter jets from the 173 Fighter Wing out of Klamath Falls.

• November 08, 2011
• 14:27

  Wine harvest celebrations

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  wine   [edit]

  A couple of local winery events are coming up at the end of the month, both on the 26th as it turns out (Thanksgiving weekend).

  Maragas Winery: 3rd Annual Barrel Tasting & Harvest Fest

  Saturday, November 26, 2011 from 10am to 5pm.

  This year’s event is FREE with the donation of three cans of food per person. Neighbor Impact’s local Food Bank will be the recipient of the event’s food drive. And, something new, this is a BYOG event – bring your own glass. With this, admission is FREE, without it, bring $10 to partake.

  15523 SW Hwy 97
  Culver, OR 97734

  Faith, Hope, & Charity Vineyards: Harvest Celebration

  Saturday, November 26, 2011 from 12 to 5pm.

  We will be hosting a tasting event with live music, delicious food, and wonderful wine. Admission is $10 which includes a commemorative logo glass. We look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Bring your family and friends and plan to celebrate all afternoon with us. Cheers to a wonderful holiday season of thankfulness for our health and families.

  70455 NW Lower Bridge Way
  Terrebonne, OR 97760
  541-350-5384

• November 03, 2011
• 23:43

  The Paper Factory is closing

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  Just got word tonight (via my wife, who got the news from our daughter, and she called to confirm) that The Paper Factory in the Bend Factory Stores (the factory outlets) is closing, and their last day is Saturday.

  If you’re unfamiliar with the store, it’s largely a party supply store; in addition to the cards and wrapping paper and such, they sell party accessories, balloons, decorations, party favors, and so on. It sounds like right now they have everything on sale since this Saturday (the 5th) is their last day. Get in while you can over the next two days.

• November 02, 2011
• 21:15

  The new Brew Shop and Platypus Pub

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  For a good couple of months now, the Brew Shop has been doing business in their new location, the former Ernesto’s restaurant building on Third Street (which I blogged about here and here). In addition to moving the homebrew supply and bottle shop, the owners also renovated and opened the basement bar as The Platypus Pub: it’s now a cozy beer bar with 15(!) taps and a food menu, a couple of dart boards and a big-screen TV.

  They’ve done an amazing job of converting the space to suit their needs, and I’ve been there a number of times now—both in the brew supply portion and the pub portion. However, I hadn’t gotten around to writing up a review yet, partially because I’ve been too busy, er, enjoying the new location rather than writing about it, and partially because Spence over at the Bend Beer Blog did a good writeup that I can point to.

  If you haven’t checked out The Platypus Pub yet and you like good beer, then do yourself a favor and get down there. Right now I believe they’re open 7 days a week, and you’ll always find a wide selection of good craft beer on tap.

• October 31, 2011
• 9:00

  Halloween safety

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Holidays   [edit]

  Happy Halloween! Hopefully the day is shaping up to be a good one and tonight (for those of us who have kids) we’ll be enjoying a not-too-cold evening for trick-or-treating. And if you’re doing that please be safe! There’s a certain amount of common sense involved, of course—don’t let you kids go inside anyone’s house, for instance—but the Oregon State Police have also issued a helpful list of ten things you can do to make Halloween safer for your kids.

  1. CHOOSE bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the dark. In addition, carry a glow stick or flashlight.
  2. PLAN a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, streets that are isolated, or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.
  3. NEVER send young children out alone. They should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult. Older children should always travel in groups.
  4. ALWAYS walk younger children to the door to receive treats and don’t let children enter a home unless you are with them.
  5. BE SURE children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.
  6. DISCUSS basic pedestrian safety rules that children should use when walking to and from houses.
  7. CONSIDER organizing a home or community party as an alternative to “trick-or-treating.”
  8. MAKE sure children know their home phone number and address in case you get separated. Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.
  9. TEACH children to say “NO!” or “this is not my mother/father” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. And teach them that they should make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.
  10. REMIND children to remain alert and report suspicious incidents to parents and/or law enforcement.

  Have a fun evening!

• October 27, 2011
• 21:07

  Halloween Happenings: Historic Haunts and Edgar Allan Poe

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Holidays   [edit]

  The Des Chutes Historical Museum is presenting a couple of great Halloween-themed events that span the next few days (actually one started today, the 27th, and runs through Saturday the 29th, the other, the 29th through Halloween): Historical Haunts of Downtown Bend, sort of a Heritage Walk for buildings with ghost stories, and An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe, sort of a goth storytime theater (or so it sounds).

  Historical Haunts of Downtown Bend
  October 27-29
  Thursday, Friday and Saturday
  4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

  Join Museum guides for one-hour walks through downtown Bend to hear ghostly tales associated with six downtown buildings. Walks are offered on a first come, first served basis starting at 4 p.m., 12 tours offered per night. Cost is $10.00, children 12 and under and Des Chutes Historical Museum members are FREE. Tours begin at the Des Chutes Historical Museum and end at the Tower Theater. Please dress for the weather.

  An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe
  At the Old Stone Church
  October 29-31
  Saturday, Sunday and Monday
  8:00 p.m., special 4:00 Monday Matinee

  Edgar Allan Poe returns with more tales of remorse, lost love and bad behavior. This annual fundraiser for the Des Chutes Historical Museum is one of a kind. Tickets are $10.00 in advance, $12.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Des Chutes Historical Museum; event takes place at the Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Avenue.

  I don’t know exactly which buildings get the historic haunt treatment, though I wouldn’t be surprised to see some or all of them on this list I blogged a few years ago.

• October 26, 2011
• 23:49

  Halloween Happenings: Power 94 Monster Ball

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  This Friday the 28th is the 4th annual Monster Ball presented by the Power 94 local radio station: the live music, dance party, costume contest “extravaganza” taking place at the Century Center.

  There will be performances by Mosley Wotta, Necktie Killer, So Cal’s famous DJ Kay Rich, Performance by the 541 Dance Crew featuring Shannon Bex, and Celebrity “Playmate of the Month” Heather Ray Young (as seen on Entourage & Jay Leno)! You’ll also have the chance to take down some real live zombies at the Zombie Shoot and take FREE pictures in the Photo Lounge!  That’s just the tip of the iceberg!  There will be food from Baldy’s BBQ PLUS Monster Energy Drinks, beer from Budweiser & GoodLife Brewing, Jim Beam’s NEW Devils Cut Bourbon and more!

  Party Kicks Off at 8 pm! Tickets are limited and going fast! You can pick up tickets for $13 in advance or they will be $18 at the door.  Purchase tickets at any of these fine retailers: Spirit Halloween Superstore, Sounds Fast or US Cellular.

  The costume contest has a $1000 prize apparently, plus a mention of winning trips to Las Vegas.

  Update: Forgot to mention that Sober Dudes is partnered with the Monster Ball to help get people home safely. From the comments: “If you use your MB ticket as a voucher, we get you home IN YOUR car… For FREE! Courtesy Power94! Sober Dudes – Designed Driving Service. The last major event we did was the Bend Brewfest, but we are ALWAYS in Downtown Bend 7 days a week!”

• October 25, 2011
• 23:31

  Halloween Happenings: Rocky Horror Picture Show

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Holidays   [edit]

  It’s that time of year again with Halloween less than a week away, to start tracking the various Halloween events going on. So expect a bunch of these posts the next few days!

  The Tower Theatre is again showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show this year, on both nights this weekend: Saturday the 29th and Sunday October 30th. You can buy tickets to either (or both) showings online for only $10 (that’s a good deal), and word in the comments last year was that they were also selling “kits” for $5 (if you’re not familiar with what sort of kit you’d need at Rocky Horror, Google it).

  The Saturday showing starts at 10pm and is 21-and-over only; on Sunday it starts at 9pm and is an all-ages show. It’s a fun time, so if you’re looking for something to do this weekend you won’t go wrong with Rocky Horror.

• October 24, 2011
• 23:45

  Ok, so the Wienermobile is in town.

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Unusual   [edit]

  That would be the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile—you know, the car (truck? van? vehicle) shaped like a giant hotdog. I saw the story on KTVZ tonight, and yes, there were some details I got in email as well:

  The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will ketchup with families in the Bend area between Oct. 24 and Oct. 30 for a variety of unique,
  family-friendly and festive Halloweenie events! The Wienermobile is linking up with grassroots organizations in the Bend community to give families a week to relish!

  For 75 years, the Wienermobile has been on a mission to spread miles of smiles across the hot dog highways of America. With the Wienermobile in town, we want to give Bend area residents something to smile about. Throughout the week, the Wienermobile will be meating Bend residents at various locations across Bend for some franktastic festivities that are not to be missed!

  Tuesday, October 25th
  Bend Parks and Recreation Senior Center – A Trip Down Memory Lane from
  9:30AM to 10:30AM
  1600 SE Reed Market Rd. in Bend

  Boys and Girls Club of Central Oregon – Oscar Mayer Cookout for BGC
  from 4PM to 6PM
  680 NW Bond St in Bend

  Friday, October 28th
  Central Oregon Humane Society – Halloweenie Pet Costume Contest from
  2PM to 5PM
  61170 SE 27th St in Bend

  Saturday, October 29th
  Central Oregon Pumpkin Co. – Trick-or-Treat for Glow-in-the-Dark
  Wiener Whistles from 1PM to 4PM
  1250 NE Wilcox St. in Terrebonne

  I don’t know if I can handle all those puns.

  The KTVZ articles also has a ton of facts about the Wienermobile, with tidbits such as having a hotdog-shaped dashboard along with a voice-activated GPS system. The more you know right?

• October 20, 2011
• 10:06

  Master Gardeners Bulb Sale and Class

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  environment   [edit]

  Every year the Central Oregon Master Gardeners Association sells flower bulbs. Most of the sales are by pre-order, but this year they have some extras.

  Spring Bulb Sale
  Where: Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue (Bend)
  When: Saturday, October 22nd, 10:30am to noon.

  They recommend arriving early for the best selection.

  Now that you have some great flower bulbs, do you know what to do with them? You’re in luck because they are also offering a free class (in both Bend and Redmond) on that very topic.

  Nancy Glick, OSU Certified Master Gardener, will present “How to Grow Beautiful Spring Bulbs”. Nancy will answer many of your questions on the best ways to plant and care for your bulbs.

  “How to Grow Beautiful Spring Bulbs” in Bend
  Where:  Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Avenue (Bend)
  When:  Saturday, October 22nd, 10:30am

  “How to Grow Beautiful Spring Bulbs” in Redmond
  Where: Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Avenue (Redmond)
  When: Saturday, October 22nd, 2:30pm

  For more information contact Shelby Smith, 541-389-5827.

• 0:08

  Day of the Dead Cyclocross Festival

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  I was searching online to find out more about next week’s Day of the Dead Cyclocross Festival and found that while there is an official Facebook page, Visit Bend really has the best online resource for the upcoming event.

  Is it a cyclocross race? Is it an art festival? Is it a cultural celebration? Yes!

  On October 28, 2011, Bend will play host to the inaugural “Day of the Dead Cyclocross Festival.” This amazing event will include the famous Halloween Cyclocross Crusades, the acclaimed Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show, the third annual Cross Culture Art Celebration, a cultural celebration showcasing the “Dia de los Muertos” holiday tradition, and much more.

  In addition to the schedule and details for each of the various aspects of the Festival, Visit Bend also has printable PDF versions of the schedule and the course map available.

  The events span Halloween weekend, kicking off on Friday the 28th and lasting through Sunday the 30th. And of course since it’s the holiday weekend there are plenty of Halloween tie-ins as well; many of the events and parties are “costume encouraged”.

  One detail I don’t see on the Visit Bend page is about the “Cross Culture: Bike + Art Love” event, which takes place Friday evening (the 28th) in downtown Bend:

  Cross Culture matches artists and local businesses for a special event exploring Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the cultural celebration of the lives and memories of the deceased.

  The Cross Culture Caminata offers a unique interpretation of the Dia de los Muertos tradition of parading through the streets with shrines and altars. Rather than watching the art move past, participants are invited to walk from one art installation to the next while meeting a talented line-up of local artists hosted by downtown Bend businesses.

  Event passports with a detailed map will be available at Visit Bend and all participating locations. Visitors who collect all the stamps will gain FREE entry to the Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show on Saturday or Sunday, October 29 – 30.

  Sounds like it’s going to be a fun and busy Halloween weekend!

• October 17, 2011
• 23:58

  Movie: The Love of Beer

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  This Friday and Saturday, GoodLife Brewing is hosting the Bend premiere showings of “The Love of Beer,” a documentary about women in the craft beer industry, with a special emphasis on Bend Brewing Company‘s own Brewmaster Tonya Cornett. I saw the premier showing of this movie a couple of months ago and I really enjoyed it; even though the focus is on women in the beer industry, it’s going to be of interest to anyone who enjoys craft beer.

  GoodLife will be showing the movie inside their warehouse brewery space, and tickets are currently on sale online for $5 (plus a $1.26 processing fee) and directly at GoodLife for $6. Over the two nights (Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd) the showings are at 6pm and 8pm (the movie running time is 72 minutes).

  And of course you’ll be able to drink and eat at GoodLife before and after (I don’t know for sure if beer will be available during the showing); in addition to the three of their own beers that they have on tap, they also have a solid list of guest taps to choose from.

  It’s a good movie, there’s beer involved, and it’s none too expensive. Who’s going?

• October 13, 2011
• 13:35

  Magic at the Tower

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  This Saturday night (the 15th) at the Tower Theatre, magician Dan Sperry will be performing live—a show dubbed “Magic No Longer Sucks.” (Or, alternatively from a flyer I have, “Abracadabra.”)

  Dan Sperry has been described as David Copperfield meets Marilyn Manson and is the only illusionist to ever be awarded the title of most original magician on FOX’s “World Magic Awards.”

  His show combines illusion and the bizarre with satirical macabre humor. It is non-stop mayhem set to an industrial musical score with razor blades, buzz saws, voo doo, blood and more. In the case of Dan Sperry, Magic No Longer Sucks.

  The show is being presented by Deschutes Veterinary Clinic, and proceeds from ticket sales will be going to Always S.A.F.E. and the Human Society of Central Oregon. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating, and you can purchase them online here. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8.

  I don’t know how kid-friendly this show would be; while Sperry appeared on America’s Got Talent (which my daughter loves), the description sounds like it might be intense for kids. But it sounds like a cool show and fits into the Halloween season; what else were you planning on doing this Saturday?

• October 11, 2011
• 23:46

  Central Oregon Pumpkin Company – Star Wars maze

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Holidays   [edit]

  Each year the Central Oregon Pumpkin Company out in Terrebonne (near Smith Rock) has a themed corn maze during the month of October (along with pumpkins and other harvest- and Halloween-themed activities). This year they’ve put together a fairly impressive and fun-looking Star Wars themed maze:

  

  They’re open through the month of October, hours are noon to 6pm during the week and 10 to 6 on the weekends. The maze costs $7.50 per person 12 and older, $5.50 from ages 6 to 11, and 5 and under are free.

  Of course, there are also U-pick pumpkins available, which is usually the draw for us.

• October 10, 2011
• 8:03

  Garage Sale fundraiser for Robotics Team

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  Bend has a high school robotics team – the High Desert Droids. There are students from three local schools who participate, and the program is operated out of the Mountain View High School science department. Every year they design and build a robot then program it to compete specific tasks for a national challenge. They take their creation to two “regional” competitions. A couple of years ago they did really well and made it to the national competition.

  If all this sounds sort of expensive… it is. To keep costs down for the families the team applies for grants, seeks out sponsors, and holds several fundraisers. The first one is coming up in a couple weeks.

  The High Desert Droids Robotics Team’s annual garage sale fundraiser will be held at Mountain View High School on Saturday, October 22nd, 9am to 3pm.

  If you already have too much stuff, you can still support them They will be accepting donated items to be sold on Friday, October 21st after 6:00 pm in the “circle drive” at Mountain View.

  Here’s what they suggest:

  Furniture, house wares, DVD’s, books, kid’s items, good clothing, knick knacks, etc. Please, no torn, dirty clothing or broken, dirty Christmas decorations. We pay to haul junk to the dump! Only computers/TV’s that are usable and someone would buy-no older than about 10yrs.

  If you want to learn more about the team, check out the High Desert Droids website.
  If you want to learn more about the national program, visit the FIRST website.

• October 07, 2011
• 15:35

  First Friday (Oct. 7)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  Tonight is First Friday downtown, but it’s not just the usual monthly Art Walk, it’s also the Fall Art Hop—many other businesses than just the galleries will be open late, featuring artists’ works and very often free wine, snacks, and live music.

  As usual the Downtown Bend site has a comprehensive list of participants, with the Art Hop lasting from 5 until 9pm. Over at Deschutes Brewery, they are featuring their last First Friday event of the season in conjunction with the downtown festivities, from 5 until 10pm—with art, music, BBQ and beer in the lot behind the pub.

  And the First Friday fun extends to the Old Mill District too with many of the galleries down there participating.

• 11:24

  IMAX in the Old Mill District – Opening Today

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  I saw it on Facebook so it must be true…

  The IMAX movie theater at the Old Mill District opens today, showing Real Steel. According to Fandango tickets cost $15.50 for adults or $13 for children & seniors, with no matinee pricing. (Compared to $10 for adults or $7.50 for matinee, children & seniors for standard-format movies.)

  Thoughts? Do you plan to see movies in the IMAX format?

   

• October 06, 2011
• 14:18

  Cary’s Produce Patch – Going out of business

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  Last night I received an email from Cary’s Produce Patch. While it’s no surprise that it’s the end of the season for fresh produce (frost on the ground this morning!) I was bummed to learn they won’t be back next year.

  It is with sadness & great relief; we have decided this will be the last season for us selling produce. We have stuck it out as long as we could, this season was our last ditch effort to make this business work.

  Struggles with the City of Bend (code and licensing) and the economy in general are cited among their reasons for closing for good. Personally their location at the Outlet mall isn’t along my normal “route” so I didn’t make it there as often as I would have liked.

  “Good” news… If you are a fan of their wares (including fresh produce, tea, jams, seasonings, and other dry goods) then their last day will be this Sunday (10/9) and everything in the shop will be 40% off.

  Sunday October 9th will be our last day of business, we hope you will all come out and help us clean out our current inventory and give us the opportunity to say goodbye. We will be opening at 11:00 A.M. on Sunday and close at 4:00 P.M.  All of our inventory will be on sale at 40% off. We thank you again for supporting us this season and for the last 14 years.  We are still open this week so if you are needing  great produce we still have lots to choose from.

  Goodbye, and thanks to the Lowe family for many years of excellent customer service. I’ll be sad to see them go.

  Cary’s Produce Patch
  Bend Factory Stores
  61334 S. Hwy 97 Suite #120
  Bend, OR 97702

• October 05, 2011
• 16:45

  Bourbon Street – Closed

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  According to an article in today’s issue of the Bulletin, Bourbon Street restaurant in Downtown Bend has closed. Their last day of business was Saturday, October 1.

  Source: Bend Bulletin

• October 04, 2011
• 23:52

  BendFilm (2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Movies   [edit]

  It’s that time of year for Bend’s premiere (and only) film festival, BendFilm. The independent festival, which runs from the 6th through the 9th this year (Thursday through Sunday), “celebrates the brave voice of independent cinema through films, lectures and education.” This is the eighth year it’s been running.

  The quality of films submitted this year was off the charts.  It’s been a fun challenge to pick the best of the best to feature at this year’s festival. Watch this year’s films at Oxford Hotel, McMenamins, Sisters Movie House (2 screens), Regal (2 screens) and Tower Theatre.  Festival guides can be found around town and in The Bulletin on September 26.  Information about the films, parties, jurors, panels and everything else BendFilm can be found on our website.

  Stop by The Hub at Liberty Theater in downtown Bend for all things BendFilm.  Tickets, passes, merchandise, filmmakers and friendly faces who can answer your questions can all be found at The Hub during the festival.

  In addition to the films (for which you can buy tickets here) they are also offering a number of panels that are free and open to the public, and of course there are parties as well (not all of which are free).

• October 02, 2011
• 8:58

  Bend winners at the Great American Beer Festival

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  The Great American Beer Festival has been going on this weekend, and yesterday the winners for best beers in various categories were announced—these are kind of like the Olympics for beer. And of the 15 medals that Oregon breweries won, 6 of those are from three of Bend’s breweries:

  • Deschutes Brewery won a gold medal for Bourbon Murder (though this was apparently a beer made in their Portland Pub), a bronze medal for Pinot Jubel, and another bronze for Down ‘n’ Dirty IPA. (3 total)
  • Bend Brewing Company won a bronze medal for Ching Ching (on tap now!). (1 total)
  • Silver Moon Brewing won a gold medal for Dark Side Stout, and a bronze medal for Legacy Lager (both on tap now!). (2 total)

  It hardly needs to be said that this further cements Bend’s reputation as a premier beer town; congratulations to all three breweries, and everyone should visit to try some of these award-winning beers.

• September 30, 2011
• 23:43

  Bend Fall Festival (2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  The Bend Fall Festival starts tomorrow (or today, depending on when you read this)—the first Saturday of October. As with the other seasonal events, Downtown Bend will be largely closed off (their PDF map shows you exactly what will be closed) and there will be two music stages, artist booths, the food court and alcohol area, and a large family area (featuring autumn-themed activities like a hay maze, apple bobbing, pumpkin painting, and more). The Children’s Costume Swap is also taking place there on Saturday from 11 to 6.

  And I don’t know if this is new this year, but there’s a bit of Oktoberfest that’s going to be present as well:

  Be sure to visit the Carrera Oktoberfest Biergarten located on Oregon Avenue. Enjoy Oktoberfest entertainers with a pint of one of the rare beer selections from Deschutes Brewery released exclusively for the Fall Festival. Don’t miss the festival-wide Hops Happy Hour from 2 pm – 5 pm when all beers are a $1 off. Food vendors, Red Napkin and Spork, will be on hand with gourmet Oktoberfest fare to complete the ultimate Oktoberfest Experience.

  Not sure why this wasn’t at last weekend’s Bend Oktoberfest, but it sounds like it will out-Oktoberfest last week’s event from what I’ve heard from last week.

  The Festival runs from 11am until 10pm on Saturday the 1st (with the family area closing at 5pm), and from 11 to 6 on Sunday the 2nd (the family area closing on 4 that day).

• September 28, 2011
• 11:40

  Ignite Bend ticket winner: Annette Leigh

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  contests   [edit]

  The winner for the ticket drawing for tonight’s Ignite Bend event (randomly selected from the comments) is Annette Leigh. Congratulations to Annette, and to everyone else who participated, thank you and better luck next time. I wish I could give out tickets to everyone but unfortunately I don’t have that kind of pull.

  However, if you’re still interested in attending, show up tonight anyway; the organizers have stressed on Facebook and elsewhere that even if you don’t have tickets you should still be able to get in—even if it’s standing room only. (They say they haven’t had to turn anyone away yet.) And the earlier you can get in line, the better chance you’ll have of being able to find a seat!

• September 27, 2011
• 19:59

  Central Oregon Children’s Costume Swap

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  My friend (and sometime Hack Bend contributor) Shannon is organizing an interesting event: the Central Oregon Children’s Costume Swap. It’s taking place this Saturday, October 1st, and if you have any old (but in good shape) kids’ Halloween costumes that you don’t know what to do with, you should check this out.

  The mission of the Central Oregon Costume Swap is to recycle your gently used Halloween costumes and select low cost costumes to outfit your kids this year! Money raised from the Central Oregon Costume Swap will benefit the Family Access Network, an organization that connects school children with basic needs through FAN advocates. The swap will be Oct 1 at the Bend Fall Festival at a booth located on Minnesota and Bond streets from 11 am – 6 p.m.

  Bendite moms Alissa Maxwell and Shannon Hinderberger got the idea from the website [www.greenhalloween.org] .

  How it works:

  • All costumes $10 (all proceeds to FAN).
  • Donate a costume and receive a $5 credit; donate 2 and choose one free!

  What we’re looking for:

  • Full costumes only – no solo accessories please.
  • Quality handmade costumes accepted at the volunteer’s discretion.

  Early drop off
  Friday, September 30, 6-8pm

  • Bend-LaPine admin building across from the library
  • Those that donate Friday night get early entry to the swap at 10:30am Saturday.
  • Sponsors include Bend Moms for Moms, True North Magazine, Bloom School, Edward Jones and The Brace Place.
  • If you have any questions, feel free to email Shannon at shanlee@gmail.com or call 541-390-1068.

• September 26, 2011
• 21:28

  Ignite Bend ticket giveaway

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  contests   [edit]

  Ignite Bend is this Wednesday, the 28th, and if you were interested in going but missed out on the initial ticket “sales” (they are always free, and earlier this month they sold out in an hour!), then you might be in luck. I have two extra tickets for Ignite and I’ll be doing a drawing to give them away here on the blog.

  Here’s how it works: leave a comment on this post and make sure you’ve entered a valid email, and then sometime on the morning of Wednesday the 28th I’ll randomly draw a name from the comments. I’ll email the printable PDF tickets (I’ll send the full EventBrite email in case you have troubles with the PDF files) to you, and you can either print them out and bring them, or be able to show the tickets on your smartphone at the door.

  (You’ll get your winning name announced too.)

  And in case you hadn’t yet seen, the speaker list looks really good:

  Sean Anderson – A Face Plus a Space: Social media, Connect or Disconnect?
  Steve Crozier – What is an Intactivist?
  Garrett Gladden – Learn ‘em Good
  Tom Headley – Your Couch Is a Door
  Gail Lovelace – How to Swim with Dangerous Sharks and not get Eaten
  Jeff Myers - A dirtbag’s guide to the endless winter
  Samuel Palacio – Travel With a Purpose: Meet Your Sister… City
  Nicole Strong – Appreciating Clearcuts – how tree hugging and tree lopping can go hand in hand
  Peter Werner – What is Ignite?
  April Witteveen – The F Word: why feminism is still relevant
  Becky Zagurski - Aqueous Humor

  So leave a comment and good luck!

  Update: Comments are now closed to draw a winner!

• September 23, 2011
• 23:55

  Railroad Day

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  Wednesday, October 5th, the Des Chutes Historical Museum is hosting Railroad Day at the Old Depot at the Art Station in the Old Mill District. It runs from 3:30 to 6:30pm, and is a completely free event; the Museum website says:

  Bring your family and friends and celebrate 100 years of the railroad. Games, arts and crafts, mini train rides, model trains, tours of the historic depot, and a re-enactment of the driving of the Golden Spike highlight a celebration of the arrival of the railroad, as our predecessors celebrated in 1911. Music provided by the Summit Jazz Band, root beer floats and popcorn served by the Bend City Council. Sponsored by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation and our partners: the Old Mill District, Arts Central and Art Station, and the City of Bend.

  And a more in-depth list of activities (which was emailed to me):

  • Kids’ Railroad art projects
  • Antique Model Trains
  • Blacksmithing Demonstrations
  • Music by the Summit Jazz Band
  • Miniature Train Rides courtesy of the Southern Crossing Neighborhood Association
  • A Reinactment of James Hill’s Speech and driving of the Golden Spike at 5pm
  • Rootbeer Floats served by the Bend City Council

  The Art Depot is located at 313 Shevlin-Hixon Drive, just northeast of the Les Schwab Amphitheater.

• September 22, 2011
• 20:14

  Sisters Fresh Hop Festival beers

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  The other day when I initially blogged about the Sisters Fresh Hop Festival coming up this Saturday, I didn’t have a list of breweries or beers to post.

  But I do today—the organizers sent me the list of participating breweries:

  • 10 Barrel
  • BridgePort
  • Cascade Lakes
  • Deschutes
  • Fort George
  • Full Sail
  • Laurelwood
  • Lucky Lab
  • MacTarnahan’s
  • McMenamin’s
  • Ninkasi
  • Three Creeks

  And, as I posted on my beer blog (and found on the excellent Bend Oregon Beer blog), there are a few known beers—the first part of this list is from Spence at Bend Oregon Beer, the speculative part is my own:

  • BridgePort Brewing Company – Hop Harvest
  • Full Sail – Lupulin & Session Black Ale
  • McMenamin’s – Thunder Cone Fresh Hop & Father D’s Kölsch
  • Ninkasi – Tricerarillo
  • Three Creeks Brewing Company – Cone Lick’r

  And for the rest, we can extrapolate/speculate about what they might bring. Deschutes, for instance, has some three fresh hop ales on tap at their Pub now (Twilight Ale, Oktoberfest, and Chainbreaker White) so it wouldn’t be surprising to see one of those at the Fest. 10 Barrel recently released their Crosby Fresh Hop Ale, and Cascade Lakes has an annual Harvest Ale that seems likely to make an appearance.

  Fort George, out of Astoria, has posted recently on Facebook about a Fresh Hop Vortex IPA. And the only one that comes to mind (the timing would be right) for Lucky Lab would be The Mutt which they just brewed late last month using “community” hops (i.e., whatever variety people donated).

  The Fresh Hop Festival takes place from noon until 9pm under the tent at Village Green Park in Sisters, and all aged are welcome. Admission is free, but the souvenir taster glass is $5 and tasters are $1 each. Incidentally, dogs are welcome in the Park but not allowed under the tent, but you will be able to take beer out of the tent and into the Park generally.

• September 20, 2011
• 15:24

  Delivering for Dogs

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  You know how you run out of dog food at the most inopportune time? Or is that just me? Do you ever wonder if your dog is getting the right nutrition? I know that one isn’t just me.  The answer to both of these questions is Orion’s Choice.

  I ran across this business a few weeks ago at the Feed the People fundraiser. John Regan was manning the booth and I asked him about my dogs’ “special” needs. They’re Boston Terriers and their special talent is being gassy. Like I come home sometimes and my whole house smells like one big fart. John explained to me that most commercial dog foods have fillers that cause these problems. He seemed to know his stuff so I took a card and a sample and went on my way.

  I ran out of dog food over the weekend. Buying dog food is the last thing I want to do on a weekend or a Monday. Weekends are too fun and Mondays are too busy. So I called Orion’s Choice and placed my order. John showed up at my door the very next day with my order. So easy!!

  The pups have only had a couple of meals of their new food so far, but I think I can tell a difference in their odor output already. Delivery and less gas? I’ll be placing my next order with Orion’s.

  Check them out for more information – [orionschoice.com]

• September 19, 2011
• 23:32

  Bend Roots Revival (2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  This weekend is the biggest free music event in Central Oregon: the Bend Roots Revival (Facebook page), the “festival that celebrates and showcases the diverse musical, artistic and cultural character of our community” which spans three days, the 23rd through the 25th (Friday through Sunday), and over 100 different acts and workshops to participate in.

  The action takes place at the Century Center (70 SW Century Drive) and there’s a Thursday night kick-off at the Victorian Cafe and Parilla Grill (the original birthplace of BRR at 14th and Galveston). The schedule of events is mind-boggling in its scope.

  And of course the best part (as I mentioned) is that it’s free—and family friendly. Great music, good venue, good food and drink available, and a ton of choices; that’s tough to beat.

• September 17, 2011
• 10:00

  Sisters Fresh Hop Festival, Sept 24

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  Saturday, September 24th, the first of Oregon’s “Fresh Hop Tastivals” kicks off in Sisters with the Sisters Fresh Hop Festival: from noon until 9pm, this autumnal beer fest takes place under the tent at Village Green Park and features beers that are made with fresh hops, beers like Deschutes Brewery’s Hop Trip—freshly-picked hops are added directly to the beer instead of being dried first.

  Admission is $5 for a mug and $1 for each 4 oz. taste. Food vendors and live music all day and the best brew in the west. Children are welcome. Sponsored by Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. For more info email jeri@sisterscountry.com

  I don’t yet know what beers will be pouring at this event but I’ve sent off an email to find out. I do know what breweries they had last year so that may be a good representation, and if you like fresh hop beers (I know I do), then you’ll want to attend this fest.

• September 16, 2011
• 13:17

  Thai on the Fly – temporary closure

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  Hurry and get your summer rolls, if you need a fix in the near future.

  Thai on the Fly (also known as “A Taste of Thailand”) is a popular drive-thru food stand off Greenwood. They are best known for great food, pleasant service, and plentiful free samples offered before (and while) you place your order. They will be closing (temporarily) later this month. According to a sign on their building they’ll be closing at 4pm on September 21. They will be closed September 22-October 2, and will reopen on October 3.

  Reason stated is “to take care of my good health”. I hope all is well and wish the proprietor a speedy recovery.

  Via @jesswoodford on Twitter.

• September 14, 2011
• 23:42

  Cheap Eats Bend

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  Surprised I haven’t blogged about Cheap Eats Bend yet: a website that offers up exactly what the name says, a daily guide to cheap food deals and happy hours around town. The “Featured” items are updated each day for that day.

  And that’s the long and the short of it. Current daily cheap eats (you’re not able to look up, for instance, what Saturday’s deals will be until it’s Saturday), and happy hours to a number of places. I’d like to see more restaurants get added, but that’s just a minor quibble.

• September 12, 2011
• 19:28

  Bend Oktoberfest (2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  This year’s Bend Oktoberfest is taking place Friday and Saturday, September 23rd and 24th in downtown Bend: the German-themed beer fest featuring wiener dog races, a yodeling contest, kids activities (on Saturday) and, of course, plenty of seasonal Oktoberfest styled beer.

  Friday night the hours are from 5 until 10pm and is only open to 21 and over attendees; Saturday the ‘fest runs from noon until 10pm but from 6pm on it’s again only open to 21 and over.

  Throughout the event folks can sample traditional Bavarian style music, beers, wines, foods and absurd games of skill for prizes! The Deschutes Brewery German Feast will offer traditional Bavarian foods and local fare from a variety of local chefs. Food will be served throughout the event in modest portions allowing attendees to try everything. We will be featuring the beer of Bend Brewing Company and Boneyard Beer! Other Central Oregon breweries will also be serving their best Oktoberfest brews and other ales.

  Minnesota Avenue downtown will be closed for the festivities.

• September 11, 2011
• 23:42

  McMenamins Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  Can you believe we’re nearly halfway to St. Patrick’s Day already? No? Not even on the radar? Well, McMenamins has you covered: this Saturday the 17th they are having their annual “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” celebration.

  Mostly it’s a day of live music, featuring Irish-themed artists, and of course there’s always beer on hand. It’s free for all ages (the music is free, anyway) and here’s the schedule:

  At the Hotel:
  2 p.m. · Steve Allely · Irish pipes
  4 p.m. · Tune Dawgs · Irish fiddleplay

  At O’Kane’s Square:
  4 p.m. · Five Pint Mary · Celtic rock
  7 p.m. · Bobby Bare, Jr. · Southern rock trio

• September 07, 2011
• 20:27

  SharePoint Saturday, October 1st

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Computers and Internet   [edit]

  A lot of companies in Central Oregon use Microsoft’s SharePoint for web applications and portals, and on Saturday, October 1st (right after Ignite Bend and the WebCAM conference) COCC is hosting SharePoint Saturday, a free conference day of sessions covering many aspects of the technology. It’s being hosted by the Bend SharePoint User Group and will also feature door prizes and includes lunch.

  Join SharePoint architects, developers, and other professionals that work with Microsoft SharePoint for this ‘SharePoint Saturday’ event.  SharePoint Saturday Bend is an educational, informative & lively day filled with sessions from respected SharePoint professionals & MVPs, covering a wide variety of SharePoint-orientated topics.  SharePoint Saturday Bend is FREE, open to the public and is your local chance to immerse yourself in SharePoint!

  This looks to be a really good event (and you can’t beat the price) and whether you’re new to the technology or have been using it for years, if you have an interest in SharePoint or Microsoft technologies you’re not going to want to miss this.

  And of course, after the conference there will be the “SharePint” event at a local pub to network and meet other folks from the conference. (Which any tech conference-goer will tell you can be the best part!)

  You can register on their EventBrite page, or follow their twitter stream to stay on top of things.

• September 06, 2011
• 23:59

  Lunch Bites: Cibelli’s Pizza (East)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  This is pretty much an eastside restaurant mini-review feature that I’ll be running periodically. You can view my “lunch bite” critera at this first post.

  Cibelli’s Pizza (also cibellis.com, see below) is a mini-franchise of New York style pizza with some five locations in Central Oregon (three in Bend, one in Tumalo, and one in Redmond) and one apparently in Florida as well. They specialize in giant thin crust pizzas (they offer a 24-inch pizza) and like many pizza places, offer a lunch special—and with their eastside location on Highway 20, I had to check it out.

  Of course, I’ve eaten at Cibelli’s before, so there’s nothing new or surprising here. Their east location is in the mini-strip-mall across the street from the used car strip, sharing building space with at least a bed store and a video game store; not the most glamorous, and parking can get tight on busy days. The interior is utilitarian, and they have a big kitchen space where you can watch them make the pizzas.

  They make a tasty pizza, and they offer up a really decent lunch deal: for $4.50 you get a slice with any three toppings plus a medium soda. These are foot-long, large slices from one of their 24-inch pizzas, so you’re getting your money’s worth.

  When I was in last week I kept it simple: a slice of the pepperoni with onions and olives as my additional toppings. In this case they simply added fresh onions and olives to an already-prepped slice of pepperoni, which on the one hand seems a little like cheating but on the other hand they weren’t soggy or nasty, and ultimately didn’t detract from the slice. The pizza itself was warm with a bit of the greasiness you associate with New York-styled pizzas—though not pooled on top—and the crust was crisp and crunchy to the bite. I enjoyed it. And I didn’t have to wait long for it, either.

  In the past I’ve also had their BLT slice special, with, yes, bacon, lettuce and tomato and that was really good; if you stop in you should definitely check to see what/if there are any specials for the day.

  And at less than $5 for a giant slice and a drink, it’s a tough-to-beat lunch when you find yourself on that part of town.

  Update: As both a Facebook commenter and a commenter below points out, the Tumalo location has in fact been closed for a couple of years.

• September 03, 2011
• 9:00

  The Little Woody: First look and recommendations

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  I was able to get down to The Little Woody early on Friday right after they opened, courtesy of Lay it Out Events (they provided a media pass for me), and as a self-professed beer geek I have to say I’m impressed with the quality of event that this has become. Unlike some beer festivals I’ve attended, this one is focused on quality, not quantity, with a carefully curated selection of beers that highlight both the diversity of what beer can be, as well as the amazing number of breweries that Central Oregon has to offer (not to mention the guest breweries that are attending).

  If you’re looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend, I strongly recommend checking out The Little Woody. I do of course have some comments about the fest itself, but first some beer recommendations—the “must try” list as it were, five beers that are unusual that you won’t find anywhere else:

  • Three Creeks Grandma V. Ryely: This is their Stonefly Rye aged on vanilla beans and oak spirals that have been soaked in Grand Marnier. It’s only 4.6% alcohol by volume but it’s super flavorful and refreshing; the liqueur and vanilla both come through but not overwhelmingly, and it’s light enough to be a good hot-weather beer but still has a touch of spice from the rye (like a rye bread) and body from the wood.
  • Block 15 Prickly Wit: A Belgian Wit-styled beer aged in Pinot Noir barrels with prickly pear fruit and wild yeasts, 5% alcohol by volume. There’s a lot of complexity and different flavors going on, it starts fruity (the earthy notes of the prickly pear), turns a touch wild-sour in the middle, and finishes with a malty character that (no kidding) reminded me of popcorn. I really liked it, someone else I talked to didn’t (they don’t like popcorn), but it’s worth a try.
  • 10 Barrel One in the Sun: You will either love this or hate this. There’s no middle ground. Intensely sour, so much so that there’s a bit of nail polish aroma, 6% alcohol by volume, and (optionally) served with raspberry syrup to cut the sour and add a nice sweet fruity character to it. This was the straight-up sourest beer I think I’ve had from any local brewery, and I drank half the beer straight, and half with syrup.
  • Boneyard Twisted Sister: a light wheat ale (4.5% alcohol) aged for 12 months in a bourbon barrel. Very unusual, you get the grassy crisp wheat (similar to a hefeweizen) married to a strong bourbon presence. Other people I talked to really like it, and I was intrigued enough to get this for my final pour (after tasting someone else’s).
  • Oakshire Gin Barrel Aged Imperial Overcast Stout: This is a doubled-up version of their popular Overcast Espresso Stout, beefed up to 9.5% alcohol, and aged for five months in a gin barrel with Oregon blackberries. It’s coffee and blackberries and a touch of alcohol heat all combined into a liquid dessert in a glass. This might be a good beer to finish with.

  You’ll notice that most of these are actually lighter in alcohol than “barrel-aged beer” usually implies: that’s because (in my opinion) when dealing with lighter beers, you can enjoy a lot more complexity and subtlety with beers that don’t assault your palate with lots of bourbon and alcohol flavors. And they are truly interesting beers that I think a lot of people will enjoy.

  Of course I tried a bunch of other beers as well, and I didn’t find one I didn’t like. Here are those, with my impressions:

  • GoodLife India Pale Ale: Their Mountain Rescue Pale Ale aged in barrels. Not as fresh as their regular Pale on tap, but it has the same nice hoppy flavors and a bit of cedar-like spiciness from the wood.
  • Deschutes Solace Rose: 10.5% Flanders-style brown ale, very similar to The Dissident (though with a different base yeast I believe), aged with cherries and in Pinot Noir barrels for 18 months. I heard at least one person opine that it was better than The Dissident.
  • Oakshire La Ferme du Funk: (I had a taste of someone else’s pour.) Nicely fruity, a touch of sour, a bit of mustiness (this is a good thing).
  • Silver Moon Boyz in the Wood: (I had a taste of someone else’s pour.) The taste I had was a nice blend of beers that reminded me more than any other beer I tried of a barleywine, and it had a touch of wild yeast character.
  • Silver Moon Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Darkside Stout: (I had a taste of someone else’s pour.) This smells like chocolate decadence and is rich and chocolatey with a bit of a bourbon note.
  • Three Creeks Crosswalk Imperial Porter: (I had a taste of someone else’s pour.) Huge bourbon flavors paired with charred wood, alcoholic (10%) and “hot.”

  I also heard very good things about Boneyard Bourbon Black 13, Cascade Lakes Honey Badger Bourbon Barrel Strong Ale, and Hopworks Bourbon Ace of Spades.

  As for the rest of the fest itself, here’s what I really liked:

  • The venue. At first glance, the parking lot (and lawn) of the Des Chutes Historical Museum really shouldn’t work, but for some reason it does. It’s fairly spacious but still has an intimate feel to it. (Granted I haven’t been there in the later evening when it gets really packed.)
  • Rinse water. There’s a rinse water station in the middle area of all the beer stations, which is great since many of these beers have strong flavors and you’ll want to rinse your glass between them. I do wish there were more rinse stations however.
  • Tables. They have some “barrel-top” tables and some regular tables set up amongst the beer stations in the parking lot, which is great if you can snag one to set stuff down on. First-come, first-served of course, but it’s nice to have some respite when you’re standing on asphalt.
  • Variety. The first year, there were 14 beers on tap (not all of which were barrel-aged). This year, there are 27.
  • Friendly staff. Everyone I encountered was unfailingly friendly and helpful. Let’s hope it stays that way especially as the crowd grows on the main day (hey, nerves can get frayed, it happens).

  Things you should know:

  • The taster glasses are four-ounce sampler glasses, and all beers will cost you two tickets to fill this glass (at $1 per ticket). No “sample” fills for 1 ticket.
  • There is food, but only four vendors: Cafe Yumm, Pisano’s Pizza, the Honey Pot, and “German Food” (I didn’t get the specific name of this vendor, this was just the banner they had out).
  • There is no wine, and no cocktails (other that the whiskey tasting). I had originally blogged that there would be, and found out later that was wrong. It’s all beer (and whiskey) only.
  • Any beers that have “lactic” or “brett” or “wild” (or some variation thereof) in the descriptions will have some soured, possibly “funky” characteristic to it. (And even some that don’t have those words in the description will, it’s the nature of barrels.) If you’re not into the sour beers, stick to the darker, bourbon-barrel-aged beers (stouts and porters are great for this).
  • Boneyard’s Bourbon Barrel Sug Knight, their 15% imperial stout that everyone seems to be talking about, will be tapped sometime Saturday night.
  • Little Woody-themed Silipints are available as contest prizes: for $1 you can try to win one by tossing a ping pong ball through a small hole.

  And finally, some pictures:
  [Show as slideshow]

• September 01, 2011
• 23:52

  Friday night in downtown Bend – crazy busy

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  This first Friday of September is going to be one of the busiest Downtown Bend has seen lately. Not only is it the monthly First Friday—with galleries and businesses open late for the Art Walk (and also featuring live music and free refreshments) from 5 until 9—but the Little Woody is taking place at the Des Chutes Historical Museum from 5 until 10, and the streets will be closed all day (from 8am until 8pm) for the USA Masters Cycling National Championships Criterium.

  The Criterium alone is supposed to have over 800 competitors involved (not even counting the spectators who will be downtown just for this event) and both Wall Street and Bond Street are going to be closed from Greenwood to Idaho (where the Museum is), plus the cross-streets in between.

  With the streets closed, traffic and parking will be even more hectic than usual, and while that might make moving around downtown on foot easier, keep in mind that there will be potentially hundreds of cyclists tearing through the streets at any given time. I’m sure it will be a fun evening—how could it not be, right?—but all the same it’s going to be crazy busy so remember to be safe and patient.

• August 31, 2011
• 23:43

  The Little Woody Barrel-aged Brew Fest

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  The Little Woody is taking place this weekend, Friday and Saturday, September 2nd and 3rd—Bend’s other beer festival, and the one that the beer geeks really love. The focus is on complex, barrel- and wood-aged beers, and all but three of Central Oregon’s breweries are going to be there (the three that aren’t are Old Mill Brew Werks, Below Grade Brewing, and the new Phat Matt’s Brewing from Redmond), as well as five from Portland, Eugene, and Corvallis.

  The Little Woody is a 21 and over event, and in addition to the beer (some 27 different beers will be on tap) there will also be wine, cocktails from Bendistillery, and a whiskey tasting featuring six regional distilleries for a $45. The fest kicks off from 5 until 10pm on Friday, and runs from noon to 10pm on Saturday, and takes place at the Des Chutes Historical Museum lawn and parking lot in Downtown Bend (located at 129 NW Idaho Street).

  The entry fee is $6 for the commemorative tasting glass, $5 without, and for $15 you can get a tasting package that includes entry, glass, and ten tokens. Standard token pricing/pours apply for these type of events: $1 per token, and one token per tasting (though some of the beers are very strong and they may require more two or more).

  And here’s the list of attending breweries and the beers they will be pouring:

  10 Barrel (Bend)

  One in the Sun
  Put in cabernet sauvignon barrel and married with Lacto Bascilla for five months. 6% ABV, 32 IBU

  Rum Barrel Daywalker
  Aged with rum wood that creates a dark sugar, vanilla, and medium notes. ABV-6.4% IBU’s-50

  Tequila Barrel Daywalker
  A malt comprised to create a reddish hues that accompanies the caramel notes.

  Bend Brewing (Bend)

  Ching Ching
  A whimsical take on a German Berliner Weisse. It is effervescent with a sweet tart tanginess.

  Outback X
  BBC’s most award winning beer that’s aged in a Heaven Hills bourbon barrel just for The Little Woody.

  Block 15 (Corvallis)

  Super Nebula 2010
  An imperial stout matured in 9- and 10-year-old Buffalo Traced bourbon barrels. 11% ABV, 58 IBUs.

  Prickly Wit
  Belgian style Wit beer matured in pinot noir barrels with prickly pear fruit, lactobacillus and brettanomyces. 5% ABV, 20 IBUs.

  Boneyard Beer (Bend)

  Bourbon Black 13, Batch #1
  Boneyard’s first batch ever brewed on April 18, 2010. 5.5% ABV, 13 IBU

  Bourbon Barrel Sug Knight
  Imperial Stout that has been aged for 200 days in a Heaven Hill bourbon barrel dated, 1998. 15% ABV, 80 IBU

  Twisted Sister
  Light wheat ale aged for 12 months in a Heaven Hill bourbon barrel dated 1997. 4.5% ABV 10 IBU

  Cascade Lakes Brewing (Redmond)

  Honey Badger Bourbon Barrel Strong Ale
  This well-balanced ale has been aged in Jim Beam Bourbon barrels for over 4 months. ABV 6.8%, IBUs 50.

  King Kong Imperial Porter
  Dark beer fans rejoice, Rich and complex, this porter is substantial enough for the largest of creatures, be they man, or Beast. A.B.V. 6.7%, I.B.U.’s: 45.

  Deschutes Brewery (Bend)

  Frosty the Snow Quad
  Half of this special brew spent six months in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels. The entire batch was then aged in Pinot Noir barrels for another 6 months. ABV 9.0%, IBU 20.

  Solace Rose
  This Flanders-style brown ale, fermented with fresh Washington state cherries and aged 18 months in pinot noir barrels, ABV 10.5%, IBU: 30

  GoodLife Brewing (Bend)

  India Pale Ale
  Pale Ale aged in barrel with hops for seven weeks. Brewed in the “Traditions” of our forefathers, which was developed in the 1840s and served to British troops in India

  Hopworks Urban Brewery (Portland)

  Bourbon Ace of Spades
  Hopworks award-winning Imperial IPA aged for two months in Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels. 10% ABV, 100-plus IBU.

  McMenamins Old St. Francis School (Bend)

  Bad Boy Brown
  A brown ale brewed bigger than any normal brown (7% ABV) but can still go bigger has got to be tried! We have added oak wood spirals soaked in McMenamins Hogshead Whiskey for two weeks to one keg of this brown ale.

  Hammer Strike
  A touch of sour cherry and apple flavors come to the front while a mild woody finish rounds out the drink

  Ninkasi (Eugene)

  Ransom Distillery’s Old Tom Gin Wood Barrel Aged Maiden the Shade
  Gin-oak christened hop characteristics embellish this beer’s lighter malt backbone in elegant summer balance. ABV 6.8%, 72 IBUs

  Believer Double Red
  Multiple kinds of carmel malts are used to create caramel, toffee, date, fig, subtle chocolate and a hint of roasted malt complexity. Who knew believing had so many rewards? ABV 6.9%, 60 IBUs.

  Oakshire Brewing (Eugene)

  Gin Barrel Aged Imperial Overcast Stout
  A big version of our Overcast Espresso Stout, aged for five months in an Old Tom Gin Barrel with Oregon Blackberries. 9.5% ABV.

  La Ferme du Funk
  A French farmhouse ale aged for 15 months in a pinot noir barrel with whole apricots and wild yeast. 7.8% ABV.

  Oregon Trail Brewery (Corvallis)

  Oregon Trail Bourbon Porter
  The result is a deep mahogany elixir, rich with oaky smoothness, bold bourbonesque aroma, with hints of fruit and vanilla. 10.3% ABV.

  Silver Moon Brewing (Bend)

  Boyz in the Wood
  A blend of Hound’s Tooth Amber, Hop Fury IPA, and 2010 Brewer’s Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Barleywine. 8% ABV.

  Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Darkside Stout – 2010 Vintage
  Foreign style stout aged 9 months in Fresh Heaven Hills oak barrels. ABV 6.3%, IBU 50.

  Three Creeks Brewing (Sisters)

  Grandma V. Ryely
  A rye ale in which American Oak spirals and vanilla beans have been steeped in Grand Manrier. The ABV on the G.V.R. is 4.6%.

  Crosswalk Imperial Porter
  Aged in a whisky barrel for nine months for a bold, bold taste and an ABV of 10%.

  Update: I received confirmation from Lay it Out Events (the organizers) that wines and cocktails will not be available.

• August 29, 2011
• 12:15

  Submit a proposal for Ignite Bend 7

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  Ignite Bend 7 is a month away, and this is the final week for proposals to be submitted! Submitting a proposal for a presentation doesn’t automatically get you on stage, as there is also a voting process that lets everyone select from their favorite proposals, but it’s the first step and if you get to present, it’s a lot of fun (and really nerve-wracking too).

  Right now there are nine submitted proposals, and you have until Friday to submit your idea for the perfect five-minute presentation on stage. Do it. Seriously. You won’t regret it—much!

  Submit a proposal.

• August 26, 2011
• 16:15

  World’s Largest Brownie (?)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  Tomorrow, Saturday the 27th, the Albertson’s store on the south end of town will be making the “world’s largest brownie.” I’m not entirely sure what qualifies as “world’s largest” but it’s an all-day event starting at 10am and will raise money for local charities.

  The associates of Albertson’s #588 and many volunteers are going to be making the worlds largest brownie. The 400+ pound brownie will be assembled at 10am in the parking lot. Come early to ensure you get a piece of world history. All proceeds from the sale of the brownie go to local charitable organizations!

  The south Albertson’s is at 61155 S. Hwy 97.

• August 25, 2011
• 12:40

  COCC Technology Sale

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Computers and Internet   [edit]

  Do you need a basic, back-to-school computer for your kid? Want to pick up a laser printer on the cheap? Is it time to replace an outdated CRT monitor with a slim LCD flat screen? You’re in luck!

  COCC holds an annual sale of retired equipment, such as computers, monitors, video projectors, etc. Note that these are used items, are several years old, but still have useful life left. The 2011 sale will start on Monday, August 29th at 10am.

  Items for sale include computers, monitors, RAM, and a Kryptonite bike lock.

  Location, hours, complete list of what’s for sale and more info can be found on their website: [its.cocc.edu] .

• August 23, 2011
• 19:54

  Bourbon Street has all you can eat Sunday dinners

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  Just this past weekend Bourbon Street introduced “All You Can Eat Sunday Suppers” which on the one hand is a great downtown dining deal yet on the other hand seems counter-intuitive for the upscale southern-style restaurant. Either way, the menu looks pretty good:

  All entrees come with dinner salad, and choice of dessert.

  Stove Top Fried Chicken
  with homestyle gravy 13.95

  Not Your Mother’s Meatloaf
  with housemade glazed smoked ketchup 13.95

  Prime Rib
  with herb pan jus 24.95

  Rainbow Trout
  with lemon caper sauce 12.95

  Sunset Seafood Boil
  with King Crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, clams, andouille, potatoes, and corn 18.95

  BBQ Beef Brisket
  with “coffee can” Competition BBQ sauce 14.95

  Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza
  for kids 12 and under 6.99

• August 22, 2011
• 9:01

  {I LOVE BEND OR} Photography Tour Workshop

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Alcohol   [edit]

  What an interesting idea! Jill Rosell, a talented local photographer and the mind behind “I LOVE BEND OR” (both the stickers and the Facebook page) is hosting a photography workshop. The class is for folks that own and use digital SLR cameras who would like to get more comfortable with using natural light and manual settings. There are two days offered: Monday, September 12 and Wednesday, September 21.

  Here’s the twist… the classroom and your transportation to shooting locations is Bend’s Cycle Pub.

  There’s a limit of 12 people and the cost is $99. The fee covers: cycle pub tour, instruction and hands on learning, Flatbread pizza and alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages.

  Come let me inspire you and share with you my passion for photography in beautiful Bend Oregon.

  If you have a SLR camera and want to use and better understand manual settings to capture well composed and interesting images, understand how to use natural light and what tools to use, this workshop is perfect for you.

  While we all are peddling on the Cycle Pub I will share tips and information to help you capture and create better images.

  The 3 hour tour will include 3-4 stops where we will all put our cameras to use and get creative while photographing subjects from a flowering landscape, a running dog to a model.

  I hope to see you on board the cycle pub for a one of a kind photography adventure around Bend!

  For more information contact Jill (541-390-3834) or visit the event’s Facebook page.

• August 20, 2011
• 9:36

  Brewfest – tips from behind the scenes

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Alcohol   [edit]

  Last night (Friday) I volunteered at the Bend Brewfest. I had no idea what I would be doing – selling tokens, picking up litter, or what. I don’t have an OLCC servers license so I didn’t think I’d be pouring beer.

  BUT – when I checked in, after signing a waiver (that I agreed not to serve anyone who was over-enjoying the evening) and listening to a 20 minute orientation  - that’s what I did.

  So I guess now you could call me an amateur beer wench. I poured for Double Mountain (from Hood River). The two beers on tap this weekend are Hop Lava IPA and Kolsch. And I learned a lot about how to get the most bang out of your Brewfest buck. The festival’s still going on today… I’ll be down there enjoying some samples!

  Brewfest Tips & Tricks

  Arriving at the Brewfest…

  • The friendly security folks at the gate will give you a wristband, after they check your ID.
  • You need an official mug & tokens … cash only. This year’s mug has a green Brewfest logo on it, so you can’t cheat and use last year’s.
  • Servers don’t sell tokens or take cash.

  Now that you’re ready to get a beer…

  • There are two “pour” sizes – a taste (1 token) and a full mug (4 tokens).
  • A ”taste” is 4 oz (just above the little scallop). The mugs hold almost 14 oz so you will probably get a 12 oz pour. You do the math on which one’s a better deal.
  • Don’t ask for a 2 or 3 token pour. Pretty please.
  • Hand your mug and your token to the server. If you toss your token into the pail your server might not see it, and then you’ll have to pay another token.
  • If you are standing in front of the taps with more than a few sips of beer in your mug and people behind you are waiting, step aside so they can get their beer.
  • If you are the person stuck behind the person with a few sips left, make eye contact with the server and they’ll probably serve you.
  • If you put your brand new super cool brewery stickers on your mug? You’ll probably get short pours for the rest of the night if the servers can’t see the scallops.

  Fun facts

  • The people wearing green shirts and pouring your beer are all volunteers.
  • No one taught the volunteers how to pour a beer, just how to tell if you are drunk or not.
  • Foam happens. Some beers are foamier than others. I don’t know why. Servers try to maximize your value when pouring a full mug but expect some foam.
  • MOST of the time the beer is poured from tap into a pitcher. This is because it’s really messy to pour ice cold beer into a warm plastic mug (SEE: foam). The pitchers are on ice to keep the beer from getting warm and nasty.
  • Drunk as a skunk = not OK to serve. No mo’ beer for you.
  • Stoned out of your gourd = totally OK to serve (unless you are also Drunk as a skunk).
  • If you do the chicken dance while your beer is being poured, the alcohol monitor might cut you off.
  • Those speakers behind us are loud. I can’t hear a thing you are saying about your homebrew setup, best buddies bachelorette party, etc.
  • The volunteers do not work for the breweries. I was lucky to be stationed somewhere that I was familiar with the beers on tap but that doesn’t always happen. There are “cheat sheets” on the tables.

  

  Tip to keep in mind for 2012… All volunteers receive a mug and tokens so that they can enjoy the Brewfest after their shift. This year I saw the cattle call on Facebook… and I’ll definitely volunteer again next year. It was really fun to see people I knew, and watch everyone having a good time. Heck, 99% of the time I was having a blast too!

  Cheers!!

• August 19, 2011
• 9:00

  Munch and Movies starts tonight

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  Tonight is the first night of Munch and Movies, the free community movie showing (akin to Munch and Music) taking place over in NorthWest Crossing in Compass Park. Tonight’s movie is Gnomeo and Juliet.

  It’s free (but the food is not), and there’s entertainment beforehand: local musicians who will also double as the MC for the night. That all kicks off at 6pm, and the movie will start at dusk (probably around 9pm) after an intermission.

  You’ll want to take a jacket or a blanket, as it will cool off at night.

• August 17, 2011
• 10:34

  Camp Catalyst

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  This looks like it could be a fun “girls weekend out” or mother-daughter event!

  Camp Catalyst, featuring local and global women leaders in the Arts, Yoga, Environmental and Activism Communities, will be held August 20th-21st at Caldera Arts Center outside of Sisters.

  The event will include speakers and activities such as photography, yoga, meditation, and voice from Off The Mat Into The World, The Girl Effect, Caldera Arts, Earth Treasure Vase Project, and others. It will also feature local businesses and individuals that promote women & girls.

  The cost for this overnight event will be $135-175 (lodging included) and any proceeds will benefit the charitable organizations involved on behalf of women & girls. Global Shine Project, a non-profit located in Bend, is hosting the event as part of its mission to ignite the potential of women and girls worldwide. GSP also offers in-school programs at local elementary, middle and high schools as well as workshops, service projects, and service travel opportunities.

  For more information, call Amanda Stuermer at 541-410-5513 or visit www.campcatalyst.wordpress.com.

• 9:00

  Farmers Market, in the parking lot

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  Starting today (the 17th), the downtown Bend Farmers Market will be moving… from the top of Drake Park to the Mirror Pond Parking lot right next door. It was apparently an ADA issue:

  The move was initiated by advocates who raised concerns to City Council about the accessibility of the market in its current location in Drake Park. The grass slopes and uneven surface make it difficult for people with disabilities to access the market. Moving the market to a temporary adjacent location was the only option for the market to remain open and viable for the season.

  So for the remainder of this season you’ll find the downtown Market in nearly the same location; but where it will be located next year will be under discussion.

• August 16, 2011
• 21:47

  Bend Brewfest (2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  This year’s Bend Brewfest is looking to be the best yet. Taking place at the Les Schwab Amphitheater in the Old Mill District, this year’s Fest is taking place over three days (this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the 18th through 20th) and is featuring (by my count) over 90 beers this year (most breweries are bringing two beers each, plus some have special X-Taps as well).

  Thursday and Friday the hours are from 3pm until 11pm, and on Saturday they are noon til 11pm. Admission is pretty standard for these events: $10 gets you a (required) souvenir mug plus five tasting tokens, and additional tokens are $1 each.

  There of course will be food available, and in addition to beer there are a variety of wine and ciders as well.

  Seriously this looks to be a great event this year. Most of the Central Oregon breweries are well represented, and even the Central Oregon Homebrewers have a beer that will be pouring, a collaboration “Oregon Export Lager” they brewed with Silver Moon. And there are many other great beers on tap this weekend. Don’t miss out.

• August 15, 2011
• 23:16

  Deschutes’ The Stoic release

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  You know there has to be an inevitable beer post from time to time, right? This week Deschutes Brewery is releasing their much-talked-about collaboration beer with Portland’s Hair of the Dog, which they’re calling The Stoic: a “Belgian Quad” style of beer that is 11% alcohol by volume, brewed with pomegranate molasses, and aged in rye whiskey and Pinot wine barrels. It’s a beer geek’s beer.

  Tomorrow (Tuesday the 16th) Deschutes is releasing this beer at the pub where you can purchase bottles (no doubt at least $12), drink the beer, and enjoy a “Stoic inspired specials menu”. Usually these type of releases kick off at 5pm (though they don’t have it listed on their Events page directly) so that’s probably a safe bet.

  Update: Even beer geeks like myself get confused from time to time. The Stoic itself is not part of the Hair of the Dog collaboration, see comments below.

• August 14, 2011
• 23:34

  The Source’s “Best of Bend” blog

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Blogging   [edit]

  For the third year in a row, readers of The Source Weekly have voted Hack Bend as the best local blog in their annual survey! (I know I’m behind a bit on this, but I was out of town with the family since Wednesday.)

  Wow, what can I say but “Thank you!” again for all the support and appreciation for this blog. Without you (yes, YOU) there wouldn’t be much point in writing it and it certainly wouldn’t have lasted as long as it has.

  Thank you!

• August 11, 2011
• 10:00

  Shakespeare in the Park

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Theater   [edit]

  Coming up on August 26th and 27th is one of the coolest events of the summer (in my opinion): Shakespeare in the Park. The Northwest Classical Theater Company is offering up three performances in Drake Park of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which seems like a perfectly appropriate choice. (The Taming of the Shrew would be great, too.) (And I just checked and apparently before the Saturday there’s a local performance of a scene from Shrew!)

  They are planning three performances over the two days: an evening one on Friday, and matinee and evening shows on Saturday. Gates open at 5pm for the evening shows and at noon for the matinee.

  Tickets are available only on BendTicket.com and range in price from $20 to $75; and apparently there’s a “VIP ticket” for $75 that gets you gold seating, food, and drinks—but I don’t see that offered on BendTicket so I’m not sure if that’s just the $75 tickets in general.

• August 10, 2011
• 10:00

  Yoko’s, Camalli Books closing

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  Sad news for fans of Yoko’s, Bend’s first Japanese restaurant: they closed the eastside restaurant at the end of July, after struggling financially with high rent and high costs of importing seafood. (According to the Bulletin article.) I’m sorry to see them close myself; I wasn’t a frequent visitor but I enjoyed the conveyor belt that ran around the restaurant with sushi on it and I thought they had good food.

  And meanwhile, over on the westside, Camalli Books is also planning to close at the end of this month. The Bulletin article cites the economy (of course) and the rise of e-book readers like the Amazon Kindle in the decision to close; the final day will be the 26th and it sounds like everything will be on sale (“even the fixtures”) leading up to that.

• August 09, 2011
• 16:28

  Feelin’ Sexy?

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  If you don’t have plans tonight, here’s an idea – join the Sexy Tuesdays Bend Downtown Pub Crawl. Here’s the info from the Facebook invite:

  Join Planned Parenthood staff and Central Oregon supporters for a fun evening out and support sexual and reproductive health care for women, men and teens. If you’ve attended this event in years past, you know it’s not one to be missed!

  Tuesday, August 9, 2011

  6:30 p.m. – Velvet (805 NW Wall St.)
  – Purchase your raffle ticket and start the Pub Crawl
  – Music by Hilst and Coffey
  7:30 p.m. – Summit Saloon (125 NW Oregon Ave.)
  – Entertainment by Bend’s newest belly dancing troupe
  8:30 p.m. – Seven (1033 NW Bond St.)
  – Karaoke and Mod Fox Style Foto Booth
  9:30 p.m. – Astro Lounge (939 NW Bond St.)
  – Music by Five Pint Mary
  10:30 p.m. – Astro Lounge
  – Raffle Drawing. Need not be present to win
  – Celeste Franklin, MC – one of Bend’s funniest stand up comedians.

  Tickets:
  $7 each, or two for $10
  Buy Tickets: http://www.ppaction.org/si​te/Calendar?id=101111&view​=Detail

  Put on your sexiest heels and come on out!!

• 10:56

  Dog Days of Summer

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  There are several fun events coming up this month for lucky dogs and their owners.

  First on the calendar is Unleash the Vision, Saturday, August 13th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m across from McKay park. The day’s festivities include a talent show, photo booth, kissing booth (which I really want to see!), music, comedy and a barking auction. Beer will be provided by 10 Barrel and of course there will be food on hand. The main attraction is a Doggy Poker walk, which costs $20 to enter (or $15  if you bring a can of dog food) and gives you a chance to pick up dog swag along the way and win prizes at the end. Go here for all the details – [feedinthepeople.org] .

  Also this Saturday is the Race for the River, taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m in Riverbend Park. This is really open to all sorts that want to float the river, whether in kayaks, canoes, paddle boards or floats, in teams or as individuals. Registering with your dog ($30) gets you a Ruff Wear float coat to keep your best friend safe. For more details and to register – [www.deschutesriver.org] .

  Next weekend brings us the Ruff Run, Sunday, August 21st from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., again in Riverbend Park. According to their website, “This event is to help support Dog Pac’s efforts to promote the health and enjoyment of dogs and their guardians through the provision of off-leash recreation opportunities in Central Oregon.” You don’t have to have a dog to participate, but there is a one-dog-per-person limit so maybe you can “borrow” one if someone you know has an extra. After the race, there will be other activities and contests, such as Hot Dog Bobbing and a Crazy River Retrieve Contest. See their website for registration details -  [www.dogpac.org] .

  Get out there and have some fun with those dogs!!

• August 05, 2011
• 15:36

  Taco Stand closing for vacation

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  closures   [edit]

  Irony: Right after writing about Taco Stand earlier this week, they posted on Facebook that they’re closing for two weeks vacation, starting August 6th. They will re-open on the 22nd.

• August 04, 2011
• 23:42

  The Deschutes County Fair is off and running

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  It bears mentioning that the Deschutes County Fair is currently in full swing: it’s the 92nd year of the Fair (held in Redmond out near the airport) and is running from the 3rd (yesterday) until the 7th (Sunday). Full Fair amenities apply: carny rides, junky food, and the livestock and craft displays abound (my favorite parts).

  And this year we’re seeing concerts that seem to be furthering the trend of Central Oregon hosting the… classic… bands: REO Speedwagon is playing Friday night, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts is on Saturday.

  So, who’s been so far, and who’s going? Thoughts? We’ll probably be out there Saturday to take it all in.

• August 03, 2011
• 23:04

  The Brew Shop beer sale

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  Back at the end of March I blogged about how the Brew Shop was taking over the old Ernesto’s space on Third Street. Well, that’s finally about to happen, and to assist in the move, the Brew Shop is offering a big sale on their current beer in stock:

  As you well may know The Brew Shop is planning on moving soon to a new location. This new location is located at 1203 NE 3rd St. (Ernesto’s Building)

  We have run into a problem though. Next Wednesday our cooler is being disassembled and the beer is getting packed up Tuesday. So how are we going to move all this beer?

  This is where our great customers come in. We will be having a moving sale starting tomorrow August 4th and running through next Monday August 8th. All beer will be marked down 15%.

  They stock some really good beers there, so this is a good deal; you can take advantage of this sale over at their current location at 2524 NE Division.

• August 02, 2011
• 9:00

  Free Appliance Recycling Event August 20th

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  environment   [edit]

  This press release came in from Deschutes County yesterday:

  The Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste annual appliance recycling event will be held Saturday, August 20 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Knott Landfill Recycling & Transfer Facility, 61050 SE 27th St. in Bend.

  Residents are encouraged to recycle their own used appliances and appliances that have been dumped on or around their property.

  Only the items listed below will be accepted at the appliance event:

  • Stoves
  • Ovens
  • Washers
  • Air conditioners
  • Dishwashers
  • Dryers
  • Refrigerators*
  • Trash Compactors*
  • Water heaters
  • Freezers*
  • Furnaces
  • Heat Pumps

  * These items will not be accepted if they contain food or food residue

  For more information, please contact the Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste at (541) 317-3163 or visit the Solid Waste website at www.deschutes.org/solidwaste.

• August 01, 2011
• 20:34

  Lunch Bites: Taco Stand

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  This is pretty much an eastside restaurant mini-review feature that I’ll be running periodically. You can view my “lunch bite” critera at this first post.

  I can’t imagine any long-time residents of Bend that are either unaware of Taco Stand or haven’t ever been—and yet every now and again I’m completely nonplussed to run into one. (One of my co-workers has never been, and he’s been here for many years.) Taco Stand is a Bend institution, the hole-in-the-wall cheap eats place off the beaten path (indeed unless you know where to look on Hill Street near downtown you’ll likely miss it) that offers a lot of food for the price.

  It’s the perfect lunch spot.

  Most items on the menu are $5.50 or less (the most expensive special I’ve seen is $5.75), with the exception of the “Boswell Challenge” at $8.25 (which is something like a 3-pound burrito eating challenge item). Plain burritos and tacos are $2.50, and there are various other items on the menu that you’ll only find on the board (or on Facebook now).

  It’s about as far as I want to go from the east side for lunch—”far” being relative in Bend at that’s only a 7 or 8 minute drive depending on traffic—but it’s definitely worth it. So I went in to grab some lunch (a bit over a week ago) and opted for the combo burrito, with pork, for $5.25.

  And like Super Burrito, the burrito was huge and delicious—a meal in itself, you don’t need anything else with it—service was extremely quick (quicker than Super Burrito actually) and friendly, and worth the trip and the price by far.

  The best part about Taco Stand is if you know about Taco Stand, you feel like you’re “in the know.” (Fortunately the first rule of Taco Stand isn’t “Don’t talk about Taco Stand”!) But they’re not trying to hide or be exclusive: they’re just doing their thing and making really good, inexpensive food.

  Oh, and apparently this year they will be celebrating their 20th anniversary—keep an eye on their Facebook page for details.

• July 28, 2011
• 9:00

  Jerry of Ben & Jerry’s visiting Bend today

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  Something fun down at Ben & Jerry’s in the Old Mill District is going on today: Jerry himself will be visiting the ice cream store.

  Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield is coming to Bend on July 28th! Jerry Greenfield (the Jerry of Ben & Jerry’s) will be visiting our scoop shop on July 28th between 7pm and 9pm, to help us host a benefit night for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon.

  Come on down to the shop in the Old Mill Shopping District in Bend to say hello and have some ice cream! Our locally owned scoop shop will be donating 50% of the sales during the event to Central Oregon families supported by the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon.

• July 25, 2011
• 13:25

  Deschutes collaboration beer release party

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  Down at the Deschutes Pub tomorrow night, the Brewery is featuring the release party for the second in its collaboration series of beers (“Conflux” series), their “White IPA” that they brewed with Boulevard Brewing out of Kansas City, Missouri. This is a pretty big deal because it will be the first time Deschutes has ever had a guest tap at the Pub.

  This White IPA dreamed up by Boulevard Brewmaster, Steven Pauwels, and Deschutes Brewery Brewmaster, Larry Sidor is a hoppy wheat ale of sorts and the combination is exquisite! Not only did we use wheat, hops and a Belgian yeast for this brew, we also added lemongrass, whole leaf sage, spicy coriander and sweet orange peel to give it a tongue pleasing twist.

  Tuesday is a special night because we will have the Deschutes version and the Boulevard version of this White IPA on tap for a side by side tasting beginning at 5pm. This collaboration brew from Boulevard Brewing is our first ever guest tap! We only have a few kegs so we suggest showing up right at 5 pm to make sure you get a chance to taste both of these tasty brews.

  The release party is from 5 to 9 and the Brewery will also feature a Kansas City-inspired menu.

• July 20, 2011
• 23:51

  Ignite Bend 7

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  Ignite Bend 7 is coming up in a couple of months, on September 28th to be exact, and in case you’ve missed any of the previous ones, this one would be a great place to start. And it’s free too!

  If you had five minutes on stage what would you say? What if you only got 20 PowerPoint slides and they rotated automatically every 15 seconds? Around the world people have been putting together “Ignite” nights to share their answers.

  Ten speakers will been pre‐selected from the submissions based on feedback and votes collected online and at a voting party. The presenters selected to speak at Ignite Bend 7 will receive a handmade coffee mug bearing the Ignite Bend logo from Mug Revolution.

  The best part of this event is that anyone can submit a proposal that could potentially be part of the event; at the last Ignite I had submitted a proposal for how to brew beer that was accepted and I got to go up on stage which was both incredibly scary and incredibly fun. I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to submit a topic—you won’t be sorry.

• July 15, 2011
• 12:50

  Summer Ballet

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  Central Oregon School of Ballet presents its summer performance next weekend, July 23rd and 24th in the auditorium at Bend High School. This year they are performing Giselle, described as follows:

  “The ballet ‘Giselle’ is a full-length ballet in two acts, first presented in Paris, France in 1841. Its wonderful music is adapted by Adolphe Adam. It takes place in an old European village and tells the tale of a young village maiden who falls, tragically, in love.”

  Tickets are on sale at the ballet school (located at 1155 Southwest Division Street) Monday – Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. or can be purchased at the door on the days of performance. Saturday’s performance will be at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday’s is at 3:00 p.m.

• 9:00

  Lunch Bites: TuckMo

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  This is pretty much an eastside restaurant mini-review feature that I’ll be running periodically. You can view my “lunch bite” critera at this first post.

  Last Friday I decided to hit up TuckMo on the eastside to see what they had to offer. We had eaten there once before but I couldn’t remember the exact details, so it was high time to check them out again.

  TuckMo is a sandwich and sub shop, with all of the sandwiches made fresh to order and featuring locally-baked breads. They occupy the corner building in the Borden’s Corner development, in the space formerly occupied by Indigo’s and sharing the building with Stark’s Vacuums, right across the lot from Longboard Louie’s.

  Prices on subs range from $4.95 for a “compact” sandwich (four inches) to $6.95 for “classics” (eight inches) to over $9 for a “colossal” sandwich (I think a full footlong). They also offer a variety of regular sandwiches starting at $5.95 (for the grilled cheese) and going up from there, as well as salads and soups. It’s pretty standard sandwich shop fare, I think, and I’ve heard no bad reviews from anyone (nor experience any myself thus far).

  There was a bit of a wait as they were moderately busy with the lunch rush, but nothing daunting. I ordered the Number 5 for $6.95, a roast turkey breast and ham sub with provolone, “TuckMo Style” (with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar and spices). The staff was very friendly, making the sandwich up fresh, and once I’d ordered it was prepared quickly and I was out the door and back to the office in about 15 minutes (total).

  The sandwich itself was pretty tasty, and the bread was especially good—very fresh and soft—and the “TuckMo Style” is a definite add-on you should get. To be honest $6.95 is a bit higher than I’d liked to have spent (remember I’m on the hunt for cheap deals) and I didn’t add on chips and a drink for $2, but it was a good sandwich that is worth the price.

• July 12, 2011
• 12:14

  Two beer events

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  There are two really good-looking beer events going on, one over at Deschutes Brewery (their production brewery) and one at Brother Jon’s Public House.

  At Deschutes: Central Oregon Kickoff for Oregon Craft Beer Month.

  Date: Tuesday, July 12, 2011
  Time: 4-7pm
  Cost: Free entry, $5.00 for a taster glass (including 2 taster tickets) $1.00 per tasting ticket
  Location: Deschutes Brewery Lawn, 399 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr (across from Les Schwab Amphitheater)
  Who: Open to the public, family friendly

  There will be local favorite food carts by SoupCon, El Sancho & The Honey Pot, as well as live music.

  And at Brother Jon’s: a Double Mountain Night. From Double Mountain Brewery:

  Hi there, just wanted to let you know that we’re doing a Double Mountain Night at Brother Jon’s Public House tomorrow night, Tuesday July 12, from 5-8pm. We’re going to be pouring a variety of DM beers, including kegs of Pilsner and Molten Lava ’10, and raffling off plenty of gear. Pitchfork Revolution will be playing outside from 5-7… should be a fun night. Hope to see you there!

• July 07, 2011
• 12:51

  First Munch and Music tonight

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  The first Munch and Music of the 2011 season is tonight, down in Drake Park from 5:30 to 9:30. The band featured tonight is Tracorum, which C3 events describes as:

  a rock band from San Francisco, CA who use rock ‘n’ soul songwriting as a creativespringboard to explore many styles of roots music. The band’s instrumental talent and rich vocal harmony blends well with the sweaty, soul-inspired music and lyrics.

  Doesn’t look like we could ask for better weather, either.

• July 06, 2011
• 12:43

  Alive After Five

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  The Old Mill District is introducing a new free summertime music series to Bend, Alive After Five:

  SunWest Builders Alive After 5 presented by Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty is Bend’s newest music event series, at the Old Mill District, on the Deschutes River, each Wednesday July 13 – August 3. Join your friends and colleagues for the event that’s destined to become Bend’s must-do-mid-week-after-hours happy place.

  Each Wednesday’s event takes place from 5 to 8pm and there will also be food, wine, spirits and beers from 10 Barrel available. Here’s what their schedule looks like:

  • July 13: Quarterflash
  • July 20: Nicki Bluhm
  • July 27: Pepe and the Bottle Blondes
  • August 3: David Lindley
• July 05, 2011
• 23:46

  Friday free music: Toad the Wet Sprocket, Night Ranger

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  This weekend is the Bend Summer Festival, and it kicks off Friday night in downtown Bend with a couple of free(!) concerts that everyone’s been abuzz about: Toad the Wet Sprocket and Night Ranger. (There is of course a ton of other great music going on at the Summerfest, which deserves its own post later.)

  The Night Ranger concert is taking place at Troy Field downtown, the grassy field (I think of as a dog park for some reason) next to McMenamins Old St. Francis School, on Bond Street. They take the stage at 8:30, and even though it’s a free concert, you still (apparently?) have to have tickets to get in—which you can get by listening to the giveaways on (radio) 98.3 The Twins. Which seems weird to me, since even though the field is surrounded by a chain-link fence, it’s a pretty public forum; you could basically sit at McMenamins and enjoy a free concert.

  Toad the Wet Sprocket is playing on the Summerfest main stage (at the Bond and Oregon Avenue intersection), starting at 9:30pm. The one is completely free as well and you won’t need tickets, though any seating will be first-come, first-served. I’m not sure how at 9:30 show squares with Bend’s 10pm noise curfew/ordinance—or is that even in effect anymore (for special events or whatever)?

• July 04, 2011
• 8:20

  Happy 4th!

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  Happy Independence Day all! It’s already a beautiful day and with all the things going on it’s definitely one of my favorite Bend holidays. I hope everyone has a safe Fourth this year.

  And here’s a last-minute list of activities going on in Bend today. The Pancake Breakfast has already started, but goes until noon.

  • Annual Pancake Breakfast: The Bend Sunrise Lions Club puts this on every year in Drake Park. It runs from 8am until noon, and costs $7 for adults and $5 for kids.
  • Bend Pet Parade: The streets of downtown Bend close from 10 to 11am, where people of all ages bring their pets to walk in the free parade. Anyone can join, no registration is necessary, you just need to line up at 9:30 at the School Administration building on Wall Street. This is a great event that always sees a huge turnout and everyone has a great time.
  • Old Fashioned July 4th Festival: Immediately following the Pet Parade, head down to Drake Park where the Festival is going on from 11 to 4. The park is filled with craft vendor booths, food booths, live entertainment, old fashioned games and contests (three-legged races, etc.).
  • Library Summer Book Sale: I know, I go on about this every time but really you can never go wrong with books, and the Library book sale is a great place for deals on all types of books. It runs from 10 until 4.
  • Des Chutes Historical Museum Free Day: Right across the street from the Library book sale, the Museum run by the Deschutes Historical Society opens its door to the public for free from 10 until 4. It’s always fascinating to get a glimpse into Bend’s (and Deschutes County’s) history and stepping indoors to do so can also give you a respite from the heat in the middle of the day. Plus, they’ll be giving away free ice cream cups to visitors as well—always a treat.
  • Freedom Ride: The seemingly-impromptu Freedom Ride kicks off at 2:30 from Pioneer Park (meet at 2 if you’re participating) and proceeds to parade through downtown Bend to end at Miller’s Landing (across the river from Columbia Park). Deck out your bikes with red, white, and blue, and noisemakers and whatever else catches your fancy. Everyone is welcome who can ride a bike to join.
  • 4th of July Beer Fest at Whole Foods: From 3 to 6pm, Whole Foods (on the east side of town) will be having a beer fest featuring local breweries, food, and live music in their east parking lot. Entrance is $5.
  • 4th of July BBQ & Blues at Jake’s Diner: “On the Fourth of July, Jake’s holds a BBQ and blues band concert starring father and son team Richard and Ted Taelour. All profits for this event go to Vietnam Veterans of America, an organization dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. After the band plays, customers can stick around in Jake’s parking lot, which is an awesome position from which to watch the Bend fireworks display off of Pilot Butte.” The BBQ starts at 5:30, and music is from 6 to 8.
  • Pilot Butte Fireworks Show: Starting at 10pm, the City of Bend puts on a fireworks show from the top of Pilot Butte that lasts about 20 minutes. Anywhere in town that has a good view of the Butte will have a good view of the show.
• July 01, 2011
• 23:08

  Lunch Bites: Super Burrito (eastside)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  This is pretty much an eastside restaurant mini-review feature that I’ll be running periodically. You can view my “lunch bite” critera at this first post.

  Prompted by a comment on my first Lunch Bites post, I decided to get lunch from Super Burrito today—from their eastside location in the former A&W space in the Chevron station and minimart on east Highway 20.

  I hadn’t eaten at Super Burrito since they were in their old space downtown on Minnesota Avenue, right before they close (back in 2007). Now, of course, they are primarily located next door to Alpenglow Cafe on Wall Street, and opened their second location out east last year. I always enjoyed their food before, so it was a good opportunity to check out this new location.

  It still shows all the signs of being an A&W: orange and brown colors with a “soda fountain” feel to the interior. They’ve decorated a bit to give it more of a Mexican flair, and there’s plenty of space and seating. Complimentary chips and water is available too.

  The best part is the price for food though: $5 for almost any of the large number of burritos on their menu (a few run a bit higher), and cheaper prices for most everything else. I ordered a steak fajita burrito for $5, and walked out perfectly happy: the burrito was huge, the guy at the counter was friendly and prompt, and everything overall was quick: I was in and out (taking lunch back to the office) in under 10 minutes.

  And let me tell you, that burrito was delicious: grilled steak mixed with onions and peppers all rolled into the crisp tortilla with beans and sauce, with plenty of green and red sauce on the side. I enjoyed every bite, and was filled up; you could probably easily get away with eating half and still be satisfied.

  So, Super Burrito Eastside: quick, friendly, huge portions, and delicious. Definitely worth the price, and worth your time for lunch if you’re on that side of town.

• June 30, 2011
• 20:28

  First Friday (July 2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  Hard to believe but July is already here tomorrow and that hits on First Friday—which should be a great way to kick off the holiday weekend (especially with the great weather we’ve been having).

  First Friday is, of course, the monthly art-music-wine event Downtown and in the Old Mill with galleries (and other venues) open late showcasing special art exhibits, and offering (in many places) live music and free refreshments (very often wine). Downtown Bend’s site has a good list of venues, the Old Mill has details include the Free Shuttle, and Deschutes Brewery lists their BBQ event.

  It all runs from 5 to 9pm. Who’s going?

• June 28, 2011
• 23:34

  Pita Pit is closed

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  Today’s Bulletin reported on the closure of downtown’s Pita Pit restaurant; however unlike many closures of late, this one isn’t necessarily due to poor business. Rather, it seems there is a dispute between the business and the landlord.

  According to the notice, the landlord, Beck Bakery Building LLC, terminated the lease of Pita Pit of Central Oregon LLC. Anyone who enters the business at 806 N.W. Brooks Alley without the landlord’s consent is trespassing, according to the June 16 notice. The landlord also has a lien on the contents, it says, and may keep the contents until the “rent and advances is paid.”

  Obviously there is no word yet on when (and if) Pita Pit will re-open.

• June 24, 2011
• 8:36

  City Thrift (coming soon)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  I noticed the big sign on Greenwood advertising “City Thrift,” a new thrift store that will be opening sometime soon (the corner of Greenwood and 2nd, in the building with the (former?) dance studio). Looking at the website it turns out to be the retail store for City Care, which is:

  City Care exists to help provide sustainable housing, financial assistance and friendship to our city’s underprivileged. We do this by offering rent and utility assistance for sustainable housing and connecting people with a network of resources and partner organizations that can help empower people for sustainability for the long-term. During out application process we work to establish a livable budget for our clients and their families through monthly budgeting and financial planning. We also offer emergency aid in appropriate situations when households have utility shut off notices, emergency medical situations, and eviction notices.

  Of the new store:

  City Thrift is a retail store that supports City Care through the sale of gently used, wonderful treasures! We will gladly accept your donations of clothing, housewares, furniture, electronics etc. and we are happy to schedule a time to pick up large donations. All donations are tax-exempt. Also, City Thrift is always looking for volunteers to staff a shift at the store, to help sort new donations, or to help in the store beautification process. If you are interested in getting involved, drop by and fill out a volunteer application!

  The thrift store hours, when they’re open, will be Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

• June 21, 2011
• 23:40

  2011 Free Summer Activity Guide

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  Since today was the first official day of summer, it was time to dust off the annual Free Summer Activity Guide: a summertime guide to all sorts of free or cheap activities to be found in Bend and Central Oregon. As always, the list isn’t complete nor set in stone, so if there are any things that I’ve missed, let me know and I’ll update it.

• June 20, 2011
• 23:35

  The Bite of Bend (2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Alcohol   [edit]

  This weekend the annual Bite of Bend is taking over Downtown Bend, offering up two days of food, beer, wine, music, and more. It’s taking place Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th, from 11am to 10pm and 11am to 7pm respectively.

  The Sterling Savings Bank Bite of Bend is Central Oregon’s largest, most exciting and fastest-growing charity event and festival. This event is free to the public and includes activities for the whole family such as the live Top Chef competition, performance stage, beer garden, fine food and wine, the 2nd Annual Beer Run, as well as a children’s area; not to mention the many local food booths.

  The music line-up includes:

  • Bill Keale
  • Jazz Bros!
  • Lino
  • The Autonomics
  • Norman
  • The Staxx Brothers
  • Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk
  • Tone Red
  • Leif James
  • The Pitchtones
  • Anastacia
  • Moon Mountain Ramblers

  I haven’t seen the map yet but I’d assume the downtown street closures will follow the usual pattern: Wall Street between Greenwood and Franklin, Minnesota and Oregon from Wall to Bond Street, which would be open. (Minnesota from Bond to Lava will probably be closed as well.)

  An interesting addition that I don’t remember seeing in previous years is the Northwest Spirits and Mixology Show: “Central Oregon’s chance to meet and mingle with some of the Northwest’s most exciting craft distillers and bartenders, as well as sample over 75 varieties of Whiskey, Brandy, Liqueurs, Vodka, Gin, Tequila and Rum, representing the North West and beyond.” Unlike the rest of the BoB, this will cost you $10 to enter—but it definitely sounds like it’s worth a look.

• June 17, 2011
• 23:36

  Sisters Wine and Brew Festival

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  This one snuck up on me: the Sisters Wine and Brew Festival is taking place this weekend—in fact, it started today and continues through tomorrow (Saturday)—and looks to be a pleasant outing if you’re looking for something to do.

  The Sisters Wine & Brew Festival celebrates wonderful wines and brews of the Pacific Northwest. The day will also include live music, wine and beer pairing classes, cooking demos, art vendors, and fantastic food. All against the backdrop of Sisters, Oregon. This western town features fabulous scenery, accommodations, retail and restaurants.

  Entrance to the festival is free.

  When
  Friday, June 17, 2011 – 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  Saturday, June 18, 2011 – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

  Where
  The Village Green in downtown Sisters Oregon

  There is live music slated, and the list of wineries and breweries is decent (if not comprehensive).

• June 14, 2011
• 22:49

  Deschutes Brewery Barrel-aged Beer Tasting

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  This Saturday Deschutes Brewery is hosting their annual Barrel-aged Beer Tasting up at their Mountain Room: specialty beers aged in barrels and paired with a gourmet dinner, served tapas-style. The cost is $40 per person, and it runs from 6 until 10pm. As far as I know, tickets are still available.

  The menu with beer pairings looks like this:

  • BBQ Pork Loin Slider Bar paired with The Dissident
    • Porter BBQ
    • Carolina BBQ
    • Summer Slaw
    • House-made Slider Buns
  • Grilled Chicken and Peach Flatbread paired with Sour Saison
  • Warm Roasted Potato Salad paired with Frosty the Snow Quad
  • Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Crispy Pork Belly paired with Cherry Cascade
  • Roasted Vegetable Platter paired with St Abe
  • Bread Board paired with Black Butte XXII
  • Cheese Board paired with Lost and Found Mirror Mirror
  • Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Shortcake with Crème Fraiche paired with The Abyss

  This is one of the best beer tasting events Deschutes puts on, so don’t miss it!

• June 13, 2011
• 15:59

  Munch & Music schedule

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  C3 Events posted this year’s Munch & Music schedule on Facebook:

  • July 7, Tracorum, Bay Area Funksters
  • July 14, Curtis Salgado, PDX Blues
  • July 21, Rootz Underground, Jamaican Reggae/Hip Hop
  • July 28, Cherry Poppin Daddies, Ska-Rock Influenced Swing
  • Aug 4, Big Bad Voodoo Daddies, Swing
  • Aug 11, Shemekia Copeland, blues

  M&M is one of the cooler free music events of the summer, taking place downtown in Drake Park on Thursday evenings in July and part of August. The music is free, the food isn’t (of course) but it’s reasonably priced and there’s a nice variety to choose from.

• June 10, 2011
• 23:01

  Lunch Bites: Safeway Deli

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  Lately I’ve been thinking I need to get back to posting more in-person reviews and more “on the street” type stuff (if that makes sense), and one way I figured to do that is by posting short lunch reviews. I recently decided I’d try going out to lunch on Fridays (ordinarily, I almost always bring my lunch to work), and figured I’d set some ground rules to pick where to go (and then write about it).

  Here’s my (arbitrary) criteria:

  • Can I stay within a $5 budget? Not a huge deal if I go over, but I’m also interested in where the best deals are.
  • No fast food—McDonald’s and the like. Though I’d probably make an exception for Subway since it’s “fresh” fast food.
  • I work on the east side (almost as far east as you can get), and I only have an hour for lunch, so I need to stay east and maybe central. Don’t expect many reviews of restaurants on the west side of town, in other words.
  • I don’t need overly fancy or specialized; straightforward, low-key, under-the-radar is perfectly fine.

  In the past few weeks I’ve been to Taco Stand (which I hadn’t been to forever) and Baldy’s BBQ (over in the Shell station at 27th and Highway 20). I’ll revisit them to write up future Lunch Bites.

  Today though, I kept it simple: the Safeway Deli.

  This would be the east side Safeway in the Forum Shopping Center at the intersection of Highway 20 and 27th Street. The Deli counters at Safeway all follow the same basic options: sandwiches, bulk salads, and a variety of hot comfort foods including Chinese-style dishes, various fried chicken offerings, jalapeno poppers, mac and cheese, and the like.

  I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted, but I was leaning toward chicken strips and jo jo potatoes (such a healthy combo) so I asked about lunch specials. For chicken and potatoes, they offer a “meal” of two chicken strips, potatoes, and a small drink for $2.99, and the same with three strips for $4.99. Since strips can be of varying sizes (read: small) I ordered the three-piece. For potatoes you get something like a third of a pound of them.

  However, I totally could have gotten away with ordering the two-piece: these were seriously huge pieces of chicken, and I swear I must have had at least a half pound of potatoes. In fact I saved a (large) chicken “strip” and a bunch of potatoes for another lunch, so this worked out to $2.50 for the meal, not bad at all.

  As for the food, it was exactly as expected: breaded, deep-fried chicken breasts and fried jo jo potato wedges. With ranch dip. It’s not gourmet but it does hit the spot sometimes, and I like Safeway’s better than some other places.

  Among other deals you can also get one-entree Chinese meals for $5, I believe, and on “$5 Fridays” (or at least today) they were offering up a big platter of chicken fried steak for $5 (“serves 2 to 3″) which seemed random to me.

  Overall, for a quick and easy lunch, the Safeway Deli gets the job done. You know exactly what to expect (grocery store deli counter) and it’s definitely easy on the wallet. Plus you can get any other shopping errands done while you’re there too (if that’s a benefit to you).

• June 09, 2011
• 23:50

  Free Summer Sunday Concerts start this weekend

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  This Sunday, June 12th, is the first of the free Summer Sunday Concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater in the Old Mill District: almost every Sunday through the summer features a free concert starting at 2:30. I’m reprinting the press release—which includes the summer schedule—here:

  The St. Charles FREE Summer Sunday Concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend, Oregon’s Old Mill District start on Sunday June 12. Title sponsor St. Charles Health System strives to provide better care at a lower cost and improve the overall health of the community. For a third year in a row, it was recognized by Thompson Reuters as one of the top performing health systems in the country.

  Running most Sunday afternoons from June 12 through August 14, the free Summer Sunday Concerts have become a staple of the season in Central Oregon. Concerts feature world-class artists in a family, pet and picnic friendly environment. This year, each concert will be coupled with a highlight of one or more of St. Charles’ service lines to help educate the community about health options and the preventative screenings it has to offer.

  Free Summer Sundays Concert Schedule:

  • Sunday, June 12 The Chapmans
    Featured: AirLink Critical Care Transport and Women and Children’s Services
  • Sunday, June 19 Blaine Larsen
    Featured: St. Charles Community Education and Sage View at St. Charles Bend (Behavioral and Mental Health Services)
  • Sunday, June 26 234^th Army Band
    Featured: St. Charles Cancer Center and Kids@Heart
  • Sunday, July 3 MOsley WOtta
    Featured: St. Charles Emergency Department and St. Charles Immediate Care Center
  • Sunday, July 17 The Greencards
    Featured: St. Charles Sleep Center and St. Charles Home Health Services
  • Sunday, July 24 Franchot Tone
    Featured: St. Charles Laboratory Services and St. Charles Sleep Center
  • Sunday, July 31 The David Mayfield Parade
    Featured: Total Joint, Stroke and Adult Rehabilitation
  • Sunday, August 14 Uncle Lucius
    Featured: St. Charles Pharmacy and St. Charles Nutrition and Diabetic Team

  Live music and health-information services will be rounded out by many other family-oriented activities, such as bouncy houses and water toys. Tumalo Creek Kayak will have stand-up paddle boards and boats for rent during concerts, and Rock’n Wall will have a mobile climbing wall set up for concert goers (cost involved). Gates open each Sunday at 1p.m. and the shows run from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Food and libations available at the event include; Boneyard Beer, Café Yumm!, Rico’s Tacos, Pono Farm and Fine Meats, and Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop.

  St. Charles is sponsoring this event series to underscore the importance of music, family, community and relaxation as part of a healthy life balance. Visit www.bendconcerts.com or www.theoldmill.com for more information.

• June 07, 2011
• 23:52

  Commute Options Week (2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Transportation   [edit]

  
  
  

  Central Oregon’s Commute Options Week is starting up this Saturday, the 11th, and running through the following week until the 18th. This is the 21st year of Commute Options Week, and in addition to raising awareness about alternative methods of commuting (to work, school, etc.), the Week is about the “Drive Less Challenge”:

  Get MORE out of your commute! Never rode the bus before? Always wanted to try biking or walking to work? Curious about carpooling? Check out the Drive Less Challenge, your chance to try a sustainable commute. You’ll love participating in this fun and friendly competition between Central Oregon organizations and businesses. You and your organization could win prizes, awards and more! For more information visit www.commuteoptions.org

  Make it fun! Challenge a competitor or other business of similar size and arrange a prize for the winner (ex: the winning company gets a free breakfast delivered from the losing team)

  Make it easy! Set up a carpooling sign-up sheet by neighborhood, post/e-mail bus schedules and safe cycling routes to work. Make it easy for people to tally their trips: e-mail/distribute tally sheets or create a large board with employee names and stickers.

  And to help kick off the Week, the Old Mill District is hosting the “Little Commuters Parade” on Saturday: (from the press release)

  For the second year in a row, the Old Mill District and Commute Options have joined forces to help kick off Commute Options Week with the “Little Commuters Parade.” The event, which will be held from 8:30-10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11th, uses fun activities to promote helmet safety and to help educate young people about reducing pollution through choosing to walk or bike. Commute Options Week will be held June 11-17, 2011.

  During Saturday’s event, children will have stations where they can decorate their “vehicle”, such as a bike, tricycle, scooter, skateboard or other non-motor-powered transport device from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.. Decorations and art supplies were generously donated by Trader Joes and the Art Station. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m., and it winds through the streets and sidewalks of the Old Mill District.

  Throw in a raffle for a Nevaro bike courtesy of REI, gift baskets from Wonderland Toy Shoppe, flowers donated by TJ’s, colorful balloons, some surreys from Wheel Fun Rentals, street entertainers and more, and you have a fun event for the whole family!

  Check out the Commute Options Week schedule of events here.

• June 03, 2011
• 10:00

  First Friday (June 2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Downtown   [edit]

  
  
  

  Where did May go? Suddenly it’s time for the First Friday tonight, the start of this first weekend in June. (I only wish the weather was warmer! Though the current forecast has it being 66 and getting warmer tomorrow…)

  Both Downtown Bend and The Old Mill District will be hosting the usual First Friday scene: art galleries open late with special displays (along with other non-gallery shops that will also feature art installations to view), and many will offer free refreshments, wine, and live music.

  Festivities run from 5 until 9pm, and if you want to go back and forth between Downtown and the Old Mill, remember the Old Mill has a shuttle:

  Take the Free Artwalk Shuttle offering a continuous loop approximately every 50-60 minutes.  Service from 5-9pm.  Station 3 is located in the Old Mill District between Lahaina Galleries and REI and picks up at 5:40pm+/- and heads to Atelier 6000 and then downtown.

• June 02, 2011
• 23:52

  Saturday Market starts this weekend

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Downtown   [edit]

  
  
  

  Right on the heels of the Farmers Market starting up this week for the summer, the Central Oregon Saturday Market is kicking off again for the season this Saturday, the 4th. (Actually according to their website they actually started last weekend for Memorial Day.) It will be located in its usual spot in the School Administration parking lot directly across from the Bend Public Library.

  It runs every Saturday until September, from 10 until 4, and makes a nice addition to your day if you’re strolling around downtown—it’s free to browse, of course, and you never know what you might find.

• May 31, 2011
• 23:45

  The Farmers Market starts June 1

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  
  
  

  The Bend Farmers Market is starting up again this year beginning Wednesday, June 1st, at its usual spot at the top of Drake Park next to the Mirror Pond parking lot. I know the weather doesn’t seem quite right for it, but there’s bound to be something that grew somewhere in the state, right?

  Of course, the Farmers Market isn’t all just produce: there are meats, cheeses, baked goods, and other hand-crafted or artisan items for sale also. It’s definitely worth getting down there early if you can swing it.

  The Drake Park Market will run every Wednesday from 3 to 7pm until October 12th; the Friday Market at St. Charles Medical Center runs from 2 to 6pm from the 3rd until September 23rd, every Friday.

• May 25, 2011
• 19:59

  Summer Music Guide

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  
  
  

  Ben Salmon over on his Frequency Blog has posted a fantastic guide to this summer’s music, organized by venue/event and date. I count at least 48 shows without even considering the events, which almost always have multiple artists playing; and there will be more. Ben writes:

  I know there are a few things missing from this list. Neither the Deschutes County Fair’s music lineup nor the Munch & Music lineup were ready for publication today. But for the most part, this should be a pretty comprehensive listing of your opportunities to catch live music this summer. If you know of something I’ve missed, feel free to shoot me an email and let me know.

  And don’t forget that Death Cab for Cutie and The Decemberists are each playing the Les Schwab Amphitheater this Memorial Day weekend.

• May 23, 2011
• 19:26

  Cascade Winds concerts June 4th & 5th

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  
  
  

  The Cascade Winds Symphonic Band has concerts coming up Saturday and Sunday, June 4th and 5th; Jake sent along the details:

  Saturday, June 4, 3:00 p.m. FREE
  Wandering Winds at the Bend Downtown Library, Brooks Room
  Wandering Winds, ensembles from the Cascade Winds Symphonic Band, present an hour of informal music. The musicians will talk about their instruments and the music and answer questions from the audience. Suitable for all ages. 541-593-1635

  Sunday, June 5, 2:00 p.m. FREE
  The Cascade Winds Symphonic Band presents Space!, the final concert of their 2010-2011 season, under the baton of music director Dan Judd, June 5, 2:00 p.m. at Summit High School auditorium. This concert is free of charge, although donations are gratefully accepted, open to the public and suitable for all ages. Pieces to be preformed include Star Wars, Star Trek, The Planets: Mars & Jupiter, Sundance and Sky is Waiting. For more information visit www.cascadewinds.org or call 541-593-1635. Summit High School is located at 2855 NW Clearwater Drive, Northwest Crossing, Bend. No tickets required.

• May 20, 2011
• 7:05

  Boneyard Birthday Bash

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  
  
  

  Boneyard Beer is celebrating their first anniversary with a Birthday Bash tomorrow, Saturday the 21st, at the Old Stone Church:

  Boneyard Birthday Bash! Boneyard is celebrating year #1! Come get your chug on while enjoying great food from Island Wild and groovin tunes from Truth Hero! Charge is $2.00 entry, and $3 beers. No minors will be allowed. Free schwag giveaways!! Don’t miss the first ever BBB! After party to follow at Velvet downtown Bend!

  The party starts at 7pm and ends at 11 (ends at the OSC at least—the Velvet afterparty may well go on longer).

  Among their standard beers, it looks like you’ll also be able to sneak a taste of their yet-to-be-released “Notorious IPA³” which is a really big Imperial IPA that comes in somewhere around 12 to 14% alcohol by volume.

• May 18, 2011
• 23:55

  Bend film from 1967

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  History   [edit]

  
  
  

  This has been making the rounds online today (my wife sent it to me, and I’ve seen it posted elsewhere on Twitter and Facebook): a video clip of an 8mm movie of driving through Bend in 1967. From the description:

  The movie begins at the north “Y” and goes south down US 97 (3rd Street) to Safeway at the corner of Franklin. Then it turns west on Franklin past Murry Holt on the left.

  It goes under the underpass and past the old hospital site on the right. The motels (Uptown and City Center) and the service stations are mostly or all gone.

  Then it turns right on Bond and left on Greenwood to get a nice view of the old Pilot Butte Inn. The Inn was closed by this time, and the furnishings were on sale (red sign)

  Then the movie takes us along Wall Street and turns down toward Drake Park.

  Definitely interesting and a cool glimpse of a part of Bend as it was over 40 years ago.

  There’s also a link on that page (by the same user) to an extended drive down Wall Street (good view of east and west sides of the street), and another of driving through Sisters from the west in the same year (likely the same trip). Boy, Sisters has changed quite a bit in almost 45 years.

• 23:44

  Central Oregon Homebrewers Spring Fling competition

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  
  
  

  Home beer brewers! The annual Spring Fling homebrewing competition put on by the Central Oregon Homebrewers Organization (COHO) is coming up on June 4th (a Saturday), and is open to all who want to submit their homebrew. It’s the only officially-sanctioned homebrewing competition (by the Beer Judge Certification Program) in Central Oregon which gives winners prestige in beer geek circles.

  If you’re interested in entering, the deadline is May 27th, and you’ll need to submit two bottles (12 or 16 ounce only) of your beer per entry, at a cost of $6 (also per entry). Submissions should be dropped off at the Brew Shop. The bottles have to be label-free and have blank or otherwise blacked out caps. Hit the Spring Fling page for all the details, including the official entry forms you can print out.

• May 16, 2011
• 23:50

  Marz – the Food Cart

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  
  
  

  Remember Marz Bistro, the downtown restaurant that was sold with the space becoming Gatsby’s? Well, it’s back—in the form of a food cart. The Marz Cart will be located at the Skjersaa’s parking lot over on SW Century Drive, and they’re having a grand opening this Thursday from 6 to 9pm.

  From the press release I received:

  Matt Davis and Rich Hall, former owner and executive chef of Marz Bistro, announce the opening of The Marz Cart. The Marz Cart will be located at Skjersaa’s parking lot (130 Southwest Century Drive) and will be serving interplanetary favorites in a new food cart just in time for summer. Marz Bistro, the 2008 Source Weekly Restaurant of the Year, broke the mold a decade ago with its eclectic world cuisine and continued to raise the bar in terms of ambiance, creativity and innovation. After a brief hiatus, Davis and Hall are joining together once again serving up old favorites in a new format. The Marz Cart will celebrate its grand opening this Thursday with chef Rich Hall cooking up Marz’s famous plum hoison BBQ ribs, green and red Thai curries, Thai seafood cakes, grilled artichokes and Argentinean marinated churrassco steak sliders- and more. The Marz Cart will be open daily from 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with increased hours in the summer.  In addition to daily service, The Marz Cart will be available for events and catering as well as selling the Marz Rib Kit- a two part do-it-yourself braising and glazing system for home BBQs. Fans of Marz can follow the Cart and find out daily food specials at [facebook.com] .

• 21:11

  NW Crossing Hullabaloo with Mark Cohn

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  
  
  

  A press release showed up in my inbox today promoting next month’s NorthWest Crossing Hullabaloo, their fourth annual summer street festival, with the headlining music coming from Marc Cohn. Cohn is best known for his 20-year-old “Walking in Memphis” (which I like but in fact it’s the only song of his I know). Opening for him will be Franchot Tone and MOsley WOtta.

  The Hullabaloo itself looks like it could be fun, taking place on Friday, June 24th from 4 until 9pm. A paragraph from the press release says:

  The uproarious street festival, which is in its fourth year, regularly features bike races (including a kid’s crit), live music, street performers and family activities. The next day, June 25th, is the kick off of the popular NorthWest Crossing Farmer’s Market, which will run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of September.

  That looks to be the start of a busy weekend, as the Bite of Bend follows on the 25th and 26th.

• May 11, 2011
• 13:28

  Altrec’s Epic Outdoor Gear Sale

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  Found this via @timmycrawford on Twitter…

  Altrec.com, your locally owned supplier of outdoor gear and clothing in Central Oregon, is having its’ annual returned merchandise sale with super deals on slightly used or blemished items: many 50%-80% Off!

  The sale will be held May 20-22 8am-5pm at the Bend Armory (across from Les Schwab Amphitheater).

  They’re also giving away a Men’s or Women’s jacket, and you can enter here: http://www.altrec.com/epic/sale/static.htm1q1q

  That also happens to be PPP weekend, so keep that in mind while you’re looking (and looking) for a parking spot.

• May 09, 2011
• 23:42

  A possible eastside brewery

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  
  
  

  The Bulletin had an article yesterday about a possible, proposed brewery for the eastside. Unfortunately the article’s behind the paywall so while I can’t link you to it, I can give some highlights:

  City of Bend officials have been in discussions with part-time Bend resident Roger Worthington about the idea of building a brewery and outdoor beer garden on the east edge of Bend.

  Worthington, an attorney who also lives in California, had Neal Huston, of Neal Huston & Associates Architects Inc., draw up preliminary plans for a 26,000-square-foot facility on land Worthington owns just east of East 27th Street along U.S. Highway 20. The city received the renderings and other information on the project in March.

  His legal work aside, Worthington is a co-owner of Indie Hops LLC, a hops supplier for the craft brewing industry with a pellet mill in Hubbard, south of Wilsonville.

  Documents concerning the project show Worthington is interested in starting small but planning for growth. If the project were to start, it would at first produce and sell 500 to 750 barrels a year. According to the documents, Worthington anticipates brewing and selling 20,000 barrels a year six to seven years after opening — if it does open.

  “It’ll be probably several months before (Worthington) knows whether this is something he’s actually going to move forward with,” Huston said.

  I’m all for a brewery on the east side of town—it’s completely underserved and I think it would do well. Especially the beer garden (in the summer, at least, unless it’s a heated patio or something).

  Of course, it’s all up in the air right now; it’s a proposal only, and the City is discussing it. And, I imagine if it does become a reality it’s probably an 18-month (or longer) development project, since it calls for building from the ground up… so what, two or three years out?

• 12:24

  Public Game Night

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  Last month was the first public game night at the East Bend Public Library and it was considered a surprising success with 40-45 game players showing up to display their game-winning skills.

  This month’s event will take place this Saturday, May 14th from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. (Following events will be the second Saturday of the month.) The flyer I was sent promises to have everything from Scrabble and Chess to Settlers of Catan to card and party games. Sounds like something for everyone, but you can also bring your own if you like. This is an all-ages event so bring your family, a friend or just yourself and play the night away.

  If you haven’t been to the new library yet, it is located at 62080 Dean Swift Rd. For more information, please contact Mark Gage at Mgage@bendbroadband.com

• May 05, 2011
• 22:45

  First Friday (May 2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  
  
  

  Right on the heels of Cinco de Mayo, Friday night is First Friday in Downtown Bend and the Old Mill District (I don’t know if NorthWest Crossing is doing First Fridays anymore, as I can never find info on their website, and there’s nothing (as of this writing) on their Facebook page).

  Art galleries and businesses will be open late Friday, from 5 until 9, with special art exhibits and many also offering live music and free food and wine samples—it’s a lively time and with the weather getting nicer, I expect it will be packed. If you need childcare while you’re downtown, the Pottery Lounge is offering “Drop ‘n Hop” from 5 until 8.

  In addition to all of the participating downtown businesses listed on the Downtown Bend page, the Old Mill has several and also lists the free shuttle:

  Take the Free Artwalk Shuttle offering a continuous loop approximately every 50-60 minutes.  Service from 5-9pm.  Station 3 is located in the Old Mill District between Lahaina Galleries and REI and picks up at 5:40pm+/- and heads to Atelier 6000 and then downtown.

  Make sure to stop in at Atelier 6000, Lahaina Galleries, Lubbesmeyer Studio & Gallery and Tumalo Art Co. for new works of art on view.

  And, (since you know I’m all about the beer scene), Deschutes Brewery and Bend Brewing Company each have First Friday events too. At Deschutes:

  First Friday Art Walk & BBQ

  Deschutes is back on board for the popular downtown Bend First Friday Art Walk! Join the fun pub crew for barbeque, art, live music and, of course, beer, just behind the pub in downtown Bend.

  On Tap: Horseridge IPA & Prima Chela plus House Made Sangria
  Food: Pulled Pork Spicy Mustard Sliders and Tofu Curry Sliders
  Bands: Under the Covers and Greg Botsford
  Local (Employee) Artist: Kaylee Brown

  Bend Brewing Company:

  First Friday Artwalk-May 6th! Our Artist in Residence program features Mike Putnam’s work to be displayed upstairs in the brewery. Check out www.mikeputnamphoto.com. His amazing Ponderosa photo was chosen for our Outback X label. Friday marks the official bottle release party for the award-winning Outback X! We have a limited number of bottles, so don’t miss this opportunity to have them signed by both Mike Putnam and Tonya Cornett!

  Not only is it the first bottled release of Outback X at BBC, but they’ll also be serving chocolate truffles made from Outback X for First Friday (I called them today and learned that).

• May 04, 2011
• 11:37

  Adventures in Oregon and Beyond

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  Gadabout Serene Adventures, owned by Robin and Danita Parker, is a unique way to see Oregon and other parts of the Northwest. They make all the arrangements, make all necessary reservations and fill up the gas tank – you just show up for the ride and adventure. As the Parkers say, “We want our customers to enjoy a day of adventure, without the stress of driving, coordinating and planning, and we take care of all of that for you. We make certain your adventure will be fun and serene.”

  Gadabout caters largely to the retired population, but anyone is welcome. Anyone who enjoys traveling to see the beautiful sights that the Pacific Northwest has to offer as well as discovery centers, museums and cultural events. This month’s adventures include a trip to Brownsville, a weekend trip in Bandon and a day enjoying the spring blooms in Silverton and Portland.

  I was able to assist on a trip to Eugene wineries last year and I can tell you that Gadabout has thought of everything for their guests’ comfort and enjoyment. They provided snacks, rest stops and even a game or two of bingo. It’s really a great and easy way to get away for a day or a weekend.

  See Gadabout’s website to see their upcoming trips and find out how you can make reservations for your next adventure or two – [www.gadaboutadventures.com.] You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

• May 03, 2011
• 22:33

  Cinco de Mayo happenings

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  
  
  

  Thursday is Cinco de Mayo, and I’ve been checking the internets to find the goings-on in Bend, but like last year information is a bit sparse. So if you know of something going on that I missed here, leave a note in the comments.

  Amalia’s is having what they’re calling the “largest Cinco de Mayo party in the state“: they are closing Wall Street between Oregon and Minnesota Avenues and having a block party with a live music stage. It’s free to attend and starts at 4:30; the live music lineup is:

  • 4:30: Rubblebucket
  • 6:30: Todd Haaby 7 Solo Via
  • Headliner (8:30 to 10): Ozomatli

  Looks like they’re partnered with C3 Events, which has more details on their page.

  La Rosa over in Northest Crossing is having a big Cinco de Mayo party where you can win a trip to Cabo:

  Music, Specials
  Infused Margaritas
  Contest and Prizes & Tons of Swag from Local NWX Businesses

  Enter to win a Free Stay in CABO*!!
  “Like Us” now all FB fans are automatically entered. Must be present to win.

  FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

  Supervised Kids play (4 -10 y.o.) begins at 4pm
  by NWX’s Mama Bear Oden’s
  Preschool & Playhouse

  From 11:30 to 1pm, there is a Cinco de Mayo Fashion Luncheon at Joolz, featuring a three-course lunch with a cocktail and a fashion show, all for $25.

  The Summit Saloon is having a Cinco de Mayo Bash featuring the Moon Mountain Ramblers, and drink specials. Music starts at 9:30.

  Common Table downtown is featuring a Flamenco Fiesta from 6 to 7:30pm, where “Flamenco Dancers light up the floor.”

  Over at the FivePine Lodge in Sisters, they’re having a Cinco de Mayo Celebration from 6 to 8:30pm:

  Hispanic Coalition of Sisters Invites you to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at FivePine Lodge Conference Center from 6-8:30pm.

  Fundraising event to benefit children’s educational, summer and after school programs through SPRD and Sisters Community Schools Initiative.
  There will be homecooked authentic mexican food buffet with salsa bar, silent auction, music & entertainment. No Host Bar: Beer & Wine $4.00, Sodas $1.00. Tickets for sale at SPRD, FivePine Lodge, & Sisters School District. Tickets are $15 per adult & $10 per child under 12.

  COCC is hosting a Cinco de Mayo Celebration two days later, on Saturday the 7th. It’s taking place from 6 to 11pm at the Campus Center: “The event will feature traditional Mexican food, folklore dancing, live music and games for everyone. The suggested donation is $5. All proceeds go to a scholarship fund to help COCC Latino program students. The event is sponsored by the COCC’s Latino Club and Latino Program. For information, contact Evelia Sandoval at 541-318-3726 or email esandoval@cocc.edu.“

• May 02, 2011
• 15:56

  Hot Buttered Trivia

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  If you haven’t yet made it to the Kurera Pub Quiz at The Summit, you will want to be there tomorrow night. This month my team is taking a break from our long winning streak and we have written the questions for this go-around.

  Here’s some info from Kurera’s Facebook page:

  “The Kurera Fund was founded in 2009 when founder Claire O’Connor was working as a volunteer teacher in Rwanda and realized that several students were excluded from class for non payment of fees. The goal of the fund is to raise money to support these students so they can complete their studies.”

  And about the pub quiz:

  “Team trivia competition. Answer questions in rounds of different categories. Maximum 5 players per team. $40 per team donation to the Kurera Fund, providing scholarships for students in Rwanda.”

  Be there at 6:30 to get your team registered and take advantage of happy hour. Drinks and trivia? Who doesn’t want to spend an evening having that kind of fun?

• April 28, 2011
• 20:00

  El Jimador is now… El Jimador

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  
  
  

  Early last month I wondered what was up with El Jimador downtown; the restaurant for several months had been closed up with brown paper covering the windows, and there was at least one rumor of the spot changing hands.

  The Source has the scoop this week, and it turns out that El Jimador is still El Jimador. Which is good news, in light of all the changes and closures that have been happening lately.

  Yes, the name is the same, but pretty much everything else is different…and improved. The service is fast, but not rushed, and friendly. The new menu highlights seafood and quality beef, and the bar’s selection of more than 30 tequilas guarantees you won’t leave thirsty. This is a mid-priced, family-friendly restaurant with food that now surpasses expectations. As nights warm up and the farmer’s market begins to bustle, this is sure to be a prime people-watching spot and a must for outside dining in downtown Bend.

  What else is different from the old El Jimador? Let’s start with the atmosphere. Just walking into the place will brighten your day or evening. Check out the eye-poppingly bright blown-glass fish inside the door. The paper napkins have been replaced with cloth and the glassware is hand painted. Artwork from co-owner Baltazar Chavez’s home in Mazatlan covers the walls and features fiberglass sea life, including a gigantic octopus. As for Baltazar, who continues to operate the westside restaurant in addition to El Jimador, you can usually find him helping in the kitchen, checking in with customers or dreaming up new dishes.

• April 27, 2011
• 23:53

  Bend Yogurt Factory

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  
  
  

  How many self-serve frozen yogurt shops does Bend need, do you think? There’s Cuppa Yo on the westside, and soon to be opening a second location on the eastside, and the eastside Goodies already has self-serve frozen yogurt too. To those three add a fourth soon: the Bend Yogurt Factory, as reported in yesterday’s Bulletin.

  Anne and Timothy Barrans, who also own a Snap Fitness gym in northeast Bend, plan to open the yogurt shop in mid-June in the space formerly occupied by Di Lusso Bakery Café. [On the corner of Franklin and Bond downtown]

  Seven serving machines will be installed in “a giant yogurt wall,” and a wide range of toppings will be available, she said.

• April 26, 2011
• 20:47

  Everclear at the Century Center, July 22

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  
  
  

  Music news that I hadn’t touched on yet but that I thought was cool was that Portland-based Everclear was going to be playing the Century Center on July 22. It’s presented by 92.9 FM, and The Source has the preliminary info.

  Personally I like Everclear, but I know there’s also the notion that they’re a washed-up ’90s band. Thoughts?

• April 21, 2011
• 22:22

  Easter egg hunt roundup

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Holidays   [edit]

  
  
  

  Easter is this Sunday (as you well know from Katherine’s post yesterday), and among the other goings-on are the ever-popular Easter egg hunts. Unfortunately no one seems to have a single list of all the various egg hunts going on, so here we are.

  The Bulletin has the largest list that I’ve found, so I’m shamelessly cribbing from them (their calendar includes the full details and Google map for each):

  • 10am Saturday, the 23rd, at the Powell Butte Community Charter School (13650 SW Highway 126, Powell Butte, 541-420-6221). Cost: “Donations of nonperishable food requested”
  • 1pm Saturday, at the Smith Rock Community Church (8344 11th St., Terrebonne, 541-548-1315). For children 5 and under. Cost: Free.
  • 9-9:45am Sunday, the 24th, at Trinity Lutheran Church & School (2550 NE Butler Market Rd., Bend, 541-382-1832). Cost: Free.
  • 11am Sunday, at the Lodge Restaurant at Black Butte Ranch (12930 Hawks Beard, Sisters, 541-595-1260). Ages 4 and older hunt for eggs, in three age-based divisions of egg hunts. Cost: Free.
  • 11:15am Sunday, at Mountain View Bible Church (2150 NE Studio Rd., Bend, 541-318-1175 ). Cost: Free.
  • Noon, Sunday, at Seventh Mountain Resort (18575 SW Century Dr., Bend, 541-693-9143). Cost: Free.

  MyCentralOregon.com lists the Bend Elks Lodge Annual Easter Egg Hunt: 9am Sunday, at Juniper Park. 541-382-1371 for more info.

  Mt. Bachelor is having an Easter Egg Hunt, and an Easter Keg Hunt (sponsored by Deschutes Brewery), starting at 9:30am:

  • 5 years old and under are at 10:30am and their hunt is located in the Mt Bachelor Ski School pen.
  • 6-9 year olds are at 10:00am and at the top of Sunshine lift. Lift ticket or pass required.
  • 10-14 year olds are at 9:30am and start at the top of Sunshine lift. Lift ticket or pass required.
  • 14 year olds & above are at 11:00am at the top of the Skyliner chair. Lift ticket or pass required.
  • Adult Easter KEG (Deschutes Brewery) hunt is an all day, mountain-wide event. Clues will be posted at the top of Pine Marten chair every few hours. The person that finds the hidden keg wins a $150 gift card to Deschutes Brewery! The hunts will be held on the slopes so don’t forget to bring your snow gear. The Easter Egg Hunt is free, but participants (except 5 and under) must have a lift ticket or season pass to participate.

  Pronghorn Club & Resort is hosting an Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt Sunday starting at 10:30am, in the Chanterelle restaurant in the Clubhouse. The brunch as two seatings, at 10:30 and 12:30, with the egg hunt at noon; Visit Bend (where I found this) has more details:

  $36 Adults, $16 Children Ages 6 to 12, Free for Children 5 and Under
  The Easter Egg hunt will be held on the event lawn at noon! The Egg Hunt is $10 per child but is complimentary if staying for Easter brunch! The Easter Bunny and Silly Lilly will also be here!

  Contact their Concierge for more information at 541-693-5399.

  The Athletic Club of Bend lists on their homepage an Easter Egg Hunt starting at 3pm; no further details that I can find however.

  The Unitarian Universalists of Central Oregon are having an Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, after their 11am service. All are welcome.

  Sunriver Resort is featuring their Great Hall Easter Egg Hunt Sunday beginning at 11:30:

  Join the Easter Bunny in his favorite tradition as you look for treat filled eggs. The hunt begins with the youngest age group at 11:30am. Includes an Easter basket, Egg Hunting License and all the eggs the children can find. The Easter Bunny will hide a special egg in each age group with an eggciting prize! Reservations required. 24 hour cancellation policy or full program fee will be charged. $10/child Resort Guest; $12/child General Public.

  I’m sure this isn’t complete, but it’s what I’ve been able to dig up so far. Do you know of any others? Leave a note in the comments!

• April 20, 2011
• 13:50

  Easter Eggs and Bacon

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  What better way to celebrate Easter than by dining out at brunch? Forget that boring, old, dry spiral ham and try some of the more creative dishes at our local eateries.  The following are what I know of; please add anything you think might have been overlooked.

  The one I am most excited about is Common Table. I’ve only been there once and I only had a drink, but it was one of the best Manhattans I have ever had and I know my Manhattans. It also just has a cool vibe. For Easter, they have the best bargain I’ve seen. Their Facebook page lists the prices at $15 for adults and $8 for kids. A Bloody Mary or mimosa is only $2 and the menu includes Eggs Benedict two ways, vegan pumpkin french toast, lox and bagels, bacon, sausage, vegetarian quinoa quiche, sauteed potatoes, fresh fruit salad, green salad and two desserts. Hours are 10:30 to 2:00, call 541-639-5546 for more information.

  Next up is Cafe 3456, located at the Bend Airport. Again, I have only been here once but I absolutely fell in love. The view isn’t bad and the food is ridiculously tasty. Owner/chef David Hatfield isn’t bad to look at either so ladies – if  you’re going out with the girls, this may be the place for you! I couldn’t find any menu details on either their Facebook page or blog, but I have every confidence that it will not disappoint. Easter breakfast will be served from 7:30 until closing at 2:00.

  Last year I tried McMenamin’s and had a really nice time. The best part wast watching “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” on the movie screen, which may make it the best choice for families. Their buffet includes honey lime fruit salad, mixed greens with fresh strawberries, feta & poppy seed dressing, tortellini salad with asparagus, french toast sticks with maple syrup, scrambled eggs, smoked bacon & sausage, Potatoes O’Brian, biscuits & gravy, cider-brined  ham, house-smoked Pacific salmon with mini bagels & cream cheese, assorted breakfast breads and a seasonal dessert display. Reservations are required and hours are 9:00 until 3:00 p.m. – call 541-382-5174. 23.95 adults; $18.95 for seniors; $11.95 for kids 6-12; free for kids 5 and under.

  Another great family choice is Seventh Mountain Resort. If you don’t mind the short drive up the hill, I think they have a pretty great buffet plus an Easter egg hunt for the kids at noon. Call for reservations – 541-693-9148. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and I didn’t see anything on prices, so make sure to ask when you call.

  I just checked the menu for Sunriver Resort and I’m already drooling and willing to make the drive to fill up on their goodies. Their prices are $34.95 for adults (which includes bottomless champagne or mimosas!), $14.95 for children 6 – 12 years and complimentary for children 5 years and younger. And check out some of the food – carved leg of lamb and prime rib, seafood station, housemade sushi, blintz station with flambeed marionberries, Caesar salad bar, smoked salmon, french toast, sausage and bacon, eggs benedict, cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, pastries, cookies and a children’s table. Their hours weren’t listed on their website, but reservations are required, so call 541-593-3740.

  If that hasn’t gotten your juices flowing, check out the offerings at Black Butte Ranch, being served from 9:30 to 2:30 - ranch salad bar, truffle potato salad with roasted mushrooms, imported and domestic cheeses, hickory smoked bacon, Ranch Benedict with Parisian ham and pepper vodka and herb hollandaise, amaretto french toast with candied pecans, orange glazed lamb shoulder, pan-seared salmon with a port butter sauce, prime rib, omelet station, raspberry cheesecake, chocolate hazelnut tarts, white chocolate mousse with berry compote, assorted pastries and muffins and bread pudding. They have a special buffet menu for kids which includes waffles, scrambled eggs, chicken strips, tater tots, pasta and Easter candies. Prices are $35.95 for adults, $17.95 for kids 5 -12 and freed for kids 4 and under. Call for reservations – 541-595-1252.

  Well, I’m hungry now. I don’t know how I’m going to choose from all of this deliciousness. How about you?

• April 18, 2011
• 13:07

  Chan’s is open again

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  
  
  

  Today marks the first day that Chan’s Chinese Restaurant is (finally) open again; I first saw the new yesterday on one of The Source blogs:

  Yesterday, while driving south on 3rd St., I longingly glanced over to the right when I was getting close to Chan’s Chinese Restaurant to check their reader board in hopes there would be good news. After months of waiting and wishing, I was pleased to see the sign read, “Reopen on Monday”. I just had to be sure, so on my way home I again drove past, read the sign and snapped this terrible quality photo, which boasts excellent news.

  Their website confirms it. And even better yet, on Twitter today, Hans (@bend_boy) reports on the lunch special this week:

  Time Travel #inbend: Chan’s reopening today, offering $2.25 lunch special item this wk. Same price as 1986. Full menu: [bit.ly]

  That’s a good deal, but even their regular price of $5.95 for lunch is hard to beat.

• April 14, 2011
• 20:50

  Astro Lounge is moving

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  
  
  

  This news isn’t nearly as sensational as the headline might indicate; they are simply moving around the corner, according to a blurb in the Bulletin today, into the former Subway space.

  The Astro Lounge bar, located on Minnesota Avenue in downtown Bend, will move around the corner to the former Subway location on Bond Street, owner Josh Maquet said.

  Maquet said he will submit plans to the city of Bend for building permits to construct “an urban patio” behind the new space, which is twice as large as the current one.

  From the end of May until sometime in July, the Astro Lounge will be closed as they move.

  And does anyone know what an “urban patio” is? I thought the only thing behind that space is the alley…

• April 13, 2011
• 23:47

  NorthWest Crossing Bend Spring Festival

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  
  
  

  The Bend Spring Festival is back this weekend, and it’s taking place over in NorthWest Crossing again this year: this weekend from Friday the 15th through Sunday the 17th, “NorthWest Crossing Drive, off Mt. Washington Drive, between Skyliners and Shevlin Park Roads, will come alive, as we utilize art, food, spirits, music, and family-oriented activities to usher in Spring!”

  The main streets of NW Crossing will be closed, admission is free (though food and drink aren’t, naturally), and there are a ton of things going on including live music, a “Wine & Art Bop” Friday night, kids activities, a live outdoor comedy stage, and more.

  One of the more interesting-sounding events is the Street Chalk Art Competition, taking place Saturday:

  “Pull your best Picasso” by entering the Garner Group Street Chalk Art Competition (for both adults and kids) and qualify to win one of 8 cash prizes (including $750 prize for the chalk mural voted “best” in the adult category). The space is free, chalk will be provided (although you can bring your own), your images must be appropriate and feature “spring theme”– you can pre-register with sarah@c3events.com – or you can “walk up” to compete, assuming spaces will still be available for walk ups.

  Lots of details on the event page so be sure to check it. The weather’s looking to be iffy this weekend—cloudy and mid-50s—but hopefully it’ll be nice enough to enjoy the Festival.

• April 11, 2011
• 20:29

  Comedian Hal Sparks at the Tower, April 30th

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  
  
  

  At the end of this month, on the 30th, comedian Hal Sparks will be performing at the Tower Theatre: he’s most known for doing comedic commentary on VH1′s various “I Love XYZ” series shows, and as a regular on the Showtime series “Queer as Folk.” I’ve seen some of his other standup and he’s a pretty funny guy, so I’m betting his show at the Tower will be a good one.

  Tickets are $22 and there look to be plenty left; it’ll cost you an additional $5 at the door the night of the show, though. The show is at 7:30, so the doors will (probably) open early along with the bar.

• April 07, 2011
• 23:48

  Spork is back (after the winter closure)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  food and Dining   [edit]

  
  
  

  I mentioned last November how Spork was closing up shop for the winter; well if you’re a fan of street food, you’re in luck because Spork is back:

  Last but not least it’s time to hit the streets again!  Starting THIS MONDAY April 11th we’ll be at 1234 NW Galveston across from Brother John’s for lunch 11:30-3PM.  Monday thru Friday.  Extended hours coming soon as soon as the weather lets up a bit and we get our groove on.  YES!!  So excited

  In addition to being opened back up again, they are still doing their “Pop-Up Supper Club” this month at Café Sintra:

  First up … April Spork Pop-Up Supper Club is happening April 22 and 23, with a bit of a Spanish flair and has a vegetarian option in honor of Earth Day (with meat options available if you choose) … here’s the deal, tix are limited (only 35 seats per night) and you purchase a veggie or an omnivore ticket.  Cafe Sintra is the lovely location as always.  7PM, one seating per night … communal style.

  All ze info and menu is here:
  [www.brownpapertickets.com]

• April 05, 2011
• 23:15

  Ice Cube at the Midtown

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  music   [edit]

  
  
  

  Tomorrow night at the Midtown Ballroom, hip-hop and movie star Ice Cube will be performing—local music news that (seems to me) to be both completely random and a big deal for Bend. (Though, does anyone remember when 2 Live Crew played Club 97 back in… 2001?) The show starts at 8:30, though the doors open at 7:30.

  For a background, Ben Salmon had a good writeup in Friday’s Bulletin, and there’s a note on the CentralOregonHipHop.com site (which I didn’t know about until now).

  Tickets will run you $30, and you can purchase them online at bendticket.com.

• April 01, 2011
• 11:12

  Spring Art Hop

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  
  
  

  Tonight (April 1st) is not only First Friday—whereupon art galleries and businesses downtown (as well as in the Old Mill) stay open late with special art exhibits, live music, and refreshments—it’s also the Spring Art Hop: the semi-annual event that’s essentially First Friday on steroids.

  The Downtown Bend page says over 60 businesses will be open late (which I think is quite a bit more that the usual FF numbers). And of course the Old Mill has their First Friday going on, with the shuttle service running between there and downtown:

  Take the Free Artwalk Shuttle offering a continuous loop approximately every 50-60 minutes.  Service from 5-9pm.  Station 3 is located in the Old Mill District between Lahaina Galleries and REI and picks up at 5:40pm+/- and heads to Atelier 6000 and then downtown.

  Everything’s going on from 5 until 9pm tonight, and with the beautiful weather we’re having I’m quite sure it’s going to be incredibly busy downtown: so drive and stay safe.

• March 31, 2011
• 20:10

  Ernesto’s space reopening (with beer)!

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  
  
  

  Back in 2009 I wrote a speculative post asking what to do about old empty restaurant spaces around town. Interestingly, three of those five spaces are now filled, and the fourth is on its way—the old Ernesto’s building, which The Source is reporting this week will be the new Brew Shop with a pub.

  The owners of The Brew Shop, aka the homebrew shop on Division, have signed a lease for the iconic Ernesto’s building on Third Street. Owner Tom Gilles said he and his partners signed a lease earlier this week that will allow them to open an expanded brew shop and basement pub in the Ernesto’s building by early summer, depending on how their city permitting process goes.

  Gilles said the space needs some minor remodeling to suit their needs, but is largely ready to go. The building will allow the Brew Shop to add to its existing inventory, upping the shop’s supply of grains and other accessories that Bend’s growing homebrew community desires. The Brew Shop will also be bringing over its walk-in cooler and expansive collection of bottled microbrews that Bend beer lovers know is unrivaled among Central Oregon suds purveyors.

  Nothing but good news here; although I am having a hard time imagining how the main (restaurant) level of the former, er, restaurant would work as a retail brewing supply store. But the downstairs pub space is a great space and will be well utilized, I’m quite sure.

  Also, I’m assuming this means the old Brew Shop location on NE Division will be closing, though I haven’t yet seen this confirmed.

• March 30, 2011
• 9:00

  Dinner for Japanese Relief at Common Table

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  
  
  

  This Sunday, April 3rd, Common Table is hosting a Dinner for Japanese Relief from 5:30 to 8pm. Proceeds from the dinner will go to Red Cross and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Common Table is accepting donations which will go toward those funds as well. The cost of the dinner is $20 for adults and $8 for children.

  Here’s the menu they are listing:

  • Miso Soup
  • Sunomono Salad
  • Edamame
  • Maki Sushi
  • Vegetarian Yakisoba
  • Chicken Teriyaki
  • Pork Curry
  • Steamed Rice
  • Dessert
• March 29, 2011
• 17:04

  Cheers to Bourbon Street!

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  Last Friday a few girlfriends wanted to go out for oysters and champagne. Decadent, no? We tried 10 Below but they couldn’t seat us so we went across the street to Bourbon Street. We were not disappointed.

  I had been to Bourbon Street a couple of times after they first opened and was unimpressed. Aside from the cute bartender, the crawfish dip was nothing to write home about and the hush puppies were just sad lumps of cornmeal. Mine are a billion times better. And no, I’m not giving out the recipe.

  I wasn’t sure that I would be crazy about oysters. They’re kinda slimy, right? So while the others ordered theirs raw, I opted to try the Red Barons, described on the menu as “baked with roasted red pep­pers, pars­ley and cheese sauce until golden.” You can’t go wrong with cheese sauce. This was no exception. I can’t even describe them well enough to do them justice. Suffice it to say that my mouth was doing a happy dance. The champagne only enhanced the flavors and added a little extra boogie to the happy dance.

  We contemplated ordering another bottle of champagne and another order of oysters. The Oysters “Rockafella” are served with hollandaise sauce.  We agreed that anything with hollandaise sauce needed to be experienced. They were also delicious and layered as oyster, dollop of sauce, topping of buttery, flaky crispiness. Perfection.

  The best way to round out our decadent little snack? Dessert, of course. We went with the beignets. Of course. Four of us chose the caramel apple beignets and two of us chose the traditional powdered sugar-dusted beignets. For the first time that evening our table was quiet. We were too caught up in the enjoyment of the desserts and the wine and the perfect combination of the two. It was described by more than one of us as a food orgasm.

  I am already looking forward to repeating this experience. I hope Bourbon Street is ready for us.

   

• March 28, 2011
• 22:53

  Spring library book sale

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  books   [edit]

  
  
  

  Even though it seems as though the last Friends of the Bend Library book sale was fairly recent (in fact it was mid-January), their spring sale is coming up this Saturday, April 2nd. All the usual details apply: it runs from 10 to 4 in the basement of the Library Administration Building at 507 NW Wall, and there’s an additional few hours of sale the next day (the 3rd) from 1 to 4.

  Definitely a book lover’s event, I’ve found various good books there in the past, and at the $1 range for books it’s a hard sale to pass up.

• March 22, 2011
• 15:57

  The new eastside Library is open

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  books   [edit]

  
  
  

  The new east branch of the Deschutes Public Library officially opened today, in their new space in Borden’s Corner at Highway 20 and Dean Swift Road. Good news for the eastside! The Library website has their announcement of the opening here.

  The Deschutes Public Library is pleased to announce the new 8,000 square foot East Bend Library will open March 22, 2011. The new library is located at Borden’s Corner – 62080 Dean Swift Road #170 – just off Hwy 20. The East Bend Library provides full services that include: a community meeting room, popular materials collection, Internet stations, story times, adult programming, and holds pick-up.

  The new East Bend Library provides easy access to neighborhoods, schools, assisted-living centers, and other important populations in east Bend,” said Assistant Director Kevin Barclay. “We are eager to provide excellent library services for all ages.”

  East Bend Library hours are: Tuesday – Wed 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Closed Sunday & Monday

• March 21, 2011
• 23:41

  New restaurant: Pono Farm & Fine Meats

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  
  
  

  I got this in email the other day and wasn’t as timely with it as I would’ve liked:

  New restaurant; Pono (meaning “righteousness” in Hawaiian) Farms & Fine Meats opened yesterday, Wed, March 16th on the corner of Cooley & Hunnell. Farm to table, they grow Wagyu (Kobe) & Angus beef as well as ‘Heritage Breed’ pork, mainly Berkshire and a rare Red Waddle breed locally in Culver, OR. All grown slowly & naturally; hormone & antibiotic free, drink water sourced from Opal Springs, all butchered and processed in house.

  They specialize in fresh cut fine meats and also have a deli w/a Southern inspired menu emphasizing their beef and pork. Their sample menu consists of items such as

  • Texas Style Beef Chilli,
  • Micro Green Salad with Steak Tartare
  • NY style Pastrami w/Kraut & Russian Dressing
  • Wagyu Cheesesteak
  • Braised Oxtail Gnocchi
  • Sides including Southern Style Grits
  • Collard Greens w/Smoked Ham Hocks
  • Brussel Sprouts w/Pancetta.

  Each entrée is made-to-order and averages at around $10.

  They are in the process of getting an Alcohol Service Permit and intend on serving beer in the near future. Their farm also houses egg-laying chickens and they plan to start serving breakfast in a few months.

  This [past] Sunday, the 20th, they are having a Grand Opening celebration and are serving up 250 free burgers and an entire bbq-ed hog. All proceeds from meat sales that day will go to the disaster victims in Japan.

  (I’ve reformatted the message to make it more readable.)

  Beyond this there’s really nothing I know about this new restaurant; the corners of Cooley Road and Hunnell Road—essentially directly across from the Lowe’s entrance on Cooley—were empty lots last I knew, so my guess is they’re at the western half of Hunnell that runs south of Cooley (behind the old driving range and Les Schwab) as there’s a business building that’s been mostly empty there.

  This KTVZ story looks to bear that out. Otherwise, there’s not much else online that I can find right now.

  Interested in checking this out; I’m always curious about restaurants at the extreme north end of town.

• March 16, 2011
• 23:39

  Free tire collection event

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  environment   [edit]

  
  
  

  This Saturday, the 19th, Knott Landfill is having their semi-annual free tire recycling event. From the County:

  Residents are encouraged to dispose of unwanted tires free at a collection event scheduled on  Saturday, March 19 at Deschutes County’s Knott Landfill Recycling & Transfer Facility.  The semi-annual event benefits the community by giving citizens an opportunity to dispose of used tires in a responsible manner.

  The recycling event takes place at Knott Landfill, 61050 SE 27th St. in Bend, on Saturday, March 19, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Through the event, residents are encouraged to clean up their property as well as neighboring lands.

  Tires both on-and-off the rim can be dropped off on March 19. Tires over 24.5″ (wheel diameter), farm equipment tires, tires from businesses, fleet tires, or heavy equipment tires will not be accepted at the event.

  Limit: 12 tires per household. If you have more than 12 tires to recycle, please contact the Solid Waste office in advance for approval.

  For more information, please contact the Deschutes County Solid Waste Office at (541) 317-3163 or visit the Solid Waste website at www.deschutes.org/solidwaste.

• March 15, 2011
• 21:32

  St. Patrick’s Day Guide: The Events

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Alcohol   [edit]

  
  
  

  Lots of things going on this week for St. Patrick’s Day. I’ve been scouring the local web (and been getting emails too) to compile a (hopefully!) fairly comprehensive list. (Big thanks to The Source for many of the events from their calendar.)

  And of course, if there’s anything I missed, feel free to leave a note in the comments, or contact me directly and I’ll update this post accordingly.

  First of all, if you’re looking for beer on St. Patrick’s Day—and I fully expect that you are—I posted a beer list over on The Brew Site, running down what the breweries and a couple of the beer bars will be offering for the holiday.

  McMenamins Old St. Francis School has a three-day celebration featuring lots of (free!) live music as well as an Irish-themed menu of food and drink. Music kicks off at 5pm each day, and there’s a lot of it.

  Silver Moon Brewing is hosting Laurel Brauns and The Sweet Harlots for a “rousing sing-along featuring all of your favorite drinking songs and more,” starting at 8pm. Mark Ransom and Julie Southwell are also featured, and songbooks will be provided.

  “The Commitments,” the 1991 movie about Dubliners trying to bring soul music to Ireland, is playing at The Tower Theatre starting at 8pm. General admission is $5.

  The Wine Shop, located downtown on Minnesota across from the St. Clair building and next to Thump Coffee, is offering “Beer specials all day! Buy one glass of wine and get the second half off!”

  The Jackalope Grill is featuring specials from Ireland on the 17th (though I don’t have a specific menu).

  Seven Nightclub apparently already has an Irish Pub Menu regularly—and Thursday they’re celebrating the one-year anniversary with a “Blame it on the Alcohol” St. Patrick’s Day party.

  Amalia’s in downtown Bend is having a “Mexican St. Patrick’s Day” (as one ad I saw put it) or a “St. Patty’s Green Card Party” (as The Source’s calendar lists it), with lots of specials, and live comedy starting at 7pm with Last Comic Standing winner Jim Mortenson.

  The Domino Room is having their “Harp Hall Annual St. Patty’s Day March & Party”: “Featuring Bend’s original Celtic rock band Five Pint Mary. With special guest appearance by the Bend Fire Pipes & Drum Band. $5. Free to all Harp Hall members in good standing.” From 7:30 until 10pm. I don’t know how to become a Harp Hall member (you can read up on the history of Harp Hall at my link above), but that’s a good deal.

  Velvet—the only place in Bend pouring Three Creeks Brewing‘s Irish Stout, for only $3 a pint no less—has a St. Patrick’s edition of their Red Velvet Comedy Night (free) and will also be serving up green drinks.

  JC’s Bar and Grill will be featuring live music from KC Flynn all night starting at 6pm, with Bend Fire Pipes & Drums playing at 6:30 and 8:45, and they’ll be offering corned beef brisket, along with Guinness, green beer, Irish car bombs, and other drink specials.

• March 14, 2011
• 17:30

  St. Patrick’s Day Guide: The Pubs

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Alcohol   [edit]

  
  
  

  St. Patrick’s Day is this Thursday, the 17th, and for the past several years I’ve published a pub guide for the holiday. As always, this isn’t meant to be a definitive guide to all the watering holes in Bend, but rather more what I consider a more St. Patty’s-oriented guide. Feel free to leave others in the comments.

  And, there are a number of events for St. Patrick’s Day that are going on, too, and those will be collected into their own subsequent post.

  First, the breweries:

  Deschutes Brewery
  1044 NW Bond St.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 382-9242

  Bend Brewing Company
  1019 NW Brooks St.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 383-1599

  McMenamins Old St. Francis School
  700 NW Bond St.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 330-8563

  Cascade Lakes Lodge
  1441 SW Chandler Ave. Suite 100
  Bend, OR 97702
  (541) 388-4998

  Silver Moon Brewing
  24 NW Greenwood Ave.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 388-8331

  10 Barrel Brewpub
  1135 NW Galveston
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 678-5228

  JC’s Bar and Grill (10 Barrel Brewing)
  642 NW Franklin Ave.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 383-3000

  Old Mill Brew Werks
  84 SW Upper Terrace Dr. #101
  Bend, OR 97702
  (541) 633-7670

  Downtown, or close by:

  The Blacksmith
  211 NW Greenwood
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 318-0588

  Brother Jon’s Public House
  1227 NW Galveston
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 306-3321

  D & D Bar & Grill
  927 NW Bond St.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 382-4592

  M & J Tavern
  102 NW Greenwood Ave.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 389-1410

  Sidelines Sports Bar
  1020 NW Wall St.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 385-8898

  The Summit Saloon and Stage
  125 NW Oregon Ave.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 749-2440

  Wall Street Grill (behind Taj Palace)
  917 NW Wall St.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 385-7098 Elsewhere:

  The Abbey Pub
  1740 NW Pence Lane
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 323-2337

  Black Horse Saloon
  20565 Brinson Blvd.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 382-4270

  Cascade West Grub & Alehouse
  64 SW 14th St.
  Bend, OR 97702
  (541) 389-1853

  Cheerleader’s Grill & Sports Pub
  3081 N. Hwy 97
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 330-0631

  Fox’s Billiard Lounge
  937 NW Newport Ave.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 647-1363

  Grover’s Pub & Pizza
  939 SE 2nd St.
  Bend, OR 97702
  (541) 382-3754

  Players
  25 SW Century Dr.
  Bend, OR 97702
  (541) 389-2558

  Reed Pub
  1141 SE Centennial Ct.
  Bend, OR 97702
  (541) 312-2800

  Rivals Sports Bar
  2650 NE Division
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 749-2004

  Southside Pub
  61160 S. Highway 97 #B
  Bend, OR 97702
  (541) 383-7672

  The Phoenix
  594 NE Bellevue Dr.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 317-0727

  Third Street Pub
  314 SE 3rd St.
  Bend, OR 97702
  (541) 306-3017

  Timber’s East
  2570 NE Twin Knolls Dr.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 383-3502

  The Mountain’s Edge
  (formerly Timber’s South)
  61331 S. Highway 97
  Bend, OR 97702
  (541) 388-8178

  Westside Tavern
  930 NW Galveston Ave.
  Bend, OR 97701
  (541) 382-4810

• March 10, 2011
• 20:15

  Pilot Butte Drive-in on the westside

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  
  
  

  Pilot Butte Drive-in in my opinion has the best hamburgers in town, so the news that they’re planning on opening a second location on the west side of town is a good thing. From the Bulletin:

  [Bill] Falconer, who bought the restaurant in April 2007, did not want to give a specific location while still negotiating a lease. But he hopes to begin serving up the restaurant’s signature burgers, Cobb salads, shakes and other food at a site on Northwest 14th Street/Southwest Century Drive around Memorial Day weekend, if the rental deal works out.

  Hours for the Pilot Butte Drive-In Westside will likely be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at first, Falconer said. He would like to open for breakfast sometime next winter.

  A west-side location will not likely be able to capture the same drive-in ambiance of the restaurant on Greenwood, with its car-hop stations and message-board sign, complete with neon lettering and analog clock.

  The west-side location being negotiated is a newer, more modern building, he said. It won’t have drive-up service.

  Definitely a lot of the charm of PBDI is the old A&W drive-in ambiance, but if they serve up food on the westside that’s just as good as the original location, then I can’t imagine it won’t be successful.

• March 09, 2011
• 23:24

  NCAA Tournament Pick ‘em

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  
  
  

  Every year Jake over at UtterlyBoring.com runs a college basketball “Tournament Pick ‘em” contest with lots of great prizes, that’s free to join. He’s doing it again this year, and it’s bigger than ever:

  Selection Sunday is coming up on March 13 and then it’s time for offices all over the country to create office pools for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship (and for workplace productivity to grind to a halt). And it’s time for the readers of this site to compete for bragging rights (and some great prizes) in the sixth-annual UtterlyBoring.com Tournament Pick ‘Em. Last years contest info was here with final scoring here. babbage is looking to defend his title.

  This year we’ve partnered up with Central Oregon Athlete to bring more exposure to the whole thing and to try and gather up some more prizes. I’ve known Josh at COA for well over a decade, and he knows his sports better than anybody around here, so I figured this would be a perfect partnership.

  It’s free to play, and doesn’t require you to know anything about college basketball.

  There are a ton of great prizes available, click over to check them out and read up on the rules. And remember, it’s totally free to play.

• March 07, 2011
• 20:37

  What’s up with El Jimador?

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  
  
  

  I noticed not too long ago that El Jimador, the Mexican restaurant downtown on the corner of Franklin and Wall, was closed, and the windows papered over, and yesterday reader Jeff submitted the same question:

  Any idea what is happening with El Jimador on the corner of NW Wall Street by Pizza Mondo and 5 Fusion?

  They were closed in late February for spring cleaning and signs in the windows say reopening March 1. Still closed as of this weekend. Brown paper still covers the windows.

  And, don’t forget that back in December I had blogged a rumor about El J that had been redacted from The Source:

  Another restaurant that was rumored to have changed ownership last week was El Jimador. The Mexican joint on NW Wall Street has allegedly been sold to Gavin McMichaels of the Blacksmith, Bourbon Street and Marz Bistro. We hear El Jimador may become a Chinese restaurant and while we’ll miss the location’s margaritas, we can’t help but be excited for Chinese we don’t have to trek across town for.

  I rather doubt the McMichael rumor—I suspect he’s keeping plenty busy with Gatsby’s that just opened (not to mention Bourbon Street and The Blacksmith). But you never know.

  Anyone have any insight? Ideas? Inside knowledge?

• March 04, 2011
• 13:44

  Portland Opera Comes to Bend

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  McMenamin’s is hosting Portland Opera To Go! this Sunday at 2 p.m Opera To Go! is the touring division of Portland Opera’s Education and Outreach Program. While visiting 37 schools across the region, they are also making stops at several McMenamin’s sites, including Old St. Francis in Bend.

  The performance is free and all ages are welcome.  Come on, add a little culture to your weekend.

  [www.portlandopera.org]

• March 03, 2011
• 20:26

  Free Cascade Winds Concert this Sunday

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  
  
  

  This Sunday, March 6th, the Cascade Winds Symphonic Band is having their second free concert of their season at Summit High School. Jake has the details (he plays in the band):

  The pieces we’ll be playing this time around (it’s going to be a good one):

  • Grand Serenade for an Awful Lot of Winds and Percussion by P.D.Q. Bach. If you’ve never seen a P.D.Q. Bach piece performed, you’re really missing out as they’re hilarious.
  • New England Triptych [Be Glad Then, America; When Jesus Wept; Chester] by William Schuman
  • Continental Overture by Johan de Meij
  • Folk Song Suite by R. Vaughn Williams
  • “The Gum-suckers” March by Percy Aldridge Grainger
  • With Pleasure [Dance Hilarious] by John Philip Sousa

  These concerts are free, open to the public and suitable for all ages — and there are snacks at intermission, which is never a bad thing, right?

  The concert is at 2pm, and while free, they do gratefully accept donations as well (with a handy Google Checkout form right there on their page).

• March 02, 2011
• 23:55

  First Friday (March 2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  
  
  

  This Friday (the 4th of March) is the monthly First Friday Art Walk: galleries and businesses are open late for the Art Walk, with special art exhibits and often live music and free refreshments (and wine). It all takes place Downtown as well as the Old Mill and Northwest Crossing from 5 until 9pm.

  Last month the GETIT Shuttle was offering free service between the Old Mill and Downtown; I haven’t seen official word if it would doing so again, but I wouldn’t be surprised if so.

  Friday’s weather is forecast to be 46° with a low of 27°.

• February 28, 2011
• 20:49

  Free cappuccinos at Lone Pine Coffee

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Coffee   [edit]

  
  
  

  Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 1st) Lone Pine Coffee Roasters is celebrating their second anniversary with a customer appreciation day where they’ll be giving out free cappuccinos. Can’t go wrong with that!

  Lone Pine is located in Tin Pan Alley—the alley just sound of the parking garage and Thump Coffee downtown—at 845 Tin Pan Alley, to be exact, and are open from 7am til 6pm.

• February 25, 2011
• 11:16

  Ice Crit

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  The Ice Crit is one of my favorite events in the winter. The event used to be held in the Swampy Lakes parking lot but moved to Wanoga a couple years ago. Sometimes it’s downright balmy and there’s little or no snow anywhere, let alone on the course. This year, the conditions should be downright awful… and perfect.

  The race works similar to other criterium style bicycle races – the participants ride laps around the parking lot. Except… it’s dark. And there’s snow. And some of the racers are wearing funny costumes. And there’s a ramp, and the riders have to jump their bikes over a fire pit.

  If watching (free!) or riding ($10, proceeds go to COTA) doesn’t sound awesome to you, then I’m not sure why you live in Bend. Sure it’s cold, but that’s why we all own puffy coats and beanie hats and drink lots of warm beverages (or beer).

  Where: Wanoga Snow Park (14 miles southwest of Bend)
  When: Saturday, February 26
  Time: 6pm registration, 7pm start
  What to Bring: Bicycle (of any stripe), headlamp, costume, adventurous spirit

  More info here: [www.bikearoundbend.com]

• February 23, 2011
• 11:37

  Muddy Paws Opening

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  Got a dirty dog? Is bathing your dog a chore? Let Muddy Paws Bathhouse help you out! Muddy Paws is a self-serve dog wash opening today. They also provide grooming services if you don’t want to be a part of the cleaning process at all.

  They’re located on Century Drive next to Bend Pet Express, so you can stop in for a treat with your clean pup afterward.

  For hours and more info, see their website – [muddypawsbend.com] .

• February 18, 2011
• 12:11

  WinterFest starts today

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  
  
  

  Bend WinterFest starts today: the Old Mill will be taken over with Rail Jam, ice carving, the WinterFest Wine Walk, WinterFringe, the marketplace, and more all weekend. Festivities start tonight at 5pm and run until 10; on Saturday it’s 11 to 10, and Sunday is 11 to 6.

  There’ll be lots of live music all weekend, and don’t forget you’ll need to purchase a WinterFest button to get in.

• 12:02

  Movie Night at Truck Stop Skatepark

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  File under “random stuff I saw on Twitter” … via @johnny72k.

  Since I’m not a skater, I tend to forget about Bend’s Indoor Skatepark… Truck Stop Skatepark. I drive by it on the parkway, wonder who goes there? And why? But just keep speeding along.

  Well, their upcoming Movie Night might be a reason. I’m assuming that it’s along the lines of the ski and snowboard movies shown in the area. Sounds like the type of thing that could be a fun night out. Details are pretty thin, but here are the basics:

  Movie Night at Truck Stop Skatepark
  Saturday, March 12 @ 6pm
  1307 NE 1st Street (between Olney & Greenwood)
  Live appearances by Matt Beacham & Joel Parker
  Live music by Cadence

  Anyone have more info about this place… or the name of the movie they are showing and what time it starts?

• February 17, 2011
• 20:50

  Troubles at The Spice Box?

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  
  
  

  If you’re familiar with the Spice Box—an Indian-cuisine restaurant over on Century Drive—you might be interested to know they’ve apparently been having some troubles of late, according to their Facebook page. (Brian, a reader, pointed this out.)

  Apparently they were closing on February 1st for spring cleaning, and (according to their Facebook posts), they were locked out by their landlord under unknown circumstances. The last update was on the 11th, so the current situation is unknown. Any other readers know?

• February 16, 2011
• 12:48

  Online registration for Bend Park and Rec

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Advisories   [edit]

  
  
  

  I got this nice little note to pass along to all those parents who register their kids for activities through Bend Park & Recreation District.

  Big News! …..Bend Park & Recreation District is opening up summer registration for their recreation programs online on March 17^th for district residents and April 1^st for those who live outside the district. This is a big change. Normally, programs open in May. So, now you’ll have an extra month to plan what your kids will be doing this summer. Go online and be green on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17^th. To register go to https://register.bendparksandrec.org

  Happy registering, Bendites!

• February 15, 2011
• 7:14

  Bend schools on two-hour delay this morning

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Advisories   [edit]

  
  
  

  It’s not quite a snow day, but the Bend-La Pine School District is running on a two-hour delay this morning due to the snow, and morning kindergarten classes are canceled entirely.

  Update: And as quick as I posted this, the School District updated their notice with a full closure. Now it’s a snow day!

• February 10, 2011
• 23:50

  DiLusso is closed

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  
  
  

  It was on Twitter yesterday and in the Bulletin today: DiLusso Bakery is closed. (The article is behind the Bulletin paywall however—no linkage.) It sounds like a fairly sudden closure, although from the article I read this morning (actual paper, not online) it sounded like the owner was planning to close soon anyway.

• February 09, 2011
• 9:00

  Ignite Bend ticket winner, and stand-by details

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  contests   [edit]

  
  
  

  The winner of the drawing for the two free Ignite Bend tickets was Alan Brandt; overall there were 16 comments and Alan’s name was drawn from a hat (literally!). Congrats Alan!

  Also, if you weren’t able to get a ticket, the Ignite Bend folks forwarded me the details for the stand-by line—you might still be able to attend:

  Thank you for your interest in Ignite Bend! As you are aware, we have “sold out” of advance general admission tickets. At this time we have released as many tickets as we can to people on the wait list, and if any others come our way we will re-issue them. But, what if you don’t get a ticket?

  Since Ignite Bend is a FREE event, there are always a few no-shows for one reason or another. There will be a stand-by line at the Tower for anyone that wishes to attend but does not have a ticket. The stand-by line is first-come, first-served and it will be monitored by Ignite Bend volunteers. Your position on the wait list is unrelated to the order of the stand-by line. Feel free to join the stand-by line any time after 6:15pm. We ask that you please do not queue before then, out of courtesy to neighboring businesses.

  Ticketed patrons will be admitted starting at 6:30pm. We hope to begin admitting stand-by patrons no later than 6:45pm.

  If you do not wish to wait in line but want to watch the event LIVE, you can watch the live stream of Ignite Bend 6 on our website [www.ignitebend.com).] The event will also be recorded and individual talks will be posted to our YouTube channel [www.youtube.com]

  Finally, we invite everyone to join us at the OFFICIAL (no host) after party at Velvet in Downtown Bend, starting immediately following the show.

  Thanks again for your support!

• February 05, 2011
• 9:00

  Two Ignite Bend tickets to give away

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  contests   [edit]

  
  
  

  If you were wanting to attend Ignite Bend this coming Wednesday but didn’t get tickets in time—they sold out the first weekend they were available (though “sold out” is a bit misleading as Ignite Bend is a free event)—then you might be in luck because I have two extra tickets than I’m going to give away.

  Since I was picked as a speaker, I received two “Speaker” tickets already; and then I received two additional tickets the other day for Hack Bend—because previously I had helped set up the new website and Hack Bend is on the “Courtesy” list. Since I obviously don’t need the extra tickets, I thought I’d offer them here.

  So here’s the deal: leave a comment on this post (be sure to enter a valid email) and late on Tuesday the 8th (the day before Ignite) I’ll randomly select from the comments and send that person the tickets. They were emailed to me in PDF format, so as long as you can print them out (or display them on your phone) you’ll be good to go. I’ll announce the winner Wednesday morning too.

  And I hope to see you at Ignite!

• February 04, 2011
• 13:37

  First Friday tonight (Feb. 2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  
  
  

  It’s First Friday tonight, which means Art Walk downtown (as well as the Old Mill and Northwest Crossing). From 5 until 9pm the galleries, shops, and some restaurants will be open with featured art exhibits and many featuring refreshments and live music. The Downtown Bend site has their usual guide to most of the downtown happenings.

  And, the GETIT Shuttle will be offering free rides between downtown and the Old Mill from 5 to 9: pickup and drop-off will be at 900 Wall downtown, and Lahaina Gallery in the Old Mill. It will be a 30-minute loop.

• February 03, 2011
• 0:02

  Press Release: Ignite Bend Announces Speaker Line-Up for Sixth Event February 9, 2011

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  
  
  

  Before getting to the press release, I should post a disclaimer that I did submit a presentation proposal for Ignite Bend and it was accepted—so I’ll be speaking at the Tower next week. On the topic of brewing beer, go figure.

  Bend, Oregon, February 1, 2011 – Ignite Bend returns to the Tower Theatre for its sixth community event.

  Ignite Bend 6
  Tower Theatre ‐ Bend, OR
  Wednesday, February 9, 2011 ‐ 7pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)
  Free Admission (Donations gratefully accepted)

  Advance tickets sold out after four days of online registration. Standby tickets will be available at the Tower Theatre on the night of the event. Ignite Bend 6 will also be webcast live thanks to our multimedia partner, Pinnacle Media. Please visit the [www.ignitebend.com),] website on February 9th for the webcast link.

  Presentations include the following speakers:

  • Kate Willis — What is Ignite?
  • Brenda Gessner — Hitting the Road, a Trip out of the Mundane
  • Peter Werner — Understanding Your Credit
  • Bill Warburton — Cyclocross in Bend: An Insider’s Take on Why it is Growing and How We All Stand to Benefit.
  • Jordan Elliott — We can go faster than ourselves!
  • Kristin Luck-Donatelli — 20 Simple Steps To Make It To The Playboy Mansion (Without Taking Your Clothes Off)
  • Andy Wade — Ultimate Frisbee and World Peace
  • Jon Abernathy — How to Brew Beer in 10 Easy Steps
  • Sara Yellich — Commitment and the art of facing your greatest fears
  • Brian Tompkins — How to turn your kid into a Rock Star!
  • Cassondra Schindler — True Confessions of the Clothes-Minded

  As a free community event, Ignite Bend is thankful for community support in the form of sponsorships.

  For additional information about the event, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, please visit our website, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. You may also view past presentations on our Ignite Bend YouTube Channel.

  ABOUT IGNITE BEND – If you had five minutes on stage what would you say? What if you only had 20 PowerPoint slides and they rotated automatically every 15 seconds? Around the world people have been putting together “Ignite” nights to share their answers. Visit the Ignite Bend website [www.ignitebend.com)] to find out more about local events. More information about Ignite Events held around the world can be found at O’Reilly’s Ignite website [ignite.oreilly.com).]

• February 01, 2011
• 12:34

  Waffle (XC) Ski

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  If you aren’t into football but like to Nordic ski and want to meet up with others, this sounds like a fun event for all ages:

  “Super” Waffle Feed Sunday
  Where: Meissner Shelter, Virginia Meissner SnoPark
  When: Sunday, February 6th. 10am to nooon.
  Bring your family and your appetite to the Meissner Shelter for some Wood stove cooked Waffles and all the toppings. Yummy! Donations appreciated.

  Meissner’s a great park with a good variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult terrain. I recommend it even if you aren’t going for waffles. Grooming operations are supported by donations and volunteers, so be sure to chip in at the trailhead. Sno park passes are required for the parking lot.

  NOTE: Dogs are prohibited (on and off leash) at Meissner. If you want to ski with your pooch, try Wanoga (for groomers), Tumalo Falls, or Edison Sno Park.

• January 31, 2011
• 20:40

  Sunriver’s Trout House is closing

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Restaurants   [edit]

  
  
  

  The news that Sunriver’s Trout House restaurant—a charming little restaurant next to the Marina out at Sunriver Resort—was closing was embedded in Friday’s “Small Bites” section of the Bulletin’s restaurant review and nearly missed:

  Hola!, a popular Mexican-Peruvian restaurant with two Bend stores, will open a third location in Sunriver in March. Owner and executive chef Marcos Rodriguez said the new restaurant will replace the Trout House, which is closing. Existing restaurants, open every day for lunch and dinner, are next to the Regal cinemas in the The Old Mill District (541-647-2711) and in the Forum Shopping Center on Bend’s east side (541-389-4652); www.holabend.com.

  (Emphasis mine.)

  Nothing against Hola, which is a great restaurant, but I liked the Trout House: it had an almost secretive, off-the-beaten-path feel to it.

• January 24, 2011
• 23:46

  Valentine’s beer dinners

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  
  
  

  Valentine’s Day is coming up, and what could be more “Oregon” than pairing beer with a romantic evening and dinner? Fortunately both Deschutes Brewery and 10 Barrel Brewing are hosting exactly those types of events!

  Deschutes is featuring their “Pairing 4 Amoré” on Friday, February 11th, starting at 7pm:

  Looking to start your Valentine’s weekend off right? Join Deschutes Brewery for the Pairing 4 Amoré Beer and Food tasting. The aphrodisiac inspired menu will be paired with specialty brews including “Aphrodite”, a chocolate fig stout which will only be offered at this tasting. Bring your Valentine or your favorite beer drinking buddy and at the very least, fall in love with great food and beer!

  $48/person includes appetizers, beer and gratuity

  And 10 Barrel’s newsletter talks about their Valentine’s Beer Pairing Dinner on the 14th:

  We are very excited to announce our first annual Valentine’s Day beer pairing dinner! Brewmaster Jimmy Seifrit and Chef’s Justin Hanson and Mike Moor have put together an incredible menu, giving you the opportunity to sample some amazing food dishes paired with traditional 10 Barrel beers, but with a twist. Ever wondered what our S1NIST0R Black Ale would taste like infused with imported Vanilla beans and paired with spicy green lip [mussels] topped with a black caviar? Center cut Filet Mignon with a dark cherry demi, paired with the brewers Barrel Aged Surprise?

  Come join us for a very special evening with full presentations and intricate food/beer pairings and descriptions from the Chef’s and Brewmaster. Six courses in all, $50/person includes all food, drink, and gratuity. Please come sign up at the pub or email Garrett at gwales@10barrel.com to hold your spot. We are starting with a 7:15 seating. Don’t miss out on this once a year event!

  Hopefully the significant other in your life enjoys great beer as well as food!

  We are very excited to announce our first annual Valentine’s Day beer pairing dinner! Brewmaster Jimmy Seifrit and Chef’s Justin Hanson and Mike Moor have put together an incredible menu, giving you the opportunity to sample some amazing food dishes paired with traditional 10 Barrel beers, but with a twist.  Ever wondered what our S1NIST0R Black Ale would taste like infused with imported Vanilla beans and paired with spicy green lip muscles topped with a black caviar? Center cut Filet Mignon with a dark cherry demi, paired with the brewers Barrel Aged Surprise?
  Come join us for a very special evening with full presentations and intricate food/beer pairings and descriptions from the Chef’s and Brewmaster.  Six courses in all, $50/person includes all food, drink, and gratuity.  Please come sign up at the pub or email Garrett at gwales@10barrel.com to hold your spot.  We are starting with a 7:15 seating.  Don’t miss out on this once a year event!
• January 19, 2011
• 22:13

  Wine Maker’s Dinner at Terrebonne Depot

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  
  
  

  I got this email from the folks over at Terrebonne Depot and it sounds like a pretty cool dinner. My wife and I visited Balboa Winery up in Walla Walla last year and really liked it, and the menu and pairing they’re putting together for this menu looks really good.

  We would like to invite you to a special winter event at the Terrebonne Depot.

  We will be hosting a Wine Maker’s Dinner with Balboa Winery on Saturday January 29.  This will be a five-course dinner paired with Balboa Winery’s finely crafted wines.

  The evening will feature a very special dinner menu created by Executive Chef Kristin Yurdin.  Thomas Glase owner and winemaker of Balboa Winery will be at the event to take us through his delicious wines.  Thomas has been recognized by many as one of Walla Walla’s most innovative and talented winemakers.

  The event will be from 6pm until 9pm.

  Tickets will cost $70.00 with wine pairing and $50.00 without wine pairing..

  Reservations are required and space is limited so make your reservations soon!

  Reservations can be made by e-mail (info@terrebonnedepot.com) or phone 541.815.4900.

  This should be a very special evening of food and drink and we hope you will join us!

  Please see the dinner menu for the event below:

  Appetizer
  Roasted Artichoke Hearts with Crispy Pancetta, Juniper Grove’s “Redmondo” Aged Dry Goat Cheese, and Myer Lemon Aioli
  2009 Malbec Rose

  Fish
  Dungeness Crab Risotto with House Cured Pork Belly and Tarragon Chive Infused Olive Oil
  2009 Merlot

  Entrée
  Herb Crusted Lamb Loin with Confit of Flageolets, Fennel, and Sweet Onion, and Blood Orange Red Wine Reduction
  2009 Syrah

  Salad
  Chopped Endive Salad with Toasted Walnuts, Crater Lake Blue Cheese and Sherry Vinaigrette
  2008 Balboa Reserve

  Dessert
  Sweet Cherry Clafoutis with Mascarpone Whip Cream
  2007 Mith

• 21:52

  Press Release: Central Oregon Homeless Count

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Press Releases   [edit]

  
  
  

  For the sixth straight year, the Central Oregon Homeless Leadership Coalition is conducting a one-day count of people who are homeless or in transitional housing in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. This count is a part of a national effort to identify the number of people struggling to find appropriate and adequate housing.

  Throughout the day on Thursday, January 27th, 2011 volunteers will be conducting confidential and anonymous surveys in Bend, LaPine, Sisters, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras.  This one-day count will provide the most up-to-date information about the number of individuals in Central Oregon who are struggling to find adequate housing. Through this data, local agencies and programs are able to qualify for increased funding, better target support services, and develop comprehensive plans to address poverty and homelessness in Central Oregon.

  Individuals and families counted through this effort include people living in:
  Weekly motels
  Shelters
  Transitional housing
  “Doubled up” with other families
  Camping or sleeping in cars
  Other places not designed for long-term human habitation.

  The Homeless Leadership Coalition often relies on friends and families to aid in identifying people who should be included as a part of this One Night Homeless Count. If you, or someone you know, should be included in the count, please contact (541) 504-1389, or visit the nearest Command Center site on January 27th to complete a confidential and anonymous survey. To be counted as a part of this effort, it has to occur on Thursday, January 27th, 2011. Please do not try and be counted before that day. Free food, water, blankets and sleeping bags, cold weather gear, pet food, hygiene kits, and other items will be available at various Command Center sites throughout Central Oregon, while supplies last.

  For additional information about the impact of homelessness in Central Oregon, please visit the Homeless Leadership Coalition’s web site at www.cohomeless.org. This site will provide the most up-to-date details about the location of command centers, contact numbers, and additional information about the count.

  Deschutes County Command Center Sites:
  Bend- Trinity Episcopal Church/Family Kitchen- 231 NW Idaho-Light snacks starting at 10:00am and dinner served from 5:00pm to 6:30pm
  Bend- COCC Campus Center– Office of Student Life– 11:00 to 12:00 and 3:00 to 4:30.
  Lapine- Lapine Community Kitchen- 16480 Finley Butte Road –Lunch served noon to 2:00pm
  Redmond- Senior Center- 325 NW Dogwood– Soup served from noon to 5:00pm and Jericho’s Table dinner served from 5:00pm to 6:00pm
  Sisters- Kiwanis Food Bank- 225 N Oak Street– 9:00am to 2:00pm

• January 17, 2011
• 19:27

  Near/Far 2010

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Free   [edit]

  
  
  

  The fourth annual Near/Far music compilation is available online from the Bulletin—specifically from Ben Salmon’s Frequency blog—and, like the previous three years it’s chock full of free music and other goodies.

  Here, we’ve collected three dozen of the finest songs of the past 12 months from both local and national acts and created a two-disc compilation of free, legal MP3s for your downloading pleasure, complete with some fun doughnut-themed artwork for all you sweet-tooths. Here are the goods:

  Download “Far” by clicking here
  Includes 18 songs by some of the coolest national acts of the year, including Superchunk, Dr. Dog, Das Racist, Laura Veirs, Wavves, Freeway & Jake One, Beach House, Midlake, Black Mountain, Sharon Van Etten, Aloe Blacc, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and more. See the entire “Far” tracklist here.

  Download “Near” by clicking here
  Includes 18 songs by some of Central Oregon’s best artists, including Larry and His Flask, Sara Jackson-Holman, Mosley Wotta, Mindscape, A.M. Interstate, Tuck And Roll, Elliot, Dennis McGregor, The Autonomics, Michelle Van Handel, Tim Coffey, KouseFly and more. See the entire “Near” tracklist here.

  (Please be aware that a few of these tracks might contain some coarse language.)

  This actually came out back on December 16th, so I’m a little late blogging about it. But don’t let that deter you!

• January 13, 2011
• 18:57

  Bend Brewing/10 Barrel update

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  
  
  

  There’s an update to the changes I blogged about yesterday with 10 Barrel and Bend Brewing—namely BBC head brewer Tonya Cornett being hired on with 10 Barrel. Bend Brewing posted on Facebook today:

  Bend Brewing Company announces that Brewmaster, Tonya Cornett, will take a second brewing position with Ten Barrel later this year. She will remain Head Brewmaster at BBC overseeing all brewing production and ensuring the consistent quality we have been known for. We are excited for Tonya and this opportunity and want all of our loyal guests to know that nothing will change at the BBC.

  And Cornett followed up with essentially the same note:

  As most of you have learned, I have accepted a position with 10 Barrel Brewing. I will however oversee the daily operation and quality control for Bend Brewing. It is important for all of you to know that I have vested interest as well as a strong commitment to my BBC family. This decision will have no impact on the quality of the beer that Bend Brewing is known for. Please join us on Feb. 4th for the bottle release party for Lovely Cherry Baltic. It is the beer I am most proud of!

  This is more interesting to me than just simple “changing jobs” news, but either way I’m glad we’ll still be getting more of Cornett’s beers here in Bend!

• January 12, 2011
• 23:45

  Big brewery changes

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  
  
  

  The Source reports on some significant changes to the local brewing scene today, revolving around 10 Barrel Brewing: they are planning a brewery expansion to bring their production up from 10 barrels to 50 barrels (a significant investment/increase), and as part of that expansion they’ve hired Jimmy Seifert from Deschutes Brewery and—surprisingly—Tonya Cornett from Bend Brewing.

  10 Barrel partner Garret Wales confirmed that the Bend brewery… has hired Tonya Cornett from Bend Brewing Company (BBC). Cornett, who was recognized as the small brewpub brew master of the year for 2008 by the World Beer Cup, has been with BBC for almost a decade helping to solidify the small brewery’s reputation as one of the premier craft breweries in Oregon. Wales said Cornett won’t formally move to 10 Barrel until midsummer at the earliest and perhaps not before the end of the year, depending on when 10 Barrel gets its planned brewhouse expansion up and running… In the meantime, Cornett will continue to brew for BBC, he said.

  “She plays an integral role in Bend Brewing and we want to be really sensitive about that…and give her the opportunity to make a smooth transition,” Wales said.

  Wales said Cornett isn’t the only significant hire as of late for 10 Barrel. Wales said 10 Barrel hired longtime Deschutes brewer Jimmy Seifert to assume the brew master duties at 10 Barrel. Wales said Seifert, who started this month, has years of valuable brewing experience serving as Deschutes brew master Larry Sidor’s right-hand man, as Wales put it. He added that Seifert also has helped oversee Deschutes multiple production expansions and is comfortable working with a larger scale production line like the one that 10 Barrel is preparing to install.

  For anyone whose a beer geek like myself this will be surprising news, with interesting implications. I’ve long credited Cornett with turning the beer situation around at Bend Brewing, and Seifert was the #2 brewer at Deschutes; now that they’ll both be brewing for 10 Barrel, I imagine we’ll be seeing some very interesting things on tap down at the 10 Barrel Pub.

  And, unrelated to any of the three above-mentioned breweries, The Source also reported today that Noble Brewing, which had planned to open around the first of the year, has pushed back their opening to March (they’re still waiting on infrastructure).

• 23:18

  Library winter book sale

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  books   [edit]

  
  
  

  This coming Saturday, January 15th, is the (quarterly) Friends of the Bend Library Winter Book Sale: from 10am until 4pm at the Library Administration Building at 507 NW Wall downtown, there will be thousands of books (as well as CDs and movies) on sale at great prices. (The Library hasn’t been updating their calendar with these sales of late, so hat tip to KTVZ Community Calendar for listing this.)

  Book prices are something like $1 each (on average), though special collection items and first editions do cost more.

• January 11, 2011
• 12:51

  Last call for Ignite Bend 6 proposals

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  
  
  

  Ignite Bend 6 is taking place next month, February 9th, and if you have a burning desire to be a part of it—to get up on stage for a five-minute presentation on, well anything—you have until tomorrow to submit a proposal with your presentation idea.

  Ignite Bend 6 is coming! If you had five minutes on stage, what would you talk about? What if you only got 20 slides and they rotated automatically after 15 seconds? Would you tell a humorous story? Teach a hack? Explain your passion for an unusual hobby? Break out into song?

  If you’re going to be in Central Oregon for the event and would like to participate as a speaker, fill out the form to submit your talk. We are looking for talks that will inspire and teach, not recruiting or product pitches.

  Wednesday, January 9th (tomorrow) is the deadline for those submissions, and then from those, nine speakers will be selected based on feedback and voting.

  If you haven’t been to Ignite Bend before, you’ll definitely want to check this out; admission is free (donations are gratefully accepted) and it is a lot of fun. I attended the last one and had a blast.

• January 10, 2011
• 19:50

  Horse-drawn beer tour

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  beer   [edit]

  
  
  

  If there was any one thing that could have further cemented Bend’s reputation as a go-to beer destination, this is not what I would have predicted: we now have a horse-drawn beer tour.

  If you’re driving in downtown Bend and suddenly feel like you’re in a certain brand’s beer commercial, don’t worry, you’re not seeing things — it’s Bend’s new horse-drawn beer tour, a different-horsepower version of Bend’s popular Ale Trail.

  Bend’s Well-traveled Fork joined forces with the Cowboy Carriage Co. to kick off the new service, which debuted Sunday.

  As part of the brew tour, they’ll also serve up some tasty lunch grub, prepared by chef Bette Fraser, and chat with horse conductor Ryan Moeggenberg.

  Seems like an odd thing to start in the dead of winter…

• January 08, 2011
• 17:01

  Webfoot Painting’s $5000 Painting Charity Giveaway (Press Release)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  
  
  

  Webfoot Painting to Donate $5,000 Worth of Painting Services to Family or Nonprofit in Need; Requests Recommendations from the Community

  Webfoot Painting Co., a leading residential painting company serving Central Oregon, announces its 2^nd Annual $5,000 Painting Charity Giveaway. The Bend-based company will select one recipient in the Bend/Redmond area based on need and compelling story to receive $5,000 in free paint, labor and materials.

  Last year’s winner, The Ronald McDonald House of Bend, tested the giving spirit of the giveaway and all those involved. The RMDH hadn’t been painted in over 12 years and was in severe condition. “When you come to a building the size of RMDH in the condition that it was in, $5000 worth of painting would really only allow us to put some “lipstick and mascara” on the building,” said Gavin Hepp, partner in Webfoot Painting and organizer of the event. “For this project to be something our employees and volunteers could be proud of, we knew we had to do it right, the Webfoot way.” The team at Webfoot and volunteers from around Central Oregon worked for four days restoring the exterior of the Ronald McDonald House. Sponsors like Sherwin Williams also stepped up in a big way when Webfoot Painting owners, Gavin Hepp and Travis Ulrich, asked if they’d be willing to triple their paint donation. The project ended up taking over 400 labor hours, nearly 100 gallons of paint and primer, and would have cost approximately $20,000 had house manager Mardi Bruce, not submitted their story for consideration.

  Webfoot Painting will begin collecting stories of worthy recipients for the 2^nd Annual $5000 Painting Charity Giveaway via their website on Monday, January 3^rd, 2011. Once again, the entire Webfoot team will be providing their time, talents and resources using paint products donated by Sherwin Williams to freshen up and restore someone’s home. Stories will be collected through the end of February with the winner being determined by a company vote in March. The only criteria is that you have a compelling story of why you feel you or someone else you know and care about, deserves the free painting services.

  Webfoot asks the community to provide written stories, pictures and any supporting materials no later than February 28, 2010 via the company’s website submission form (www.webfootpainting.com), email (gavin@webfootpainting.com), or mail (61535 S. Hwy 97 Ste. 9-277, Bend, OR 97702).

  About Webfoot Painting Co.

  Webfoot Painting is a full-service residential and commercial painting company serving all of Central Oregon. Specializing in lasting interior and exterior painting, staining and refinishing of decks, fences, and shingles, and high-end finish work. Webfoot is committed to providing its clients with high quality painting services, and a hassle free, friendly and professional experience. Their motto, “Seriously Great Painters,” can be seen in every project they complete. Visit www.webfootpainting.com for more information.

• January 07, 2011
• 12:10

  First Friday (Jan. 2011)

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  
  
  

  It’s First Friday Art Walk tonight in Downtown Bend, as well as the Old Mill District and Northwest Crossing, where the various galleries and other businesses stay open late featuring art exhibits, live music, and (often) free wine and refreshments.

  And as usual the Downtown Bend site has a nice summary of participating businesses for tonight’s Art Walk.

  Be downtown from 5 to 9pm, and enjoy!

• January 06, 2011
• 10:41

  Another one bites the dust…

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  According to an article in today’s issue of the Bend Bulletin, Tony’s Delicatessen has closed. The restaurant was located in the small shopping center near Safeway on Century Drive.

  BOR must be bummed.

• January 05, 2011
• 20:52

  Bend’s new Mayor: Jeff Eager

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Government and Politics   [edit]

  
  
  

  Tonight was the Biennial meeting of the Bend City Council, and not only was it the swearing in of the new City Councilors (Scott Ramsay, Jodie Barram, and Jeff Eager), but the Council also elected Bend’s new Mayor: Jeff Eager.

  From the City’s meeting notes:

  Councilor Greene nominated Councilor Eager as Mayor of the City of Bend. Councilor Capell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 7/0.

  Mayor Eager will focus on putting people in touch with their City government, ensuring that citizens feel they are being heard and decisions are made based on citizen input. He supports, along with other members of Council, an elected mayor in the future.

  That last bit is interesting, because currently the Bend Mayor is selected by the City Council and not by general election.

  Also, Jodie Barram was elected Mayor Pro Tem (essentially the “Vice Mayor” position).

  Congrats to both the new City Councilors and the new Mayor!

• 20:43

  New restaurant downtown: Boken

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Downtown   [edit]

  
  
  

  My wife found this ad on craigslist pointing to a new restaurant downtown (also note if you’re looking for a job):

  Boken is a new restaurant and bar opening in the Breezeway downtown Bend. We are an Asian inspired “Izakaya” style restaurant. We are hiring for all positions, including: Sous Chef, experienced line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, experienced bartenders and servers, bussers, and hosts.
  applicants must have flexible schedule, be available for late evening shifts and have valid food handlers card and servers permit. (FOH positions)

  please bring your resume to Kanpai, 990 NW Newport Ave. between 10am -2pm on January 10th & 11th.

  This would be the former Downtowner location in the Breezeway—the west end, next door to the Mad Happy Lounge (itself the former Bendistillery martini bar).

  Update/correction(?): I presume it’s the former Downtowner location, which is also the (former?) Lola’s location—the only restaurant location in the actual Breezeway that I’m aware of…

• January 04, 2011
• 19:51

  Sagebrush Classic Nonprofit Registration

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  
  
  

  Each year Deschutes Brewery puts on the Sagebrush Classic golf tournament and fundraiser, featuring a weekend of golf and a special dinner that is geared towards raising money for local nonprofits. The event itself doesn’t take place until July, but the fundraising campaign runs from mid-February through mid-August; and the deadline for local nonprofits to register to participate is next Tuesday, January 11th, with a required open house registration at the Deschutes Brewery Mountain Room from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

  Calling all Central Oregon Nonprofits! You’re invited to attend the 2011 Sagebrush Event registration. This event is not an informational meeting, it is for organizations that desire to participate in Sagebrush 2011. RSVP nonprofits@sagebrush.org.

  Items to bring: Completed nonprofit application and IRS Tax Determination Letter (available on Sagebrush Website).

  The forms and the FAQ can be downloaded here.

• January 03, 2011
• 15:46

  Submit a talk for Ignite Bend 6

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  If you’ve never been to an Ignite Bend event before, you are missing out on a GREAT community event. (Not sure what it is? There are videos of past events on the Ignite Bend website.) And if you’ve never been on stage at Ignite Bend before… here’s your chance!

  The next event – Bend’s sixth – is coming up on February 9th at the Tower Theater. Currently speaker submissions are being accepted on their website but the deadline is coming up soon. You can talk about whatever you want as long as it isn’t a sales pitch or solicitation. The goal is to energize, entertain, and enlighten the audience and past talks have ranged in topics from introverts to beer, and from travel to triathlons. Speakers selected to present at the event receive an exclusive coffee mug from Mug Revolution – you can’t get this anywhere else.

  PLEASE consider submitting a talk and becoming a part of Ignite Bend family!

• 9:11

  Dude, grab your White Russians!

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  
  
  

  The Dude is coming to the Tower Theatre and by The Dude, I mean The Coen’s Brothers The Big Lewbowski.

  From the Tower’s website:

  Tickets: General Admission $10

  Rated R

  When “The Dude” Lebowski is mistaken for a millionaire Lebowski, two thugs urinate on his rug to coerce him into paying a debt he knows nothing about. While attempting to gain recompense for the ruined rug from his wealthy counterpart, he accepts a one-time job with high pay-off. He enlists the help of his bowling buddy, Walter, a gun-toting Jewish-convert with anger issues. Deception leads to more trouble, and it soon seems that everyone from porn empire tycoons to nihilists want something from The Dude.

  I heard via 92/9FM drinks will be available (my guess, White Russians) and viewers are encouraged to dress like the movie’s character. I wonder if I can pull off the Jesus look?

  Who’s your favorite Lewbowski character?

• January 02, 2011
• 22:30

  January art at Thump Coffee

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Art   [edit]

  
  
  

  I don’t get downtown to Thump Coffee nearly enough, but it is my favorite of the various coffee shops I’ve visited—I love the brick and open beam atmosphere (it reminds me, in fact, of Café Paradiso of days gone by). That atmosphere is also helped by the monthly art installations they feature, and for this month of January they are featuring an exhibit named “Sent from my iPhone.” Read on for the full press release.

  
  (Bend, OR) “Sent From My iPhone,” an exhibit of cell phone photography, or “iPhonography,” by Carlos A. Perez will be on exhibit throughout January at Thump Coffee in downtown Bend. The coffeehouse will also host an exclusive sneak preview of “Push” skateboard decks customized by dozens of local, regional and national artists. The skateboard artworks will be auctioned off to benefit the Division Street Skatepark Project.

  “Sent From My iPhone” is a series of images captured on my iPhone and ‘processed’ on the iPhone, with no trips to a film lab or launching any professional digital photo editing software from my desktop computer,” explains Perez.

  “Before my iPhone, I would snap photos with my Nokia or one of other countless camera equipped mobile phones I’ve had over the years. This low-fi, disposable digital imagery captures fleeting, and sometimes drab moments.”

  A total of 180 images printed on postcards will be displayed approximately 60 at a time, and Perez will rotate them throughout the month.

  Perez is “El Jefe” at Perez design, the graphic design studio that developed Thump Coffee’s logo and branding. He is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University – School of Visual Arts with a degree in design and a minor in photography.

  For more, visit http://carlosaperez.com

  According to organizers, Push is modeled after a similar community skatepark project in Montana and inspired by Portland’s famed Burnside skatepark and similar DIY parks. “Though we have lots of sun here in Central Oregon, a covered skatepark designed, built, and maintained by skaters without the help of the parks dept, or the city is the goal,” say organizers.

  Situated on Division Street under the Bend Parkway, the land is currently vacant and strewn with large boulders. The project crew, comprised of volunteers who have dreamt of such an opportunity for years, formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit in order to secure grants and funds for building the park, which has already won the support of the Oregon Department of Transportation. For more information on the skatepark project, go to divisionstreetskatepark.org.

  Thump Coffee is located in downtown Bend at 25 NW Minnesota Ave. For details, visit www.ThumpCoffee.com or call 541-388-0226.

• January 01, 2011
• 23:54

  WinterFest is around the corner

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Events   [edit]

  
  
  

  Bend WinterFest is coming up next month, February 18th through 20th, taking place down in the Old Mill District. In addition to the live music, ice carving, Rail Jam, food and wine, and so on, they’ve added a new element this year that sounds interesting: “WinterFringe.”

  The “Fringe” in this case refers both to being on the fringe of the Fest, and the “alt” element they’re promoting—in this case, meaning street performers. From their press release:

  WinterFringe is based on the growing popularity of fringe festivals, which feature street performances ranging from dancing to comedy to poetry. According to the United States Association of Fringe Festivals (yes, even the fringe has an association), fringe festivals:

  • Focus on the performing arts: including theater, dance, puppetry and spoken word.
  • Uncensored: No one gets too fussy about swears or nudity but squeaky-clean content isn’t marginal or discouraged, either.
  • Original: Fringes feature a huge array of original material—sometimes by design, but usually because that’s what Fringes naturally do well.
  • Rapid-fire: Typically, tech is minimal and time is a factor at fringe festivals. Shows are often kept brief (Fringes most frequently have shows right around 60 minutes in length) and technical requirements kept simple (minor sets, streamlined cues, nothing elaborate).

  WinterFringe is anchored by fire-dancing troupe FireFlyte on the street (which is free to attend) and Mosley Wotta in the “Part Deux” portion at the Century Center (which requires a WinterFest button to be purchased for entry).

  Those buttons can be purchased on bendticket.com, and cost $6 in advance, $7 at the gate, $20 for a family 4-pack in advance, and $24 at the gate. (Children under 5 are free.)

• December 30, 2010
• 14:37

  What to do for New Year’s

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Holidays   [edit]

  
  
  

  Looking for things to do this Friday night? There are of course a number of New Year’s Eve options around the area (updated, below):

  McMenamins Old St. Francis School is featuring live music and special overnight packages (which look to be sold out). Starting at 9pm, the Moon Mountain Ramblers will be playing in the Theater for $10, and in Father Luke’s Room, Jukebot! will be performing for free.

  Silver Moon Brewing is having their New Year’s Eve party with live music from both The River Pigs and The Prairie Rockets. The show starts at 9pm and it’s a $10 cover.

  The Oxford Hotel downtown is calling their party “Rock the Ox!” which runs from 8:30 to 12:30 and will have champagne, appetizers, and dancing. The cost is $35 (plus a processing fee) and tickets can be purchased on bendticket.com. (This is a 21-and-older party.)

  5 Fusion Sushi Bar is having a New Year’s Eve “Pre-Fixe Dinner” (sic) that looks to be seven courses plus a bottle of champagne for $50. They’ll also have a happy hour menu available from 3 to 5, and 9 to close on the 31st.

  Common Table is holding their own prix fixe New Year’s Eve meal: $35 for a three-course meal with dessert. Live music will be provided by Ryan Adams from 8:30 until 10:30, and you’ll need reservations.

  The Blacksmith is holding a New Year’s Eve party with VIP passes for $25 that will give you private seating and cocktail service, party favors, free passed appetizers and complementary sparkling wine for the midnight toast. There will also a DJ spinning music for the dance floor.

  And over at The Source they’ve got a list of more picks you’ll want to check out too.

  Do you know of other things happening? Leave a note in the comments!

• 10:11

  Christmas Tree Recycling

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  We took our tree down yesterday, so I was happy to see the news (from several sources) that the Boy Scouts are picking up Christmas trees to be recycled again this year. All they ask is a donation of $5 or more; the money goes towards troop activities. If you received a flyer you don’t have to do anything but kick the tree (stripped of decorations & lights) to the curb by 9am on one of the pick-up days. If you didn’t get a flyer you can call the “tree hotline” for your area and they’ll add you to the list.

  Pick-up Dates:
  January 1, 2, 8, 9 – put your tree out by 9am

  Tree Hotlines:
  Northwest Bend (west of Third Street and north of Newport/Greenwood), 541-385-2692
  Southwest Bend (west of Third Street and south of Newport/Greenwood), 541-385-3977
  Northeast Bend (east of Third Street and north of Greenwood/Highway 20), 541-385-2672
  Southeast Bend (east of Third Street and south of Greenwood/Highway 20), 541-385-3942
  Sunriver, 541-385-3935
  La Pine, 541-385-3971

  Any other ideas for tree recycling & disposal? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

• December 29, 2010
• 15:20

  Hood to Coast documentary showing in Bend

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  BendFilm will be screening a documentary about the Hood to Coast relay on January 11 (1/11/11) at the Regal Cinema in the Old Mill. Here’s the scoop from their Hood to Coast Fathom Event on Facebook:

  Please join BendFilm at a special screening of a very cool documentary, Hood To Coast. A feature length documentary that captures the spirit of the runner like it’s never been seen before. Following four teams on their epic journey as they try to conquer the world’s largest relay race.

  Tickets are $12.50 and can be purchased at the link below.

  [www.fathomevents.com]

  Even though H2C is a Portland event, I’m sure there are plenty of locals who have participated over the years. Maybe there will be some familiar faces in the movie.

• 9:50

  Produce Patch changes

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  general   [edit]

  
  
  

  Today the Bulletin reports that The Produce Patch (that little produce and grocery store on 2nd Street, across from the School Bus lot) is closing. The owner cites the economy as the reason for the closure.

  Personally I really like The Produce Patch. Not all of the produce is local but they sure carried a nice variety. Everything was well marked and the staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. AND… they had a great spice section. I’ll be sad to see them go.

  Originally The Produce Patch was a seasonal produce stand, and they’ll be returning to that business model in the spring. No location has been determined yet.

  The article is behind the paywall, but if you have an account you can read it here.

• December 27, 2010
• 14:21

  Allyson’s Kitchen is closing

   » ‎ Hack Bend

  Tags:  Business   [edit]

  
  
  

  Allyson’s Kitchen in the Old Mill District is closing this week; they just posted the release on their site and Facebook today.

  Allyson’s Kitchen will be closing its Bend store location as of the end of business on Friday, December 31, citing repercussions from the recession and debt from the original owners as the main reasons for the closure. The store’s flagship location in Ashland, Oregon will remain open, and gift card holders can redeem cards at that store, via telephone or online at www.allysonskitchen.com.

  The Bend store will be offering merchandise on clearance this week, but the deli will be closed as of Tuesday, December 28. The team plans to hold one final Friday night wine tasting on December 31.