Latigo saddles up in Sisters

Before ever stepping inside Latigo, the attention to quality detail is evident in the artistically hand-crafted sign from Ponderosa Forge, and the invitingly comfortable furnishings on the covered deck that wraps around the building.

Entering through the glass front doors of the newest restaurant in Sisters, patrons are greeted by the warm smile of restaurant general manager Sucy Christman, whose quiet genteel manner creates a welcoming atmosphere. In the corner of the lobby is one of Sucy's saddles, won in barrel racing competitions and the inspiration for the restaurant's name. A latigo (lat-i-go) is the leather strap on a Western saddle used to tighten and secure the cinch.

The large open space is tempered by huge overhead timbers, a 25-foot high brick wood-burning fireplace, and wood flooring reclaimed from an 1800s schoolhouse. White linen tablecloths, sparkling glassware and flatware, and fresh bouquets of red roses on the tables hint at the culinary pleasure awaiting the guests.

Most of the remodel work done to transform the former florist, home décor, and frequently empty building into Sisters' newest upscale dining establishment was done by Sucy's husband and executive chef, Tim Christman. He crafted the front desk in the lobby, created the authentic stucco-look paint on the walls, and built the impressive wine display rack that holds an assortment of the finest from Pacific Northwest vintners.

Tim's greatest handiwork, his cooking, is created in the all-electric, highly efficient thermal induction kitchen he built, that has a 90 percent efficiency rating providing a better working environment for more precise cooking. There is no freezer in this kitchen as only fresh ingredients are used in the preparation of all the dishes.

Latigo's offerings are best described as "Urban Ranch," with roots in the Old West where cooks from many cultures had to use what was locally available to create food that would entice cowboys to sign on to a particular outfit to work because it had the best food.

Rather than sitting round a campfire, diners will enjoy a relaxed hour-and-a-half dining experience, choosing from a menu of three- and five-course prix fixe dinners and a variety of ala carte selections, showcasing locally sourced fresh produce, organic meat, poultry, fish and wild game.

Using the freshest ingredients available, Chef Tim employs classical cooking techniques, paired with subtle Southwest influences, to create an elevated dining experience of ranch-to-table eating. Daily chef specials and seasonal changes will be based on local availability from surrounding farms and ranches.

Tim, a Southern California native, met Texas cowgirl Sucy through their mutual interest in horses. Marriage, several restaurants, and three children later they found themselves in Hawaii on the Big Island, where Sucy managed the front of the house for Fairmont Hotels and Tim was schooled by some of the finest global chefs in the developing culinary practice of cooking, using local sourcing of seasonal ingredients. In Hawaii, that meant anything that didn't come in by boat.

The Christmans moved to Bend several years ago and patiently shopped Central Oregon for the perfect location for their ranch-inspired fine-dining restaurant. The little Western town of Sisters provided the perfect fit, and they moved here in February. Tim says they are the poster family for Sisters, "bringing to town a new business and three school-aged children."

It took them a year-and-a-half of careful planning to put Latigo together, and it will take community support to build a thriving, long-lived business. In return, they promise fresh local artisan food expertly prepared and presented with attentive, professional service at a reasonable price. The Christmans hope to be part of a collective movement to put Central Oregon on the map for exceptional cuisine.

Latigo opened its doors in mid-May with a month-long soft opening to work out the kinks and get everyone trained. June 20 will be their official grand opening. They serve dinner six days a week, Monday - Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. The outside deck is open from 3 p.m. to closing, offering some more-affordable wines, full bar service, and a lighter menu of appetizers, tapas, soup/salad/bread, and desserts. They are open year-round and already looking forward to possibly offering weekend brunch.

Reservations are not required, but strongly advised. If someone is planning a special evening and has a personal request, Latigo will do everything they can to fulfill that request. The restaurant can be reached at 541-305-0044, through their website at http://www.latigosisters.com where they also have a blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Latigo is located at 370 E. Cascade Ave. in downtown Sisters.