_________ II
The
WcdNLsdAy, Novi
CI ac I camas P r I nt
m B i r
28, 2001
A fun, quirky experience awaits at Rimsky’s
________ ERINN LERIEN________
Staff Writer
The stream of traffic entering the
Victorian home that shelters
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House might
lead the unaware to wonder if it’s
a crack house or a brothel. But this
unassuming building, devoid of a
sign to announce it’s presence, in
stead contains one the most be
loved coffeehouses in Portland.
Since 1980, Portlanders have
flocked to Rimsky’s, slipped into a
nondescript Southeast Portland street.
“Under No Management” announced
a sign in the front window—that is,
until it was stolen. The cafe’s owner,
Gudrun Cable, likes to tell this story to
illustrate her lack of business sense,
but Goody (as she is called) clearly
knows what she’s doing; although she
never advertises, the cafe is always
packed. Visitors feel like insiders when
they find it. Once inside, signs instruct
you to take a menu and find a table—
not always an easy prospect, but fel
low insiders know not to linger too long
unless
business
is
slow.
Choose mocha fudge cake, an ice
cream sundae or a slice of cheesecake
to go with your cup of coffee or tea—
everything’s good, though the food’s
not necessarily the point. Cable has
achieved the perfect atmosphere—live
classical music and sassy, quirky mis
chief—for post-event socialization.
People love to stop here after dinner
or a show. The atmosphere is definitely
not something you will find in a ster
ile chain coffee place. Live classical
music and a funky crowd lure the
regulars back. Rimsky’s is the perfect
place to unwind, read a book, talk
with friends, or do some late night
socializing.
Each of the dimly-lit tables at
Rimsky’s greets the customer with
an assortment of memorabilia com
memorating a famous individual. A
piece of glass covering the table
shields the memorabilia under
neath. A quick comparison with
other tables and the theme of fa
mous composers stands out. Be
sides their clever decorations,
some of the tables hold surprises
for the uninitiated; to say more
would ruin the fun.
Be prepared to meet a special
breed of server at Rimsky’s. The
service is usually prompt, even
when they are busy, so the flippant
attitude adds to rather than de
tracts from the atmosphere. When
dining at Rimsky’s, expect the un
expected.
The drinks are reasonably priced
at $1.25 for a cup of coffee, $2.25
for a mocha, and $1.75 for a
cappuccino or a latte. The desserts
at Rimsky’s are a little spendier at
$4 a plate. The coffee shop’s claim
of “best dessert in Portland” does
seem to fit the house special, Mo
cha Fudge Cake. The dessert tastes
like a smooth, chilled brownie. Ice
cream sundaes with clever names
Despite being hidden in a small Victorian home, Rimsky-Korsakoffee House offers an eclectic
atmosphere and many sinful desserts.
such as ‘Rasputin’s Vice” and “Tsar
Sultan Suite” also grace the menu.
Finding Rimsky’s is the most dif
ficult part of a visit. Just ask some
one who’s been there. Rimsky’s is
located at 707 S.E. 12th Ave. Port
land, Oregon. I lours are from 7 p.m
to 12 p.m. on weekdays and 7 p.m
to 1 a.m. on weekends.
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