There are lots of great things to eat at Sherry’s Diner, a plate lunch house tucked away in Shreveport’s Stoner Hill neighborhood. There are spectacular daily plate lunch options that range from the commonplace (Wednesday: Chicken Tetrazzini, Smothered Pork Steak or Country Fried Steak) to the harder-to-find (Friday: Fried Catfish, Chitterlings or Pig’s Feet). There are “Sherry’s Basket Specials,” manager’s lunch specials that include frequent seafood specials. Even the drink menu here distinguishes itself from any other I’ve seen, with house specialty, non-alcoholic drink options that include the Tiger Woods (a re-named Arnold Palmer, half lemonade and half iced tea), Sweet Lucy and Swirl Lemonade.
But saying “There are other things to eat at Sherry’s besides the banana pudding” is akin to saying “There are other reasons to visit Niagara Falls besides the three waterfalls.” The banana pudding at Sherry’s Diner deserves to be recognized as one of the very best desserts in our region. With a texture more like that of cheesecake than the average banana pudding, this banana pudding is made with heavy whipping cream in place of standard whipped cream. Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk acts as a perfect partner-in-crime to the starchy, muted sweetness of bananas and ‘Nilla Wafers. This banana pudding has almost nothing in common with the anonymous puddings served in aluminum pans at church socials throughout the South. It’s something different.
I was introduced to Sherry’s Diner by in-the-know Shreveporter David Henington, who works just across Youree Drive at Centenary College of Louisiana. The day we went for lunch, easily 75% of the tables in the crowded dining room were eating banana pudding. I assumed, incorrectly, that it must come free with the meal. It doesn’t – it costs $2.50. But, trust me, that’s the best $2.50 you will spend all week. I asked to meet the cook who created it. I told her that I was her biggest fan, and she gave me a hug.
Sherry’s Diner is located at 2135 Freewater Street in Shreveport. Sherry’s lists breakfast, lunch and dinner items on their menu, but the same menu lists the restaurant’s hours as 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. It may be best just to call; Sherry’s Diner can be reached at (318) 227-9071. Catering is available, and they can be reached via e-mail at michaelbigtimelewis@yahoo.com.
