Dondi & Shell's Food Oasis — Restaurant in Helena

I CAN NOT EXPRESS THIS ENOUGH. YOU WILL NOT EAT NO COOKING WITH LOVE LIKE THIS FROM A RESTAURANT EVER IN YOUR LIFE. Me and my family come here all the time. Today alone we bought everybody in the house a meat and three (I got one extra side and the prettiest peach cobbler in the world). Something about that grill of dondis can probably make a skinned rat taste good (a metaphor to say), THEY BE GRILLIN YA HEA ME? These not no baby plates. 3-4 full slabs of brisket, a heaping help of Mac n cheese better than ya mammi’s (I said what I said. Take it up w God, Dondi, and Shell not me), the cabbage you know they had to throw a neck bone in, the prettiest side of cornbread and (one of my favorites) THAT SQUASH CASSEROLE. mm mm mmn! And a side of the most addicting sweet tea with the cute little circled ice cubes. Anything you get you’re not gonna be disappointed. They feel like family to my family and I call for my grandmother probably every other week when all our paychecks hit. If you want a plate full of love, a friendship that seems you already had, and a good nap afterward? Please call in or stop by my family, Dondi and Shells Food Oasis. (I’ve been in the bed sick and I begged for a plate to...

Southern comfort-large portions. Friendly service! Went for the first time today. Although there is a small outdoor seating area, this is largely a takeout establishment. Menu varies and is posted on Facebook. Order I had called in was ready and waiting. You can order at the window also. Portions were large and I had enough for another lunch later on. Ribs were smoking on an outdoor grill when I arrived-they smelled so good I will try them next time!

Each item had a unique flavor. The meatloaf had a freshly made tomato “relish” I will call it, rather than a boring ketchup type topping. The potato salad had a different taste-maybe a pinch of cumin? Still trying to figure out the “secret ingredient”. I could have made a meal out of the fried corn. And the browned butter cake was uniquely delicious.

Link to a local newspaper...

I am counting down to Friday! I picked up an order of meatloaf, collard greens and squash casserole on Sunday. The meatloaf is like none I have ever tasted before and the tomato relish was a delicious surprise! I was able to sample a wide variety of the vegetable sides and I was introduced to butter peas for the first time. I think they are my new favorite! As good as the food is, the personalities of the owners are even better! They are two of the kindest people and put a lot of love into their food and their service to those who dine with them. Thank you Dondi and Shell for an absolutely wonderful Sunday dinner and for your hospitality while I was there, see you when I get off...