Our Town Newton: Food for the Soul
Our Town Newton: Food for the Soul Save Email Print
Newton County, Miss.
Posted: 12:32 PM Feb 29, 2008
Last Updated: 7:04 PM Feb 29, 2008
Reporter: Lindsey Brown
Email Address: lindsey.brown@wtok.com

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About ten miles south of Newton, Miss., on Highway 15 is Davey's Halfway Home cafe'. People line up for the home-cooked food by owner, Earline Broomfield, and her small staff.

"Most people call it soul food and some just call it country cooking," said Broomfield of the fare served buffet-style.

Whatever you call it, most of the locals recognize it. Every day she serves fresh greens, fried pork chops and chicken. And the rest of the serve yourself menu changes daily. On our visit, it was stuffed peppers, rice and gravy, candied yams, rutabagas, cabbage, squash and a variety of desserts.

"Most times, I have a feeling what people want," said Broomfield. "And if I don't fix that thing I feel like fixing, someone will come in and ask for it."

And the Davey's customers are loyal. Many say they visit every day and others make it several times a week.

"What's in her soul is what comes out in her food," said one regular. "She loves what she does. She loves people and it shows in the taste of her food. "That is as simple as I can put it."

"I don't think I would make it if I couldn't come down here and cook," said Broomfield. "And most of all, you have to love people and love your work. I miss one day a year here, Christmas Day."

On any given day, you'll see Broomfield icing a cake in the kitchen, the icing mixed right on the spot. And while she wants her patrons to feel comfortable, she says there are only two rules. You can't talk about politics or religion.

"Live like you want to live, but discuss it somewhere else," she said.

But who needs serious conversation when you have good food and company?

Davey's is open Monday through Friday for lunch, Saturday and Sunday for breakfast, and on Friday night, you can enjoy steak dinners.

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