Nearly a year after its anticipated opening, El Rey Azteca (“The Aztec King") began greeting diners in early April. Owned by Carlos and Martha Reyes and their son, Jesus, who also have the tiny Tortilleria Reyes on Souteast Division Street, the new restaurant has replaced the former Shanghai Chinese restaurant on Bend's north side. Open for lunch and dinner, the new Michoacán-style Mexican restaurant has a large lounge area where Latino musical acts are planned. 1955 N.E. Division St., Bend; 541-389-2807, www.facebook.com.
The WestSide Bakery & Cafe, a longtime Bend favorite that serves breakfasts and lunches every day but Tuesday, has reopened after a renovation that reduced its size by about a third. Two of its former rooms will become the home of Versante Pizza in early June. Versante, serving daily lunches and dinners, is keeping its Third Street location open until its own renovation and move are complete. WestSide is located at 1005 N.W. Galveston Ave., Bend. WestSide: www.westsidebakeryandcafe.com, 541-382-3426. Versante: www.versantepizza.com, 541-318-9177.
Sweet Saigon and Pho Viet are not the only Vietnamese restaurants in Bend. Dang's has just opened in the Outback Steakhouse complex south of Reed Market Road. The menu features pho ($7.95 and $8.95), rice platters ($7.95 to $10.95) and other traditional dishes, including banh mi ($4.95 and $5.95). Open 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. 1180 S.E. Third St., Suite C1, Bend; 541-385-8888.
Eco Bistro, Bar & Boutique has closed its South Third Street restaurant in search of another location. Until owners Paulina and Mark Hopkins find one, they have launched Ziggy's Ice Cream, serving natural ice cream as well as non-dairy, gluten-free and vegan snacks from a mobile kitchen. 541-241-4790, www.ziggysicecream.com.
