We had the luxury of living just about anywhere. I needed a college or
university in which to work, and Jack came equipped with skill saw and
hammer.
We took two trips to the Northwest and in due time, our interest focused on
the Inland Empire. In Moscow, we enjoyed the hospitality of the mayor and
his wife, who ran a bed and breakfast in those days. Our first morning
here, we ate at the Deli -- on the mayor's recommendation. In front of us
in line was a person we later came to know as Peter Basoa. Things were a
little disorganized at the checkout and the cashier was confused about
whose tray was whose. To our amazement, Peter calmly paid for our cinnamon
rolls along with his own. When he found out we were considering a move
here, he warmly welcomed us to Moscow.
And that was all the encouragement it took. I never see Peter without
thinking back to that morning at the Deli. We've lived here 10 years now
and never looked back.
To me -- this is the kind of economic development that really works.
Personality, a friendly downtown deli, and a community to call home for a
good long time.
What will we do without the Deli?
--P Salant