Bend Restaurant Guide

In the Spring of 2000, a shining star was added to the dining options in Sisters—El Rancho Grande. The only fine Mexican dining establishment in town, El Rancho Grande was soon a favorite among the denizens of the small hub of the West. The family responsible for the popular restaurant is branching out with two new restaurants—one newly opened in Redmond and another soon to open in Bend.Macedonio and Maria Robles are originally from Cuautle, a town south of Mexico City in the state of Jalisco, where one will also find the tourist destination of Puerto Veureta. With their son and his wife—Jose and Julissa—and daughter and her husband—Lorena and Rafael, they have created, and are creating, a trinity of restaurants specializing in the traditional food of their home in Southern Mexico. Much of the traditional food of this area is seafood, which is why all the house specials on the menu are based around prawns, crab, scallops, octopus and halibut. Of course, there are all the usual dishes Americans have come to expect from a Mexican menu—11 burrito choices stuffed with chicken, beef or sausage and served enchilada style; a full list of appetizers including nachos, taquitos and quesadillas; and a list of 25 combo plates including chimichangas, enchiladas, tamales, tostadas and chile rellenos. The accompaniments are traditional as well: a big puddle of savory fried beans capped with melted Monterey jack and gently seasoned rice. The three couples took two months to overhaul the Redmond location—the former home of Big O diner—to give a south of the border feel. Gaily decorated in bright colors, cool tile terrra cotta tile and gaucho motif wall hangings, there are still some hints of its former life in the gold pounded glass behind the hostess stand and the textured acoustic tiles on the ceiling. Overall.