Ducks @ Oregon - University of Oregon

The Return of the Shop Local Campaign

Korrin B.

September 20, 2009 - 9:00 PM

I have spent a good deal of time away from Eugene this summer, but I have not forgotten about one of my goals surrounding this blog. I think a large part of the University of Oregon experience comes from its surrounding community. Therefore, it is important to learn about some of the amazing local businesses in the area. Support local business! Shop local!

I have recently moved into a new neighborhood of Eugene and with a new neighborhood comes a new business scene. I love the feel of a neighborhood community. A good neighborhood has a little mom and pop restaurant, a quirky convenient shop, and some superb coffee, right? Well, then I live in small neighborhood paradise.

Let's start with the quirky convenient store. In my neighborhood is a little shop called Jiffy Market Wine & Deli. This store is like a hidden gem. First of all, it is excellent for the wine connoisseur. The market offers any type of wine you could desire, including a large selection of the increasingly popular Willamette Valley Pinots. The market also offers your standard selection of chips and other snack foods, but the best thing about it is probably its included deli. At this deli, you can order anything from pancakes to garden burgers and eat it at one of the many available tables. I could see myself coming here in the near future to grab a bite to eat and study with my books and papers spread out all over the entire table. Oh my, I can't wait for those nights...

Right across the parking lot from Jiffy Market is a lovely restaurant called Bruno's Chef's Kitchen. Bruno's is a fine dining experience that allows its customers to feel comfortable and cozy. It is run by a husband, who cooks delicious food, and a wife, who is the friendliest, most knowledgeable hostess ever. The restaurant offers indoor seating in a well-decorated room, as well as plenty of lovely outdoor seating. The plates of food look like the most fun a dinner plate has ever had, covered in colorful garnishes and spices. I had a very tasty halibut and the chocolate mousse for dessert was to die for. As a food enthusiast, I must say that Bruno's was a refreshing change. The food was unique and exciting!

So, with a locally ran convenient store and restaurant covered, all that's left is coffee. I am obsessed with coffee shops. I am constantly on the search to find the perfect coffee shop to hang out in and journal or do school work or meet with a friend. Nearby my new neighborhood is a café called the Supreme Bean. I found it for the first time the other day when I found myself with an intense need to get a chai latte. I thought I would just get one from the Market of Choice café, but then I saw this place right next-door. I walked into such a cute and friendly place. The staff was courteous and the place had a warm, bright feeling to it. Supreme Bean offers food, as well as an assortment of beverages, including some delicious looking savory and sweet crepes. As I waited for my chai and slice of quiche to go, I investigated. It turns out that Supreme Bean also has bands come in several nights a week to play. How fun! It didn't seem to be set up very well for laptoping and I'm not sure if it has WiFi, but it is definitely the ultimate journaling environment. Supreme Bean - highly recommended. I can't wait to go back to hear some live music!

As a recap, you should check out the following locally owned Eugene businesses: Jiffy Market Wine and Deli, Bruno's Chef's Kitchen, and Supreme Bean. It is these types of local businesses that help make the University of Oregon such a great place to go to school. A school is as strong as its community!