After visiting Café 22 about five times, there was always on consistency…Boobie Smooth was working his ass off. I never reveal myself as a restaurant surveyor because I believe in giving an unbiased analysis of an establishment. I never want a restaurant to say, “Make sure his food is good” or “he is here to write about us, take care of him”. You do not get a pure evaluation of the quality of a restaurant when they know their reputation is on the line. I can honestly say after introducing myself and Mr. Manning that Boobie Smooth gave us a handshake, a nod and went back to work. He plays no favorites.

I witnesses Booby drive up to the curb, and unload a minivan full of Halal meats, crates of fresh dairy products, breakfast products and dry goods. He then emerged and emptied the trash cans. As he stocked the refrigerators and gave instructions to a kitchen worker in a mild tone, he emerged form the kitchen adjusted the channels on the televisions and went to move the van. During this entire exchange, there was no laughing, no jokes and no cordless microphone. This was a man serious about his business.

On another visit, Mr. Smooth was taking tickets from the front and making breakfast meals. I ordered, beef sausage eggs, and grits. My partner ordered the fish and grits. One thing is for sure, the grits are made the right way. Thick, fully cooked and lightly seasoned. Bad grits ruin breakfast and these grits were done perfectly in five visits. You get big portions here, good quality food and good service. The last thing is you can eat very, very well for under $10.00 a person.

The menu is to the point and it delivers. Chicken and Waffles, breakfast all day, burgers and fries, fish and chips, dinner specials and one thing to remember…no pork on the menu and no pork products. There is great food here at even better prices. There is a lot of competition in the area (IHOP across the street and Ruthie’s next door), but Café 22 is holding its own with good product and the hard work of its owner and personable staff. The 20,000 BTU air conditioner makes eating in a good escape from the summer heat.

You will be very surprised to observe Boobie Smooth the Owner. Don’t expect any wise cracks, any piggy backing off of the Rucker or any foolishness. This man is about his business and his spot is well worth the visit. Don’t sleep!