Neighbor Rotisserie opened just over two weeks ago on Bend’s Newport Avenue, but its concept began germinating in Provence in 2012.

Over a decade ago, business partners Jay Junkin and Parker Vaughan jetted off to the French countryside where they delighted in the experience of French rotisseries. Now, the former owners of Jackson’s Corner are introducing a similar style of cooking to Central Oregon.

The eatery sits in the former home of Kebaba, a Mediterranean restaurant missed sorely by the Bend community. With this in mind, Junkin and Vaughan have carried forward elements of the restaurant by embedding Mediterranean flavors in the menu.

“Kebaba was a longstanding restaurant in the community and obviously us coming from Jackson’s Corner know how that feels,” Vaughan said. “We’ve both been here for 20-plus years, and we don’t want to wipe the slate clean — so to speak — of the history in our community.”

Junkin was particularly fond of Kebaba’s za’atar fries.

“I don’t know how many pounds of those I ate,” he said.

Nods to John Picarazzi’s restaurant may be found in the rotisserie’s Mediterranean flare. Plates of rotisserie chicken come with “za’atar zhoug” and sides include an Oregon chickpea hummus ($7) and cauliflower “tabbouleh” made with dates, almonds and parsley ($7).

Renovations to the building have made the fast-casual restaurant feel light and breezy, with expansive windows next to the ordering counter allowing natural light to flood the space. Tables are adorned with fresh-cut flowers and the fireplace in the entryway has been preserved, giving an overall impression of dining in someone’s home.

“We’re stoked to turn a new page after a longstanding chapter of Jackson’s Corner,” Vaughan said.

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Family-style plates and more

The menu is designed for lunch and dinner service, divided into plates, salads, sandwiches and sides. The plates are intended to be enjoyed family-style, shared amongst family and friends along with a cocktail or glass of beer or wine.

The half-rotisserie chicken I ordered was prepared with smoked paprika and lemon ($20) and plated with crispy schmaltz potatoes, hot piparra peppers and a charred lemon. From the three sauce options, I selected the “za’atar zhoug,” a bold addition that bolstered the well-executed bones of the dish.

The chicken glistened with a crispy brown exterior, encasing succulent meat. But I was even more won over by the schmaltz potatoes, which had absorbed enough chicken fat for a deliciously crisp outside and creamy interior. There’s nothing better than a perfectly cooked spud.

Maybe on a future visit, I’ll have an opportunity to try the pickled deviled eggs ($6), made with boiled egg whites stained a marvelous bright pink and yolks whipped up with horseradish.

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Details

What: Neighbor Rotisserie

Location: 1004 NW Newport Ave., Bend

Contact: neighborrotisserie.com, 541-593-3313

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday

Price Range: Entrees range from $8-$25