Having hundreds of divine restaurants to choose from in our town of 82,000 is a Foodie’s dream come true, but we’re always up for the challenge of foregoing our favorites to try out some new cuisine.
Chowing Down at The Restaurant at Awbrey Glen
The Visit Bend team of foodies venture out together a few times every quarter to try a new restaurant together. Recently, we were lucky enough to dine at 5 Fusion and Sushi Bar and The Restaurant at Awbrey Glen. We also fit in a tasty tasting of Volcano Vineyards vino (and Sangria) in their downtown Bend tasting room off Minnesota Avenue. The upstairs area can be reserved for private parties, book clubs and meetings for free.
5 Fusion and Sushi Bar is one of Bend’s newest sushi and only Asian “fusion” restaurant, located next door to The Tower Theatre. Once the home of Deep, Bend’s now defunct sushi restaurant, 5 Spice hasn’t made us miss it one bit. The sushi is very fresh and the rolls are amazing. I have to admit that I’m not a sushi fan (the texture gets to me), but I eat it occasionally when surrounded by my sushi-addict friends. I’ve actually dined at one of the best sushi bars in San Francisco and Orange County, so I do know what good sushi should taste like. I’m perfectly content with the Tempura Veggie Roll and the Crispy Fritter with Sweet Chili Sauce. This is why 5 Fusion is a great place to meet my sushi friends for dinner or their “happi hour” because I can order a Rib Eye Steak or the Oolong Tea Glazed Sea Bass over noodles and they can have their sushi. 5 Fusion and Sushi Bar recently underwent a name change from 5 Spice in case you were wondering. It’s the same owner, Lilian Chu, and her talented team.
Cheers to Volcano Vineyards Tasty Vino
I know dining at a golf course probably doesn’t interest many people who don’t golf, but I’d recommend heading to The Restaurant at Awbrey Glen, located on Bend’s wealthy Westside. Cocktails and appetizers on the patio, a sunset dinner alfresco, or even a well-earned hearty breakfast after a Sunday stroll up the butte sounds like a fantastic way to work in exercise and eating. The lush golf course green and mountain views provide a picture perfect backdrop to nosh away–a few of my favorites are the Yucatan Chicken or the Kalbi Braised Short Ribs.
Check out the additional Bend restaurant reviews that the Visit Bend Foodies have frequented over the last year or so here. From Bend’s oldest and only restaurant with a 250 year-old pine tree growing up through the floor (The Pine Tavern) to river front dining (Pastini Pastaria, Crossings at the Riverhouse, Greg’s Grill), we scout—and taste–the Bend dining scene at popular and off-the-beaten-path restaurants.