The Hot Spot
ROAM at Oxford Hotel Bend
BY Donna Britt
Downtown Bend’s upscale boutique Oxford Hotel reflects the natural elements and beauty of Central Oregon so it’s no surprise that its adjacent restaurant is just as inviting. Whether you’re a visiting adventurer enjoying the plethora of outdoor activities and events the area has to offer or a local looking for a nice meal and place to chill, Roam is the destination.
Oxford’s street-level restaurant is a thoughtfully designed space that is fresh, modern, comfortable and conscious. It’s a place to relax and unwind, eat and drink, converse and contemplate; a place to take a breath after a long day; a place to ease into a gorgeous weekend morning; a place to take friends and family to celebrate; a place to escape, sip and nibble. Of course, you can choose to dine in the casually elegant indoor dining room or sit in the stylish bar, but the recently renovated outdoor patio is al fresco dining at its finest during the warm weather months.
Under the tutelage of Executive Chef Bryant Kryck, Roam offers an incredible variety of urban-organic dishes showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Inspired by the sustainable food movement, chef Kryck’s seasonal menus, featuring everything from small plates to charcuterie, pastas, seafood, meat, produce and desserts, reflect flavors from around the world. “The menus showcase fun and unique ingredients emphasizing local ingredients. Not only do our dishes taste amazing, but they’re plated in a fun and beautiful way making you want to take a photo before you eat,” he says.
A Pacific Northwest native, chef Kryck began his culinary career after serving as a U.S. Army military policeman. He says his Le Cordon Bleu education prepared him well for the competitiveness of the real food world. His culinary journey has taken him from his hometown of Portland, Oregon to restaurants in New York, Michigan and Nebraska to Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Guy’s Grocery Games.”
Chef Kryck’s vision for Roam is to be the go-to place for special occasions, the local’s choice for a family meal or a night out, as well as the hot spot for those looking for a drink, appetizer or small plate to share while socializing … something for everyone and every event but still special and a standout in Bend’s bustling downtown. From pre-dinner cocktails to late-night desserts and weekend brunch, Roam is a hot, buzzy establishment.
While menus change seasonally and in response to the local bounty, Roam’s summer season menu specifically presents a delightful array of delectable light bites, complemented by an exciting addition to the entrée lineup: the Tequila Braised Short Rib Enchilada. Other seasonal menu faves include Grilled Shrimp Andouille Skewers and Smoked Salmon and Caviar Dip for starters; Wagyu Bolognese and Sumac Seared Salmon main dishes; and Smores Crème Brulée and Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler for dessert. A signature grass-fed beef burger and a handful of classic salads round out the lunch and dinner offerings along with vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. “We want all of our guests to leave happy, and that’s why we offer items that can work for vegetarians or someone who doesn’t eat gluten,” chef Kryck explains.
Daily breakfast specialties include a variety of egg dishes, any style, plus benedicts, omelets and scrambles. The Elk Morning Hash is a real treat with elk sausage, crispy potatoes and pickled Fresno peppers.
Brunching in Bend is the thing whether you live in town year-round or happen to be one of the many smiling tourists who swarm to Central Oregon every summer. Brunch at Roam is everything you want a brunch to be starting with the Signature Bloodies and Mimosas and the Monkey Face Punch. Follow up with Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict or something extra special like the Elk Morning Hash and you, too, will be a forever fan of brunch at Roam.
No matter if it’s a brunch punch or an after-work drink with co-workers, Roam’s cocktails are creatively handcrafted. Along with a fine selection of beer, wine, ciders and non-alcoholic beverages, there are seasonal and signature drinks as well as enticing cocktails with names like Blood Moon and the Clothed and Unknown. A summertime Late Night Happy Hour features new and old cocktail favorites and for those after-dinner sweet cravings, there’s even a cocktail dessert menu.
The Happy Hour food menu is not to be overlooked. It’s hard to save room for dinner when choices include Olympia Provisions charcuterie, Charred Shishito Peppers, Pecorino Truffle Fries, sliders and salads … but do save room!
ROAM in the Oxford Hotel is located at 10 NW Minnesota Ave. in Bend. Visit roambend.com for more information including seasonal menu and hours or call (541) 382-ROAM.
You May Also Like

Eat + Drink
Brickhouse Steakhouse
A modern take on a classic steakhouse

Eat + Drink
Los Jalapeños
Casual dining with delicious margaritas!
Features

Eat + Drink
Brickhouse Steakhouse
Redmond +1

Eat + Drink