Getting to know: Sarah Taylor

I met Sarah Taylor on a beautiful Friday evening, at the Cafe at Arts Collinwood. Her energy and enthusiasm is infectious, along with her attitude and disposition. She is a single mother of an 11-month-old little boy, Rory James Taylor, and is 38 years old. 

As part of the revamping efforts at the Cafe at Arts Collinwood, Sarah, as of January, 2010, has been given the assignment of manager. To date, those revamping efforts have produced consistency and availability of product, along with improving methods of operation. In the future, Sarah noted, the Cafe would like to meet the needs of the neighborhood by providing delicious lunches and dinners at an affordable price. They also like to help start the day off right with coffee and pastries, have an excellent wine list, encourage more craft fairs, and first, and foremost, provide a gathering place for the neighborhood.    

Sarah, raised in Lakewood, Ohio, lived for a while in Ohio City and currently, is living in the trendy area of Gorden Square. She claims to have a very linear mind, and likes to surround herself with artistic people. She has a background in restaurant management and has worked at numerous places in and around the Cleveland area, including being the former food and beverage manager of the Cleveland Athletic Club.

Here are her questions:

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I think perfect happiness is being surrounded by my friends with a campfire on a starry night.

What is your greatest achievement?

My son, Rory James Taylor.

What qualities do you most like in a person?

Integrity, directness and honesty.

What do you value most in friends?

Empathy and loyalty.

What is your most treasured possession?

My silver Celtic version of a St. Christopher, representation of the three major religions through the history of the British Isle-- besides Rory!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Dining out, my favorite places are the Flying Fig, and the Big Egg.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Mary Beth Barabas, who is the current bar manager at Pier W, she is my inspiration as to what a bartender should be, and how a bar should work. The late Dave Belevich, who taught me that in any restaurant, have fun at your own party and the guest will too!

What makes you unique?

I have my own particular brand of CRAZY!

If you could change one thing what would it be?

Bring more happiness to my family.

What is your favorite word?

Absurd and Merkin (Look that up.)

We welcome Sarah to our neighborhood, and look forward to the revamping at the Cafe at Arts Collinwood. Stop in, say hello, have a drink and a meal, and sit a spell.

Til next time, ta ta.