Taste this: Cheesecake pancake combo ($20 as of Nov. 3, 2024) at Big Mama’s Southern Cooking at 940 N. Howard St. (next to North Quick Stop)
Creator: Ramona McJunkins, chef
Eye test: The cheesecake pancake combo includes strawberries, whipped cream, maple cinnamon and graham cracker crumble finished off with strawberry dribbles, creating plenty of tasty eye candy.
The process: Three pancakes are carefully layered, followed by a healthy dollop of Philadelphia cheesecake filling and graham cracker crumbles. A final infused maple cinnamon pancake is added, as well as one more dollop of cheesecake filling. Strawberries are added atop. A spoonful of whipped cream is added in each corner of the take out container.
Turkey links, over easy eggs and home fries complete this breakfast, brunch or lunch serving. No pork is served in this establishment.
Beverage pairings: McJunkins suggests a large glass of milk or freshly brewed coffee.
Creator’s backstory: At an early age, McJunkins was put up for adoption. She grew up in foster care before being adopted by Willie Mae Armour, a Southern Black woman whom she described as strict but good. She taught McJunkins how to cook, pay bills, catch a bus and become an independent woman.
A few months ago, McJunkins’ husband — Shadi Mohtasib is the owner of the North Quick Stop — suggested she launch a Sunday breakfast. She now cooks on Saturdays and Sundays. The rest of the week, she works full-time at Dave’s Markets in Cleveland Heights as a supervisor and head meat wrapper. She has held that position for 18 years.
(Mohtasib’s uncle, Samer Almohtasib, was responsible for them meeting; he hired McJunkins to work in his grocery store for the sole purpose of introducing them.)
About the restaurant: Noralis Lebron helps from the back of the house, and Devri Stuart manages the front of the house — from to-go orders to cash register responsibilities.
Orders are carefully packed into take-out packaging, but customers are welcome to sit in its small dining area.
How to buy: The eatery is open on Saturdays and Sundays for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The hours for Saturdays are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pre-orders are recommended.
“Taste This” is our glimpse of the Akron area’s tastiest, distinctive and popular (or soon-to-be-famous) food, drinks and desserts — and the local culinary talents behind them. Tough job, we know. Know any menu items we should consider? Tell us here.