jaclyn perez and betsy the owners of the lemon tree in bend oregon

Meet the Chefs of The Lemon Tree

Chef Jaclyn Perez and Betsy McDonald come together to present Bend, Oregon with a unique dining experience.

Jaclyn and Betsy met while working on MegaYachts cruising around the world and providing exceptional dining experiences for their clients.

The cuisine was completely driven by what was fresh, local and available. Guests were always treated to the specialties of the port of call each day. In this way, Jaclyn and Betsy developed their “style” of clean, fresh international fare prepared with lots of love!

Now the Chefs are home in Bend…. get ready to be loved by two chefs with a passion for cooking, a strong affinity for vibrant world flavors and a desire to serve great food to the people of Bend!

History of The Lemon Tree

Over the last thirty years, Mac and Betsy rode the high seas cruising with various international clients to ports around the world. The vessels they ran ranged in size from 93' (Robyn Lee) to 205' (Lady Lola). International crews were from 4 to 16 depending on the size of the vessel. They transited the Atlantic 8 times, visited all 5 of the Great Lakes and passed through the Panama Canal 6 times. Favorite ports included Barcelona, Cannes, the Amalfi coast, Istanbul, Santorini, Victoria BC, La Paz, and NYC. During their last tenure aboard Lady Lola, they were joined by Chef Jackie and while cooking aboard that vessel, they all agreed that "apres-yachting," there would be a business established that would incorporate all of the foods and ambiance they experienced during all the travels.

The Lemon Tree was developed in Tuscany during the summer of 2017 and began in earnest in Bend in February 2018. They opened the doors in May of the same year and are charging ahead with amazing flavors from around the world, locally sourced.

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two chefs happy next to a grill of fresh meats and vegetalbes
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fancy yacht that travels around the world with private chefs
jacyln perez and betsy mcdonald chefs and owners of the lemon tree in bend oregon
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  • "Legitimately one of the best brunches we've had. Also has great coffee, which is sometimes not the case at brunch places. Everything was good, and we will definitively be going back!"

  • "This is one of our favorite places to go while in bend. Great service and food. The Benedict's are the best!"

  • "Shakshuka is my favoriteeeee! Avo Hash Smash is my second favorite. This is the best breakfast place in bend downtown!"

  • "Staff was friendly, efficient, checked in with us often and made great suggestions. Food was AMAZING and every detail was attended to in the experience. The breakfasts were unique and undeniably tasty. Plus, the cafe is right by a great park and has an adjacent parking lot, making it easy to get there by walking, biking, or car. Loved it!"

  • "The Lemon Tree has it all; not only an excellent selection of eggs benedict the dishes were amazing delicious. Plus beautiful decor and ambiance, and attentive waiters. We will make it a point to indulge ourselves again at The Lemon Tree whenever we're in Bend."

  • "Yes! Do it! Go here! Best brunch spot I've been to in a long time!"

  • "Ate at this place with my family last time I was in Bend and LOVED it! Can not say enough good things about the food, it was such a lovely meal cozy atmosphere and the people so friendly and accommodating."

  • "Absolutely incredible, every single thing was amazing, atmosphere was very cool, and staff was very welcoming and friendly!"

  • "Arguably the best Brunch Place I have ever been to. The Lemon Tree in Bend, OR had some of the best pastries and breakfast dishes I have ever had for Brunch. The incredible food there was only superseded by the amazing service."

  • "10/10 restaurant. Went here for brunch and got the amaretto french toast and crab cakes Benedict, best brunch we've ever experienced."