Thomasina
203 -35 Linden Blvd., St. Albans;
525-5273

Cuisine: Southern

Open: Sunday Afternoons

Whenever I hear someone say they don’t know what to make for Sunday dinner, I think "Thomasina."

Conveniently located on the St. Albans/Cambria Heights border, Thomasina — named for the late wife of co-founder, Frank Williams — is a competitive catering hall which hosts dinner dances, graduations, political affairs and even concerts. Smart business people that they are, however, Williams, his brother, James and his son, Frank Jr., along with Manager Vivian McMillian take it a step further by providing affordable dinners on Sundays and holidays.

But to just call it "dinner," is inadequate description of what they serve within the walls of the beautiful hall. Diners are routinely treated to a buffet spread of fried fish, fried or baked chicken, barbecued ribs, oxtail, rice and peas, candied yams, stuffed filet of sole, steamed cabbage, tossed salad, among other delights for a mere $12.99 plus tax. The price also includes a dessert of cake, pie or fruit salad. This really is a feast for both the eye and the appetite. There are also jugs of fruit punch or iced tea available for self-service at each table.

I always chose fish and at Thomasina that is always a good choice. Dipped in batter and fried to a golden brown, the whiting served with a variety of vegetables is always more than enough to satisfy even the hungriest patron.

According to McMillian, serving Sunday dinner provides churchgoers with a full meal similar to what they would be having at home if they had the time and inclination to prepare. But being able to leave church and head straight for the beautiful hall with its mint green and black decor and the soft gospel music in the background with service provided by servers in black and white uniforms and white gloves is the bonus. It is, quite simply, lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

"This gives them a break," McMillian explained to the PRESS. "When you go to church you just want to have a nice place to eat and relax without rushing home to do the cooking yourself.

The response has also been satisfying too, according to the manager.

"Oh we’ve been blessed," said McMillian. The response has been great. In addition to the reservations, we get 50 or 60 walk-ins every Sunday," she said.

Good food, good music, good service and good atmosphere, that’s Thomasina for ya!