Sheri's is a new casual dining restaurant in Shenandoah, IA. In addition to being in a location that once housed a part of Jack's Ltd., a motor freight salvage business owned and managed by my Uncle Everett Crouse, there have been a couple restaurants in the space in years past. I'd driven by Sheri's several time since opening a couple months ago, I always like to give a new restaurant time to get set up and rolling. Although their sign advertises hand pressed pork tenderloins (always an Iowa staple), Anne and I opted for their lunch special, Chili and a homemade Cinnamon Roll. Service was quick and friendly and, in a short time, we each had a steaming bowl of Chili with a pile of freshly shredded cheddar cheese on top. I was still stirring in the cheese as I saw Anne take a spoonful and immediately go for the salt shaker. Bad sign #1, I took a bite and immediately did the same, bad sign #2, I stirred and tried again, went for the pepper ,#3. I realize Chili walks a very fine line in the commercial food industry. People's tastes vary wildly from call out the fire department to "wake me up when it's lunchtime" . Sheri's Chili was dangerously close to the latter.
We will be back to Sheri's without a doubt, the service was great and the space is absolutely charming! An open, spacious bar area and a large dining room in back are nicely decorated with the original brickwork exposed and a modern wood floor. The owners came out and talked to us and the service was spot on! Next time I'll try the breaded pork tenderloin or something else off their large, reasonably priced menu. Oh, the cinnamon roll? Wow howdy, it was the real deal! read more