Tag Archives: Venti’s

A Tuesday Art Night!

Good evening!

I know I told you that I was going to try and post pics of the new pendant I made, but unfortunately it was very cold in the room it was drying in, and apparently needs more time to dry, so I am not going to mess with it this evening!

In lieu of that, I have decided to share a picture with you that I had taken a couple of weeks ago that I had taken while I was out on an artist date with myself! I have not been able to stop thinking about this art work for some reason.

This artist’s art intrigued me right away because the theme for her work for 2010 was “Fearless” and if you might remember that is a word that is becoming near and dear to my heart. The artist’s name is Dayna Collins.

These paintings are all on display at Venti’s in downtown Salem – you know my favorite little bistro to have dinner on my solo artist’s dates!!!

Well, one of my most recent artist’s dates I was enjoying my dinner there, I picked up a copy of the Salem Weekly. I was pleasantly surprised to see an article in there about Dayna and her art. It seemed rather serendipitous, to say the least. Dayna is a mixed media artist, and these pieces came about because she was afraid of drawing, and more specifically, she was afraid of drawing faces, so she knew that drawing faces was exactly what she was going to have to do if she was going to overcome this fear. Something that I myself am trying to do with my own artful endeavors! 😉

Well, I am very glad that she did, because I have thoroughly enjoyed looked at her paintings. There is just something unique about them that make you want to smile!  I also found out by reading the article that she actually hosts Artist’s Way Creative Cluster, and now I am intrigued to look into that and see what all that is about, and if it is something that I might be interested in being a part of!!

Oh, the creative possibilities that open up right in front of your eyes if only you are open to seeing them!!!

God is good!!!

Anyway, I am going to toodle my booty into bed and get a good night’s rest!!! We are heading out camping for a long weekend tomorrow, but no worries, I am still going to take some opportunities to blog while I am out – so you won’t miss a thing!!!

Have a FABULOUS evening!! 😉

My New Favorite Restaurant!

Good evening!

I am sorry I am posting so late! Jason and I went out with some friends tonight for dinner! I had promised that I would tell you about the new restaurant I discovered last night while I was waiting for my belly dance class to start.

This little place is called Venti’s and it is literally something like two shops down from my dance studio.

The staff there were super friendly, patient, cool, hip, artsy types, which was fun, but I am not exactly sure how to describe the food. I think this sign says it well, “Good, clean food”! I ordered a chicken teriyaki meal, which a portion of the purchase price went to help the local Boys and Girls Club, which you know I JUST LOVE!!!  I can’t remember exactly what the dish was called that I ordered, but it was just so fresh and delicious!!!

I could almost feel my body thanking me for choosing such fresh food!!

This dish had jasmine rice, chicken breast, hunks of fresh mozzarella, cabbage, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, cilantro, and ginger in it, plus a yummy sweet and sour kind of teriyaki sauce – not to mention that it was like a FREAKIN’ WORK OF ART WHEN IT WAS SERVED!!! 😉

BEAUTIFUL!!! & DELICIOUS!!!

As you might be able to see, I had a book and journal with me so I could just sit and jot some of my thoughts down! This place had the most comfortablly relaxing atmosphere. It was like my authentic self to a deep break and had finally let it all out!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAH! 😉

They art from various local artists displayed on the gorgeous, and historic brick walls, which Honey, you HAVE to know that I LOVE!!

There was a plethora of things to look at and keep you visually stimulated! I really LOVED these stars hanging from various parts of the ceiling.

Even the old, worn hardwood floors had me ogling them! They were rustic and yet divine all at the same time!! I could TOTALLY see these in my dream home!! You remember, my chic little farm house???) The whole place was very warm and welcoming!!

There were so many cool, and interesting characters to people watch as I sat quietly against the wall observing anything and everything going on around me. I didn’t actually take pictures of anyone, because to be honest with you, I was too chicken to ask anyone for permission, but you will have to take my word for it, the clientele there are very artsy, creative, fun, beatnik-type people. I imagined they had amassed large book collections like myself and they spend all day talking about culture, art, and interesting things they had read. Ok, so that may be going a bit too far!! but Venti’s is HANDS DOWN my new favorite place to eat in town!!! If you ever are in downtown Salem, I would highly recommend it!!! 😉

Venti’s Cafe + Basement Bar | 325 Court St NE, Salem | 503.399.8733

Have a FABULOUS evening!!! 😉