Originally Posted by
The Old Downtown Guy
I was suprised that I couldn't find a "Cheever's" thread, so I'm starting one. I hope that it attracts the food reviews and stories it deserves.
A little background as I recall it . . . . Cheever's is housed in a building built and occupied for decades by a florist by the same name. I believe that you can even still buy flowers from the (now wine and beer) cooler that sits in the center of the building, separating the north and south dining areas.
The restaurant was started by Charlene Humpherys seven or eight years ago. I think Keith and Heather took over about four years back, but my time frames could be off by a lot . . . I'm old you know. Anyway, it was well received by the surrounding neighborhood residents, as it was the only thing locally owned for miles around and so it had a ready made audience . . . but even with that support, opening a new eating establishment is difficult at best. It's loyal patrons took the early day's hit and miss food quality and service in stride and kept coming back in support of their future favorite neighborhood eatery . . . and it has become just that . . . a neighborhood favorite, but now with city wide appeal.
As I said, the food and service was up and down during the first couple of years and the surrounding area left a lot to be desired . . . the dope dealers taking calls all hours of the day and night on the pay phones across the street were not the best advertising. The lunch trade was always suprisingly strong and attracted diners from all parts of the city, especially the State Capitol work force. Developing the evening trade took a lot longer, but Charlene was tough as hell and hung in, even reopening after a fire bomb, that came through the front window, while she was closing one evening, gutted the place. We closed off the street in front of the restaurant and threw a big party when Charlene reopened. A colorful early history to say the least.
Fast forward to today . . . Tuck can update the time frames . . . I eat there or get one of their teriffic salads to go, several times each month. I think the best thing about this restaurant is the constant improvement in the quality of the food and service . . . it just keeps getting better and better. I believe that a new chef has come on board recently and made a few changes to the menu . . . not sure on this point, other than to repeat that the food continues to improve . . . even their classic dishes seem to evolve. To me this is the mark of a good restaurant . . . . and Cheever's is a good restaurant . . . damn good.
I love their soups . . . always piping hot . . . I also like to build a plate that might include their shrimp rissoto or one from an evening special along with a selection of side vegetables . . . I'm never disappointed. The fish and meat dishes are always first rate too. A well designed menu, thoughtfully prepared food, artfully presented, professional service . . . what more can you expect in a restaurant . . . . reasonable prices? . . . absolutely.
The Paul's recent purchase and remodel of the old gas station on the corner makes a much needced improvement to the hood and provides the restaurant with more space and take out offerings for their neighbors, who continue to make Cheever's a regular stop.
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