A woman I know, Cathy Jenkins, had a dream of owning her own restaurant. She took a trip across the country with her family and wheedled her way into restaurant kitchens as they traveled. (Cathy is so personable, she could get a lamppost to engage in conversation.) Along the way, they took lots of photographs of their family in national parks, on the beach, and so on.
She then began her own small cooking business, and offered a weekly treat for the teachers at her children's elementary school. A flyer would be posted in the office, complete with a photo of the entrée of the week, and the staff would call in their order. No matter what she made, it was delicious.
Now--after months and months of working on the interior and planning the menu and meeting with city planners, she just had the grand opening of her own restaurant--Cathy's Kitchen. It's in the heart of old-town Ferguson, right next to a Curves (not a great place for the Curves clients, I must say) and every publication in town interviewed her. The Post-Dispatch. The Suburban Journal. She's going to be in Taste and Sauce, two local cooking magazines.
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| You can't really tell, because I'm not the best photographer, but the kitchen is completely open and retro-looking. |
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| Along the entire length of the restaurant is a highway. Along the road, there are photos of the dishes Cathy's Kitchen offers, family pictures, and guitars and cowboy boots and Mardi Gras beads, to represent each geographical area along the highway. |
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| This is the dreamer...Cathy Jenkins. If you're in St. Louis and have the chance to stop by Cathy's Kitchen, you won't be disappointed. (The smoked salmon crostini is delicious. A friend had the fish tacos--the fish is not breaded--and thoroughly enjoyed them.) What dream do you have for yourself or for your writing? And...what are you doing to keep your dream burning brightly? |
I love success stories and I hope Cathy J's dream continues to unfold! I used to dream about a tea room and visited many. Reality set in with age but it was fun while it lasted!
ReplyDeleteClaudia--I'm glad you didn't open your tea room. Otherwise, you wouldn't have had time to write...
DeleteI like that highway wall. Hope her venture is a success.
ReplyDeleteThe teacher thing was a good idea. Somebody has been doing that at our school on Fridays. It's good word-of-mouth advertising.
My dream is to have uninterrupted time to write my fingers off. Something always comes up to distract me. I think it's called "family." They have the nerve to be all needy and demanding, wanting to eat three times a day, with silverware, and wear clean clothes. They've given up on living in a clean house, though. That was their dream going up in flames. The time I eke out for myself is not my most productive portion of the day. When I have the time, I'll be wishing for family. I think I just need that tiny flame lit right under my behind.
Val--You are sooo right. Later--all too soon--you'll be pining away for your boys, but they will have flown from the nest. There is a time for everything...
DeleteKudos to Cathy. I propose that the WWWPs indulge there some day.
ReplyDeleteI think that would be a great idea.
DeleteLook at that smile! Good for her!
ReplyDeleteMy dream was to have a book of my poetry.
She is a gorgeous woman, and has not aged in the 12 years I've known her. A dazzling smile, wrinkle-free skin AND she can cook...
DeleteYou should be so proud of achieving that dream, and what a book it is. What comes next?
Good for her!
ReplyDeleteI just keep writing and keep trying to get better.
Mama Zen--How much better can you get? Jeezle! ;)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Cathy! It's not easy to start a business these days but it looks like she has the talent and determination to make it happen.
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Pat--She definitely does. If you happen to be on this side of the river, in Ferguson, you should check out her restaurant.
DeleteSioux,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great read. Thanks for sharing this inspiring story. :-)
Jennifer--Thanks. And you're welcome.
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