Desert Current

07/17/2025

Celebrating Friendship and Flavor at El Caporal in East Bend

There’s something special about gathering around a table with friends, and our recent evening at El Caporal on Bend’s east side reminded us just how good that can feel. With laughter echoing off the warm terracotta walls and the sizzle of fajitas filling the air, we celebrated friendship and birthdays, with fantastic food and drinks.

We kicked things off with a basket of crisp tortilla chips and ice-cold drinks. The Tamarindo margarita was a standout perfectly balanced and rimmed with Tajín for a spicy kick and an ice cold beer, served in a frosty mug with a lime wedge. This hit the spot.

For dinner we had the Steak Fajitas—served still sizzling with a colorful mix of bell peppers and onions, accompanied by a generous plate of rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. Every bite was as satisfying as it looked.

But what really stood out was the service. The staff made the celebration feel even more special, especially when they brought out a birthday treat and sang happy Birthday with a sombrero and big smiles.

Whether you’re hosting friends from out of town or just craving great Mexican food in a festive setting, El Caporal is a must visit spot in Bend. Highly recommended for its hospitality, hearty dishes, and welcoming vibe.

07/17/2025

06/10/2025

We will be giving away tickets so keep following

05/21/2025

This isn’t the kind of story we usually tell on Desert Current.
We usually focus on food, adventure, and community—but today, I’m sharing something personal.

Every year on this day, I share this story on my personal page.
Twenty-seven years ago, I was on campus at Thurston High School when everything changed.

That morning, I was working in the school coffee shop. A friend came in and told me there’d been a shooting. I didn’t believe him. Minutes later, we were told to lock down and close the blinds.

It wasn’t a drill.

A classmate, Kip Kinkel, had murdered his parents the night before. That morning, he walked into our school and opened fire. Two of my classmates were killed. Over 37 students were shot. Many more would have been hurt—or worse—if not for their book bags stopping the bullets. Some found bullets lodged in their backpacks weeks later, not realizing those bags had saved their lives.

The FBI called it the first modern-day school shooting—a horrifying moment that started a trend we still haven’t stopped.

I remember walking out of the building in silence, surrounded by police and EMTs. I remember the crowd of parents, including my own, searching for their kids—hoping, praying.

I’m not sharing this for sympathy. I’m sharing it because memory matters. Because being vulnerable matters. Because stories like this need to be told—not for debate, but for connection.

So today, I’m just asking you to slow down. Appreciate your people. Say what you need to say. You never know when everything can change.

This is some insight on why I post what I post, why I share the stories I share, and why I always tell people to love openly, to take the risks, to live life. Because it will end. Some will grow old, many will not. Today, remember people you lost, love the people still here, and nothing is worth anger.

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.

04/25/2025

Last night I stopped into 5 Fusion & Sushi Bar in downtown Bend—one of those places I keep returning to. I grabbed a seat at the sushi bar, which is always my favorite. It’s the kind of spot where you can watch the rhythm of the kitchen, catch a glimpse of the detail behind each roll, and chat with the chefs if you’re lucky.

The atmosphere at 5 Fusion is sleek and low-lit without feeling too formal. There’s a modern edge to the design, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It feels like a place built for a good night out—whether you’re popping in solo, on a date, or out with friends. There’s energy in the room, but it’s not overwhelming. Just easy, elevated, and always welcoming.

Service was dialed in—friendly and attentive without hovering. I started with a cucumber salad, sent over directly from the sushi chef. Thin slices, chilled, lightly dressed. Super crisp, and not overly sweet. Just right.

I ordered a bottle of Sayuri Nigori sake, my go-to when they have it. Smooth and slightly creamy—easy drinking and great with sushi.

First up was the spicy tuna roll. Well-constructed, clean tuna, with just enough heat and a good balance of texture. After that, I went for one of the evening’s specials: avocado, tuna, and salmon inside, topped with toasted coconut flakes. It had a lot going on in the best way—creamy, crisp, slightly sweet, and rich.

For the final roll, I went off menu. I asked the chef what he liked to make—and he put together something all his own. It was light and fresh: salmon, cucumber, and microgreens wrapped in seaweed, with a very subtle avocado spread layered inside. What really set it apart was the chipotle-berry reduction drizzled on top. Smoky, sweet, just a little heat—it tied everything together and made the whole roll pop. Easily the favorite of the night.

The whole evening felt unhurried and personal, like the best kind of dinner where every plate brings something a little different. 5 Fusion always shows up—whether you’re ordering your go-tos or letting the chef surprise you.

5 Fusion & Sushi Bar

04/13/2025

https://desertcurrent.com/building-beds-building-hope-a-day-with-sleep-in-heavenly-peace-in-bend/

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nonprofit organization that began in 2012 in Twin Falls, Idaho, when founder Luke Mickelson built a bunk bed for a family in need using leftover wood from a home improvement project. He quickly realized the demand for beds was far greater than he imagined. From that humb...

04/12/2025

Just one night at McMenamins Old St. Francis turned into something way more. Secret bars, cozy robes, soaking under a skylight, and a room full of character—it was the midweek break we didn’t know we needed.
Read the full story of our staycation in downtown Bend—link in bio.

04/12/2025

We stayed at McMenamins Old St. Francis School

We checked into McMenamins Old St. Francis School for a midweek staycation and found way more than just a place to sleep. From soaking under a skylight and exploring secret rooms to sipping cocktails in a hidden bar, this historic property in downtown Bend gave us a full reset—without ever leaving...