I've been awaiting the opening of Neighbor Rotisserie, primarily because it's walking distance from my home, a neighbor indeed, and, secondly, because it's a rotisserie. Prior to its launching, I had checked out the menu online. It was, at first, a disappointment because there is no GF notation to be found. However, being the dauntless (and frequently desperate) GF crusader that I am, I stopped by after a game of pickleball to chat with a host, who let me know that I could eat almost everything on the menu! To which I answered, "See you for dinner!"
Some months before, my husband and I had been ruminating about the lack of a rotisserie in Bend. Such a simple concept and easy to make accessible to diners with gluten allergies, vegetarians and carnivores alike. "We should open a rotisserie!" we fantasized, given we're neither chefs nor restauranteurs. This joined a litany of gluten-free eateries we occasionally envision. Why not a GF creperie? We make delicious ones at home. How about waffles and pancakes? Ditto. But, I digress...
Located at Newport and 10th in a charming corner bungalow that once was Kebaba, Neighbor Rotisserie is bright and contemporary yet comforting both inside and out. When we arrived it was hopping with in-person dining as well as a healthy progression of to-go orders moving swiftly from to kitchen to door. The open kitchen offers a view of the French spit-roast rotisserie, loaded with glistening birds that whet the tastebuds well in advance.
We ordered a half-chicken with schmaltz potatoes and piparras, both accompaniments new to me. The chicken was juicy and tasty, subtlely flavored with smoked paprika and lemon. The schmaltz potatoes were positively sinful, having been smashed and crisped in rendered fat from the chickens themselves. Piparras? For a lover of pickled anything, these little green peppers from Spain are a delight. Your choice of three sauces finish the dish: chili vinegar, tahini ranch, and za'atar zhaug, a Middle-Eastern spice blend.
We also shared a generous kale salad with crunchy chickpeas (yummy approach!), avocado, radishes and a vadouvan vinigarette, a mild French/Indian spice blend.
Did I mention all these items are GLUTEN FREE?
The menu features so many other items that I'll be returning to taste including roasted porchetta, an Italian rotisserie staple, and, for my vegetarian sons-in-law, roasted cauliflower. There are also sides that include spicy smoked and fried wings, beets and, from what I've heard, some delectable and eye-popping deviled eggs with horseradish and gribenes (chicken cracklings).
Lucky for us, one of the owners, Parker Vaughan, was seated nearby at his computer. He told us he and his partner, Jay Junkin, had been inspired by the beloved rotisseries they encountered on travels to Europe. Vaughan and Junkin are well-known to Bendites as the former owners of Jackson's Corner. They also run Blue Eyes Burgers & Fries on the eastside, which I was surprised to learn has a lettuce-wrapped burger and dedicated fryer. I thanked him for his vision as well as for making the rotisserie so welcoming to celiacs and those with serious gluten allergies. Please, let your online menu shout it loud and proud!
Gonna go check out that lettuce wrap and fries soon. Will keep you posted....
1004 NW Newport Ave, Bend, OR 97703, 541-593-3313
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