While the sign above the front door reads “Commissary,” the smaller sign painted next to the front door reads “Commissary Cafe and Coffeeshop for the Film Exchange.”   Our understanding is that the shop is in a structure that was was built for Fox Pictures in the 1930s, and the shop pays tribute to that history in its decor and menu.

The Commissary’s  is stylish with lots of windows and light, high ceilings with exposed rafters and ducts, a group table in the center surrounded by smaller tables on the sides, plus outdoor sidewalk tables and chairs.  Though the chairs are mostly hard, the light, airiness, and uniqueness of the space make it a stimulating place in which to hang.

Being active on several fronts, our group of five had a good deal to share, including yesterday’s OPAL-led climate change march, for which G and wife D made lots of signs; next week’s Climate Information Fair at Havurah Shalom that M has been working on; our impressions of last night’s White House Correspondents’ dinner; how T’s children M and Y are doing now that they’re both back home together; and how H’s 16 yr old Montana niece is doing after her 1st month transferring out of Grant into a PCC program for struggling youth.  On the serious side, D told of the stress he faced with his troubled younger brother’s recent passing at the age of 59; though alienated from him, he was the only next of kin capable/responsible for making decisions re his brother’s end-of-life.  And Tony told of his excitement and wariness around his upcoming 10-day trip back to southern NJ, to meet his birth siblings and other relatives, for the very first time.

915 NW 19th