In 1988 Eastside Chef/Owner, Elaine Martin, created a menu with an assortment of appetizers, like Chicken Drumettes and Breaded Mozzarella, and entrees, like Chicken Parmesan and Pasta Primavera. In addition, she featured an ever-changing Chef’s Special Chalkboard menu. Elaine, with help from our Soup and Specials Chef, Ruth Carter, used chalkboards as a vehicle for creating exciting new dishes and featuring produce from our garden. But before long our customers began telling us that they couldn’t live without their favorite “Special” like Sesame Catfish or Artichoke Manicotti. They insisted that these specials be added to our permanent menu so that they could count on enjoying them every time they came to the cafe. That’s how menu continues to evolve 20 years later.