Written By Karen Pacifico
Photography By Donna Huffman
tooges owner Jerry Rose fondly recalls watching wonderful, comedic shows on the family television when he was a child. You know the ones I mean. Black and White movies and weekly hit shows that showcased the Three Stooges, Marx Brothers, Little Rascals, Charlie Chaplin, Carol Burnett, Laurel and Hardy, and the great Jackie Gleason. And then there was ‘Get Smart,’ an American television comedy series that satirized the secret agent genre. The show starred Don Adams as Maxwell Smart, “Agent 86”. Of course, there are numerous others that made and continue to make us laugh.
We all need to laugh more. Laughter helps us feel better, see things more clearly, and establishes a sense of connection between two people. In fact, some researchers believe that the major function of laughter is to bring people together.
What Jerry and his wife Nicole have created is a place to bring people together and to recall how laughter makes us feel. There are photo posters all around Stooges of some of the best single and team comedic performers. The Stooges we’re most familiar with are Moe, Larry, and Jerome (Curly). However, there were others. Even fifty years after their last film, the Three Stooges is a popular American icon. Initially the group consisted of brothers Moe and Shemp Howard, along with Larry Fine. Shemp left to attempt a solo career and was in turn replaced by another Howard brother, Jerome, aka Curly. After Curly’s career-ending stroke, Shemp finally had to replace Curly. Along came Curly Joe DeRita, born as Joseph Wardell, who was the last of the Three Stooges. In 1955, with the sudden death of Shemp, Moe recruited Joe Besser to join the Three Stooges. Joe agreed but Columbia Pictures ended making movie “shorts,” leaving the Three Stooges without a movie contract.
Just a little bit of trivia for you to ponder while enjoying a great breakfast or lunch at Stooges. Breakfast is a very busy time at this favorite spot. So many times people ask me where they can have breakfast midday. Well here you can and it’s delicious. I ordered fresh squeezed orange juice and Nicholas’ Own: 3 slices of Sourdough French Toast with homemade real Vermont maple syrup, bacon and a strawberry fruit topping served piping hot. It looked great and I enjoyed every morsel. Donna enjoyed Sanna’s fave sandwich: turkey, avocado, sprouts, lettuce, tomato, red onion and mayo. It was piled so high I didn’t think Donna could bite into it but she didn’t disappoint me.
We chatted with the head chef Omar (formerly with Palmetto Bluff), sous chef Matt, very personable Manager Missy and our server Sandra. Each staff member was attentive to the needs of those being served. While we waited for our meals, Omar presented us with a customer favorite, a cup of She Crab Soup. It’s wonderful! It has the taste that makes you want more...much more. And although there are 138 items for selection, there are specials and we sampled the special BBQ Shrimp kabobs over rice. The presentation was very colorful and the dish had great flavors.
Customer favorites include ‘The Bennies’: Eggs Bennie, Crab Bennie and Veggie Bennie. Another much requested breakfast item is ‘Venomous’: a 12 inch flour tortilla filled with three scrambled eggs, chorizo (sausage), jalapenos and white cheddar cheese with a choice of hashbrowns or grits. In addition to the many breakfast favorites, you can order from Appetizers, Lighter Side, Salads, Sandwiches, and The Grill.
They’ll prepare your food to your request...just ask. For instance, ask your server what the fresh fish catch is and then you decide if you want it fried, grilled or blackened. They also have a Kid’s Menu for 10 and under. The selections come with soda or juice (excluding orange) and one side item.
Stooges opened 1 1⁄2 years ago and is the place where New York style meets Southern hospitality. While waiting for your selection, be sure to look at the photo posters and read the newspaper ads from yesteryear that appear on your tabletop. It’s a fun experience and a fun way to educate younger family members who aren’t familiar with these great performers.
Stooges Café
706-6178
Sheridan Park
Breakfast & Lunch:
Mon- Fri. 6 - 3
Sat. & Sun. 8 - 3
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