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Whether Rita Deco is a movie star or world trav
eler, her name evokes the glamour of the 19 30s and
’40s. Automatically your mind
is tuned to all things Rita
Hayworth and art deco. And
this is as it should he when you
head out to shop for unique vin
tage gift and home décor items.
William Spencer, a gay
native Oregonian, opened Rita
Deco at 7817 N.E. Prescott St. in February.
Spencer combined his 20 years of experience in
gifts and retail with his set design experience at
local theaters to create a fun and vibrant store.
You’ll find mid-century ware and movie memora
bilia as well as new novelties.
is affiliated with the leather and bears communi
ties, said Rita Deco is a great place for collectors
and people with an eye for vintage items.
“It’s a wonderful place to
browse,” he adds. “And I have
very affordable prices—1 try to
keep prices at a level 1 would like
to pay.”
business
watch
Familiar Spot Evolves
There’s nothing new about
Wild Abandon’s eclectic American cuisine, its
cozy, romantic lounge and its hoppin' happy hour.
Or is there?
There’s something familiar about the way Wild
Abandon has grown in the past 12 years at 2411 S.E.
Belmont St.
While its happy hour has
always been a destination, it
now offers the best outdoor
patio this side of the river.
And while the murals and
warm
interior
haven’t
changed much, the restaurant
has begun boasting a Red
Velvet Lounge, which is more
of a concept than an actual
space.
“We want to be a gixxl
neighborhood stop, where
someone can just come and
have a really gcxxl burger. Or
a date space, where you can
William Spencer sells vintage gifts and collectibles at Rita Deco.
order a more expensive
entree,” said owner Michael
Another aspect to Rita Deco is the artist
Cox, an Oregonian since 1992.
space. Every month, Spencer will show the two-
Cox began his career in the restaurant industry
dimensional art of an emerging artist on his
washing dishes at 1 3 years old. His first job in
gallery wall. Spencer said he enjoys giving space
Portland was waiting tables at Zell’s Cafe, just a few
to artists who might not he established enough for
hkx:ks from Wild Abandon. At his restaurant for
a formal gallery setting. Next month, the acrylic
five nights a week, Cox is found behind the bar,
florals of Colleen Williams will he on display.
greeting diners as the host, filling in for the pastry
“This is very appropriate for rhe season with
chef and, sometimes still, washing dishes. Cox,
everything blooming," said Spencer.
who describes himself as the gay Boh Villa, also
A Cully neighhorhixxl resident, Spencer said he
upholstered all of the hmths and built the restau
chose to open his store in the up-and-coming neigh
rant’s glittered tables.
borhood because it has a lot of positive energy. “It’s
The Wild Abandon Web site has been a 21st
another area that’s taken a little time to catch on,
century addition to the restaurant—like the patio,
like St. Johns and Alberta,” he said. “1 didn’t want
which Cox says came to him as a revelation:
to open clear across town in an area I’m not familiar “Sometimes it takes me 10 to 12 years to get-a clue.”
with.”
The detailed Web site tells the history of the
He said he believes people will make Rita Deco joint and its mission and posts a detailed menu.
a destination because he brings in new goods
According to Cox, every chef from the
almost every day and the shop is a wonderful place
restaurant’s past has left fingerprints on its menu.
to find a gift. Spencer, who was active in the
He describes the style of the restaurant’s newest
Imperial Sovereign Rose Court for many years and
chef, Jonathan Taulbee, as “subtly inventive,
with a restrained, creative signature."
To celebrate its 12th year in business,
Cox is hosting a “no donor left behind"
celebration April 24 in which 60 per
cent of all proceeds will he donated to
Our House of Portland. “This is a way
for people to have dinner as they would
on any other night, and whatever your
price point is, it’s a donation,” he said.
Cox says he rarely says no to charita
ble opportunities and has been an active
contributor to Cascade AIDS Project and
Basic Rights Oregon’s Bite for Rights.
For
more
information
visit
www.wildahandonrestaurant.com. ©
Michael Cox celebrates 12 years with Wild Abandon.
By J aymee R. Cirri and M alka G effen