(Photo courtesy of Hola!)
Camp Sherman Dining Hotspot Embraces Margaritas by the Metolius
The Camp Sherman dining landmark formerly known as Kokanee Café has taken on a new flavor with its reinvention as the latest Hola! restaurant location.
Perched alongside the pristine Metolius River, nestled among the enchanting Pine forest community, the well-established seasonal culinary hotspot now features the growing Hola! group’s renowned blend of Mexican and Peruvian cuisines.
This will be the sixth location for the popular Hola! concept, joining fellow restaurants in Bend, Redmond and Sunriver, and founder Peter Lowes said the latest incarnation aimed to maintain the relaxed atmosphere long enjoyed at the Kokanee, while offering a fresh diversity of menu options and Margaritas by the Metolius.
He added: “The restaurant has been known for attracting diners from far afield as a special destination, and we want to maintain that tradition of providing a unique experience while also serving the local community.”
The local waterway’s land-locked salmon gave rise to the Kokanee’s name when it was established in this relatively remote location, 15 miles northwest of Sisters, in 1991.
Since then it has built a strong culinary reputation and has drawn diners from across the mountains to sample artful dishes at the beloved homey hideaway with a paneled dining room and warm-weather porch.
The atmosphere offers a laid-back and fun cabin-style setting with seating both inside, under an open beamed ceiling and wrought-iron chandelier, and out back courtesy of a cozy deck under the towering Ponderosas.
Lowes added: “We have added some new décor features as part of the lively and colorful Hola! theme, and are excited to continue to offer a unique dining experience to locals, campers and fly fishermen, while welcoming back old friends.”
Chef Jorge del Cid said: “Hola prides itself on the freshest ingredients, the most unique flavor combinations and the finest tequilas for a range of remarkable margaritas. We want to continue to push the envelope of authentic Peruvian cuisine meeting bold new directions in Mexican cuisine.”
Hola! has won numerous awards including Best Latin Dining and Best Margaritas in Bend, which it landed four years in a row, and enjoys a strong following.
Alternately dubbed Hola! 6, the new restaurant maintains a similar Nuevo Latino menu as the other locations, with some new variations.
Lowes, who also owns a commercial realty company, purchased the Kokanee business and real estate from original operators Tom and Connie Derry in 2002, and since has installed subtle improvements including a full bar and outside patio.
He added: “I am proud to be a part of this wonderful community of Camp Sherman and to continue the legacy of this Northwest culinary landmark.
“We strive to achieve the highest standards and appreciate the support and loyalty of our customers, many of whom are regular visitors and have made treasured memories here.
“We really want to appeal to the local community, and to all the visitors who enjoy the great recreation opportunities around this area.”
Camp Sherman Hola!, located at 25545 SW Forest Service Rd. #1419, at the Metolius River Resort, will be open from April 26 to November and open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 10pm, tel. 541-595-6420 for reservations.
