Changing fast food — Life & Time, a much-anticipated cafe across the parking lot from Bend’s west side Safeway store, opened Jan. 16 promoting “free-range fast food.” Patrons may dine in-house or drive through for a menu of soups, salads, burgers and other sandwiches priced $5 to $10. Rice and grain bowls are $8 to $12, breakfasts $4 to $7, and a children’s menu tops out at $6. Promising to “change the face of fast food forever,” the cafe serves only hormone- and antibiotic-free beef and avoids all processed sugars. 320 SW Century Drive, Suite 100, Bend; lifeandtime.com, 541-797-0168. Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

Year of the Pig — Spork will welcome the lunar new year on Feb. 4 with a dinner that greets the Year of the Pig. According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, the pig brings good fortune; those born under the sign are likely to be honest and courageous. Well-traveled chef Jeff Hunt will offer two Monday seatings (5:30 and 8:30 p.m.) for a multicourse, Far East-inspired spread. Tickets — priced at $43, or $10 for children 12 and under — may be purchased in advance at Spork. 937 NW Newport Ave., Bend; sporkbend.com, 541-390-0946.

— John Gottberg Anderson, The Bulletin