Clean living rewarded at Oak Harbor's Daily Grind

Ultra-clean living has paid off for Daily Grind owner Tammie DeRosa in terms of customer and spousal satisfaction.

Another perfect score after an inspection by the county health department sent two of her customers scurrying up to the Whidbey News-Times to announce the accomplishment.

"That's almost unheard of," Gail Stultz said of the perfect score from the finicky health department. And it was the second consecutive perfect health score garnered by DeRosa's establishment, which specializes in coffee drinks, breakfast and lunch items.

To mark the accomplishment, DeRosa's husband, Michael, produced an acrylic plaque stating "Service Excellence Award," which was presented to her in a small ceremony observed by customers.

"It's a beautiful plaque -- diamond shaped, very impressive," Stultz said.

"It was very nice of her husband to do this," added Brenda Ackley. "She was in tears and we were, too."

The two customers are part of a group of women who call themselves The Walnettos who stop by the Daily Grind every Monday at 321 SE Pionner Way in Oak Harbor. They order coffee, eggs benedict or sometimes lunch.

"The soup's wonderful," Ackley said. "The little gal who cooks in back is just adorable."

Other Walnettos (Motto:"Because we're nuts") include Judy Klemencic, Lyla Lillis, Nancy Southard, Margaret Eckland, Jan McCullough and Mavis Parillo.

For her part, DeRosa was pleased by her health inspection results and the appreciation displayed by her husband and customers.

"I'm pretty happy," she said.

The Daily Grind is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Call 675-2767.

Contact Whidbey News Times Editor Jim Larsen at editor@whidbeynewstimes.com or 1-360-675-6611 (ext 5050).

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