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2818 S.E. Park Ave, Milwaukie, OR-97222 *2005-06 © Got Curry LLC e-mail: pr@gotcurry.net Ph: 503-652-4050 |
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MILWAUKIE - The recycling of restaurants often takes an unexpected twist.
Early this summer, Venu, a computer programmer with no food service experience,
passed a vacant restaurant on Park Avenue a half block off McLoughlin Boulevard
and was fascinated by the building. The place had been Four Seasons, then the
Mediterranean Grill, from 1963 to 2002. “At first, I thought it was a house. It had
such energy and character,” Venu said of the building.
“I learned it had been a restaurant. I offered a price and bought it.”
The decision led to a dramatic lifestyle change for his family. After five weeks of 18-
hour days to remodel the building, Venu and wife, Lata, Opened Royal Indian
Cuisine in August as one of the few Clackamas County restaurants that feature
recipes from India.
Outside the front door, the family painted circles, leaves and hearts on the
concrete walkway” to welcome Good spirits,” he explained.
Two dining rooms have seating for 76. Some customers prefer the coziness of the
room with a gas fireplace. Exterior seating will be available during warm weather
next year on the new wooden deck.
Why the abrupt move into the highly-competitive restaurant world”?
“I enjoy meeting people and exchanging views,” Venu said.” I communicate a lot at
work through my computer, but here I can meet real people. Also, I am a good
cook at home. And my uncle, our chef has 25 years experience in the kitchen.”
Venu immigrated to the United States in 1996 from state of Andhra Pradesh in
southern India. He moved to Oregon in 1998. His wife left Andhra Pradesh in 2000.
She manages the restaurant while her husband works by day as a programmer for
the County Office of Budget and information services in Vancouver.
“If I depended on the restaurant for my livelihood, it wouldn't be fun,” he said. “I
don’t want that kind of mindset when I am here.”
After several meals at the restaurant, Charla Wheeler of Milwaukie is a dedicated
customer. ”The food is exceptional and the people are very nice, “Wheeler said.” I
appreciate that they have vegetarian options.”
Jim Kadera
jimkadera@news.oregonian.com
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