Bend, OR

In my posting of Central Oregon at Large I mentioned Kokanee Café. The little know café yet large with reputation. While being only 45 minutes from Bend on W. Hwy 20 it seems as if few local residents make the trip here. In the summer there are actually thousands of patrons, mostly from out of town. This café sits on the Metolius River and is the most esteemed river for its’ fly fishing and is a challenge to fish even for the most seasoned fisher person, as I call those of us who fish.

Kokanee Café is actually located at the Metolius River Resort in Camp Sherman and is both rustic and charming at the same time boasting of warmth that makes one comfortable upon being inside. The menu includes a variety of chicken, seafoods, pastas, steak, small game, mouth watering desserts and of course fresh fish and great local wines and brewed beers. I wonder where the fresh fish comes from? The one thing about Kokanee that I liked right off the bat is that the food is actually organic. There are very few places that I know that serve an actual organic menu. Organic food has the best flavor I have ever tasted and is actually much easier to cook.

I found Kokanee quite by accident. I was at Camp Sherman and wanted something to drink and walked into what I thought to be a store which in fact was this beautiful little café. I did get a lemon water to go but went back because the café intrigued me. The food I had was light and airy yet robust with a huge compliment of flavors. I can’t remember the name of what I ate as I couldn’t pronounce it but I know they were mussels roasted in white wine and thyme with tomatoes as an appetizer. Considering I have had fish, and beef I thought I would try something I had not eaten before and that was duck. I was always told that duck was greasy, well this one wasn’t.

The flavor was an incredible mix of salt, sweet, and a touch of wine is my guess and it fell apart in my mouth and seemed to leave behind the slightest smoky flavor. I took my mud pie dessert with me for later as I was unable to eat anymore.

Everyone was friendly and yet quiet with an air of peace around them. I wonder if it has anything to do with the sound of the river and the air of the woods in which we all inhabited at the time?

Kokanee, unfortunately is open from April or May to I believe December. I have heard that they have closed as early as October due to snow so before planning a trip here you may want to call ahead of time. Their number is 541-595-6420 and they do take reservations. During the busy summer months reservations may also be required.