Vancouver, BC

I took this trip in January as part of a work conference, and it was supposed to be the first of many adventures in 2020.  We all know what happened next, but that being said, for likely my only trip out of country this year, I feel so lucky for the opportunity I was given …

Tuna Noodle Casserole

I have gone my whole life not even thinking twice about making a tuna casserole, and I'm pretty sure I have never eaten one either, but for some reason last week I had the most intense craving for it. Weird? yes, but I'll blame the isolation. I don't typically like canned tuna, but I found …

2019

I tend to see a pattern of two different points of view this time of year showing up on my feed. For some, January 1 is just another day, NYE has too much hype/always a let down, why set a resolution when you're not going to stick to it? For others it can be a symbolic …

California Coast Road Trip

"Why California?" they ask. "Bend is the bessststst." Yes, it is a special place, but you all are constantly complaining about Californians moving up there, so I'm just doing my part to even it out. It's pretty rare to be in a place in life with no real ties to a particular place, and the …

Layover in Seattle

I neither like nor dislike airports. I go, mind my own business, and it's typically a painless process on the way to an exciting destination. I left Las Vegas early on Cinco de Mayo, knowing I had an 8 hour layover in Seattle on my way back to Bend. I actually don't know why I …

Camp Sherman, Oregon

For our first overnight of the season, we wanted to check out Smiling River Campground in Camp Sherman, which is just outside of Sisters. It was recommended by Annie's sister, and did not disappoint. I hadn't camped out there yet, and was looking forward to scoping out a new spot. We don't usually get out …

Chimichurri

I first tried Chimichurri on Carne Asada at Hola a few years ago, and have thought about recreating it ever since. I actually don't remember if the version I made tastes that similar to the one I first tried, but I do know I loved this version. This sauce is a flavor explosion, versatile, and …

Sunday Market Finds: Brindisi

The cuisine in Puglia is called peasant cooking (cucina povera). The staples are olive oil, grapes, tomatoes, eggplants, artichokes, peppers, salami, mushrooms, olives and fresh seafood. We have had some amazing food and wine, not having eaten out, but from meals cooked using the ingredients from the markets. Some may find it inconvenient that if …