Photo Gallery of Lady Bird
Share your photos with us #OldMillDistrict
Lady Bird Cultural Society now open in the Old Mill District
Chef/owner John Gurnee has brought high-end Mediterranean concept to north end of district
Fine dining has risen to a new level at the Old Mill District with the opening of Lady Bird Cultural Society restaurant.
Chef John Gurnee, who gained renown in the Bend culinary scene from his time with Drake and Washington Dining & Cocktails, has curated both a menu and ambient scene to elevate dining in Central Oregon.
“We’ve curated not just a restaurant but an experience,” said Gurnee, who with his wife, Amanda, opened Lady Bird to the public earlier this month. “Lady Bird is a place where memories will be created.”
The restaurant’s eclectic menu puts a polished spin on the farm-to-table concept, tapping into locally sourced ingredients while offering year-round favorites. From caviar and oysters to wood-fired sourdough pizzas – including gluten-free option – to a carefully curated selection of entrees and appetizers, there is something for every palate.
The carefully designed dining offerings are not the only specialized items. Lady Bird has created a selection of custom crafted, Prohibition-era style cocktails in addition to an amazing spirits collection with bourbons you are unlikely to find elsewhere in town. Mocktails and other nonalcoholic options are intentionally fun and festive.
The venue underwent a complete overhaul from its predecessor at 375 SW Powerhouse Drive. The upscale decor is meant to dazzle and is definitely Instagram-worthy. A dramatic black and white Italian Terrazzo floor sets the stage for bold, hanging bird lights and birdcage-style dining chairs. No detail was overlooked.
Lady Bird also features The Nest, a private VIP room available for both social and corporate events, either for an intimate sit-down dinner or a refined cocktail and appetizer gathering. Customizable menus are available to add a heightened ambiance for attendees.
A graduate of San Francisco’s California Culinary Academy, Gurnee and his family moved to Central Oregon in 2014. Gurnee’s latest creation aims to elevate dining in Bend.
“We all love the burger and beer scene in Bend. It’s part of what makes Bend, Bend,” said Gurnee. “But it was time for something more sophisticated in town, both in terms of ambiance and cuisine. I’m excited to share what our amazing team has created with our guests.”
Lady Bird is the 16th restaurant and/or tasting room concept in Old Mill. Gurnee chose to open his restaurant in Old Mill for a number of reasons that go beyond the iconic setting, easy access, and plentiful parking.
The name of the restaurant is an ode to former first lady “Lady Bird” Johnson, whose primary cause was to beautify America. Gurnee loves the abundance of flowers and wildlife found in the Old Mill District along the Deschutes River.
Raised as a bird hunter, Gurnee loves watching waterfowl along the river. Also, in his youth he worked at concerts for promoter Bill Graham, so having a premier site to enjoy Hayden Home Amphitheater shows feels like home, Gurnee added. The patio space overlooking the river is sure to be a hot spot in warmer temps, especially during concert season.
Lady Bird is currently open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Future plans include offering a European-style brunch on weekends.
Photo Gallery of Lady Bird
Share your photos with us #OldMillDistrict
Lady Bird Cultural Society now open in the Old Mill District
Chef/owner John Gurnee has brought high-end Mediterranean concept to north end of district
Fine dining has risen to a new level at the Old Mill District with the opening of Lady Bird Cultural Society restaurant.
Chef John Gurnee, who gained renown in the Bend culinary scene from his time with Drake and Washington Dining & Cocktails, has curated both a menu and ambient scene to elevate dining in Central Oregon.
“We’ve curated not just a restaurant but an experience,” said Gurnee, who with his wife, Amanda, opened Lady Bird to the public earlier this month. “Lady Bird is a place where memories will be created.”
The restaurant’s eclectic menu puts a polished spin on the farm-to-table concept, tapping into locally sourced ingredients while offering year-round favorites. From caviar and oysters to wood-fired sourdough pizzas – including gluten-free option – to a carefully curated selection of entrees and appetizers, there is something for every palate.
The carefully designed dining offerings are not the only specialized items. Lady Bird has created a selection of custom crafted, Prohibition-era style cocktails in addition to an amazing spirits collection with bourbons you are unlikely to find elsewhere in town. Mocktails and other nonalcoholic options are intentionally fun and festive.
The venue underwent a complete overhaul from its predecessor at 375 SW Powerhouse Drive. The upscale decor is meant to dazzle and is definitely Instagram-worthy. A dramatic black and white Italian Terrazzo floor sets the stage for bold, hanging bird lights and birdcage-style dining chairs. No detail was overlooked.
Lady Bird also features The Nest, a private VIP room available for both social and corporate events, either for an intimate sit-down dinner or a refined cocktail and appetizer gathering. Customizable menus are available to add a heightened ambiance for attendees.
A graduate of San Francisco’s California Culinary Academy, Gurnee and his family moved to Central Oregon in 2014. Gurnee’s latest creation aims to elevate dining in Bend.
“We all love the burger and beer scene in Bend. It’s part of what makes Bend, Bend,” said Gurnee. “But it was time for something more sophisticated in town, both in terms of ambiance and cuisine. I’m excited to share what our amazing team has created with our guests.”
Lady Bird is the 16th restaurant and/or tasting room concept in Old Mill. Gurnee chose to open his restaurant in Old Mill for a number of reasons that go beyond the iconic setting, easy access, and plentiful parking.
The name of the restaurant is an ode to former first lady “Lady Bird” Johnson, whose primary cause was to beautify America. Gurnee loves the abundance of flowers and wildlife found in the Old Mill District along the Deschutes River.
Raised as a bird hunter, Gurnee loves watching waterfowl along the river. Also, in his youth he worked at concerts for promoter Bill Graham, so having a premier site to enjoy Hayden Home Amphitheater shows feels like home, Gurnee added. The patio space overlooking the river is sure to be a hot spot in warmer temps, especially during concert season.
Lady Bird is currently open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Future plans include offering a European-style brunch on weekends.