Rising and Shining in Jamestown Starring the Fourth Street Experience
By Darlene Mae O’Connor
It just keeps getting better on this ride! Talent and youth are not wasted on the young here in WNY and the more articles I write featuring the multi-talented Artists and Entrepreneurs of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus, the more my hope grows for the future. Telling this story is especially significant to my heart because it takes place smack dab in the middle of where great memories of my early adulthood were crafted.
On the crest of Pine Street where it meets the corner of Fourth Street; what we use to call Thurston Terrace when my friends and I were “all that”, {legends in our own minds}, stands a row of Historic Brownstones. Their architectural design, classic for their era, is both esthetically pleasing and reminiscent of those bygone days. Thankfully they still stand tall and majestic. As exciting as it was living there on the top floor with roof access overlooking this Pearl city, Jeffrey James and his high school sweetheart Alexandria have upped the game and then some! My heart swells with pride to see visions I had then, coming true now, especially when young people like James and Alexandria are willing to put in the “hard work” to make it happen!
Whether upstairs, downstairs and even outside in, Labyrinth and Brazil have a favorite seat for you. Serving Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten free fare, the Labyrinth has a taste for everyone to enjoy and for us coffeeholics it is a dream in a cup. Doubling as an incredible Espresso Bar, the up-beat vibe here is Georgetown and SoHo. So here we go up a few steps to level two where there is glass of wine or a fine brew for you.
Brazil features a host of Creative Culinary delights, as well as extensive wine and beer listings. The greeting you will receive is definitely heartfelt and even on my first visit to each establishment, I felt as though I had entered the home of a friend with a really nice patio. I always prefer to be outside and with the installation of James’ hand-crafted Cabana we know the sun has begun her summer shine on these lovely hills and vales and outdoor dining elegance is back.
Jeffrey’s first endeavor was a late- night Café’ where he promoted Poetry Slams and Open Mic events, as well as, smaller musical groups offering Jazz and Contemporary listening genres. With the onset of COVID, like everyone else, Jeffrey found his share of challenges and great concerns, especially for the people who were relying on his success for a paycheck. There were scary moments, but his loyalty to see them all through paid off. His staff is an extension of his family and as it turns out, so are his customers.
With a bit of COVID relief package dollars, all and more of which went into his business and employees, the doors to these unique experiences are still open and ready for you. Jeffrey, of course has plans for the future too. He is extending the kitchen and has some really different ideas for the new space. He has plans to bring music and poetry back to Brazil and when you visit you will have no doubt of its debut.
Jeffrey designed, built and assembled the outdoor Café’ Venue by hand. He is a multi-talented-multi-tasker and with the help of great friends and Alexandria’s genius, he will find the means to accomplishing all he has set out to do. Together they will be a force for progress here in our Fair City of the Hills. The couple has three daughters who play soccer and keep them on their toes and they too will be an impetus for success. Olive, Violet and Willow love to hang out at the shop and you will too.