The shop is run by two lovely ladies named Becky and Condessa.  Condessa is Becky’s mother in law, but they seem to get along well as business partners.  The banter and conversations between the two are quick, witty, and entertaining, with Condessa always touting the new flavors they have prepared for that day.  The fun character of the store reflects their larger than life personalities and interactions.  Like the friendly owners, the store’s atmosphere emanates warmth and friendliness, from the hand painted signs to the old school soda fountain tables.

Twinsies usually offers about eight different flavors, all composed of a magical stack of quality cake, frosting, and sometimes filling.  The classic chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet are normally in stock; however the display case is also full of unusual and delicious flavors, everything from Oreo to virgin margarita to maple bar cupcakes.  Becky and Condessa like to boast that their cupcakes have about twice the normal filling than other cupcake bakeries, and also brag about the dense and moist texture of their cupcakes.  Both claims are absolutely true.  For example, let me describe my favorite flavor: the lemonade cupcake.  From the first bite of this cupcake, the scent of lemon zest emanates from every delicious part, coming from both the sweet and buttery frosting and the moist, tender cake.  By the second bite, an explosion of fresh lemon curd enters the scene, mingling and strengthening the lemon taste, and adding an element of smooth, creamy texture.  To shorten this description to two words: simply delicious.

Works cited:
“Twinsies Coffee and Cupcakes.” Twinsies Coffee and Cupcakes. Twinsies Coffee and Cupcakes, Mar. 2012. Web. 06 Nov. 2012.

By Brenna Smelt, 10/20/12

It is clear to see that Fitts’ and my favorite fish market back home have two important things in common: customer service, and freshness of product. Back home, my dad and I knew a fishmonger, whom I knew as “Aunty”. Once, I pointed to each fish being sold and she told me all the information about each fish. The fishmonger at Fitts’ did the same thing for me. He guided me to a cheap, high quality cut of fish, which saved me around ten dollars; I thought to myself, “What great service!” Fitts’ will now be my main fish market that I go to while at Willamette. These fishmongers at Fitts’ are now family to me.

I know that if Salem didn’t have Fitts’, Salem would lose a very vital part of its rich history. Old places such as Fitts’ Seafood add a cultural significance to Salem. Since opening in 1901, there have been multiple generations of fishmongers helping many customers in the exact way that I was helped. They add a standard of excellence to the community of Salem with outstanding products and the way they take care of everyone. This dedication makes us feel like family, not customers. Owner Rod Purdy said that, “I’ve been waiting on the same people for generations” (Hobbs). Much like “Aunty”, Rod has served generations of families, making him a very vital part of Fitts’ Seafood and the community of Salem.

Works Cited:
Hobbs, Evan. “Seafood Store Spawns into South Salem.” WillametteLive.Com. Willamette Media. Web. 17 Nov 2012.

By Melvin Miyashiro, 10/20/12