Taking over a neighborhood institution like the Alameda Café would seem daunting to any experienced restaurateur. But when new owners Matthew Firosz and Rosie McGown learned the Alameda was available, they jumped in with both feet. The Alameda Café reopened in November under their vision, with an updated dinner menu and a freshly updated interior. The café also serves brunch on the weekend and plans to offer breakfast and lunch in early 2015.
Co-owners Firosz and McGown are longtime NE residents. Firosz owns NEPO42 restaurant and catering at 42nd and Killingsworth and McGown lives on 47th, which is where the Alameda Café sits on the corner of Fremont Street. “I always had a soft spot in my heart for this place,” said Firosz. He said he tried to buy it 10 years ago but was unsuccessful. This time the stars aligned—both for the space and the menu.
Cameron Addy is now Executive Chef at the Alameda Café. He is known by many in the restaurant scene for his former work as Chef de Cuisine at the much lauded Ava Gene’s. The team of three wanted to recreate the emotional connection of a neighborhood pub, with an outstanding yet still approachable menu. Said McGown, “We want this to be a regular everyday place that people think about.” Firosz added, “We set out to give diners a great value, especially considering the time, energy, and craft that goes into the dishes. Our chef is a true professional.”
The new owners may have renovated the menu and the space, but they’ve retained the heart of the neighborhood in many details. For starters, they kept the Alameda Café name, complete with the sunflower-logo sign and building mural. “It’s a beautiful, old-fashioned sign,” said Firosz. “They don’t make those anymore.” Additionally, the beautiful Oregon landscape photos taken by the previous owner’s husband still adorn the walls—including, yes, photos of sunflowers.
The connection to the neighborhood, they say, is a big part of why they kept the name. “This is an important place,” said McGown. “We know people who’ve been coming here for 30 years.” Reception from the neighborhood has been positive, according to McGown. During renovation, they spoke with many curious residents. (It didn’t hurt to be next to Starbucks.) “People told us they’re excited to see the café come back and be vibrant again,” she continued.
The menu changes weekly, and features New American dishes with modern flair. The steamed mussels with salsa verde aioli and grilled bread are McGown’s favorite for an appetizer or entrée ($11). She also recommends the barley risotto – a rich and creamy vegetarian option, “perfect for winter” ($15). The food comes from six Oregon farms and features local and seasonal produce.
The newly renovated space is warmly updated with dark wood features, finished concrete floors, Edison light bulbs, and sleek bar shelving – a more modern atmosphere than the previous café. Each table has a unique set of salt and pepper shakers featuring pigs, cows, pipes, tombstones, and more. The shakers add a lighthearted touch of fun for a more playful (less stuffy) ambiance.
McGown and Firosz would be happy to see people come from other neighborhoods to eat here. But they’re hoping to continue to be a neighborhood destination. As McGown put it, “That’s not why we opened. It wouldn’t be part of the neighborhood vibe that we’re looking for. We want people to know that we are part of the neighborhood, too.”
The owners hope to expand the menu and hours of operation (initially Wednesday though Sunday) as the year unfolds.