Tragedy brings family together & great pizza, music to Oregon City at Mi Famiglia Pizzeria
By Steve Rodin
Mi Famiglia Owner Patty Eddy and son Eric Eddy
Photo by Steve Rodin
Mi Famiglia Wood Oven Pizzeria is nestled in the heart of Old Town Oregon City, right on the corner of the historic Oregon City Bridge.
This restaurant opened Aug. 27, 2007. Following a tragedy, Patti Eddy and her sons, Eric and Kyle Bradfield, decided they needed to bring their family closer together to get though the recovery and beyond. The two boys both had a variety of experience working in the food industry, but Eddy says Kyle had the original idea and convinced the family they could be successful. They bought into an older building and the boys renovated it almost by themselves. The final product is a comfortable, warm, family-owned and operated business that offers great food, atmosphere and live music.
Every item on the menu is made from scratch and premier ingredients. Choices offered include a variety of meat and vegetable dishes like lasagna, ravioli, paninis, fabulous appetizers and salads; and of course the specialty of the house, wood oven-baked pizza and calzones. Mi Famiglia features a very classy selection of Northwest wines and beers with a few Italian wines and fine imported brews. Eddy says the real specialty of the house is her "Grammy’s Walnut Pie," made from home-picked walnuts from the family tree, family walnut tree that is.
The idea of a family working together to get through a tough time has worked for Eddy and her boys. Their restaurant draws a nice crowd almost every evening. They feature live music every Wednesday with rotating artists and an occasional Thursday. On Tuesdays, they feature Michael Davis and his virtuoso seven-string guitars.
Davis is a solo seven-string guitarist specializing in finger-style jazz, pop, classical and bossa nova styles. His solo guitar sounds are, at times, like a conversation between a bass player and guitarist. The specially designed and built seven-string electric guitar allows Davis to play bass lines, chords and melody simultaneously.
Davis puts his heart and soul into his playing and it's obvious he loves what he does. Whether playing standards or original compositions, he plays with immense feeling and expression. His arrangements vary, sometimes light, but more often intricate and haunting. His musical fusion is a seamless blend of jazz, pop and Latin influences. His choice of harmonic color gives standards a refreshing and uplifting feel. His compositions range from jazz and pop, to sambas and bossa nova. The process is always ongoing but Davis strives for a new approach and is continually searching for new sounds.
Davis has taught for years, instructing at Multnomah University, Marylhurst College and numerous other local school staffs. He is also a competent and committed author. His first book, The Contemporary Christian Guitarist, is a vital part of the guitar curriculum of many colleges throughout the U.S. The purpose of the book is to offer the student a progressive approach to learning the guitar. With the exception of the traditional hymns and gospel songs used, Davis wrote all of the duets and exercises. It's a book designed for self-study, private lessons and classroom instruction; it includes a play-along CD.
Davis's original music has gotten airplay on select radio stations across America. He has written for cable television, recorded several albums/CD featuring solo guitar, guitar and orchestra and a Christmas album, Snowfall, with the Timeless Quintet. A book of arrangements from the CD Snowfall has been published by Lorenz Music and is available in bookstores.
Davis and his fabulous seven-string guitar are available for concerts, receptions, corporate entertaining, private parties, festivals, wineries, resorts, hotels, restaurants and celebrations of all kinds. For lessons or more info, contact Davis at michael@michaieldavisguitar.com or check out his website at www.michaeldavisguitar.com.
For a great handmade quality meal, in a warm family style atmosphere, you owe it to yourself to check out Mi Famiglia, located at 701 Main Street, just off the historic Oregon City bridge. Visit on Tuesday to hear Davis.