Interview at the Red and Black

The area around Southeast 20th Avenue and Division Street could probably make a legitimate claim to the title of Most Politically Left-Leaning Neighborhood in the United States.

Biodiesel-fueled cars (not to mention Pabst-fueled Frankenstein bicycles) raise fewer eyebrows here than Hummers, whose drivers are likely to be greeted with open sneers of eco-haughty derision.

In this climate, one almost forgets that worker-owned collectives like the Red and Black Cafe (2138 S.E. Division St., 503-231-3899) are most definitely the exception rather than the rule.

The Red and Black flies its collectivist colors proudly — a sign displayed prominently behind the bar features a picture of Bruce Springsteen with the legend "We Only Listen to One Boss" — and the shop's longevity, popularity and efficiency do more than any anarchist's harangue to prove the point that there's more than one way to run a railroad.

The friendly, bohemian staff serves up the usual array of coffee drinks, a small but well-chosen selection of microbrews, and pastries, sandwiches and hot meals from a menu where, it's almost unnecessary to note, organic and vegan options abound. (From June 24th Portland Tribune)

http://www.redandblackcafe.com/

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