Alright, hold on to your frosted tips and fire up those engines 'cause we're about to take this article to Flavortown, Fieri-style!
Your buddy, Guy Fieri, has been cruisin' around Central Oregon for some out-of-bounds joints to feature on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The latest pit stops? We're talkin' Grace and Hammer in Redmond, the rockin' High Camp Taphouse in Sisters, and can't forget about Big Ski's Pierogis, A Broken Angel, and the killer Anita's Kitchen Gourmet Indian Food over in Bend. Triple D Nation, this is a wild ride!
[Disclaimer: This article was not written by Guy Fieri, and slight liberties have been taken with some of the quotes, but we're mind readers here at TOL. We know exactly what they were thinking.]
Authentic Punjabi Faire at Anita's Kitchen
Now, let me tell ya about my gal, Anita Chopra of Anita’s Kitchen. At first, she was like, "Guy, I'm just a humble food truck chef, what am I doing on the big screen?" But after some convincing from her rad sons, she hopped on board. And man, am I glad she did!
On the show, she throws down some real-deal butter chicken and fritters, straight from Punjab. And let me tell ya, even after the cameras rolled off, your boy here couldn't resist going in for seconds... or thirds. That's some dynamite grub, folks!
And when Anita tells me a fan drove three hours from Eugene just to get a taste of her magic, it hits me right in the feels. She said, "This makes me so proud," and honestly, I'm stoked for her. After getting a taste of her magic, I see her getting fired up, even putting in extra hours to serve her fans. Like she says, “Whenever people praise your food, that's pure rocket fuel.”
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Himalayan Dynamite at High Camp Taphouse
But let’s not forget the superstar duo, Nurbu and Pema Sherpa, from High Camp Taphouse. Their episode “Dumpling-icious” was a blast! Nurbu's words? “Guy’s just one of us, just a regular dude.” And the love they pour into the Musahar caste in Southern Nepal? Absolute legends.
But hold onto your taste buds, 'cause this spot isn't just about the eats and drinks. They're cooking up a full course of goodwill. Every time you munch here, you're helpin' make a change. They pour some of their profits right back into giving the folks in Nepal a ticket to a brighter future.
Pema? She’s the real deal. She’s out there running dental clinics in the hidden corners of the Himalayas, making sure the kids get schooled and the ladies learn skills that'll help them earn their keep. And right now, she's got her sights set on helping the Musahar community in Southern Nepal – a group that's faced more than its fair share of challenges. So, while you're here enjoying the best of the Himalayas at High Camp Taphouse, know that you're also helping write a better story for many out there. Rock on!
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Fast Forward to Big Ski’s Pierogis
Rich, or as folks know him, "Ski", is an East Coast dude from Connecticut. His pops? Straight outta Poland, bringing with him all the mouth-watering traditions of Polish grub. Every Christmas Eve, the family throws down a major Wigilia bash - think of it like the Polish version of Christmas Eve dinner. And let me tell ya, the MVP of that feast? The pierogi! It’s like the Elvis of Polish dishes.
After spending two rockin' decades keeping the peace as a prison guard (that's where he snagged the nickname "Ski"), he and the fam decided to swap coasts, heading all the way to Bend, Oregon. First Wigilia party out west? Boom! A light bulb moment! Ski saw the hunger in people's eyes for some authentic pierogi love. And what does a man with Polish flavors running in his veins do? Fires up a pierogi food truck, of course! Now that's rolling out real-deal eats on the West Coast streets!
A Broken Angel's Got the Vegan Game on LOCK
Look, when you're chowing down at this spot, know this – A Broken Angel is all about serving up off-the-hook flavors that are not just vegan, but also as organic and local as it gets. Why? 'Cause it’s the best way they know to give some love back to our planet, the critters, and of course, you awesome folks.
It's not just about the killer vegan bites, though. The whole vibe, from the groovy food cart art to our slammin' sustainable catering, is built on respecting Mama Earth. And when they talk green, they mean it – think reclaimed materials and stuff that Mother Nature herself would high-five them for using. Dive in, and taste the kindness!
Grace and Hammer: Historic Church-Turned-Pizza-Palace
Imagine a jaw-dropping church from way back in 1912, so iconic that in '76 they slapped a historic badge on it. This joint has seen it all: faithful folks praying, dancers grooving, couples tying the knot, and now? It's slingin' some of the raddest pies in town! Our main man Chad, with a posse of local legends and pals from Austin, breathed new life into this beauty. They respected its roots but jazzed it up with some modern flair.
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Now, let's chat about the name: Grace and Hammer. It’s not just about a wicked cool spot to grab a slice. It’s about sailing through life with grace, dishing out kindness and love. But hey, sometimes? You gotta swing the hammer, stand tall, and be the rock for your crew. Just like the iconic building itself: a perfect blend of old-world charm and some tough-as-nails modern touches. They took this graceful church, sprinkled in some steel and shine, and made it a haven for the community to feast, give cheers, and celebrate.
Swing by on a Friday night and let that ol' church bell serenade you straight to the dinner table.
