Chef's Table: 401 West

In some restaurant kitchens, there is a table reserved for special guests who have a privileged dining experience that includes a front row view of the chef at work. This is referred to as the “chef’s table”. In this series, we aim to give our readers a chef’s table experience as we introduce you to some of our area’s chefs and their cuisine with a behind the scenes glimpse into their kitchens and a taste of their fare.

Chef’s Table: 401 West - St. Marys

Article by: LeeAnna Tatum

Come for the sunsets. Stay for the experience.Keep coming back for the food!

401 West in St Mary’s is in a prime location and offers up some truly spectacular views of St. Mary’s River and gorgeous sunsets which are reason enough to be sure to add this restaurant to your itinerary when in town.

But, by all means, don’t miss out on the food!

With an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients; the menu, like the weather, will change marginally with the seasons as ingredients shift throughout the year. But for those who crave predictability, there are plenty of menu favorites that staysubstantially consistent with just a few seasonaladjustments.

Chef and owner Bill Shaffer is a first time restaurateur but has spent his entire career in the food and restaurant industry. Bill had hopes of opening a small 40 seat restaurant downtown St. Mary’s when he discovered a private residence for sale in a prime location. Too good to pass up, he took a chance on the larger venue and 401 Westwas born.

Before getting a full year under their belt, the doors had to be temporarily closed due to Covid; so Bill is still waiting to find out what a “normal” year will look like! Despite the difficulties, they have persevered and that’s great news for anyone looking to get a delicious meal while supporting local producers!

Having worked as a corporate buyer for a retail chain, Bill knew that when he opened his own restaurant he wanted to forgo the middleman and work directly with the people growing and producing the ingredients he used.

“I genuinely believe in having that direct connectionwith my food and I think that’s important,” Billexplained.

Bill places a priority on sourcing locally because of the quality of the food, but also because of the relationships that are built and the investment in the local community.

“I want people to come here and feel like they got a great value. Our prices are indicative of food that is made in house with quality ingredients. But I looked the guy in the eye who raised that bison and I’m buying chicken from Brandon who lives up the street and it cost him money to do what he’s doing and we’re paying him a fair rate … I guess what people should understand is that we take your experience seriously and we want you to understand that food comes from a place.”

I visited 401 West on my way down to Florida with a friend. Just minutes off the interstate, it’s a convenient place to plan a meal break while traveling without having to settle for the usual fare! That’s if you’re not already in the area or making a special trip to St. Mary’s (which you should totally do!).

They are open Wednesday through Friday for dinner, opening at 5:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, open for brunch and dinner, opening at 11:00 AM.

We were there on a weekday for dinner and arrivedabout an hour before sunset. Let me just say nowthat sunset is an event. The weather was too cool

for sitting outside, but just about everyone made their way out on the deck in time to watch the sun bid us all a glorious goodbye for the day.

Chef sent out a delicious array of items from the menu including two starters: Bacon Balls and Southern Poutine. Much as their name implies, Bacon Balls are fried dough with bacon in the center and a dipping sauce for dunking. The poutine is a rich combination of house-cut fries smothered in a gravy and topped with smoked pork and pimento cheese and balanced out with some homemade pickles.

We also got to have a Bison Burger with fries which was excellent. But, y’all. The “SYM” Bowl. It absolutely was South in Your Mouth! Smoked pulled pork on a layer of greens with bacon and served over a bed of cheddar grits with a touch of pickled okra was worth a three hour drive by itself. Don’t judge this book by the cover, it might not be the prettiest plate but it has a depth of flavor that will keep you diving in for more!

Dessert was a Chocolate Cobbler with ice cream … every bit as good as you’re imagining it right now. Equal parts ooey, gooey, and chewy in all the right ways. And chocolatey, of course!

Whether a local, a tourist, or traveling by - plan your dinner or weekend brunch around 401 West, you’ll be glad you did!