Union Street Scoop
I knew we could

The Little Engine That Could is how I’ve thought of Union Street these past few months. After being subjected to the retail coma that has plagued so many of the neighborhoods (including our own Cow Hollow), the life coming back to our streets is now apparent and doing wonders for our group psyche. “I think we can, I think we can,” we’ve said to ourselves as we’ve tried to navigate through the recession. And though some businesses have gotten off the train, others have jumped on, bringing a new, wonderful energy to the neighborhood. Now, as we’re sputtering along to health, those of us who have stayed on that train are saying, “I knew we could, I knew we could.” Or so says Eleanor Carpenter, president of the Union Street Association, who has remained sure-footed, positive and diligent about bringing and helping businesses come back to our neighborhood.
Eleanor recently spoke to many retailers, restaurant owners and service businesses on Union and all have mentioned that business and traffic has picked up. The consumer is back and is doing just that … consuming. Though there are several new stores on the street (happily leaving very few vacancies), the general opinion is that it is the abundance of new restaurants that seem to be making the difference. The openings of Marengo at 1980 Union and Unwind at 1875 Union were both successful, and owners were thrilled with the response. And the opening of both Brick Yard and Roam Artisan Burgers has definitely helped the much-needed cross traffic in the 1700 block. Roam Artisan Burgers has especially filled a lunchtime void, providing us with well-priced, delicious food in a perfect, casual setting. I’ve tried each of the burgers including the organic veggie burger (and yes, it is the first one I’ve had with flavor), but it is the milkshakes that send me. OK, it’s also the fries.

And by the time this column is out, Café des Amis will be buzzing and will no doubt be the Rolls Royce of the new restaurants on the street. After having had a walk-through of the exquisite space preopening, my only concern was that I wouldn’t be able to get a table. This well-conceived, beautifully appointed new restaurant fashioned as a French brasserie is a sure thing, and that’s said without having a single bite of food. I could live in the upper-level private dining room with its huge open fireplace and oversized chandelier brought in from the antique district in France. And when the French windows are open overlooking Union Street, I could swear on my pomme frites that I was on the Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris. From the interior lighting and ceiling tiles, to the café tables and vintage detailing on fixtures to the incredible zinc bar that is its heart, Café des Amis is a feast for all senses.

A feast for all senses in the dog world, and also French inspired, is Le Marcel, an entire bakery dedicated to the “palate of pooches.” I happened upon it one day as I casually walked by with my dog Bentley, who suddently stopped dead in his tracks. The delicious smell wafting from 2066 Union was too much for both of us and we simply had to investigate. It was well worth it in every way. Cookies, cakes, bars, biscotti, and other assorted housemade dog treats were charmingly displayed in a significant bakery case while Marcel, the Italian Greyhound, and Leo, the long-haired dachshund, looked on, watching the crowds while waiting for their next jobs. Apparently they are the official treat taste-testers, ready in a wet-nose moment for any delectable morsels to come their way. As multitaskers, they have also taken on the roll of official greeters, making it easy for owner Faruk Zubovic and his mother, Mancy, to bake their daily goodies. As a quick note, lots of wags from Bentley after devouring his Peanut Mutter cookie.

Other street news includes the opening of Neja Cosmetics Salon at 2118 Union, where owner Nellie Muganda will test her Hollywood makeup expertise in her new and improved space, which is really all things beauty. She relocated from her longtime Fillmore Street location to expand into more of everything including facials, peels, waxing, and tons more product.

Two other stores are due to open next month on Union and another new restaurant is in negotiation. Altogether, the vibe on the street is encouraging, as we finally seem to be moving in the right direction. No longer the runaway retail train, we are indeed The Little Engine That Could.

Leslie Drapkin is a co-owner of Jest Jewels.
E-mail: [email protected]