The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By David Grimes, for The Quill
When you get hungry for mom's cooking but mom's not around, take a drive to the Dusty Farmer Cafe at Ferris, just a couple of miles north of Carthage and west of Highway 94.
The many taste sensations owner Evelyn Ray and cook Marilyn Fink serve up weekdays at the Dusty Farmer will bring you back to the rural eatery time and again.
"Business is going well," Ray said last week.
The Dusty Farmer is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Breakfast is available from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., but the cafe's bread and butter is lunch.
"We've had customers from all across the United States and even from other countries come in to eat," Ray said.
"But we do have our round table regulars, too."
Last Thursday, in fact, chairs were at a premium during the noon hour.
"Thursdays are our busiest days, but we're a little busier today than most Thursdays," Ray said.
The Stronghurst chapter of the Red Hat Society was in town for a meeting and lunch, but the cafe, located inside the old Ferris Grade School was bustling with customers from elsewhere, too.
Marj Harrell and Kay Rice, both of Carthage, gave the pork chop luncheon special two thumbs up.
Ray's meatloaf is another reason the place is packed on Thursdays as well.
The finely textured ground beef, oatmeal and light seasoning make for a tasty alternative to some creations full of gristle and overbearing seasoning.
Mashed potatoes and pan-style gravy are just one selection from a list of several side dishes including vegetables, salads and fruit you can choose from to round out the lunch special.
If it will make your decision with respect to side selection any easier, the mashed potatoes are genuine.
Pies are yet another category the Dusty Farmer is noted for and that can be purchased whole or by the slice.
They come in a variety of fillings, both fruit and cream.
"Chocolate and coconut seem to be the most popular," Ray said.
Ray said serving up meals to customers is a joy.
"Everybody is so sweet to us," she said.
And why wouldn't they be?
Daily specials run about $5. Short orders and desserts are also available at nominal prices and a piece of pie costs, well, the price is so low we can't advertise it.
Waitresses Jean St. Ores, Colusa, and Amy Swick, Burnside, both say customers are great and more often than not leave generous tips.
St. Ores has a theory on the tipping.
"I think it's the reasonably priced food they get," she said.
Good food, affordable prices, friendly staff. Can it get any better than that?
Yes.
"When you come in to eat on your birthday, we give you a free dessert," Ray said.
The Dusty Farmer Cafe offers carryout service, too, so even if you don't have time to sit down and enjoy the homestyle cooking, you don't need to miss out on it.
To place an order or check on the special of the day, call the Dusty Farmer Cafe at (217) 746-2060.
Dusty Farmer waitress Amy Swick checks back with customers Kay Rice (left) and Marj Harrell (right), both of Carthage, during lunch hour at the cafe last Thursday. (photo by David Grimes)