Creative Comfort Food

Creative Comfort Food

McKay Cottage Restaurant - $-$$
62910 OB Riley Rd, 383-2697, Daily 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

There are few things more satisfying in the gourmand realm than finding a great breakfast spot. The a.m. meal is less dictated by trends, styles and scene-makers than its evening counterpart. Instead, breakfast is about comfort food and a comfortable atmosphere, even in this hip-one-moment, boring-the-next modern world.

While Central Oregon can lay claim to a number of wonderful breakfast eateries, there always seems to be a tummy-grumbling wait, especially on the weekends. Which is why discovering a place like McKay Cottage is not only delightful for the palette but will also fit right into relaxed paced of your weekend.

Out on OB Riley Rd. just off Hwy 97, McKay Cottage is in a historic craftsman home, which was moved to its current location in the mid-eighties from what is now Drake Park. In the early days of Bend, it was the residence of Clyde and Olive McKay, parents of Oregon Senator Gordon McKay.  In January of this year, Pamela Elmore and Jim Reed took over the building and without missing a day of service, remodeled and redecorated to update both the interior and exterior.

Hailing from La Jolla, California where he co-owns another breakfast/lunch restaurant, Reed splits his time between Bend and Southern California. Elmore, who worked in La Jolla with Reed for 15 years, moved to Bend some four years ago. When the historic building that had been The Original Pantry became available with it's ample parking and beautiful foliage, they knew they had the makings for a charming breakfast and lunch spot.

Whenever possible organic and natural ingredients are used including organic coffee, hormone free meats and farm fresh eggs. A slight California flair is infused into every handmade item making for an unparalleled bounty of what Elmore and Reed call "creative comfort food".

On the menu there are four benedicts offered, ranging from smoked salmon and asparagus to turkey breast with avocado. Highly recommended is the Smith Rock Benny, a combo of Applewood smoked bacon, roasted red bell pepper, fresh spinach and tomato topped with a creamy homemade hollandaise on a crusty English muffin. For the smaller appetites (or if sampling more than one menu item is your style), half orders are available, which are ample in size.

On the sweet side, the Stuffed Croissant French Toast is a rich, flavorful hangover remedy stuffed full of mascarpone cheese topped with strawberry compote. The buttermilk pancakes are heavenly, especially when requested with blueberries and bananas. Real maple syrup and creamery butter accompany the three big flapjacks.

You can pair your breakfast with a Bellini or mimosa, or for a little hair of the dog, add a Deschutes micro brew or a Northwest glass of vino. Of course the savory alcoholic beverages are more popular with the lunch selections, which include sandwiches, burgers, salads and specialties like Macadamia Crusted Mahi and Grilled Fish Tacos.

As part of Elmore and Reed's renovation, an outdoor seating area was created on the lawn in front of the bungalow. Big umbrellas and mature trees protect the diner from the sun and the traffic on OB Riley Rd, while a water feature including a pond and brook, babble just a few feet away.

Even though service is often the area in which new restaurants have the most growing pains, it is plain to see McKay Cottage has it figured out. A friendly and efficient staff keeps the water glasses full and the empty plates bussed. Coffee comes to the table in individual carafes and kids are presented with crayons and a toy to keep them occupied.  

House made granola, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, steak and eggs, fresh juice and great coffee - the McKay Cottage has the makings of a great breakfast place. With plans to open a "to go" case of fresh bakery goods and add an espresso machine by late July, it looks like Bend's has a new a.m. hot spot.

 

Written by :

Elise Jones

 

Comments (3)

Keep em coming!
written by Belladonna , July 25, 2006

Okay, now fill up your pages with reviews of good eats, and not so good,in the Central Oregon,area. I like to hear an honest review, if the place sucks, let it be know!!! Boy I would have fun reviewing the Central Oregon food industry. I hope when I go there to eat it is as good as this review! I will surely let it be known.

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written by Heather M , September 11, 2006

This was a great breakfast experience. Our family went for the first time on Sunday morning and only had to wait about 15 minutes or so. We ate outside and I felt like I was in a park. The service was fabulous. Our server definitely had her running shoes on and moved quickly to meet all of our needs. We will be going back often.

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written by Rachel , October 02, 2006

Yum Yum, the veggie cottage potatoes in the sun. Outdoor dining is the best. We went monday morning and there wasn't any wait, though it was filling up as we left.