Visiting family in Bend, my favorite Sungold tomato sauce, and a simple Burrata dish to beat the summer heat.

Plus, a bit of This & That.

Although I was born and raised in Los Angeles, most of my family now lives in Bend, Oregon. So Friday, I flew up with the boys to spend a week with my mom, brother, sister, and all the cousins before we move to Italy at the end of the summer. A lot has developed and changed in Bend since I was here years ago, so I was happy to get some great recs from locals and check out some new spots. We also discovered a ton of fun summertime, family-friendly activities. Highlights for me so far are:

• The Ocean Roll at Sparrow Bakery (always a favorite).

• Marionberry Lemonade from Roma Rosa at Northwest Crossing Farmers Market.

• Paddle boarding with the kids at Elk Lake.

• The vegan Chocolate Coconut gelato from Bonta Gelato.

• Going down the giant waterslide with Paolo at Juniper Swim.

• The Moonlight Mint Shake and Big Salad at Active Culture.

• Carnitas tacos and chips & guacamole from El Sancho.

Here is a list of the latest and greatest in Bend and the surrounding area that I got from some locals:

COFFEE + PASTRIES + ICE CREAM

• Backporch Roasters

• Bonta Gelato

• Cafe des Chutes

• Handel's Ice Cream

• Sparrow Bakery

• Still Vibrato

• The Pantry

• Thump Coffee

RESTAURANTS

• 5 Fusion & Sushi Bar

• Active Culture

• Bo's Falafel Bar

• Bosa

• Bos Taurus

• Boss Rambler (they have a breakfast burrito stand Wednesday-Sunday)

• Chi | Chinese and Sushi Bar

• El Sancho

• Hablo Tacos

• Jackson's Corner

• Lemon Tree

• Miyagi Ramen

• Nome

• Sen Thai Noodles & Hot Pot

• That Guy's Bistro

• The Boathouse at The Suttle Lodge

• Wild Rose

KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

• Alpenglow Park

• Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead

• Cascade Indoor Sports - Big Play Thing

• Elk Lake

• High Desert Museum

• Juniper Swim and Fitness Center

• McMenimen's Soaking Pool

• Modern Games

• Northwest Crossing Farmers Market

• Sun Mountain Fun Center

• Tumalo Creek State Park

• Larkspur Community Center and Park

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Sungold Tomato Sauce

Bringing this oldie but goodie back to everyone's attention as the season to make it is now. If you can't find sungold tomatoes, feel free to use any other cherry tomatoes you can find; just make sure they are ripe and sweet.