Our past is what helps create our memory bank. Music and food are a major part of that. They can conjure up a time and place when things seemed easier.

That's the premise behind Portland's newest restaurant "The Rock and Roll Cafe".

Mark Lindsay's name is above the sign at 42nd and Sandy Boulevard. It's named for the former lead singer for one of this country's and the Northwest's own iconic groups of the sixties, Paul Revere and the Raiders.

"It still doesn't feel real" said Mark Lindsay. With just a few hours 'til the grand opening, the finishing touches are being put on what Lindsay describes as a very long process.

The restaurant is located in the heart of the Hollywood District . It's only a block from the Hollywood theater. The 1926 building was completely renovated. Inside is a homage to actually three Northwest traditions. Music, food and where people shopped. First the music. From the entrance way lined with some of Lindsay's guitar collection. Another room houses his saxophone collection.

There's several of the Raiders costumes. One in particular is interesting. Lindsay wore in when the group performed at Carnegie Hall. The staircase leads upstairs to what will become the home of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Already some display showcase the music history of many Northwest recording acts.

"It was a kinder gentler time and the music of that era evokes a kinder, gentler time, peace love and hippiness,and it was all gonna be all right" says Lindsay.

If you look up in the bar area, you'll find a ceiling filled with album art of some of the Northwest greats including the Kingsmen and the Ventures.

Lindsay says "I had no idea there were so many Northwest artists".

A collection of celebrity photos line another wall just to the right. Lindsay and the Raiders were interviewed or were on every major television show back in the day.

There are pictures to prove it There's even a picture of them on the original "Batman" series. And a special one with Sally Field.

Link: MarkLindasayCafe

"Who pinched my butt on TV", Lindsay was quick to add.

A radio studio looks out over the restaurant. Lindsay will broadcast live every Saturday night on K-HITS. Other personalities from the station will

step up to the mic during the week.

Now for the food. Portlander's who remember "Yaws" hamburgers are going to get a taste of the past. The original recipes are used to recreate

the flavors and sauces. There's even stools and a counter reminiscent of a "Yaws" restaurant. Oh, and you'll notice Green River soda. It took a while to find it again, but the owners did. A small company in Chicago still makes it.

The third aspect of this restaurant/musuem is the Meier and Frank room. Photos take us on a trip back to when the Meier and Frank meant quality shopping in Portland. One hard to miss piece of history is an original timepiece. The huge clock from the Salem store hangs above in the entrance way

"People who went to Meier and Frank use to say " meet me under the clock". Now they can again.

It's fitting for a place where time stands still, all for the right reason.

The cafe is open daily 11am-11pm. Satuday it's open 'til 1am.