Nancy and Barbs exploits continue as Nancy reports. "After our day of visiting different tasting rooms in Murphys, CA we took a drive to Angels Camp for dinner at the "World Mercantile & Gallery of Arts". We were to meet Nikki or Libby, but our full day at Murphys led us to be a bit late. Around 8pm we came strolling in and met Paul Herek at the counter and asked him why Calaveras Visitors Bureau had selected this place for dinner. He then replied, 'for many reasons...' and I didn't get the complete answer until we left about two hours later!
World Mercantile & Gallery of Arts was established in May of 2008. They are part of Buttercup Farms, a charitable 501 (c)(3) non-profit that is run solely with volunteers. The donations gathered help support people locally, across America, and around the world. Young adults come here from all over to learn restaurant and social skills. At the same time they can practice their artistic ability. Paul told us of one young man from Chicago who volunteered in the restaurant during the day and at night played the piano after closing until 2am!
There are many different roles one can take hold here at the World Mercantile. Besides a volunteer, Paul owns his own business 'Herek Design Studios' and there are many creative influences of his in the gallery. He is currently working on a time machine phone booth for guests.
The World Mercantile has ample room for everyone as there is a first floor and a loft. Do not think this is your typical restaurant because it is truly the farthest thing from what you would expect from a dining room. The first floor features handcrafted items, a children's section, lounging furniture to appreciate the different types of musical instruments played here, the ice cream parlor, and the place to order your food.
Barb ordered the turkey avocado bacon sandwich and I had the cranberry almond chicken salad sandwich. My dinner was incredibly delicious with the plump green grapes on the side. Paul surprised us a bit later with their real fruit freezes. I tried all the flavors: lemon, orange, strawberry, pineapple, and mango. They also have root beer floats, milkshakes, twelve flavors of ice cream with four rotating flavors that change often. I was able to try the speckled frog and golden nugget ice cream and they both received my thumbs up. For those who like to hold a cup they have a large selection of Espresso drinks, coffee, tea, and specialty drinks like Italian creme soda.
While we were dining upstairs we were surrounded by unique musical instruments, kitchenware, quilts, and picture frames. I noticed in glass cases there were dolls handmade by girls from Senegal, West Africa. I learned after asking Paul the 10,000 girls program has achieved international recognition for allowing girls in West Africa area to focus on their education and open doors for successful careers. (10000Girls.org)
Besides being surrounded by material items the sounds of singing voices, guitar, and even a piano could be heard. We were lucky to be there on their regular Saturday Open Mic night. With her volunteer hours completed for the night, Lauren Robinson was enjoying her chance to sing some of the songs she has written. On Friday nights the World Mercantile has Karaoke for all ages.
With all their available space they can host parties at reasonable costs along with options to choose from for a personal touch: Frog Portraits, Face Painting, Magic Shows, and even karaoke or a movie.
If Barb and I lived any closer we would be here at least once a week. The atmosphere is inviting with its warm, loving, and close-nit 'family'. For those with creative abilities Paul stated, 'if you have an idea, and your enthused about it, you will be supported here.' We left that night leaving a twenty dollar donation, a really good feeling, and my answer to the reason why we should have dinner at the World Mercantile & Gallery of Arts."
