Last Call at Magnolias

A followup to the impending end of Magnolias Southern Cuisine, in Cambridge MA. Here's the e-mail we got this morning:

"Dear friends,

After more than 23 years of cooking every meal- first at The Cajun Yankee, now at Magnolias -it is time to put away my cast iron skillet and hang up my trusty spatula. It is time to retire. On June 14th Magnolias will close our doors. Please come by for one last meal and allow us to show our appreciation for your many years of faithful patronage and to say goodbye.

Thanks for everything,
Chef John Silberman"

A friend of mine just got back from a meal there-his report:

"Magnolias was packed with suicidal diners tonight. They were taking calls for reservations of 10-12 people for the rest of the week, each with a message. "Tell John I'm going to kill him when I get there ..."

Here's John's farewell "Festival" menu:

Crab & Shrimp Festival May 20- June 14

Appetizers

Grilled Shrimp- Skewered with Black Mission Figs presented over Arugula dressed with Black Currant Sauce $ 8.95

Fresh Louisiana lump Crabmeat surrounded by Bloody Mary salsa, Hearts of Palm and Avocado, dressed with Lime Vinaigrette $ 8.95

Crab & Shrimp Combination Plate Maryland steamed Jonah Crab claws, with drawn butter Crispy fried Blue Crab fingers, with Garlic mayo New Orleans - Shrimp Remoulade$ 10.95

Entrees

Famous New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp Sautéed shell-on in aromatic blend of Garlic, Rosemary & homemade Worcestershire sauce. Served with rice & mixed vegetables $19.95

Blackened Rainbow Trout Topped with sautéed fresh Lump Crabmeat and Shrimp$ 18.95

Crab Combination Plate: Crispy-fried Soft Shell Crab, honey-marinated Crab Fingers, Maryland Crab Cakes, steamed Jonah Crab Claws and Crab Imperial$ 23.95

www.magnoliascuisine.com