Restaurant review
Noble’s Diner
By Shawna Murray
I had been to the building when it was a Mexican Restaurant. I was not impressed.
I like Mexican food and wanted to frequent the businesses in my neighborhood, Mt. View, so I walked a few blocks to have a Mexican lunch. The place was dark and low-spirited, the service was definitely lacking (two young waiters were arguing about who was going to get the tip), and the food did not taste good enough to get the flavors of bad service and lonely atmosphere off my tongue.
Noble’s Diner opened up where the Mexican restaurant once was. My uncle invited me to go there one day. When we walked in, I was impressed with the refreshing difference. This place had light streaming in, smiling faces, and an artsy feel. There was excitement in the air. The place was still being renovated, but even with fresh cut wood and tape on the walls, it looked one hundred times better than the restaurant that was there before.
My uncle and I ordered. We both liked our lunches. We spoke to the owner, Robert Kinneen. He had actually been a dishwasher at the same building when it was a Mexican Restaurant. He said the lady he worked for was great, but when she sold it, the building changed hands more than once and it did not do very well.
Later on, my fellow reviewer Geoff and I sat down with Robert again. This time, Carolyn (co-owner and wife) was present. Robert and Carol met in Alaska. They both left state when Robert went to culinary school, but they came back. I was impressed that they took a risk on having such a nice establishment in Mt. View where street walkers, homeless, and druggies can be seen on a daily basis. It didn’t seem to dawn on them that it was unusual or a great risk.
They were more excited about food and they have reason. Noble’s Diner uses Alaskan grown products which supports local farmers and businesses. It also means the food is fresher and tastes, oh, so much better. Robert and Carol care about what goes into their food also. Robert is very proud that the beef is lean grass fed, the wild salmon is fresh-flash frozen, and the vegetables are hearty, just like the Alaskan people.
The atmosphere at Noble’s Diner shows the hearts of Robert and Carol also. They have a table at their entrance that informs us of Community Events. Paintings from a local artist are displayed on their walls. Jazz is the music of choice at Noble and it’s played low enough where you can carry on a conversation with ease, but loud enough so you can fully enjoy it through pauses in talk. Did you know Mt. View is an Arts and Cultural district? Robert and Carol make it more believable with the atmosphere at Noble’s.
Carol and Robert are not able to pay all of their employees top dollar, but it seems the employees do benefit in other ways. Robert takes interns under his wing and shows them the ropes. If they want to move on at some point, Robert said to us, “I’ll help them get another job.” He wants them to stay because they want to be there. “It’s all about experience. You can get what you want out of this. Who wants to not feel appreciated at their job?”
Carol mentioned that the community has helped them immensely. Bianca Dueno painted the mural that covers their bright blue building. Local restaurants, such as Sacks Café and Café Savannah have been more than happy to help them. Bruce Farnsworth has been instrumental in talking to businesses about displaying art in Mt. View. Carol said, “We are not greed driven.” Carol grew up in a military family and says that an attitude of service comes naturally for her.
Robert said the name Noble was his grandfather’s first name. I think the name Noble is the perfect name for this exceptional restaurant that made its home in the heart of Mt.View.
The norm: 2 suns
Spirit: 3 suns
Justice: 3 suns
Community: 3 suns
Reviewed by Shawna Murray and Geoff Bederson