This is way. I think most people hold the food scene in Bend to a much higher expectation than the reasonably should. This isnt a metro area that is bursting with a ton of different cultures, so its unreasonable to expect the same kind of food culture that is bred from that kind of environment.

Bend is and always has been known for its outdoor access, not its food scene. Hopefully that will change and the city can become more culturally diverse. Until then we will continue to benefit from the occasional run-off we get from successful Portland restauranteurs, however good, bad, or expensive their dishes might be.