By Max Marbut
Staff Write
The name sounds French but the cuisine is purely Southern.
Pork chops smothered in onion gravy, meat loaf, fried or baked fish, macaroni and cheese, greens, corn bread and peach cobbler have turned out to be the most popular items on the menu at Le Shea’s Home Style Eatery at 119 W. Adams St.
The restaurant is marking its first birthday Monday, and owner and Chef Shea Jones is planning a celebration. She’s hired a saxophone player to perform at the restaurant and everyone who dines there will receive a complimentary cupcake for dessert.
Jones is also having a drawing for door prizes and gift certificates. “We’ll be open from 11 a.m. until we run out of food or customers,” she said.
The restaurant also is open for dinner 6-9:30 p.m.Wednesday and Jones is extending the birthday observance with a $9.99 all-you-can-eat wings special and more cupcakes.
The Brooklyn, N.Y., native left home and a career in law enforcement to head south and open her restaurant.
“It has been a journey and a great experience,” said Jones.
The concept behind the menu and the service has served her well, she said.
“I don’t buy meat from purveyors and I don’t shop at the farmers’ market. That would cost less, but I get better quality when I shop at the grocery store. I don’t use food out of cans and everything we serve is made from scratch,” said Jones.
While the bill of fare has remained the same since the day she opened, some of the vegetable side dishes change from time to time.
“What we serve here is always fresh and the best that’s available, so it’s a little seasonal,” said Jones.
Le Shea’s opened with a system for takeout that’s also available for dining in the restaurant. Patrons can call in their orders (354-5685) after 10 a.m. and their lunch will be ready for table service when they arrive. The dining room closes after lunch, but orders can also be called in for pickup later.
“If you don’t feel like cooking dinner, give me a call and you can take it home with you.” said Jones.
She said she’s looking forward to more success in the next year.
“I enjoy what I do, I’ve made a lot of friends and I thank everyone Downtown for their continued support. This restaurant has become my home away from home, so come eat with us,” said Jones.
356-2466