Recently posted on the site “Portland Food and Drink,” this article is a well written exploration of today’s scene in Stumptown. Much of this applies also to the restaurant business climate here in the Bend area.
Here in Bend, particularly interesting is the rumor that some those formerly employed by Jody Denton will be taking over the old Merenda space. They hope to reopen by mid-March. There is also a rumor that McCormick & Schmick’s will open in the old that space. I hope that downtown will not become dominated by the chains. The first McCormick & Schmick’s started in Portland in 1979 and now have over 80 locations nationwide.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Yields: 4 Servings
2 cups Creamy Italian Dressing
1 lb. Tortellini pesto pasta, pre-cooked al dente
6 oz. hard sausage, chopped into ½” cubes
6 oz. smoked Gouda cheese, cut into ½” cubes
8 oz. whole baby corn, canned, drained
8 oz. Artichoke hearts, marinated drained
½ cup whole pitted Kalamata olives
To taste: Salt and Pepper
Procedure:
1. In a large bowl, combine sausage, Gouda, baby corn, artichoke hearts and olives; mix gently.
2. Add the al dente tortellini to the other ingredients, pour 1 cup of the dressing over the ingredients and mix gently.
3. Let stand one hour to blend flavors. Enjoy!
Chef’s Notes: My recipe for Creamy Italian Dressing has previously been published. I particularly like the dry pasta available at Trader Joes. It comes in a one-pound package and although it says to cook for 12-14 min., I had good luck cooking it only about 9-10 minutes. Try substituting other hard cheeses for the Gouda—interesting choices would include smoked cheddar, asiago, farmhouse English cheddar, and imported Provolone. Other pitted olives such as Picholine or Nyons could be substituted. Try adding marinated mushrooms. Finally, let your imagination be your guide.
Even though it should be evident that many of Bend’s restaurants are struggling, there never seems to be a shortage of entrepreneurs ready to jump into the fray. Today I read a very good article in the New York Times that should be required reading.