Inbox

[December 3rd, 2008]

UNFAIR SHAKE

Willamette Week published, Nov. 26, a review by Deeda Schroeder of recently opened cafeNELL, NW 20th & Kearney.

Ms. Schroeder clearly does not understand the concept of an “urban neighborhood” cafe that serves breakfast (all day), lunch, and dinner. A pared down fine dining experience, at an accessible price point. cafeNELL offers “fine dining” to a diner who dines daily or regularly.

Her review was unbalanced, harsh, and negative, mundanely glossing over the “gorgeous” remodel, the turkey burger grilled to perfection, and the tasty breakfast. She invested her energy in her description of her “schizophrenic” service. I followed up with her to investigate. “Her server did not fill her water glass to the rim”—merely halfway.

She made no mention of the wine list, the full bar, the chef (Robert Lee), whose credentials include: Modern, Spice Market, and AOC. In four visits, she tried only ONE dinner entree—“Willamette Week has limited budgets.” No budget to taste entrées? She visited 4 times!

With her sophomoric metaphors about friendship, and utter lack of curiosity, we are left to conclude that Deeda Schroeder’s perception is “schizophrenic,” her glass is perpetually half-empty and that her poor taste walked in the door with her.

Van Creely
Co-owner, cafeNELL

CORRECTION:

WW incorrectly reported the job last week (see “A Matter of Trust,” WW, Nov. 26, 2008) of lawyer David Shannon in Gary Bertoni’s law firm. Shannon was an employee at Bertoni’s firm. WW regrets the error.

CLARIFICATION:

Last week’s cover story, “Paulson’s Pitch,” dropped words in the first line on Page 16. The complete sentence should read: “Just 18 months ago, Paulson, 35, was a midlevel National Basketball Association executive living in New York.”