Meet The Manager: JJ Jokerst
While interviewing JJ Jokerst, manager at the Sunny Street Cafe in Wentzville, MO, I started by asking how long she had lived in St. Louis. She’s called St. Louis her home since 1995 and is a huge fan of the Cardinals, the Blues, and toasted ravioli. Wait, what? Toasted ravioli? I had never heard of such a thing. Apparently, it’s toasted, deep fried ravioli. “It’s phenomenal,” says Jokerst.
That pretty much set the tone for the interview. JJ loves being in the kitchen. “Cooking makes me relax.” And then she went into all these mouth-watering descriptions of dishes she’s made and are planning to make. I pass this hunger-inducing interview off to you.
MEET THE MANAGER: JJ JOKERST
What is home-cooking to you?
- Give me a pulled pork sandwich and coleslaw with white toast- that’s just my family right there. I also love to bake! My favorite cake is carrot cake: 3 layers with homemade cream cheese icing and walnuts. I don’t do fancy decorations, I’m all about what looks rustic and homemade.
What did you make for New Year’s Eve this year?
- Oh boy. I butterflied pork tenderloin, roasted it with prosciutto, mushrooms, onions, spinach, garlic, parmesean cheese, pistachios, and bread crumbs. The side was roasted root vegetables with pancetta and garlic. And then of course cauliflower goat cheese au gratin.
Go veggie: Meatless Mondays
What is your favorite pancake topping?
- I’m not a big pancake person, but I do like the Arnold Power Breakfast during National Pancake week. It’s delicious: buttermilk pancakes topped with blueberries and granola.
What do you do when you’re not cooking up a storm?
- I have fun with my friends, talking with the girls. Sunday nights I spend in with my hubby watching The Walking Dead and hanging out with our four legged child Basha, the cutest dog ever!
–Anna Hetzel, Social Media Manager