Desert Current

Desert Current Follow the Current with Desert Current. Food, Drinks, Events, Outdoor. Made by Central Oregonians.

Day one of Reggae Rise Up was pure magic 🌞🎶 Crowds vibing, bands throwing down, and the energy non-stop. Surfer Girl and...
08/31/2025

Day one of Reggae Rise Up was pure magic 🌞🎶 Crowds vibing, bands throwing down, and the energy non-stop. Surfer Girl and Iration absolutely owned the stage, and there are way too many sets to catch them all.

Between shows, the food hit hard (yes, that pizza slice is bigger than my head 🍕🔥) and the lobster roll was unreal. Mornings were saved by The Crown Café coffee bus—roasting their own beans right there, now officially my new favorite cup of joe.

The festival isn’t just music—it’s a full experience with fresh market finds, live art, and hand-crafted drinks. And a huge thank you to Beaver Coach for setting us up with the perfect RV home base. Having a space like this makes the whole weekend that much better.

Day two, let’s go.

San Simón is one of Bend’s most unforgettable bars. You don’t walk through a typical front door, you enter through a bri...
08/28/2025

San Simón is one of Bend’s most unforgettable bars. You don’t walk through a typical front door, you enter through a brick alleyway lined with fire pits, glowing string lights, and wooden huts that make the entire space feel like something out of another time. The alleyway sets the mood immediately, warm and inviting before you even step inside.

The interior balances rustic charm with elegance. Candlelight flickers across exposed brick walls, wood plank ceilings painted white, and original hardwood floors that have carried decades of stories. The long wooden bar anchors the room, both beautiful and functional, where the bartenders move with ease. They’re quick with a pour, skilled at conversation, and have a talent for creating cocktails that feel both thoughtful and effortless.

Drinks here are truly the highlight. Classics and originals alike shine, from The Last Blockbuster to Some Positive Feedback and Spanish for Paper Plane. Every cocktail is crafted with fresh juices, house-made mixers, and premium spirits. Pair that with their food menu, charcuterie boards stacked with tinned seafood, cured meats, cheeses, pickled vegetables, and dates, and you’ve got a complete experience.

And yet, for me, the best order will always be simple: a cold 16 oz can of Pabst Blue Ribbon for $4. It’s unpretentious, refreshing, and somehow the perfect fit in a bar that thrives on character.

San Simón isn’t just a place to drink, it’s a place to experience. If you’ve been, you know. If you haven’t, this is your sign to go.

Sometimes a food cart nails it so perfectly you’re left planning your return before you’ve even finished your meal. That...
08/21/2025

Sometimes a food cart nails it so perfectly you’re left planning your return before you’ve even finished your meal. That was exactly our experience at Shred Town, parked at Wild Ride Brew in Prineville. This bold red food truck is a local favorite for good reason, and after trying both the Cuban Sandwich and the classic Pulled Pork, we can confidently say it’s worth the trip.

The Pulled Pork sandwich is everything you want in barbecue, tender, smoky meat piled high on a soft bun with just the right amount of tangy sauce. Every bite is rich and comforting, the kind of sandwich that pairs beautifully with a cold pint of beer.

The Cuban Sandwich, however, might just steal the show. Built on a pressed pub roll, it layers juicy pork carnitas, smoky bacon, melty Swiss cheese, pickles, and a punch of ground mustard. The result is a crispy, golden sandwich that’s both hearty and crave worthy, a perfect marriage of bold flavors and textures.

And then there are the fries. Crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and served in generous portions, they’re the kind of fries you end up talking about long after the meal is over. What takes them to the next level is Shred Town’s house-made fry sauce, creamy, tangy, and addictively good, it’s the ideal pairing for every crunchy bite.

We paired our meal with a Phil’s Pils Pilsner from Wild Ride Brew, which turned out to be the perfect complement, clean, refreshing, and crisp enough to cut through the richness of the sandwiches.

Wild Ride Brew has two Central Oregon locations, in Redmond and Prineville, and Shred Town is set up at both. Whether you’re in the mood for a pint with friends or simply chasing some of the best food truck eats around, this pairing is hard to beat.

Blue Duck in Prineville, Oregon may be off the beaten path, but it’s worth every trip. The atmosphere is rustic and cozy...
08/19/2025

Blue Duck in Prineville, Oregon may be off the beaten path, but it’s worth every trip. The atmosphere is rustic and cozy, the staff is always welcoming, and the food consistently delivers—making it one of those rare places you can call a true “foodcation” stop. I’ve been here many times and never left disappointed.

This time, after the Crook County Fair, I brought some friends who asked for a recommendation in town. For me, there was only one answer, we took the short drive out of the way to show them what Prineville can really deliver. And once again, Blue Duck did not disappoint.

We weren’t overly hungry, so we split the Gourmet Grilled Cheese served on herb sourdough with cheddar, Swiss, and gorgonzola, paired with a rich tomato soup and crispy onion rings. The plating was thoughtful, the sandwich golden and gooey, the soup fullbodied and perfectly seasoned, and the onion rings light and crunchy without being greasy. We also ordered the Mango Habanero Wings—juicy, with just the right balance of sweetness and heat that keeps you reaching for one more.

Everything was cooked perfectly and presented with care. Blue Duck is the kind of spot where you can tell the menu is well thought out and the food is made with pride. On your next foodcation, make your way to Prineville and try the Blue Duck! You’ll be glad you did.

08/18/2025

Watches these singers compete for a chance to win two reggae rise up ticket

I can’t dance. Tammy can. She’s a true pro—seven seasons, finishing second five times. Will this be the year she takes f...
08/16/2025

I can’t dance. Tammy can. She’s a true pro—seven seasons, finishing second five times. Will this be the year she takes first… with me trying to keep up? A friend even tried to teach me rhythm; I’m still not sure I have what it takes.

We’re dancing to raise money for Sparrow Clubs, an organization that empowers students to support local children in medical need. Schools “adopt” a Sparrow, rally the community, and turn student service into tangible help for families facing huge medical challenges. It builds compassion, connection, and real relief when it matters most.

Follow our journey to the big event on October 18, and please help us fundraise if you can. Link in bio.

Tonight is Tough Enough to wear Pink at the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo! We will be there all day filming and enjoy ...
08/02/2025

Tonight is Tough Enough to wear Pink at the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo! We will be there all day filming and enjoy all the entertainment and good food! Make sure you have your best Pink Shirt on! It's going to be fun.

The First 10 people at the  Speakeasy gets the  and  speakeasy leather Keychain! Limited supply and so nice!
08/01/2025

The First 10 people at the Speakeasy gets the and speakeasy leather Keychain! Limited supply and so nice!

07/25/2025

thx for the shot! Co@e on in tonight for a tasty summer sipper & enjoy music from at 7PM.

🎤 Reggae Singing CompetitionJoin us this Saturday, July 26 at 4 PM at Beach Hut Deli in Downtown Bend for a live reggae ...
07/25/2025

🎤 Reggae Singing Competition
Join us this Saturday, July 26 at 4 PM at Beach Hut Deli in Downtown Bend for a live reggae singing showdown hosted by Desert Current and Beach Hut Deli!

Bring your voice, your energy, and your friends—
💥 Win fun prizes
🎟️ Grand Prize: 2 Tickets to Reggae Rise Up!

No registration needed—just show up and sing!
Tag a friend who should enter 👇

We are so excited to be one of the menay talented performers in the Dancing with the Central Oregon Stars, a fundraiser ...
07/24/2025

We are so excited to be one of the menay talented performers in the Dancing with the Central Oregon Stars, a fundraiser for Central Oregon Sparrow Clubs The show is October 18th and we will be fundraising until then. Please help us out by buying a ticket and or donating a few bucks. Every little bit helps a Sparrow.

Chris Piercey is a creative and community storyteller who’s called Central Oregon home for almost two decades. He’s the founder of Desert Current, a platform that celebrates the people, places, and flavors that define life in the high desert. His work revolves around building relationships, cham...

Blue Duck Saloon in Prineville Is a Must-Try DestinationIf you’re craving a culinary adventure with a little Wild West f...
05/04/2025

Blue Duck Saloon in Prineville Is a Must-Try Destination

If you’re craving a culinary adventure with a little Wild West flair, Blue Duck Saloon in Prineville is calling your name. Located just five scenic miles outside of town, this hidden culinary destination is more than worth the drive—offering a hearty, house-made menu in a setting straight out of Lonesome Dove.

The moment you walk through the doors, you’re welcomed into a rustic, saloon-style space that feels both rugged and refined. The menu is a love letter to comfort food, featuring everything from crisp salads and stacked sandwiches to seafood, pastas, and rich, juicy steaks.

The Ribeye Steak is a standout—a perfectly grilled cut served with loaded mashed potatoes, seasonal sautéed vegetables, and a pat of seasoned butter that melts into every bite.

What makes Blue Duck truly shine is its ability to cater to any craving. Whether you’re after a light lunch or a full cowboy-style dinner, there’s something on the menu that’ll satisfy. Pair your meal with a cold drink, enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, and soak in the beauty of Central Oregon’s backroads on your way there.

Insider Tip: Go hungry, and bring your camera—this meal is as photogenic as it is flavorful.

Address

Greenwood In Bend
Bend, OR
97701

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