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Thursday, August 24, 2006

 

New Cajun Restaurant

Posted on Thu, Aug. 24, 2006

New diner to offer Cajun cuisine
Site is former pie pantry on East Main

News-Democrat
A woman who plans to open a new downtown eatery with an unusually long name says, "If you think the name is a mouthful, just wait until you try the food."
Retired phone company worker Hettie Moore plans to serve up Cajun and grilled fare at the Four Winds O Breath of Life restaurant when it opens by late December at the old Marilyn's Pie Pantry building at the corner of East Main and North Church streets.
"I always have wanted to own my own restaurant, and I planned to call it the Four Winds," Moore said, "but that name was already taken. So I looked to the scripture for inspiration and came across the words 'O breath of life.' I think it is so beautiful."
Recently retired from AT&T, Moore said she has cooked since she was 7 years old. While she waited for the opportunity to start her own business, she catered events to hone her skills.
"We'll have a variety of things on the menu ranging from sandwiches to dinners," Moore said. "One new thing we will have is a walk-up window where people coming from or going to the other establishments in the area can get a quick bite to eat."
Moore said she chose the former Pie Pantry site because she loved the old-fashioned charm of the two story, 103-year-old building that features a brick-floored courtyard under a roof of skylights.
Belleville Economic Development Director and Planner Mike Malloy said city leaders are relieved that the high-profile site which housed one of downtown's most popular destinations long before the recent revival in the district would soon be back in business.
"We're extremely pleased to see something happen in that location," Malloy said.
The Pie Pantry was located at the site for 22 years, serving breakfast and lunch -- but most famous for a vast selection of its namesake pies -- before it moved across the street in 2000 after a dispute with the property's previous owner.
The City Council recently voted to give Moore a tax abatement on building materials to assist her in the renovation, according to Malloy.
Moore said she was partially inspired by the successful restaurants and nightclubs that have sprung up in the area in recent years.
"But mostly, I fell in love with the building," Moore said. "I've been looking for quite some time, and this was in the price range that was affordable. Plus, this area has a wonderful, old-time, historic feel."
Contact reporter Scott Wuerz at swuerz@bnd.com or 239-2626



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