About

Miss Shirley McDowell

1942-2001

For more than 30 years, Miss Shirley McDowell did more than just cook---she educated a generation of food professionals that prepare recipes both created and inspired by her. From her days of preparing fresh hand-formed burgers at The Beef Inn in the late sixties to creating her famous Sesame Noodle Salad, Meatloaf, Texas Brisket, Salmon Cakes and Fresh Lemonade for The Classic Catering People, Miss Shirley is also remembered for her love of fresh ingredients. In fact, her favorite sandwich was freshly baked white bread, mayonnaise and thick slices of summer Maryland tomatoes.

Miss Shirley's Cafe was lovingly named in memory of Miss Shirley's sassy charm and sheer joy in preparing food for those she loved.