Mamaws Cafe and Catering

Kandy Derden Managing Editor

My family has an unwritten rule: when traveling, we become adventurous and look specifically for restaurants totally different from anything we have at home. Sounds like a pretty good system, until no one can agree on which place to try. This happened while in St. Paul, Virginia. One person wanted pizza while another opted for Mexican. Personally, I think I got the best end of this deal because I chose Mamaw’s Café.

At first, I thought it was a bakery because an outdated brochure advertised a bakery at that address. When I ventured inside, I was surprised to find a completely new business in the location. In January of this year, Wilma Vance, known to everyone as Mamaw, opened her shop. It is a charming café with lots of homey touches in the décor, atmosphere and menu. I found the entire staff to be genuinely friendly and helpful.

Wilma greeted me with a warm smile as though we had known each other for years. She didn’t have the one

item I was seeking for a member of our team, but asked me to give her 45 minutes to ‘wow’ us. And “wow” us she did! Within 20 minutes, a tray of assorted pastries and breakfast items were delivered to our hotel room. She had a sampling of her homemade sourdough bread topped with her homemade apple butter, bacon cheese toast breakfast sandwich plus donuts, muffins, oat cookies and croissants.

When I stopped in later to express my gratitude, I learned a bit of Mamaw’s history. Wilma began cooking at age eight. This led to a background in food service, working at Shoney’s and an Italian Restaurant.

In addition, she has done social work. She has been a foster mother to multiple children, some of whom she has adopted and has been a caregiver for elderly parents. I’m quite sure being a good cook came in handy in all those situations.

Mamaw’s Café menu contains good home cooking comfort food which includes some of Wilma’s home-grown vegetables. Weekly specials are posted on Facebook. She daily prepares meat loaf, pot roast, chicken, side dishes and desserts. Although her cheesecakes are made by employee Aundrea, Wilma makes the pies, brownies and cookies. She cooks for large groups and also does catering.

The next time you need a caterer for an event, kindly give Mamaw’s 72 hour’s notice and she’ll be happy to provide delicious food for up to 250 people. Unlike so many companies which only offer a limited catering menu, Wilma allows you to choose from her full menu for your guests. Even if you don’t need meals for a crowd, call early; orders are already being accepted for Thanksgiving and Christmas Dessert Specialties.

Everything sounded so good, I opted to return for dinner that evening. It was all delicious! I was informed the vegetables had been picked from Mamaw’s garden that day. You can’t get any fresher than that. I had some difficulty deciding on an entrée, but the open-faced hot beef sandwich seemed to be calling my name. I’ve eaten this on toast, rolls and even biscuits, but this was a first for sourdough. Yes, the same homemade sourdough I enjoyed for breakfast with apple butter. Mental note: new favorite way to serve hot beef.

I felt I should be very thorough in my story about this meal, therefore, I ordered dessert! It was a tough call between pie and cheesecake, but cheesecake finally won. Like everything I tasted, it was beyond delicious which caused me to consider extending our visit simply to try more of her down-home cooking. It is truly worth the drive to go out of your way to go see her. Don’t be surprised if you end up calling her Mamaw. My only regret is not living close enough to visit this delightful place weekly.

Mamaw’s Café

We Love to do Catering!!

3024 4th Ave. St. Paul, Va 24283

(276) 220-8088

Mamawscafe2024@gmail. com

https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61555131849080