The doctor is always in at Mom’s

Ken Johnston
Editor

When you eat at Mom’s Restaurant in Rainy River the doctor is always in! The cook at Mom’s used to be a doctor in China.
Mei and Le Wu, who took over the eatery in March of this year, came to Canada about six years ago. However, their problem admittedly is their lack of English. For that reason Le did not attempt to get his license to practise medicine in Canada.
Instead the couple took on cooking Chinese food at the Red Dog Inn in Fort Frances. With a license to cook Chinese the pair kept their eyes and ears open for an opportunity to get their own place.
They travelled to Rainy River a number of times to look at options. Bebe Sues was not what they wanted and they said the kitchen at the Roadside was not quite big enough to accommodate a gas wok. Mom’s was perfect.
In addition to having a large enough kitchen they found the living quarters up stairs to be just what they were looking for.
With a huge menu of both Chinese and Canadian cuisine they have established a pretty solid client base and have many regulars from both sides of the border.
Le said they have a large family in Canada, noting that their son owns and operates Lee Hoa restaurant in Fort Frances, his sister operates a restaurant in Red Lake and there is talk of another family member opening a place in Wawa, Ontario.
They also have two children still in China that would like to come to Canada, but are having difficulty getting out.
Le said that he does miss being a doctor, but does enjoy cooking. However on the other side of the business, he prefers not to have to wait on tables or deal with the money. That is where Mei excels. She enjoys visiting with customers, especially children and does not mind handling the money.
Neighbours and friends Bonne Irvine and Lu Kaliska both agreed that Mei and Le have greatly improved their English since arriving in Rainy River.
Mei said that she has made many good friends in Rainy River and the surrounding area and welcomes everyone to come in seven days a week.
Both Irvine and Kaliska said that people never leave the restaurant hungry as Mei and Le always serve huge portions.