Oregon-raised celebrity chef is opening a new restaurant in his Bend hometown (2024)

Food lovers are likely familiar with the “farm-to-table” trend, but an Oregon-raised celebrity chef is putting a new twist on that, with a “ranch-to-plate” restaurant opening this weekend in central Oregon. Brian Malarkey, who fans of culinary TV will know from his many appearances on Food Network series, “Top Chef” seasons, the “Today” show, “Good Morning America,” and many more, is opening a new establishment called Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge, on Sunday, June 16, in Bend.

(Want to see Brian Malarkey in action? You can stream Food Network shows featuring the chef, such as “Beachside Brawl,” on Philo, which offers a free trial; and Fubo, which also offers a free trial.)

Malarkey grew up on a ranch in Oregon, according to his website, and spent “summers enjoying fresh seafood on the coast,” both of which helped Malarkey develop an interest in food and prompted him to enroll in Le Cordon Bleu, in Portland.

Though he has opened several restaurants in San Diego and Orange County, California, the new venture is inspired by Malarkey’s central Oregon heritage. According to press materials, Malarkey, partnering with his brother, James Malarkey, intends Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge to honor the brothers’ “ranching and rodeo roots in Oregon,” and feature a “modern cowboy” aesthetic, along with wood-fired ovens, and live music.

The Hawkeye & Huckleberry 11,000-square-foot space will feature canvas tent semi-private dining spaces, a seasonal outdoor patio with a “Kids Camp” area, a stage inside the restaurant that can be a performance site for local bands and touring artists, and event destination spaces such as a private dining room.

As for food, according to press materials, chef Malarkey, working alongside longtime collaborator and chef Tony Torres, will feature chickens and beef raised “at their nearby ranch in Tumalo, P-B Hawkeye Ranch.” The restaurant will also have its own butcher shop and smoker on site “to break down and preserve entire animals, allowing the kitchen to utilize every element, minimize waste, and offer unique, high-quality steaks at accessible price points. What isn’t grown or raised on the ranch (so far lettuces, microgreens, sunchokes and onions are growing on the ranch) is locally and thoughtfully sourced, including 100 percent Oregon pork.”

In addition to “splurge-worthy items,” the menu will also feature such dishes as beef tongue tostadas, “Campfire Cornbread,” bay shrimp co*cktail, summer vegetable pizza, Columbia River salmon, and more.

“Opening Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge in Bend is a deeply personal endeavor and a dream come true for my brother James and me. This restaurant is a heartfelt celebration of our Central Oregon heritage, the ranching and rodeo traditions that have shaped us, and the incredible community we’re so proud to be a part of,” Malarkey said in a statement.

“From the beef, chickens and produce raised and grown on our own nearby ranch, to the locally sourced ingredients from our community partners, each dish tells a story of home. Seeing our vision come to life while returning to the place that raised us is an indescribable feeling, and we can’t wait to share this experience with our neighbors from Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and all the surrounding areas. Whether you’re a local or visiting from nearby, we’re excited to welcome you with open arms and share the warmth and spirit of Hawk & Huck!”

Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge, 225 S.W. Century Drive, in Bend, will be open Sunday through Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4-10 p.m., with Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4-5 p.m. and Industry Nights on Mondays.

— Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist

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