On Valentine's Day, my husband and I treated ourselves to Bos Taurus in downtown Bend. Bos Taurus is Bend's modern take on the classic American steakhouse. There's plenty on the menu that is, or can be made, gluten free. This is fine dining at its best with the highest quality beef sourced locally and around the world, exemplary ingredients and thoughtful execution. It's chic but welcoming. You can feel equally comfortable in Bend-casual or dressed to the nines. The Source deservedly named it Bend's Restaurant of the Year 2018 for "service and cuisine—both impeccable."
Our experience was no exception. Early in the day, I called to leave a message asking for a gluten-free favor. On an earlier visit, Chef George Morris had seen my disappointment at being unable to order the Hamachi Crudo starter. At the time, it wasn't gluten free. He promised if I called ahead, he would make a GF version for me.
Valentine's evening, Chef George stopped by our table to say he had gotten my message, but it was no longer necessary. He had taken my earlier plea to heart and changed the recipe permanently! "We're now using tamari instead of soy sauce," he said. "I just thought, this way everyone can eat it all the time."
Excited to finally taste the hamachi, prepared with compressed pear, tamari, pickled shitake, tangy yuzu and a crunchy "fried rice" topper, I know I'll be ordering it every time, even if I'm just stopping in for a burger. Thank you, Chef George!
Next, came a garden-fresh Baby Beet Salad with puffed quinoa, avocado, candied hazelnuts, chilies, and grapefruit vinaigrette. A beautiful sight to see and eat!
We were eating light, so for our entrees we both chose a melt-in-your-mouth petit filet mignon. With the chef's hickory-smoked salt and peppercorn rub, and mouth-watering, double-seared crust, you can't go wrong with any steak on the menu.
For veggies, we decided on creamed spinach with shallot and garlic (easily made GF by leaving off the bread crumbs) and GF polenta topped with mushrooms and hearty chunks of smoked pork belly.
Service at Bos Taurus is always top notch. The staff cares, and you can feel the love. Servers are knowledgeable about which items contain gluten and attentive at making GF suggestions and substitutions.
Highly recommend. Can't wait to go back...!
163 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend OR, 97703, (541) 241-2735
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