About us…hmmm
I like to think the origin of Oscar’s Cafe went something like this….
“I was busy rebuilding an earth quake damaged orphanage in Spain when the evil corporation sent in their hard nosed attorney to shut it down. Hana meets me there and I end up melting her heart.”
That’s not true, but we actually did meet in Spain. She was the hot new chef just hired on. After building some courag
e, I casually mentioned that I was the “Prince of Arkansas.” I think Hana wanted it to be true…enough to at least show up and prove me wrong. Years went by and here we are (minus the titles). One day we said, “If 17 White St. ever becomes available we should try running a cafe.” We both agreed it was a good idea because it wasn’t available! Two weeks later, it was an option. Careful what you ask for right!? So a couple things are going on…
We think we have a 6th sense for a good restaurant. I can walk by and know if it’s good (usually). In this day and age, you can buy anything from anywhere at the click of a button. It’s great but it’s also homogenizing the world. We are trying to build a cafe and community that offers a unique and genuine experience in Eureka Springs. This is why I love traveling. It’s the unique things you find only in one area that make it all worth it. I feel like the United States is losing valuable parts of its culture everyday. Which is why we decided, “Why not create our own?” We’ve learned that it takes a village to do it right. Most of the art in the cafe Hana made. She painted the sign (I cut it). She comes up with the menu and the specials and I make sure the sink works. Our friends and family help us run the cafe, and our locals make the place friendly and interesting. Hana has worked so hard to bring Oscar’s Cafe together and I could not be more proud. I’m impressed with her, but then again, I have been for some time. I can safely say this cafe passes my “walk by test.” If I stumbled upon it I would have to step inside. Lastly…a neighborhood cafe is nothing without people adding what they bring. If you find yourself in our area please stop in and have a coffee. I hope it makes your trip unique.
– Salvatore Wilson.
