You wouldn't expect a small, hidden cafe on Biscayne and 76th to be a place of lofty idealistic thought. But with its quote-filled chalkboard and bookish bathroom, Gourmet Station inspires its guests.
The wall that divides the kitchen and seating area is a chalkboard
replete with quotes from Mahatma Gandhi, Pablo Neruda, Jane Austen, Buddha, St.
Augustine, and the Book of Exhortations. The idea came
from owner Salvador Castillo's personal love of literature.
More practically, customers complained of an undivided kitchen and
seating area, so the chalkboard solved the problem.
This mural of wisdom has been a hit with diners, who have contributed
about ten percent of its quotes -- the remainder comes from
Castillo's readings. Countless customers of all ages have complimented the restaurant owner for the idea and have even taken
snapshots with their cell phones. The Jane Austen quote "What
dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of
inelegance" is a hit with girls, according to Castillo.
Now he plans to erase the current quotes, which cover an eclectic
range of themes, and put up ones that deal with
spirituality and self-discovery. He will change the theme, which he develops with his sister Marcela, every three
months. Something else they
plan to pursue in the future: poetic verse.
The bathroom is also popular with customers, who expect a regular
"bathroom in the back" and are pleasantly surprised by the wall of
pinned-up books. Customers tend not to read the books but rather to note
the decor's creativity. Short Order urges bathroom users to gain
knowledge while relieving themselves.
Gourmet Station
7601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
305-762-7229
