Satisfying taste buds on Highway 8
On Highway 8 between Cleveland and Ruleville, Wanda Cole has a kitchen where she cooks and dishes out mouth-watering, homemade meals to go. The Halfway Kitchen is a longtime dream for Cole, who finally took the plunge into the culinary world. Her Halfway Kitchen Facebook page says it all.
“We make eating easy. Whether you’re craving a hearty, home-style meal or need something fast on the go, we’ve got you covered. Our menu is built for flavor, speed, and convenience, made fresh, packed fast, and ready when you are,” said Cole.
Retired and raising two grandchildren, Cole had an idea in 2023 for a food trailer, but the many state health department regulations made her turn that idea into a portable building to craft her culinary delights. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., The Halfway Kitchen has become the go-to spot for early morning diners who need something good, quick, and satisfying. The menu offers breakfast items such as biscuits with sausage, bacon, or ham and eggs with cheese, grits, and pancakes. The lunch menu features hamburgers and fries, grilled pork chops (available as sandwiches or on a plate), and a variety of other options. And no matter your craving, Cole will cook the full menu anytime she’s open.
“The biscuits are a family recipe and we may implement sausage gravy, and maybe tomato gravy and possibly chocolate gravy for the biscuits,” said Cole. “We run the full menu all day. Breakfast at 12:00 p.m., no problem. Burger at 6:00 a.m., you got it. Picnic tables and an awning are available for your use. Come see us.”
Moving from her own personal kitchen to a commercial one was a bit of an adjustment for Cole.
“I had to get comfortable with the equipment and the volume,” she said.
She experiments with the menu to find the key to the Delta hunger cravings. She started with hot dogs but the lack of demand took them off the menu.
“We’ve added a ham and cheese sandwich, grilled ham and cheese, chicken tenders and grilled or fried chicken and we have French fries,” she said. “Farmers have stopped by, and I appreciate everybody stopping by and helping me.”
She’s also added a Delta area favorite – fried catfish.
“Mississippi Farm Raised fried catfish plates, cooked to order, so call ahead. 662-719-7201,” she said. “Large portions and friendly service! Come hungry and leave satisfied knowing the staff here at Halfway Kitchen took care of you. Lunch never looked so good.”
Get on Highway 8 for something great, The Halfway Kitchen, between Ruleville and Cleveland.