For this week’s food reviews, I narrowed in on two establishments along Highway 97 in southeast Bend.

I’ve driven past Kanji Ramen Noodle & Izakaya many times without noticing it and I’m so glad I stopped in. It’s cozy inside, serving bowls of ramen that warm the soul — perfect for today’s snowstorm.

Perhaps less tempting with the falling frozen flakes outside is Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. The Ohio chain, located across the street from Kanji in Walmart’s parking lot, held its grand opening a few weeks ago. Handel’s offers over 40 fun flavors, yet no samples, a policy I found strange for an ice cream shop.

So if you discover a flavor that you love, let me know! So far, I’ve tried the vanilla and coffee ice cream with Heath pieces. 

Cheers!

Janay

-Janay Wright, Features Reporter