The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By David Grimes for the Quill
Smithshire- There's tasty, made -from -scratch cooking in the neighborhood, even if the surrounding fields are keeping you tied up this time of year.
"We have a group of local farmers come in at 6:30 a.m. to discuss the days work," said Elaine Churchill, owner of The Lunch Box Cafe in Smithshire.
Area farmers and Twomey Co. employees make the village cafe a regular stop when it's time for breakfast or lunch.
But out-of-towners get their fill at The Lunch Box Cafe, too.
A day's business often depends on the way the weather cooperates for those busy in the fields, but customers still eat rain or shine.
"If they're putting in a long day during planting or harvest, we get a lot of carryout orders,' Elaine said.
Churchill and her daughter, Katie Churchill, and Jana Duncan comprise the cafe's staff.
Elaine plans each day's menu for chalkboard specials, just $4.50, and cooks. Katie waits tables until Jana arrives at mid-morning to take over as server while Katie moves to the kitchen to help fill orders.
Daily specials include an entree, vegetable, roll and drink. And the tax is included in the price!
Off the menu selections include burgers, tenderloins and fish sandwiches, side orders and those made-from-scratch pies that Elaine bakes each day.
Cafe decor includes÷NASCAR racing memorabilia focusing on Dale Earnhardt, Jr., rural humor and...what else? Lunchboxes,
In fact, The Lunch Box Cafe has been featured in NASCAR Scene magazine, complements of some folks from Virginia who stopped in at the eatery and shared their delightful memories with the publication along with a photo.
Local celebrities have also paid visits to the cafe.
Tom Ernst, for instance, in his run against Senator John Sullivan last year stopped for a Meet the Candidate event at The Lunch Box Cafe.
The cafe's adjoining tea room has found a niche in the community, too.
"The Smithshire and Stronghurst United Methodist Church ladies groups have used the tea room to get together and there've been several Red Hat Society chapters meet here, too," Elaine pointed out.
The tea room holds about 20 people and white cloth napkins and tablecloths are available for special occasions like board meetings and birthday parties.
Hot items from The Lunch Box Cafe breakfast menus include biscuits and gravy, bagel, egg, meat and cheese sandwiches and the Lunch Box breakfast special÷2 eggs, hash browns, toast, your choice of bacon, sausage or ham and coffee that's served up for a paltry $3.50.
Elaine's homemade desserts÷chocolate and coconut meringue pie, strawberry pie and blackberry cobbler÷are the stuff dreams are made of and enough to make anyone save room for dessert.
I tried the coconut and I can see why some customers order whole pies at just $6 each.
Last Friday's stroganoff was the perfect blend of finely ground beef and light-as-air egg noodles.
And with a serving that was a challenge to finish.
"People remark about how big the portions are," Jana said. "So we do offer half portions, too, on the daily special."
Save five bucks for the next every-other-Tuesday Taco bar special. It's all-you-care-to-eat tacos with all the toppings.
It doesn't happen all the time, but The Lunch Box Cafe does offer a buffet on some holidays like Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and Thanksgiving, when the holiday falls within the cafe's regular hours÷6:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Jana and Katie say tips are always good at The Lunch Box Cafe and probably ue to the friendly atmosphere and the way the three women work well together in ensuring each customer leaves satisfied and full.
Elaine said it's sometimes a challenge accommodating every customer's request, but she always seems to manage customer satisfaction.
"I used to cook for a frat house at WIU in Macomb," she explained. "Now that was interesting."
To phone in an order or to find out the daily special, call The Lunch Box Cafe at (309) 325-7133.
The Lunch Box Cafe staff include owner Elaine Churchill (center) and her daughter, Katie Churchill, and Jana Duncan.