March 17th is the one day of the year when everyone in Central Oregon is Irish, and the Astro Lounge, Bend’s chic urban night spot rings in with a St. Patrick’s Day party and everything from shamrocks to leprechauns. Astro Lounge is renowned for a menu that includes more than 25 Specialty Martinis.  Specially priced menu items and custom drinks will be the highlight of the party.

Regulars swear the Lemon Drops are the best in town, and during happy hour are only three dollars, or a choice of three 5oz. martinis are five dollars.  The house-infused pineapple rum Mai-Tai is sweet, tropical and filling.  The bartenders aptly shake out a Key Lime Pie martini until it comes out smooth and frothy with the rim dipped in sweet/sour lime juice and a fine graham cracker crust. For an extra kick try the Anastasia martini which is laced with Raspberry Stoli. Many prefer combos like the Astrodisiac martini for two which comes with fish tacos, gouda cheese fondue and coconut prawns or Tahini chicken spears. Astro Lounge hand cut French fries or Stromboli appetizers are tasty with any martini. Onion rings are plump but never greasy. Those in the know advise ordering martinis with bleu cheese olives.

The Astro Lounge is romantic and perfect for meeting and greeting. The chic loft lounge is set off with plush leather or velvet sofas, mirrored candles, and oversized chairs and loveseats in the darkened corners. From seating on regular balcony tables people watching is a seemingly endless parade. The Astro Lounge address is 147 NW Minnesota in Bend. For more information check the internet or call 541-388-0116.

Green beer and plenty of Blarney will be flowing at JC’s Bar & Grill on St. Patrick’s Day Monday March 17. Live music from KC Flynn will begin around 8:00 PM. Flynn is widely recognized as the most accomplished acoustic guitarist in Central Oregon and he chose to return to a home in Bend after traveling and touring extensively.  JC’s Bar & Grill offers delicious dining, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.  It’s a family operation with a loyal clientele. Most nights owners and twin brothers Jeremy and Chris sling drinks and serve up tasty pub grub. The salads are a garden harvest and the chicken strips and burgers are filling and economically priced. Veggie dishes are sumptuous. Locals store their own inscribed beer mugs and the vibe is always mellow. Drink specials are offered every night at the full bar or the wine and beer bar. KC Flynn plays guitar music live every Thursday night. Besides great music and food and a small dancing floor outside seating is available when the weather is nice. Both street and lot parking are available. The bar and grill open for lunches at 11:00 AM Monday through Sunday.  JC’s Bar & Grill is located at 642 NW Franklin Avenue in Bend. For more information call 541.383.3000 or check out the website.

The Bendistillery Martini Bar and Mazama Bistro is among the oldest small-batch distilleries. It has gained the stature of being the country’s most award winning distillery. Occasional live music, fashion shows, mood lighting and the historic location all make the bistro evocative of trendy Manhattan or San Francisco martini bars. Since 1996 they have been reviving the tradition of premium handcrafted American distilled spirits. Only the freshest natural ingredients and pure Cascade Mountain water to create custom gins and vodkas.  

Regulars say for swank and sophistication you can’t beat ending a long day (or night) with a martini. It has a romantic past and a long list of famous fans including James Bond, Cary Grant and Ernest Hemingway. All traveled around the world seeking their favorite “tini” served dry, dirty or shaken. Bendistillery’s menu is varied, and changes seasonally. There are many standards including fresh infused lemon drops. Shaken with ice and served in a sugar-rimmed glass, they compete with the Crater Lake Sunrise for popularity. The staff is efficient and helpful and if guests can’t make up their minds, there are friendly bartenders willing and able to help with details about each drink. Visitors can purchase a bottle of their favorite spirits to take home for a souveneir or a nightcap.

The spirits are distilled locally, but not on the premises. The smell of juniper attracts anyone who loves Central Oregon and the High Desert Juniper gin tastes and smells like the desert, with a rugged smoky taste. Other Gold Medal spirits are the Crater Lake Vodka, Double 100 Vodka (Double Gold winner), Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka (Platinum and Best of Show winner) Mazama Infused Pepper Vodka. The Bendistillery Martini Bar and Sampling Room is its own cocktail laboratory. Bartenders consistently serve up seasonal creations that are tasty and innovative. They also offer a wide choice of boutique spirits from around the country.

The attractive Bendistillery recipe page includes nearly 100 recipes for cocktails, fruit infused vodka and gin cocktails, and hot drink cocktails. Customers often comment on the unique location in the heart of downtown Bend on the Brooks Street alley – just down from the historic Pine Tavern on the Mirror Pond Plaza overlooking Drake Park and the Deschutes River.

The martini bar is open 4:00 PM to closing Monday through Saturday. A patio with a scenic view of a classic High Desert sunset brings hip, young, urban life to downtown Bend weather permitting. Tuesday nights are Fashion Show nights. Each week a different local retailer takes over the Martini Bar to showcase their latest fashions. The show starts at 8:00 PM and always draws a large crowd so it’s advisable to arrive early for a table. Staff or management can explain the Parties To Go Bendistillery have hosted, such as the Pronghorn Golf Course Grand Opening. Other examples of parties and festivals they have catered and attended are available in the Bendistillery Photo Gallery page. For more information, pricing or schedules call 541-318-0200 or visit the Bendistillery web site.

we ate dinner at gregs grill with another couple recently and were totally disappointed the butter had a foul taste and we told the waitress and she brought us another portion of whipped butter the shrimp I ordered must have been mrs fridays the calamari was good the clam chowder was terrible it had no body and carrots in it the decor is great but you can’t eat that we have had friends and relatives who also share our experience with this restaurant we will not be back there are to many other good eating places thank you fred morrow 541-536-3345 fmorrowor@msn.com p.s. I think you need a manager who asks the customers about there food quality

Nomad Charities is a non-profit organization based in Bend that seeks to improve the quality of lives of children who are homeless, exploited and orphaned by the devastation of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Kenya.

The story of Nomad Charities is ultimately that of its founders, twin sisters Janette and Jenn Hofmann. Both are longtime veterans of charity work who have devoted much of their lives and endless energy to helping others. The idea for what would eventually become Nomad was inspired by their work in various orphanages across the world and their continual desire to do more for those they wanted to help. Six years ago, the twins were in Africa doing humanitarian work and decided they wanted to get away from large non-governmental organizations that are often bogged down by administrative costs. “You never know where your dollar goes,” Jenn Hofmann said. “We knew we could make an impact if we picked one village. What we spend on dinner in Portland or Bend supports a family for five months.” Bend Rotary clubs have provided transportation and services with generous grants. Along with Rotary grants from National and International Rotary, the Rotary Club of Greater Bend, Mt. Bachelor Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Sunriver and Rotary Club of Sisters have contributed $37,000.

Parker Huffman, a 5th grade student in West Linn, Oregon is raising funds for Nomad Charities to help build a 36-bed orphanage in Kibwezi, Kenya by attempting to climb Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro in September 2008. After Nomad’s “Climb For A Cause” he will spend the rest of the school year and his summer raising funds to help create an organic garden at the orphanage site and to help buy a school bus for both the orphanage and the community of Kibwezi. Many of Parker’s friends at school are helping raise funds for the climb. For more information or to make a donation call 541-318-6099 or visit the Nomad Charities website.

Locals and visitors alike will celebrate the Valentine “season” with a Sunriver Resort Romance Special. Village guestrooms start at $149 per night. From now until April 13, 2008 Lodge Village guests will receive $25 credit for each night they stay. The credit is good towards spa services, golf, dining, ski lift tickets and more. For information and reservations call 800-801-8765 or visit the Sunriver website.

Sunriver is the place to start a romantic High Cascade Bonfire Snowshoe trip. On Saturday evening, February 16th, 2008 a van from Wanderlust Tours will pick up resort guests at 7:00 PM for a trek through a snowy forest to bask in a glowing bonfire. Naturalist guides share fun information about history, ecology, animal life, and the stars. The cost is $75 per person, which includes guide, snowshoes, instruction, transportation, dessert, and drinks. Tours are scheduled throughout this month and March. For more information visit the Wanderlust Tour website or call 541-389-8359 or toll free 800-962-2862.

Buckboard Productions is proud to announce our upcoming public dinner shows: The Mafioso Murders 

This interactive dinner program is set in the Prohibition Era so what better place than a speakeasy? Join us to celebrate the Godfather’s 75th birthday. He’ll get what he deserves… and you may have dunnit! Each show includes speaking roles and props for our guests. Dinner and show: $45 pp. Reservations Required.

Feb 23rd 6:30 PM –Sully’s Italian Restaurant
314 SW 5th St. Redmond 541-548-5483

March 8th 5:00 PM — Eagle Crest Resort

Buckboard Productions offers the finest interactive entertainment in Central Oregon. We’re proud to offer corporate, private party, fundraising and teambuilding programs as well as our public shows. Check us out at www.buckboardproductions.com , drop us an email or give us a call.  We’re dying to entertain you!

Steve and Sue Meyer

Buckboard Productions, LLC

Murder Mysteries & Team

Lovers of Mediterranean cuisine say the dining experience at Ariana restaurant in Bend is like taking a culinary journey to France, Spain or Italy. Whether it’s the Amalfi coast, the rolling Spanish countryside or the French Riviera, Ariana staff have only one goal: to transport guests using exquisite food, service and decor, creating another place and time. Ariana fans often comment that their dinner reminded them of a trip they had made to Europe. Ariana is partnering with Oregon’s Pepper Bridge Winery for a wine tasting celebration Sunday March 2, 2008 beginning at 6:00 PM. Pepper Bridge wines are ultra-premium world-class red wines with grapes sourced solely from the Walla Walla Valley. These are critically acclaimed for growing some of the highest quality red wine grapes, The winery’s estate vineyards, Pepper Bridge Vineyard and Seven Hills Vineyard are recognized as two of the best in the region. A specialty at Pepper Bridge are the ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Ariana staff suggest pre-registering for the wine tasking as soon as possible. Ariana treats guests to one of Central Oregon’s most extensive cocktail menu consists of more than 55 hot and cold drinks. The dinner menu changes seasonally, with special events regularly, such as this month’s gala Valentine dinner (sorry, sold out.) Lunches are served from 11:30 AM through 2:00 PM Tuesday through Friday. Dinners begin at 5:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Parties are welcome, with affordable group rates available. Business meetings, celebrations and receptions are expediently and professionally hosted. For reservations call 541-330-5539 or for questions contact the Ariana email address, arianarestaurant@bendbroadband.com.

Valentine’s night at Marz Bistro in downtown Bend promises to be full of love. Love of savory food, a cozy but eclectic atmosphere, and new creations from masterful chefs. Friends and fans of the ten-year-old restaurant call eating at Marz a “Best of Planet-class” experience.  The Source Weekly reports ”Marz still has it – trendiness (so important in the fickle eatery biz), great food, good prices and a staff that seems to have as much fun as their clientele.”  Intelligent menu choices include the Valentine’s Night Special, and a wide variety of well prepared starters, such as pine nuts spanikopita, scrumptious Thai seafood cakes, feta and spicy lettuce wraps. Owner Matt Davis recommends the red curry dish, and his house favorite, pork tenderloin. Another source of the chefs’ pride is the chicken korma, an Indian dish that pushes flavors to their limit, but never compromises taste and balance. The waiters are hip and can be entertaining. The booths are wavy and the table settings have the look of SoCal Beaterville. The wait for a table can be an hour but no one ever complains about it. Past patrons have said, “If there’s amore in your heart and you find yourself in Central Oregon, take your Valentine date to Marz.” Staff advises to make reservations early. Call 541-389-2025. Marz Bistro is open 5:00 pm to closing seven days per week.

Central Oregon is getting ready for WinterFest. LibertyBank Bend, Les Schwab and Seventh Mountain Resort are getting ready to host WinterFest in downtown Bend starting Friday February 8th through Sunday February 10, 2008. The event center will be located in the area extending from Troy Field to the Library with additional events held at the Seventh Mountain Resort. The closest lodging to Mt. Bachelor in Oregon’s premier ski and snowboard area, the resort will also host a special ice skating performance and other winter activities. WinterFest attracted more than 40,000 visitors in 2007, and is expected to attract more residents and visitors this year. Created as a way to celebrate arts, culture and winter sports in Central Oregon. Seventh Mountain has festival packages available, with amenities such as 3 swimming pools, 3 hot tubs, a fitness center, and tennis and basketball courts. For reservations or information call 800-452-6810 or check out the Seventh Mountain website.

Beginning Friday evening, downtown bustles at the Winter Wine Hop with art, music, foods, and wine sampling. A fireworks show will kick off the weekend followed by entertainment in the festival center, cross country ski competition on Louisiana Street as well as the ever popular U.S. Cellular snowboard and ski rail jam competition on Troy Field.

Saturday, the festival is alive with family entertainment, including a fine food marketplace. The festival hub will feature ice carving competitions, more cross country ski racing and demos, art, and vendors. Later that evening is the ski and snowboard rail competition. The festival pavilion will be jammed with concert goers eager to hear a Northwest favorite, The Blakes.  A band based in Seattle, The Blakes have concert dates scheduled this winter throughout the entire west, from L.A. to Bozeman. They have a new CD out, and plans to tour Europe later in the year. They tell people who are new to their music:  “We don’t try to take the cool retro vibe to an extreme degree - we are as influenced by the Everly Brothers as the Kinks.” They recently opened for Blue October to a sold out crowd at Portland’s Crystal Ballroom. 

Sunday, the festival closes with a full day of activities including snow bicycle racing, shopping in the WinterFest Marketplace, delicious food at the food court as well as numerous children and family activities. The festival culminates with closing ceremonies and a drawing for the WinterFest grand prize — a trip to Hawaii. Admission to WinterFest is free. However, everyone is encouraged to buy a $6.00 WinterFest button for discounted admission into certain events. Buttons may be purchased at all LibertyBank and Les Schwab Tire Centers as well as various Bend locations. A portion of all button sales is donated to Girls Go Outside, a non profit organization based in Bend.  For a complete list of activities or more activities call 541-323-0964 or click on the WinterFest website.