Comments

1
"She was doing plant maintenance. I hit her up about whether she grew anything at home. Just talking plants with her. She said she grew a few herbs. We gradually started a relationship with her."

That's it. I'm gonna hit up the guy who picks up the trash and ask if there's anything else he picks up at home. In twenty years, I'll be a fucking self-made millionaire. Trust me.
2
Zefiro, not Zephiro.
3
Great article! Do more interviews like this!
4
"Zefiro, not Zephiro." Yep, and L'Auberge not Le Berge. Horst Mager was running close to 10 restaurants at one time, most of which weren't as kitschy as The Rheinlander. Higgins is completely right about the Vat--the food wasn't that great, but the joint had personality in spades. God, the Spot! Thanks for reminding me of that bar.
5
I came to Portland from Seattle on business in 1988-1989. The Heathman had a great corporate room rate at the time. We enjoyed eating at the Heathman, but our favorite lunch spot was B. Moloch. It reminded us of some of the great little cafes that were popping up in the Seattle Downtown/Pike Place Market area at that time. We always went south of the Heathman to eat. One of our clients (Zell Bros) introduced us to Cafe Montmarte, we thought that was pretty good at the time.
By 1994 I was living in Washougal on 5 acres with 3 little children. I had the most amazing organic fruit and vegetable garden. If only fate would have brought Greg Higgins and I together at that time!
Interestingly enough, my oldest (who was born 1 week after I stayed at the Heathman on business for the last time)is living on his own with a friend who works at Higgins!
6
oops. that was actually supposed to say north of the Heathman to eat. I had no idea what was south at the time.
7
Michael Quinn(RIP) always said, "we're a pub, not a restaurant". Portland'd first gastropub. And the Vat will always have a cherished place in my heart because it was strictly classical or opera on the cheap stereo. No crappy jazz or lame band du jour ala radiohead. Not once. Ever.
8
A minor - I think amazing - clarification to speester's comment. I used to be a Lou Reed fan. While celebrating my birthday one evening in The Vat with a small group of friends, I persuaded Michael to play a selection of Velvet and LR albums or tapes I'd brought along. As one of his first and most devout fans, he made this near unbelievable exception.

Enjoyed the interview with Greg.. (I'm touching in from Prague)

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