Chef Cameron Addy Leaves The Alameda Cafe

Call it a case of irreconcilable culinary differences. Chef Cameron Addy, former chef de cuisine at Ava Gene's and former chef-owner of Belly, has left his post at The Alameda Cafe just two months after revitalizing the space and the menu. His last day was Sunday. His sous chef Anthony Redman has left, too.

Back in November, Addy and partners relaunched the 30-year-old corner cafe on NE Fremont in the Beaumont neighborhood, transforming it from a basic breakfast spot to a dinner destination. He earned high praise from Portland Monthly for his "pitch-perfect" barley risotto. But apparently the owners want to go in a different culinary direction. Addy writes:

"The owners decided that the neighborhood was not willing to support such a locally focused, creative restaurant. They are going in a more approachable, family-friendly direction. While I'm disappointed we were only given two months to try and change people's opinions of what The Alameda Cafe is, I do understand the stresses that come with opening a business and respect that the owners made a decision that they felt was best for their business. I wish them the best of luck."

Addy's rebooted version of The Alameda Cafe was part of NE Fremont's recent restaurant renaissance, which includes the newly opened Fire & Stone pizza, and Verdigris bistro, and the upcoming Thai spot Bang Bang, and pancake-cocktail bar Batter, Griddle and Drinkery. Time will tell where the cafe's 3.0 version is headed.

We'll keep you posted on Addy's next move.