Article Contributed by
Katie Smith
In just 5 short summers Brian Stahlsmith and Marya Johnson have turned Stedman Corners Café at 6355 Magnolia Stedman Rd., Mayville, NY into a favorite food destination. The restaurant is conveniently situated close to Route 394 and the I 86 Panama/Chautauqua Exit, at the crossroads of county routes 33 and 18.
Stahlsmith and Johnson, owners, chefs, and all around kitchen masters, met while Brian was teaching in the culinary arts school at Mercyhurst College. Brian brings an impressive background to the café – starting with dishwasher, moving through prep chef to head chef at many respected area establishments. Mary, after classes in culinary arts, left a professional career to join Brian – both in life and in the café with the results delighting area diners.
A focus on fresh ingredients, simple cooking principals and proper technique sets their meals apart. Available produce and choices are listed on the large menu board so each order can be personalized to meet the customers’ expectations. Marya speaks proudly of the made from scratch black bean burgers she creates and Brian was quick to demonstrate the whisking process that makes his omelets famously light and fluffy.
The café is located in the old general store and customers often share stories about the original proprietor, his love of the business and his care and concern for his customers. Recent renovations have unearthed rasps and knives from the early 1900s and Marya proudly references the 1910 checks they uncovered when cleaning out the basement.
There is inside seating for 35 people with the adjacent outdoor patio adding another 25 seats. In addition to the café business, Stahlsmith and Johnson offer off site catering and private in house parties – both events specializing in menus designed especially to meet the customer’s request. “This helps our guests be more involved, helps us prepare a meal that fits not only the occasion but fits the style of the hosts.” Both chefs were quick to explain, “Talking with people, letting them know what we can do but also hearing what they would like makes for a better dining experience all the way around.”
Stedman Corners Café also has a beer and wine license and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. with dinners served on Friday and Saturdays with 24 hour advance reservations only. After Labor Day they will be closed Mondays and Sunday hours will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stedman Corners Café is located at 6355 Magnolia Stedman Rd, Mayville, NY and can be reached by calling 716.789.5047 or connecting to them via Facebook.
The Jamestown Gazette is proud to recognize our dealers, outstanding corporate citizens of our county. This week, the Gazette especially thanks Stedman Corners Cafe for the faithfully carrying The Jamestown Gazette, The People’s Paper, for the benefit of their customers, our readers.
