Meeting up with my childhood friend was so fun! It was like we had never been apart. Stephanie and her husband Brad were super hosts. They took us to the top of a hill that overlooked Bend and the surrounding mountains, then off to a great brewery that served the best organic salads and goodies. Great city, good people, and great food! We stayed in Sisters for 3 nights, which is about 30 minutes from Bend, and LOVED this little town as well.
2016 November 06: Heading South to Bend



I'm Melinda Stevens and living the life of a beach bum was inevitable since my father was a lifeguard for the city of Los Angeles. My memories of growing up on John Street in Manhattan Beach, California were filled with joy, excitement and adventures; until my world, as I knew it, fell apart when we moved to Del Mar, California. My father was offered the position as Captain of the lifeguards and we started the slow migration to the small deserted stretch of beach in 1963. At twelve years old, this seemed like the end of my life. Remember, I’m writing with clear hindsight now, ok somewhat clearer… Little did I know this would be the beginning of a new journey and give a bit more clarity to many of the events that led me to this new cooking adventure.