Dear Mom Cafe recently opened in Bend, introducing modern Thai cuisine with a twist. The atmosphere is relaxed, the staff is welcoming and the decor is chic.

Even better, the prices are more than affordable, as the customer experience is paramount to owner, Jattalee (JJ) Chalernhinthong. She couldn’t help but smile, she said, when she noticed customers playing a game of cards while waiting for their meal. And it made Chalernhinthong especially happy when a group of customers who had just spent a day up at Mt. Bachelor spontaneously ran into people they knew at her cafe.

It’s that small-town feel that brought Chalernhinthong, her husband, her five-year-old daughter, and the kitchen staff of Dear Mom to Bend.

When visiting Dear Mom, keep in mind that it’s still working out the details. When I visited last week, the Vida Y Tacos sign was still hung above the restaurant. Also, Chalernhinthong said the liquor license is still pending, and she’s still working on the website.

Cheers!

Janay

-Janay Wright, Features Reporter