If the appetizing idea of a new western-style fine dining restaurant in downtown Sisters isn’t ample cause to hoot and holler, then we don’t know what is.
Welcome to Latigo and its fresh, artisan cuisine inspired by the fertile ranches and farms of the Pacific Northwest. It will feature bold seasonal flavors for discriminating diners in a relaxing venue with an extensive wine list and full bar.
Husband and wife owners Chef Tim and Sucy Christman are putting the final touches on their upscale cowboy cuisine establishment, a farm-to-table temptation right on the main drag of Sisters, dusting off the plates and polishing the flatware in preparation for their soft opening and VIP preview that occurred on May 16.
“Sucy is a Texas girl and that’s where I got the inspiration for this,” explained Chef Tim. “The first real fusion cuisine in America was cowboy cooking and its creative blending of ethnic foods. That’s where the flavor comes in. We’re really excited to be in Sisters because this is a concept we shopped in other markets and it didn’t fit as tightly as it does here. A lot of ranch communities aren’tenticed by a green, sustainable sensibility and that current farm-to-table movement. We want to do somethingmore elevated and refined. Not many restaurants serve western food upscale and we’re going to change all that for Central Oregon.”
Inside the newly refurbished Latigo dining room and bar, the warm décor strikes a balance between authentic timber-frame friendly and genteel sophistication, with reclaimed wood flooring from an old 1800s schoolhouse, an inviting 25-foot woodburning brick fireplace and classic western artwork.
The Christman’sbiggest obstaclein launching their enterprise was overcoming the economic downturn, coming up with a comprehensive business plan and then making that fearful leap.
“This just might be the right time for an “upscale ranch” restaurant and we certainly hope it is.We want Latigo to be a place for special celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, or a late night appetizeror dessert and coffee. We’re definitely going to be known for our abundant wine list, representative of the Pacific Northwest and all the best vintners. And if we have to go to other wine producers to best pair our dishes, then that’s what we’ll do. Our front patio is going to be a great place to come relax in the afternoon for a light supper, glass of wine or home-made dessert, whether it’s to close a real estate deal or reunite with an old friend.”
With the newly-reopened Cascade Avenue channeling traffic past their prime location, the Christmans are hopeful for a roaring success and bountiful summer.
“We’ve installed a brand new, all-electric, highly efficient thermal induction kitchen that has a 90% efficiency rating and operates three times more efficiently than gas,” he said.“It creates a better working environment for more precise cooking.”
This is not the Christman’s first rodeo. With over 25 years’ experience in the restaurant world, Chef Tim has owned and operated multiple venues in the Southwest and California. Latigo showcases the best natural ingredients from the region, including local fresh produce, organic beef, pork, poultry, seafood and wild game. They intend on offering an “ala carte” menu as well as three and five-course “prix fixe”dining adventures. Daily chef specials and seasonal changes will be based on local availability. The menu will adapt and rotate on a daily basis to feature only the freshest and highest quality ingredients harvested in the market today.
Tim’s interest and passion for food started at a young age. The oldest of seven kids, he put his inventive cooking skills to work early helping cook for the family. He then went on to become a professional, working with some of the culinary world’s finest chefs. Tim’s adventurous spirit and creativity shine through every appetizer and entrée served, all in his own unique “Urban Ranch” style. His approach to food is simple – Procure the highest quality ingredients, at the freshest stage and treat them with respect, skill and care from field to plate.
“We want to be the go-to place when food needs to be elevated, for a special dinner, a quiet night out or just searching for a change. Sucy is a superb fine dining, front of the house manager and reallygets the subtle nuances of impeccable service and that’s exactly what Latigo strives for.”
Latigo will be open for dinner in their pre-launch phase starting May 23, six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, with a grand opening sometime in early June. Reservations are highly recommended.
They’re located at 370 East Cascade Avenue in downtown Sisters. For hours, menus and more info go to www.latigosisters.com or call 541-305-0044.
