I heard the story from someone who heard the story, so it could very well have been exaggerated in the process of re-telling. But, the way I heard it, pop music legends Earth, Wind and Fire walked into C&C Cafe on Milam Street recently and ordered up a few plate lunches. They were so impressed with the place that they took to the microphone and encouraged everyone in attendance at their March 10, 2012 show at Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City to go there for lunch. Being a sucker for a good plate lunch – a homemade “meat and two sides” platter, preferably served with a large hunk of cornbread – I had to go.
C&C Cafe is a tiny restaurant located at 1765 Milam Street in Shreveport’s Allendale neighborhood. Seating consists of five tables, so if you’re planning to visit during lunch hour, you may need a back-up plan regarding where to eat if no seats are available. During my visit, I got there just in time to snag a table – the line was out the door by 12:15 p.m. Daily plate lunch specials cost $7.06 and include a meat (think beef tips, smothered pork chops, spaghetti, etc.) served with two sides.
I ate a spicy smothered pork chop, which came out cut-with-a-plastic-fork tender and covered in almost-caramelized onions. The mustard greens were also delicious; rich and just pungent enough, they tasted more like they came out of the ground than out of a can.
Outside of plate lunches, the full menu includes stuffed shrimp, gumbo, and red beans and rice with sausage. The people are friendly, and the murals on the wall just may be correct in proclaiming this neighborhood eatery “Shreveport’s finest soul food.” I can’t wait to go back.
C&C Cafe is located at 1765 Milam Street in Shreveport, and is open for lunch and dinner. They close at 9:30 p.m. To-go orders can be called in at (318) 222-8180.
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