I stopped in on Locals' Night Monday at Bend's Portello Wine Cafe for a snack and glass of Prosecco. Located in NW Crossing, Portello is a favorite of mine because, along with a great selection of wine at affordable prices, I can get a yummy and generous plate of bruschetta on gluten-free toast. The place is stylishly hip, yet comfy and cozy whether you're unwinding inside on a snowy night, or spending a sunny afternoon on the patio.
You can choose four of a range of toppings including my favorites Dried Fig, Pistachio, Chevre & Honey, Brie with Apples, Prosciutto with Brie & Fig Jam, Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil, Tuscan White Bean & Sun-dried Tomatoes. The toast itself is Udi's Soft White, a well-known national brand of gluten-free bread out of Colorado. When you order, just ask your server to give a heads up to the kitchen so the staff can be extra careful with prep, since the kitchen is not wheat free.
Any of the salads on Portello's menu can be made GF, although I avoid blue cheeses including gorgonzola, Stilton, & Roquefort in dressings or on bruschetta. A debate still rages in the GF community about whether or not these types of cheeses are reliably gluten free. The issue is that mold spores are used in the cheese-making process and some of them may have been grown using bread or cultures containing gluten. Because I can't tolerate gluten in even small amounts, I must err on the side of caution. Portello also offers GF crackers with its artisanal Cheese Board Selection, along with fresh fruit.
Every Monday is Locals' Night at Portello. All wines on the current glass list are just $5. Happy Hour is Tuesday-Friday, 4-6 p.m, or check out their wine flights on Saturday and Sundays.
2754 NW Crossing Drive Bend, OR 97701, (541) 385-1777
Excellent