Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 30, 2015)
September 30, 2015 Minority & Small Business Week Page 15 Cultural Cuisine Inspires No. 1 Rating Beloved and raved about for its unique blend of spices and cultural cuisine, Chez Dodo is a Mauritian cuisine food cart based downtown at 427 S.W. Stark St. Business owner and chef Shyamal Ghanraj Dausoa is reknown for his famous samo- sas, a cornerstone of Mauritian street food. The popular food cart was Yelp’s listed #1 best reviewed location in town for several years running, and continues to be one of Portland’s most-rec- ommended food carts. “Mauritius is a small and fas- cinating island off the Southwest coast of Madascar,” explains Dausoa. “This slice of paradise was at one point home to the now extinct Dodo bird and is fa- mous for its sandy white beach- es, aqua-blue seas and luxurious hotels. What is most unique and interesting about the island is the traditional food which takes in- spiration from African, French, Indian, Chinese, and Creole cui- sines.” Chez Dodo is open Monday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Orders can be placed over the phone by call- ing 503-270-9258 or online at chezdodopdx.net. Chef Shyamal Ghanraj Dausoa with Debbie, a loyal customer who swears by Chez Dodo’s food. Livability grants for communities of color The Portland Development Commission is accepting appli- cations for projects that foster vibrant and healthy neighbor- hoods and improve the prosper- ity of area residents through its Community Livability Grant program. Funding of nearly $1.1 mil- lion is available for communi- ty-based organizations for proj- ects located within the Gateway Regional Center, Interstate Cor- ridor, Lents Town Center, or Central Eastside urban renewal areas, or the Old Town/China- town neighborhood. Applications are due by Fri- day, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. Grants will be awarded through a competitive process for property improvements that add, expand, or upgrade physical space that benefits the broader community. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, neighbor- hood and business associations, and neighborhood groups. Priority will be given to proj- ects that benefit communities of color or people with low in- comes and that promote widely shared prosperity. Such projects would, for ex- ample, support wealth creation opportunities for small business owners, improve access to jobs and workforce development services, honor and enhance the neighborhood’s cultural di- versity and history, or deliver a community asset tailored to the community’s expressed priori- ties and opportunities. PDC first introduced the Com- munity Livability Grant program in 2006. Since then, the agency has awarded $3.67 million in grants to more than 50 projects, includ- ing the Portland Mercado, Earl Boyles Early Learning Neigh- borhood Center, Arbor Lodge Urban Farm, SE Works, Bless Field at New Columbia, Harp- er’s Playground, Community Warehouse, and Albina Green. For more information about the program, contact Carol Herzberg, senior program manager at PDC, 503-823-3276 or herzbergc@pdc.us.
