Restaurant Review: Koho Bistro in Eugene, Oregon

Walk into Koho Bistro and you are immediately struck by the warm and earthy colors of the décor. The walls are painted a terra-cotta orange; local artist's works adorn the walls, and bunches of dried herbs and flowers hang from hooks near the ceiling. The white-paper covered tables are set with flowers and a small cup of crayons to sketch while you wait for your meal.

Kim & Kevin Hylands opened Koho Bistro in the Churchill neighborhood of Eugene, Oregon, with the vision of having a friendly, welcoming place for folks to gather for both informal meals and special occasions. A large banquet style table is available for larger parties.

The menu features local and organic meat, fish and produce. They have an extensive wine list both by the bottle and by the glass, and a full bar. And after you place your order, you are brought a Koho Bistro specialty - deep fried green olives, stuffed with pimento and coated in a golden-brown cornbread batter. The hot combo of sweet and tangy is not to everyone's taste, but I find them exceptionally tasty.

Starters include Koho's unique Dungeness Crab & Crayfish Strudel, served with a beurre blanc sauce; Cattail Creek Lamb Turnover with a port wine demi glace and made from locally raised lamb; and Crispy Fried Shiitake Mushroom Caps, with cumin-infused soy sauce.

Main dishes feature unusual offerings such as Crispy Rabbit Cakes, served with mustard Creole sauce and roast garlic mashed potatoes; Spanikopita, a Mixed Grill plate; and Grilled Duck Breast and Crab Yakisoba, served with stir fried noodles with julienne vegetables and sesame wasabi sauce. Seasonal specials are also offered, and often include Seared Ahi Tuna, and locally raised braised pork chops served with a savory polenta.

Desserts vary by season, but often include variations of Crème Brulee, Chocolate Mousse and various cheesecakes and tortes.

Koho is a wonderful restaurant for any number of people; and for casual gatherings or intimate romantic dinners. They have a website that lists the current specials, as well as their wine list including the wine specials that they are currently pouring by the glass.

Koho Bistro is open for lunch and dinner. Their hours are Monday-Thursday 11:30am - 9pm; Friday 11:30am-10pm and Saturday 5pm - 10pm. They are closed Sundays. Koho Bistro is located at 2101 Bailey Hill Road in Eugene. Their phone number is 541-681-9335