The Cowboy Bistro in Talent, OR (just outside of Ashland) is as eccentric (and we mean that in a good way) as its owners Charlene and Vernon Rollins, who previously operated another quirky, yet extremely well-regarded establishment in Northern California (located in the town of Boonville, a unique spot with its own language—boontling—and one that was portrayed oh-so-vividly in Robert Mailer Anderson’s novel titled, not surprisingly, “Boonville”).

Outside the Cowboy Bistro

Food and wine lovers shimmy through the side door, adorned with strands of purple fringe, and are, without fail, enchanted. Charlene lovingly creates every dish—seasonal food, beautifully presented, and featuring many ingredients plucked fresh from the onsite organic garden. We enjoyed a simple green salad, perfectly dressed, sublime duck confit nestled in a bed of lentils, and a crispy seared cod complemented by roasted vegetables.  

Vern runs the front of the house, acting as host and sommelier. The real story here is the wine list—encyclopedic and filled with rare bottles, classic vintages, and eclectic grapes. Vern lives to expertly pair your food choices with his wine recommendations and, by all means, take his advice. And, the prices are truly astonishing—in some cases, less than one-third of retail if you could even find the wine for sale. Reportedly, when asked why he offers so much for so little, he said, “I ain’t running a fucking library! I want to SELL the wine.”