The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/27737
Local Eats Comfort food, cozy space Yellow Deli’s attractive interior pairs with a tried and true menu of hearty, simple food Yellow Deli has become a popular lunch spot since opening at the corner of Chestnut and Main streets in Oneonta about a year ago (then named Common Ground). The food is simple and hearty _ sandwiches, soups, salads _ and the decor has details to keep your eyes busy. The interior reflects the skilled craftsmanship of members of the Twelve Tribes, the spiritual community behind Yellow Delis across the country. The exposed brick walls are painted with colorful murals of birds, hippies and rainbow swirls. Ironwork, macrame and shanty-roofs fill in portions of the cafe, and everything was created by members of the Twelve Tribes. Most of the wood used for structures like handrails came from an old barn in Chenango Bridge that was donated by a couple to the Twelve Tribes for use in the construction of the Oneonta cafe. There are about 30 members in the Oneonta community, many of whom work at the cafe. There are no managers or titles, and all of the members rotate through the different roles, according to member Andrew Hocker. “Everyone learns all aspects of the cafe,” he said. Everyone knows how to make the salads and sandwiches that have been on the menu since the first Yellow Deli opened in Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1972. 12 O-Town Scene March 24, 2011 Continued on Page 13