RESTAURANT

CAFÉ DE LUCY: creating sweet, savory delights

By Holly Westbrook • Photos courtesy of Lucy Terry

LLucy Terry never worked in the food industry, yet on Dec. 19, 2000, the doors opened for “Lucy’s Café” wafting scents of sweet, savory delights across Orange. Knowing nothing about the business end of edible delights, Lucy began her café journey after quitting her previous job to spend more time with her family. “I have always loved cooking and loved coming together with family and friends around a table,” Lucy said. “My parents always made time to brings us all together at night to talk about our day and to feel loved.” For Lucy, cooking and serving people make her happy and it seems to, as she says, “make others happy as well.” “(Everything) goes back to my Mom’s love of cooking and seeing her...make things for others,” she said of her mom, Shirley Parker. “Seeing that as a little girl and still watching her do that today has put a special something in my heart that will probably have me doing that for the rest of my life!” Growing up she wanted to be a nurse like her mother. However, she “didn’t have the stomach for the sights and smells.” “I went to college, taking basic courses, because I hadn’t decided on what I would do. Looking back the sign that I would end up in the food industry might have been one semester while in college I sold my books to go out to dinner,” Lucy said. “Yep! I would say that was a sign.”

Lucy said she likes to say she was “homeschooled” when it comes to cooking. “I was one of five kids that helped out at home and was taught by my mom, who cooked a hot meal every day after work, to have a sitdown dinner...as a family,” Lucy said. “Seeing that as a little girl and still watching her do

that today has put a special something in my heart that will probably have me doing that for the rest of my life!” Lucy laughed when asked about where she and the Café would go, “I usually only take it a day at a time, but I am excited to say we will be making some changes soon that people will want to be on the lookout for. I can’t reveal just yet. But it should happen before the end of the year.” She said to stay tuned to know more. “I see now that the cafe is not only a place to come and have great food but also a place to meet old friends, make new friends and to celebrate and comfort people of all ages. I strive to have an atmosphere that you can come to dine alone yet not feel alone,” she said. Always watching cooking shows, reading cookbooks, or on the internet watching “howto” videos, Lucy works hard to keep up with new trends and ideas. Recently “Lucy’s Café” had a chef visit to help give them new ideas in the kitchen. “I listen to feedback from customers of mine.” She went on, “When people talk about what they like or don’t like at a restaurant - it’s one of the best ways to learn for me. Well, that and eating out! You can learn a lot just by doing that. Not only about different foods that are out there, but also what to do and what not to do in a restaurant.” Lucy couldn’t think of a better place to open her shop than Orange. “It’s Texas, yet it’s on the edge of Louisiana!” she said rather enthusiastically. “Two states with some of the best food in the world Photo by Holly Westbrook. Tara Christopher prepares for customers at Lucy’s

and some of the friendliest people... Not to mention people from all overdrive right through (here) on I-10 traveling.” Lucy said the café has been overwhelmed with how Orange and the surrounding area have shown their “support and love for us.” Small Bites is now at Lucy’s. Small Bites carries on the tradition of cooking and is owned by Lucy’s daughter, Callie Perry. Lucy’s Café is located at 2488 MLK Dr. For more information call 409-883-3327. Visit their website at lucys-café.com or on Facebook with Lucy’s Café & Bakery. 

Q&A

Hours open & days open: Monday thru Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Are there daily specials all the time? Every day one to two specials

Are you the only owner or is there a co-owner? Husband, D.D. Terry is the co-owner

Three generations work here: My mother – Shirley Parker. My daughter – Callie Perry Myself – Lucy Terry

What is the favorite food on your menu? Savory: Texas Loaded Chicken Crepes / Sweet: Strawberry Pie

PROUD TO SAY WE WERE: Voted Orange County’s Best of: “Best Desserts” for15 years and “Best Sandwiches” for 14 years

Southeast Texas on Channel 12 News Daybreak: Winner of “Best Pie 2016”.