Ramona’s sandwich shop (located in Portland’s hip Inner Washington neighborhood) nails the old-school deli look. The nostalgic motif, however, gets a subtle yet significant update. Notice the custom–cut tambour finishing the counter. “On one side of the room, it’s paint grade and off-white, and on the other side it’s stained,” says owner-designer Carrie Dessertine. “It’s a unique profile for a tambour.” Contemporary stools line a counter inlaid with laminate place mats, and ample shelving provides display space for a range of products whose colorful labels not only entice customers but also play a role in establishing the spot’s mise-en-scène.
