Photo By Graham Lienhart

JAMES DEMAREE

James Demaree has been serving up great food in Northside for four years. During the last year he´s been offering soups, sandwiches and entrées at The Hideaway, next door to the Northside Tavern on Hamilton Avenue. Before The Hideaway, Demaree ran Pot Luck in the same space. His food has become something of a favorite for many Northsiders, who can treat themselves to a drink at the Tavern and bowl of soup, some meatloaf, a generously sized sandwich or a delicious dessert at the same time. Good food and good booze: a winning combination. (Chris Kemp)

CityBeat: Where did you eat your last great meal and what was it?

James Demaree: I really don´t get the chance to eat out too often. I think the last great meal I had was at Slim´s. It was the brunch, and I had a gigantic sandwich with eggs and chicken salad on it. I can´t remember the name of it, but it was really, really good.

CB: With the Hideaway, Slim´s, Honey, Portofino´s and Gajah Wong, Northside is seeing a real resurgence in great and varied dining options. What do you think is driving this?

JD: For so long, Northside didn´t really have many places, just some fast-food places and a couple of chili places. I think people just wanted something a little more wholesome and just ... well, better. There are a lot of healthy eaters in Northside and, honestly, the rents are affordable in Northside.