Yesterday I walked the kiddos (2 year old twins and 2 month old newborn girl) up to my in-laws house to give mama her first kid-less break since Clara was born on June 23rd. I was talking to my father-in-law, Jay Gordon – executive vice president at Willamette Valley Multiple Listing, about housing and business in our community. We were in conversation about the growing business of my uncle Dino’s place downtown (Venti’s Cafe and Basement Bar) and he suggested I watch the below clip from KATU that was aired early evening yesterday. After getting through bedtime and kitchen chores I sat down on the couch and watched the clip below.
Initially I was a bit frustrated with this clip. The mind is a powerful tool and if a seed is planted about business being slow in downtown Salem and you don’t work and/or live in downtown Salem then the perception may become a reality in one’s mind. Downtown is busy and vibrant and is continuing to grow. My office is close to downtown and I plan all my out of office business meetings in the core of downtown. I’d like to make clear that this video does not portray all business in downtown Salem.
The term “Buy Local” quickly came to mind. As we begin to hear more news about the inevitable state budget woes and potential furlough and/or layoffs the theory of less money spent in our community will come to fruition.
Buy Local
Buying local has never been so much fun in the Salem area. Specifically the core of downtown Salem has a very good thing going on right now. Obviously I am partial to the food, drink and entertainment of Venti’s Cafe and Basement Bar, but there are many other great locally owned restaurants we can support in downtown Salem that are all focused on bringing quality food, service and entertainment to our community through their venue. Not to mention the involvement and focus from each owner to return the favor and buy local and pour love back into our community.
Some great places downtown that I adore, both from as a foodie and as an involved member in our community, include:
La Capitale: Chef/Owner David Rosales (@kidcapitale on Twitter) is an amazing contributor to our community. Culinary expertise runs through his blood as his dad, Pedro Rosales, has owned/run La Margarita (also downtown), one of Salem’s best Mexican restaurants, for years. David has done a great job of connecting with our community and obviously makes it a priority to integrate fresh, local ingredients into many of his menu and special items.
Wild Pear: Chefs/Owners/Sisters Jessica and Cecilia Ritter (@wildpear) truly care about our community. I actually worked the catering side of things with Wild Pear right when I came on board with Landmark in the summer of 2006 to help generate income for health insurance, etc while taking on a 100% commission career. It was a great experience to work with Jessica and view how much she truly loves her community and every single one of her customers.
Downtown Waffles: Creator/Owner James Cloyd (@downtownwaffles)is the newest addition to my food entourage with his waffle cart on the corner of Liberty and Chemeketa downtown. I’ve known James for years and I love his new venture. James offers fresh waffles touting a variety of toppings including many great additions from the local farmer’s markets.
Venti’s Cafe and Basement Bar: Chef/Owner Dino Venti (@ventiscafe / @leslieventi / @conradventi) has never been more passionate about our community and the core of downtown Salem. Dino is constantly looking for ways to improve the economics and livelihood of downtown Salem, not to mention his overwhelming passion for bringing good food, drink and atmosphere to his eclectic restaurant and bar.
Salem Saturday Market and the Wednesday Farmer’s Market: The Friends of Salem Saturday Market put a considerable amount of effort into planning and organizing the mid-valley’s most community centered market. Both the Saturday Market and the Wednesday Farmer’s Market are hosted downtown and provide a connection between the residence and local farmers, artists and craftsmen. Kari and I enjoy weekly outings with the kids to the market to hunt down produce needs and meet-up with friends.
There are many more community focused businesses, restaurants and organizations in the core of downtown Salem, but these stand at the top of my list as places I love and frequently visit. The story aired by KATU packs a powerful punch in with the reality of our State’s budget crisis, but we can hedge the storm. Each one of us can make an impact to avoid a “double dip recession” with a focus on our community and spending our money locally.
I agree with you Conrad. Downtown is a great place to be, eat, walk, shop, look and hang out. Although the landscape has been increasingly dominated with big spaces for lease or out of commission buildings, there is still a vibrant thing going on. One only has to frequent Venti’s to know that there good food and a good atmosphere available. Even yesterday my wife and I ate at the Wild Pear and were blown away again at the vibrancy and good eats. Not to mention the Saturday market – very cool.
Keep it coming Salem. We’re interested.