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Wild Oregon Foods (now closed...)

Updated: Oct 15, 2022


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A trip to the Columbia Outlet in Southeast Bend put Wild Oregon Foods on the map for me. At the time, I just peeked into the restaurant's window while walking to the car. I'm ashamed to say I was dismissive, thinking a diner located in an outlet mall was unlikely 1) to be good, and 2) to be recognized and patronized for just that. I've been duly chastised since by its many glowing and ubiquitous reviews.


What also clinched it was my skimming the menu online and spotting the magic words, "Josie’s Best GF Waffles." If you've been reading this blog, you'll know that for me a good gluten-free waffle is the holy grail -- worth it's weight in gold but forever out of mortal reach. You'll also know that scouring a menu beforehand and taking note of the presence or absence of the thoughtful designation “GF” (thank you, Wild Oregon Foods) is a ritual for anyone living gluten free (more on this later in the blog).


I recently stopped by for breakfast and found the restaurant to be sparkling and tasteful with plenty of Oregon charm, including a cleverly designed bar area that resembles a covered bridge, and complete with compulsory list of whimsical specialty drinks (obviously, not all GF!).

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At a nearby counter, my husband and I ordered the Two Eggs + Bacon + Potatoes plate and the aforementioned Josie’s Best from a fellow who kindly asked if I was Celiac to determine the seriousness of my allergy. When I confirmed, he said he’d mark the order so that its prep would be extra careful.


The waffle was great, fluffy and light with just a hint of sweetness and came with maple syrup and house-made apricot jam. Next time I’ll ask for the kitchen staff to heat it a couple minutes longer for a crisper finish and to put that yummy jam on the side to avoid sogginess.


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I hadn't heard of Josie's as a brand until now. She's the local creator and supplier of the waffle mix. I checked out her website, http://josiesbestgf.com/, which offers other tempting products and where she's described as a "longtime gluten-free warrior.” All hail!


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Not to get all Portlandia here, but much of the food at Wild Oregon Foods is locally sourced with obvious care and attention, and deserved pride. Besides my waffle, the bacon from Hills Meat Co., in Pendleton, OR, was some of the best I've ever tasted, meaty yet crisp and not overly salted. Additionally, Chef James (also private chef for Wanderlust Tours) told me the restaurant offers GF buns from Bend’s Red Plate Foods for toast and sandwiches, and that the bison (on my bucket list for next time), comes from Crooked River Bison Ranch, in Prineville


Before leaving, I pressed a server for what else might be good on the overall menu for a gluten-intolerant customer like me. He was knowledgeable and suggested the hearty Wild Hash for breakfast and, for lunch, the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf or Jackfruit Chili with GF cornbread muffin. On the dinner menu, I noted both the Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon and Half Roasted Chicken are gluten free. I'll get back to you on these with an update soon.


61334 South Highway 97, Ste. 360, BEND, OR. 97702

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serv7747
Jan 07, 2019

This is making me hungry! Gluten free waffles and delicious bacon? Yum!

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