Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI

Ixtapa family Mexican restaurant has opened another store in Florence Oregon. They are located at 1015 hwy 101 in Florence Oregon. To the locals this means the former Aztlan building. They are featuring lunch specials at $5.75 and Dinner specials starting at $7.75 the phone # is 541-997-4499.

I have been happy with meals at another store they have in Veneta Oregon, so I knew this should be good. They have been open a week at this time, and I have been there twice, and later today will make three times. As of yesterday (3-9-2012) they did not have their liquor license. I'm not a drinker but those wanting a Margarita will need to wait a few more days. Give them a try and tell them, Rob Shepherd from Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate sent you!

Phil's Saw Shop in Florence Oregon now offers knife sharpening! I have been taking my kitchen knives to Eugene Oregon an hour drive each way and then returning a few days later to pick them up. That translates into 260 miles round trip to complete the project.

The other day I was in to get my chain saw serviced and noticed a little card board sign about the knife sharpening service. It turns out one of the younger kids does this. I left them and got a call back a couple hours later that they were ready to be picked up! As I work at Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate 3 blocks away this is an excellent situation for me! Did I mention they came back SHARPER than SHARP!

Phils Saw shop is located at 399 Nopal accross the street from Sterling Savings Bank the phone nomber is 541-997-9767 tell them Rob Shepherd from Coldwell Banker Coast sent you!

We have a new restaurant and a new winner! The Maple Street Grille located at 165 Maple Street in Florence Oregon! I went there last night and had the best Pot Roast I have ever had in my 55 years. I asked the owner "what the best seller was"? Pot Roast was the answer. It currently is selling at $15. All the food appears to be hand crafted plate by plate.

Next time I am going to try the Mac and Cheese made with Bleu Cheese. If you are coming to Florence Oregon on the coast, try The Maple Street Grille for Supper as they are open 4-10 p.m. closed Sundays. Call for more info 541-997-9811 Tell them Rob from Coldwell Banker Real Estate sent you!

Is this a casualty of the economy? I was looking for dinner after the Rain Camp in Portland Oregon last week.

I went to a place I had liked before, but had not been there in a few years. I waited in the front area to be seated. No on came for some time. When she did, she looked past me and helped the folks in line behind me. After that she came back and began rearranging things under the counter. Needless to I left, as I don't beg anyone to take my money.

The next morning I drove for an hour and stopped for breakfast. I was greeted and seated with the promise someone would help me soon. After 6-7 minutes of no one showing up, I left. I drove for another hour and stopped again looking for Breakfast. Again no one in the front to help me or the ones in line ahead of me.

Is this poor service a sign of the bad economy?