'Let the taste bring you there'

"Let the flavor bring you there" is the motto of Orofino's newest eatery, A Taste of East Coast, owned by Darryl Harriott.

He has taken one of his talents, cooking, and built a business around it with the added attraction that his food is reminiscent of East Coast specialties such as Philly Cheese Steak and Chicken Parmesan sandwiches. While Darryl is the key to the operation, other family members are an integral part.

Located at 10470 U.S. Highway 12 next to the Riverside Independent Water District office, A Taste of East Coast, is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Diners may either eat at one of the tables set up on the property or take orders with them. Advance orders and delivery requests may be made at 476-3825.

All the food is authentic East Coast fare with some of the specialty items shipped by air from supplier on the East Coast. All the food is fresh from the bread delivered daily from Clearwater Bakery to the mushrooms, peppers and onions.

Those looking for a different breakfast choice may want to try a Taylor Ham and Cheese Roll. It is served on a Kaiser roll and diners can choose to have it with or without eggs.

In addition to the sandwiches mentioned above, they offer Italian Sausage Sandwiches, East Coast name brand hot dogs that are naturally cured and have no additives or fillers with condiments like authentic Coney Island sauce or hot onion sauce, Cuban Pressed Sandwiches (four kinds), Hot Grilled Pastrami, Bratwurst with sweet type sauerkraut, cold authentic Italian subs, Jersey Burger (1/4 pound beef, Black Forest ham, cheese, pickles and lettuce), German sausages and Keilbasa. Of course there are fries, onion rings, clam strips, chips and pop, coffee and specialty sodas to go along. There are also homemade cookies and cinnamon rolls. Changes and additions are planned for the menu as the business develops.

The business is a second career for Harriott who used to work in the construction industry. Problems with his knees now prevent him from working in that profession and so he looked at his talents and with a boost from Vocational Rehabilitation, started a new direction. His three year plan includes having a building he can set up like an East Coast deli.

Photo: From left: back, Chris Harriott, Max Kohler, Darryl Harriott; front, Dawnmarie Kohler, Misty Tolman and Rue, the dog.