Country Cat

Ever since the opening of Bipartisan, the local coffee place in the little business district just 2 blocks from my house, there seems to have been a buzz about all the new stores and restaurants opening up. One restaurant that has particularly made a big buzz with lots of interesting rumors is the "Country Cat". It's taken them quite awhile to convert the old Dickson drugstore into the restaurant, and I began to wonder if it really was going to materialize. However, within the last few weeks it's been budding out as if it was just waiting for spring. Suddenly, a new brick wall facade appeared, a new sidewalk awning, new mosaic, and the most exciting- a big new sign. Last Friday, I noticed several people standing outside and as I worked in the yard, there seemed to be a lot more people walking by my corner. This was an exciting evening. The Montavilla Business District has come a LONG way in the 12 years that I've lived here.

I ate there tonight and was most impressed with the service, decor, and a most tasty pork chop. They have been surprised by the amount of business they've been getting within the last week. I hope it keeps up.

Here are some related articles:

Portland Food and Drink
Portland Mercury
Portland Food
A Neighbor's Blog

Willamette Week

Portland Food and Drink

Oregon Wine Press (thanks, Hilary!)

Montavilla

The neighborhood I live in is called Montavilla and it celebrating it's 100 year this year. I have been really surprised with all the hoopla lately in the neighborhood and especially the little business district that is 2 blocks from my house. When I first moved here 11 years ago, the business district was avoided since there was nothing worthwhile except for Flying Pie pizza and Ya Hala - huge favorites among many Portlanders. Within the last year, a theater has gone in, a very cool coffee shop, and a wine bar. Rumor has it, we're going to get a fine dining restaurant, possible a sporting goods store with a skate park, and possibly a Trader Joe's.

I really started this blog to share progress with family and friends from out of town. I haven't done much lately, except get this pile of lathes down into the basement. Whoop-ee.