I understand and appreciate your emphasis that Addictions is a clean establishment.  However, I felt your comment "No one likes dirty needles" was insensitive and/or ill informed.  Dirty needles are one of the most common methods of being infected with the HIV/AIDS virus.

I hope in the future you chose your words more carefully before making such "glib" comments.

Who says that Salem doesn't have great things going for it?

I pick up your paper every month, but I never saw a place to vote for any of these choices. I would have picked different ones. There are much better winners in town that deserve to be called the best before any of these. I mean Sharky's, come on!

I just read the article about La Perla Tapatia, and was shocked to hear that it was voted " Salem 's best" by the Salem Monthly. I went here back in the fall of '07 with a friend of mine for some Mexican food that appeared to be very good from how the pictures appeared to be on their advertisement. When we got their though, we soon found out how far the experience was from what was originally thought.
To let you know, I have lived in Texas for all of my life, up to just a few years ago. So because of that, I have high expectations of any sort of Mexican food . Especially since I have eaten it every other day. But this was one of the worst places overall that I have ever eaten.
First of all, it was clearly obvious that the place was understaffed since I only saw 1 waitress and the bartender. Being patient though, we waited for quite a lengthy time till we got some service. When we did, we noticed that the food selection was so small the only time we took longer on the time to order food, is when the waitress had to get the manager(who we found out was the bartender) to come over and translate our English to her. We then waited another absurdly lengthy time till we got our food. When we did, it was cold and served in such messy little portions compared to what we were paying. The food was pretty mediocre too. Compared to other Mexican food that I have had in Oregon , it was disappointing, unappealing, and an absolute disgrace. So much, I had to actually apologize to the friend that went with me, for picking the place.
However, if you are ever interested in great Mexican food that is the best thing since salsa, go to Chula Vista Mexican Restaurant off of Lancaster and State St . They have superior service, and Mexican food that offers more in selection and quality then any other Mexican food place I have ever been to in Oregon .
Now THEY have the best Mexican food!