Rockcliffe Mansion

Foodie Mary Catherine Batchelor ("Cathy") has joined the team of culinary artists at Hannibal's historic Rockcliffe Mansion where she will offer homemade breakfasts and lunches on Fridays and Saturdays in the newly reopened Cellars of the Mansion. Cahty has operated several restaurants on her own with her last one being Quincy's The Corner Café at Fifth and Hampshire just off Washington Square in Quincy, IL. "I would have had it three years this month, but my husband's health worsened, so I had to close it." Cathy has been married to Leslie for 36 years, and they have four grown children and one grandchild.

"I've worked in restaurants since I was 11 years old when my mom opened a restaurant. She taught me to cook by using 'this much' and 'a pinch of' and 'you'll know that's enough by the feel.' The first time I asked her to show me how to make chocolate pudding, she challenged me by saying, 'you get the ingredients, and I'll gladly show you how much to put in of each.' That's how I learned to cook!" shared Cathy when the announcement of her joining Rockcliffe's team was made by mansion proprietor, Rick Rose.

"I'm excited about working with Rick at 'the Mansion.' So come on in, and let us serve you with good cooked food and pastries," says Cathy. "The Mansion hasn't smelled better," offers Rick. "Whether homemade wheat or white bread or delicious coconut or chocolate cream pies made from scratch, Cathy has the touch."

Breakfasts will be served every Friday and Saturday from 8am-2pm with lunches served those same days from 11am-2pm. Entrance to the Cellars is off the back parking lot of the Mansion, just off Hill Street where Rockcliffe sits, at 1000 Bird Street. More information can be obtained by calling 573-221-4140 or going online to www.RockcliffeMansion.com.

Cathy will also be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal featuring Heritage Turkeys, direct descendents of the original Plymouth Rock birds, on Thanksgiving Day from 11am to 5pm. Reservations are currently being accepted. "Cathy is an amazing baker and has offered to create various pies and cakes for holiday needs, too, with a short advance notice of just two days," adds Rick who says his favorites include Sour Cream Raisin, Southern Pecan, Italian Cream Cake or Chocolate Cream Cake, Red Velvet and Pumpkin Cheese Cake.