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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2009)
14 vernonia’s voice business may 2009 The Changing Restaurant Scene in Vernonia Some big changes are happening in downtown Vernonia, most notably where and when you One other change the Blue House has made is to their beverage menu-- no more soda pop. can go out to eat and hang out. And more are on the way. Instead, the Semerjians are serving freshly-made Italian Sodas made from pure fruit molas- ses and filtered water. These are nutritious drinks and are more in line with the other healthy The Blue House Reopens -- Vernonians have been delighted with the reopening and relo- fare they serve. cation of the Blue House Mediter- ranean Cafe and Brewery. Sam and Semerjian promises improvements to the exterior of the building as well. The Semerjians Elenora Semerjian had developed a have been waiting for some demolition to be completed next door before beginning the fin- loyal following at their old location ishing touches on the outside and store front. Expect to see that trademark blue as a major five miles north of town. They have component to the outside rehabilitation. now completed their renovations of the old city hall building at 909 With four taps for beer, the brewery is back up and running, and Vernonians are enjoying Bridge Street, and have opened the Brett Costley’s creations once again. For many, a brewpub in downtown Vernonia is just doors to their spacious, and finely- what was needed-- a place to get a bite to eat, have a pint of good, locally-brewed beer and decorated new location. Lunch, enjoy some conversation with friends. Now Vernonia has it, right in downtown. dinner, and beer-drinking will nev- er be the same in Vernonia! Cafe 47 Serves Breakfast -- Another change to the Vernonia restaurant scene is at Cafe 47. Owner Bill Long recently got his grill going and starting opening at 5:00 AM, serving up According to Elenora, business has breakfast to Vernonia residents and visitors alike. Excellent pancakes, French toast, omelets been brisk since the opening, al- and scrambles are now available in the eclectically-decorated space that makes up Cafe 47. though she attributes that, in part, “Business has been really good,” says Long about his breakfasts. “And the comments on The Blue House Cafe is now open in downtown Vernonia to the novelty of the restaurant now the food have been fantastic. We’re getting a lot of out-of-towners, many of whom are repeat being downtown. “We are doing three to four times as much business as we did at the old customers, and we’re seeing people from place,” said Semerjian. “Of course, I’m not sure if it will last.” town we haven’t seen before.” The space is colorful, with the in- terior painted their trademark blue, and the Semerjians spent lots of time with details, including blue- headed nails, and a hand painted wavy border around the high ceil- ing. And the unique restroom is the same, where guests are encouraged to grab a sharpie pen and perma- nently write a comment or message on the walls or ceiling. Long has discontinued his dinner ser- vice for now, although he is still serving lunch. He plans on restarting dinners in the near future, once he gets a handle on his breakfast and lunch routine. “It will be much bigger and better,” says Long, about his dinner menu. He plans to con- tinue the same type of fare, “...Americana and comfort food,” with some additions like steaks and potatoes now that the grill is up and running. He says he is also tak- ing suggestions for some easy to put out The menu remains mostly un- vegetarian dishes. Currently, Cafe 47 is changed, with the same fresh open until 3:00 PM and Long says he healthy gyros, appetizers and sal- will start reopening at 5:00 PM for din- ads. Semerjian notes that she plans ner soon. The interior of the newly reopened Blue House Mediterranean to add a simple pasta dish soon. Cafe and Brewery They have also added a grill, but Vernonians have some new choices for have yet to figure out how and what meals with some more changes on the they will use it for. Watch for new menu items in the future. horizon. Things are looking, and tasting, pretty good around here. Cafe 47 is now serving breakfast Supporting Vernonia & Our Vibrant Community FIRST FRIDAY june 5, 2009 1 5-7:30pm featuring... 1 Vernonia artist Dave Anderson's 5 Holocaust Exhibit at the VCLC 2 Music: Strings On Fire 3 Open Air Market Starts Produce, Crafts, Collectibles & more... 3 4 Tillamook Forestry Display 5 Bring a book/Take a book 6 Local Merchants' Specials Interested in being involved? Call Erika Paleck 429-0898 VernoniaFirstFriday.org