Uneasy Rhetoric

If you ever needed any proof that I really am from Sacramento and not just an Oregon transplant trying to blend in, let me just say this: I’m so excited about the new McCormick and Schmicks (an Oregon transplant trying to blend in) that I’ve got reservations for Monday night (babysitting willing). Yep, I’m gonna give my hard-earned dollars to a high-end chain restaurant. Sigh. That’s so Sacramento.

Admittedly, part of the allure is that the restaurant will inevitably remind me of some good times at Jakes Grill in Portland. Jakes was our “celebration” restaurant of choice, and we found as many reasons to celebrate as possible. Among the reasons? Hey, it’s after 9pm, Jakes is open, and the $1.95 menu is in effect. I think I want a burger and a beer.

I’ve had the opportunity to watch as they put the finishing touches on the restaurant; I saw the big outside sign being delivered this morning and I’ve been impressed at how well the McC&S’s look blends in to the Elks Building. It should. Jakes was tucked into the Governor Hotel in Portland, a building from roughly the same era.

It’s probably a good thing I don’t work in the Elks Building anymore. I’d be a bar fixture.