The transition promises to be seamless, but a certain “Bliss” will be missing.

After 20 years of operation, the first change in ownership and in the kitchen took place in mid-January at The Rendezvous Grill. Co- founder and owner Chef Kathryn Bliss is tossing aside her apron.

“I made the decision about a year and a half ago, but it took me five months to tell Tom (Anderson,
co-owner),” Bliss said. “Now, I’m going to pause, live life for a while, a
different kind of life, with weekends off.”

Under her guidance, The Rendezvous Grill became a leader in the fresh local
food movement. Her networking with local ranchers and growers for the best
food available, as well as constantly changing of desserts, and placing an
emphasis on Northwest seafood, made her an industry leader.

“Procure a food product that is someone’s labor of love, and half the work of
cooking is done, as long as it is treated with passion and respect,” Bliss said.
“This has been my passion. Thank you for letting me share it with the
community.”

Owner Tom Anderson will miss his prized chef.

“Not only will we miss Kathryn’s skills as a chef, but her leadership, intensity
and dedication to training cooks and future chefs created this special place,”
Anderson said.

Leaving has been more difficult that Bliss thought.

“It’s been my baby for 20 years,” she said. “But my ties to the Mountain are
not over.” Then, on her last day on the job, she added (with a chuckle), “To
the very end I’m bossing people around.”

Remembering back, she couldn’t help to site her biggest disaster.

“It was 10 years ago,” she said. “My big idea was fathers eat free on Father’s
Day. The patio was open, the place was packed. The wind picked up, rain
began to fall, then a huge clap of thunder followed by a downpour. Customers
fled the patio for indoors, holding their food in their hands. Tom was having a
cow.”

But to this day, the Father’s Day special continues.

What will she miss the most?

“My customers, my employees, vendors, local producers of beef and produce,”
she said. “They’re all my friends.”

But won’t she miss the cooking?

“Yes and no on the kitchen,” she said, the chuckle returning.

The new chef and partner is already in place. Mathias Englom grew up on the
Mountain, is a culinary school graduate, and cooked at The Rendezvous for
several years prior to becoming the sous chef. He then moved on to the
executive chef position at Full Sail in Hood River.

He is excited for the opportunity and looking forward to the shorter commute.
Englom will be helped by sous chef Lisa Lanxon who has been at The
Rendezvous the past four years.

“When partnered with Mathias, Lisa’s knowledge and sense of savory ensures
that the great food found at The Rendezvous will continue into the future,”
Bliss said.

Meanwhile, the Bliss future starts a new chapter.