Mama D's last night

Got a chance to sample the fare at the newly-opened Mama D's in the Midtown Global Market last night. They threw a nice get - acquainted party for the Chicago Lofts (upstairs) and served up some southern-style treats, but none more pleasing than Mama D herself. The charming, bubbling 45 -year -old has been in the catering business for years, always cooking and managing for somebody else. She manages 18 booths at the Renaissance Festival, for example.

This is the first business of her very own though and it's off to a good, exciting start, it would seem. Besides the usual, her catering sideline has a contract with the Super Bowl committee to feed breakfast and lunch to 4,000 drivers working the event. Kudos or rather "Hallelujah, Amen!" to the part-time youth pastor. Her specialty is southern cuisine, with a huge menu of Louisiana/Mississippi meaty, spicy delights, but also some vegan items for those not so inclined.
Those who remember a couple of closed Mama D's restaurants in the Twin Cities market years ago, no relation. "I am the original Mama D!" she says with a laugh.
This new entrepreneur certainly is.