Like last week when we toured around some before descending on a relatively close-by  NE shop, we three plus Ozora followed E, this time through some of his Cully projects: the commercial renovations taking place at the former Rose’s site, a 1/2 acre residential site off NE 42nd on a deep parcel that he’s yet to acquire but offers multiple mouth watering possibilities, a recently purchased set of lots on NE 43rd that will have some form of courtyard units, and the under-construction Mason St. townhomes.

We then landed at the Nectar Cafe, surprisingly situated in a commercial strip in the Hollywood District.  “Surprisingly” because this is only one of two destinations in our 155 portfolio of shops that we’ve visited in a strip mall, and because the owner has been most successful in making it feel homey despite the setting.   In this intimate, cozy setting there’s a brightly colored wall mural as well as other knick-knacks, a reliance on chalk and blackboards, and an aversion from anything that might seem pretentious.  Admittedly on a busy day Nectar’s space limitations may also limit feeling comfortable for hanging out for a long period of time, otherwise it is a very welcoming space.

Among today’s discussion topics were H’s plans for his 70th bday festivities including a samba band and parade, the status of new City regulations to encourage infill, the nimbyists in certain middle and upper middle neighborhoods opposed, and challenges/responses re emergency preparedness.

http://www.nectarcoffeebar.com           1925 NE 42nd, ste. e