Photo by Flickr user sioenroux.
Commenter benschon pointed us to a notice from the Bureau of Development Services indicating that Viande’s new Eastside headquarters is proposed for the former Laurelhurst Market (known in the neighborhood as “the Laurelhurs”, for obvious reasons) across the street from Music Millennium at 3155 E Burnside St. The city’s premiere purveyors of pate are planning to move in two blocks from my apartment? I’m a dead man—I might as well start taking Lipitor now.
Illustrations in the proposal indicate the new business, if approved, will have outdoor seating on the South and West sides of the building, landscaped areas along the street, bike parking and 2,405 square feet of restaurant space. The building’s false roof facade will be removed, and the storefront will be refaced with metal and wood paneling. The windows will remain.
Sounds like a great addition to the neighborhood. I was really worried we’d end up with another Plaid Pantry. I’ll update when I get confirmation or denial from owners Ben Dyer or David Kreifels.
Well, it’s official. The neighborhood around 28th and Burnside is ruined. Thanks for the heads up; I’ll cross it off my list of places I used to consider livable in Portland.
Waitaminute—you’re against gentrification in Laurelhurst? That’s the most expensive neighborhood in Southeast Portland. It’s full of doctor’s and lawyers, etc. Sure, there are a few cheap apartments around (mine included), but you really think a butcher shop moving in is going to make the city unlivable? What about the all-sustainable sushi joint, the three wine bars or Ken’s Artisan Pizza? How are those less offensive than a brasserie?
Despite the up-sell of its name, that site is in the Kerns neighborhood.
Whatever. It’s immediately outside the Laurelhurst gates. The point still stands. Fighting gentrification 100 yards from a block of mansions is a pathetically misguided lost cause.
This is fantastic news. I live about 120 feet from the property in Laurelhurst. For years I have picked up litter of all sorts that had originated at the eye-sore of a convenience store that was located there. It attracted derelicts – who sometimes set up temporary camps on or near the property. The place was also ugly. On my own initiative I patrolled the grounds for weeds, and a neighbor painted over the graffiti. Viva Viande. (Anyone against the gentrification should move back to Detroit or wherever.)
Alliance politics, people! Ben Dyer and the other folks at Viande and Sympatica restaurant & catering are strong supporters of sustainable agriculture and food quality. Eating well in Portland is closely tied to the farm-to-table movement, and is good for both neighborhoods and the region.
Will be open May 16th. Butcher shop deli during the day, steak house @ night.
[...] owners of Viande and Simpatica, opened for business last week. As I reported with glee in January, the new restaurant is just up the hill from my apartment, in the building that last housed the not-… (the “t” went missing long ago). Four months later, the building is unrecognizable. [...]