Ave Hall of Fame: Nathaniel

Nathaniel Jackson, with Achile and Sandy.

I have been in a quandary about this. Nathaniel and the Allegro have parted ways, and so I do not know quite what to write.

Nathaniel is a real Ave institution, having started working as a barista at the Allegro in 1975, the first month that it opened. Later, he and Chris Peterson bought the Allegro from founder Dave Olsen.

So many stories about Nathaniel and the Allegro. Many people had their first espresso made by him. Back when the Allegro was Seattle's only espresso bar.

I can only hope that this gives Nathaniel the time to spend on his art. And he better let us see some of it!

You can read one of Nathaniel's poems on Paul Dorpat's site.

And then there is the youtube video

(photo credits: DWMcKeehen, UDistrict Street Fair, 2008)

Ave Hall of Fame, a Visit from Preston

Ave institution Preston stopped by and brought me up to date on his doings. Clearly I have not been getting out enough, or I would have already known all about this.

Preston had his 100th birthday several months ago, the Continental held a party for him, complete with belly dancers. The King 5 video has apparently made him world famous, as some tourists from London had recognized him when they were down at the Pike Place Market, and demanded to have their pictures taken with him.

But be warned! Preston is a forthright personality, not for the faint hearted. He may bark at your dog (my dog found that fascinating), tell you exactly what he thinks of people with long hair, or why it is raining (don't ask!).