Gluten-Free Treats: Blissful Spoon

Flourless chocolate, lemon twist and blueberry crumble cakes. Yum!

Blissful Spoon holds a special place in my heart for its early dedication to gluten-free fare in Bend, OR. Shortly after I moved here, I encountered the then fledgings offering GF fare at the NW Crossing Farmer's Market, well before they opened their brick-and-mortar on NW Newport and Brooks Alley. At the time, Bend was a culinary wasteland for those with gluten allergies of any severity, never mind Celiacs. I vividly recall that summer day, when I bought a handful of goodies and thanked the proprietors for merely existing.

The Farmhouse waffle with eggs, crispy bacon, tomato chutney and maple syrup.

Although I most often drop in for just a cuppa and a few sweets or a bag of one of their signature granolas, my husband and I recently ordered full breakfasts from the restaurant's menu of creative, Mediterranean-inspired meals. We chose gluten-free waffles, because I know of no other place in town that offers them, and GF waffles are to me a little like fish-and-chips or Sasquatch -- fervently sought after, but rarely found. These were great! Crisp and light with a delicious pile-on of savory components such as eggs, bacon, French ham, chutney and

Gruyere.

A decadent French Connection waffle with eggs, French ham and Gruyere cheese

Our server, Adam, son of owners Kamal and Miki Bekkari, let us know that most of the menu items are GF or can be made so with a couple of substitutions. He said that the ovens used to bake GF items are dedicated, and that if a guest lets the staff know that they are severely allergic or Celiac, there is an exclusive area in the kitchen used for GF prep. Check out the full menu here:

Conveniently located downtown where Brooks Alley meets Newport.

Miki and Kamal, opened the downtown location in 2021. It's bistro style, bright and casual and conveniently located. Their travels worldwide have influenced the menu's fare and reach. “We want to cater to everyone,” Miki says.

Sweets galore!

Thankfully, they do. Here's a stop in Bend where you can bring everyone in your circle from Celiac to vegan. Blissful Spoon will find a way to offer a tasty something to them all.

On a side note: Miki and Kamal have recently opened a speakeasy downstairs from the restaurant, aptly named Cellar 65. Along with creative, hand-crafted cocktails, mocktails and more, it offers a great selection of GF tapas and small plates. Enjoy!

65 NW Newport Ave, Bend, OR 97703

(541) 241-8181

https://blissfulspoon.com/