Owner/Chef: Rhonda Meek
Looking for a culinary experience like none other, come to Village Cuisine Catering and Cafe located on the square in the Historical Village of Grand Cane. Owner Rhonda Meek grew up in a family where her mother and both grandmothers were always cooking. One grandmother even made wedding cakes, and the three of them always encouraged her to experiment and cook as a young girl. She began making desserts and other items to take to her children’s school events and church functions. She credits her “Cream Cheese Pecan Bars” with being the basis for the beginning of her new career. The business began in the kitchen of the family home, growing so fast, Rhonda was forced to begin a search for a larger place. She found the perfect spot located in the Village. She opened as a catering business only in 2009, in the back area of the present day restaurant. Then in July of 2010 the front area became available and Rhonda quickly made the decision to open Village Cuisine Catering and Cafe.
When you step to the curb you quickly realize this is special. The large sunflowers beckon to you before you even make it in the door. Relaxing music, fresh flowers, eclectic art pieces taking their place on the antiques sideboard, but with a modern flair, set the mood for the unexpected treats that are to come. The tables themselves are works of art, fashioned from old doors, no two alike; husband Jody definitely has a talent. Refreshing and different is a fitting description.
The best part is the food! Dessert first, why not, many people call to ask “What’s for dessert today?" The answer may be, Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies, Cream Cheese Pecan Bars, Peanut Butter Sin Pie, Chocolate Pie and any of the other desserts she prepares. Or if you’re lucky, Bread Pudding, she gets it “Right!” Rhonda also has handmade candies for you to choose from. These include: White Chocolate Toffee, English Toffee, White Chocolate Raspberry Fudge, and Pina’ Colada Fudge.
On lunch days you will find down-home comfort food, but the menu is never set for a specific dish on a certain day. Rhonda cooks from the heart, so what is served depends on her mood for the day. Chicken Spaghetti, Beef Tips and Rice, Chicken Enchiladas, Eggplant Lasagna or even her famous Chipotle Shrimp and Grits may be on the black board as the special of the day. The Chicken Salad is always on the menu. People driving from Houston to Shreveport have remarked “they have to allow time to make Village Cuisine a definite stop for lunch.” You can get the Chicken Salad as a sandwich with a side salad. When asked what makes it so delectable and different, Rhonda smiled and said “I don’t have a recipe and there are no measurements for the ingredients, I just know when it’s right.”
Salads are unique and special. There is one for every taste bud. Your choices include the Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed dressing; the Village Salad featuring apples and the homemade house dressing, the Mandarin Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing and a Caesar Salad with Caesar dressing.
New items have been added to the menu:
Homemade Italian Gelato (Italian Ice Creams) & Homemade Ice Cream! Gourmet Burgers are now available! The homemade house "jalapeno cheddar" buns can also be ordered in advance for take home, bread day is Tuesday and the very popular buns sell out early - call to reserve some for your next meal!
Burger choices include:
Black & Blue gourmet burger, the BBQ Bacon & Cheddar burger and the Build Your Own Seasoned Burger! Also available with your burgers is a variety of gourmet cheeses, homemade avocado cream spread and avocado slices. All burgers are available on the house homemade buns " Jalapeno cheddar".
On the evenings and dates of the Back Alley Theatre productions, reservations are recommended. It has tradition of the local theatre crowd to dine at the Village Cuisine Restaurant and then mosey around to the Back Alley Theatre to view the current play. The restaurant staff begins seating at 5:00 p.m. with everyone attending the performance finished and out the door by 6:45. Rhonda stresses that walk-ins are always welcome, but reservations will guarantee a seat for service without a wait. With weather allowing the courtyard is also available for seating. The Dinner night menu always includes the Peppercorn Crusted Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction Sauce, Garlic or Parmesan Garlic Potatoes. Other entrée choices might include one of her gourmet chicken dishes, such as, Chicken Marsalis, Crab Stuffed Chicken or a seafood dish.
Catering was and is very important to Rhonda. She tells of the lady that orders lasagna on a regular basis for her family, and accepts the compliments as If it were from her own oven. From the smallest need, call and order one item or a complete meal for 4, Rhonda will have it ready for you when you need it. Catering can include pickup at the Cafe or it can be delivered. A cocktail party for two-hundred plus people, no problem, Rhonda can accommodate your needs.
The courtyard and Cafe are available for private parties and events. Business Luncheons, Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Wedding showers, Baby showers and Ladies night out are a few of its’ uses. If you have a special event, schedule it at the Village Rhonda will help you with the details.
Village Cuisine Catering and Cafe is open for lunch only from 11:00 till 2:00 Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Dinner by reservation on special nights only. (see above)
On Back Alley Performance dates please check to verify availability. Call to place an order, for information, reservation or to discuss catering needs.
Contact:
Rhonda Meek, Owner/Chef
(318) 858-3200
Email: Email Village Cuisine Cafe by using this link
Located:
Historic Dr. W.W. Platt Dental Office Building
8372 Highway 171
Grand Cane, LA 71032