Always playing peek-a-boo when guests arrived at her family's home as a child, Willetta Tatum got the nickname "Boo" from her mother. When Mom passed in 1998, Tatum (known to her clients as Miss Boo) opened up Boo's Soul Food Cafe in Morgan Park.
That location's now gone, and Tatum's still getting used to her new location on Ashland Avenue. Loyal customers followed her; you'll see their pictures framed on ash-gray walls. "I love my customers," says Miss Boo, who admits spoiling them from time to time.
The transition rewarded her with a new batch of regulars, including an army of faithful folks from the church across the street. Local celebrities also picked up on the scent streaming from Boo's kitchen. When Bobbie L. Steele (former president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners) walked through the doors, Miss Boo mistook her for a blues promoter she thought she'd seen in the clubs. After Steve Dolinsky's visit and review, Miss Boo could barely keep up with the wave of clients jumping on the Boo-bandwagon.
Expect a cycled menu; every day usually offers a choice of three entrees. She'll throw in a special, like neck bones or chitterlings, seasonally or on occasion. The smothered pork chops ($8.50), served with mashed potatoes, green beans and cornbread proves a popular and robust plate. Other entrees include oxtails, ham hocks, fried catfish and baked perch, $6.75-$11.50. Leave your plastic at home, the place is cash only.
Centerstage Reviewer: David-Anthony Gonzalez
