Monthly Archive

by Guerry Norwood

The experience begins in the restaurant’s parking lot, which is, inexplicably, carpeted with large, mismatched remnants. The building, painted the color of cooked shrimp, is covered with old tools; yard art includes flea market finds, and near the front door, a wheelchair – presumably waiting to assist anyone who dares order the house specialty (read on).

Chef Jerome Brown greeted us, total strangers and all, with kisses in the front room. An ebullient man in his chef’s whites and toque who looks more than a little like Chef on South Park, he’s obviously proud of his place, which he’s apparently expanded by adding a room at a time, each with a different name and theme. He led us through each one before depositing us in the biggest – with a bar, bandstand, rear-projection TV and several nice-looking but mismatched dining tables with comfortable chairs. The walls are crammed with photos, plastic sea creatures and movie mementos.

The menu tells it all: Oysters, catfish nuggets, deviled crab, even lobster and gator tails, as well as barbecued ribs (“Like going to heaven without dying!”) smothered in “Chef Jerome’s ‘You Da Man!’ Sauce.” But forget all that: You’re ordering the house special, The Wheel Chair Platter ($45). Why? As the menu clearly states: “Ben Affleck says, ‘Why Ask? Trust Your Chef!’” (Yes, the movie star and part-time resident of nearby Hampton Island boasts his own private table.) This glorious festival of food consists of the best of what’s at hand that day – in our case, a heap of crisp fried shrimp, fried whiting, fried grouper, deviled crab and a mound of ribs, heaped into a giant Melamine dip-and-chip server with a choice of side (coleslaw, potato salad or French fries) and a basket of hush puppies for the table. We definitely could have used that chair.

Every dish bears the mark of a man who wants to do it right: The light batter, the creamy slaw, the outstanding housemade cocktail sauce, the fat, smoky ribs. And Brown isn’t missing many angles either: Along with T-shirts, you can buy a signed menu for $3. (By the way cash and local checks are accepted —- credit cards aren’t accepted.)
Chef Jerome’s isn’t for everyone. But if you like old-school fried seafood, start planning your visit.
Chef Jerome’s Old-School Diner
Jessie Grant Road off Harris Neck Road
(near Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge)
Townsend
912-832-2136
Hours: Dinner Wednesday-Saturday; lunch and dinner Sunday.
Credit cards: None accepted. Cash only.
Parking: Available on attached, carpeted lot.
Dress code: Anything from a bathing suit to a tuxedo.

View our you tube video of Chef Jerome’s Old School Diner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbemJXqxZrs

Santa Claus will make a grand entrance, by sea, at the Village Pier this weekend.

Bring the children Saturday, December 12th at 12:30 pm. to see Mr. Claus arrive by boat – escorted by Sea Tow! Following his arrival, Mr. Claus will remain at the pier in the playground area for photos and last minute Christmas requests.

In the event you are unable to attend Saturday’s festivities, don’t worry, Santa will return Christmas Eve. At 6:00 pm, on Wednesday, December 24th, Mr. Claus will visit the St. Simons Island Casino.

Hosted by the Glynn County Fire Department, Santa will depart with sirens blaring on a giant fire truck! A procession of fire trucks, including Santa’s, will travel down Demere and Frederica Road passing out candy and pausing for photographs. This is a great Island tradition that is fun for the entire family.

There are many ways to enjoy a Coastal Christmas on St. Simons Island.

by Guerry Norwood

South Newport, Georgia: This still active chapel is called the “Smallest Church in America”. Memory Park Christ Chapel — Just south of I-95 exit 67, on hwy. 17.  Agnes Harper, a rural grocer with limited funds, built a 10 X 15 foot building in the Coastal Georgia woods near South Newport.  She wrote the deed in the name of Jesus Christ and invited everyone (locals and tourists) to worship at her new church.  For the past 50+ years, the church has been open 24 hours a day for all religious denominations.

How big is “The Smallest Church In America”?  It can hold 13 people, the pulpit is no bigger than a couch and the entire structure (roof and all) might fit into the average bedroom. Memory Park Christ Chapel has a tiny pulpit, pews and a tiny stained glass window with just enough room for Jesus. Seating only 12 people, the chapel was built as a place for rest and worship for travelers along scenic coastal route U.S. 17.

How is the inside of the church furnished?  The stained glass windows are from England, the pews have fold-away knee rests and there is a glass star in the roof that allows the bright South Georgia sunlight to illuminate the interior. For a photo slideshow of the Smallest Church in America link to: http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=187169.