My brother, Glenn Cofield, stated many times that what makes Oxford the special place it is can be traced to the fact that the town has such a deep, deep bench. Characters all, the list starts with three townies to always be remembered. They were all special and sit in my memories on the front bench. All three left a legacy of great dining experiences.

Angelo Mistilis fed three generations of Oxford folks and Ole Miss students. His hamburger steak with onions and fries is still imitated to this day, with varying degrees of success. His cafe was a must-see sight not only for the then-current Oxonians, but too for anyone coming to town for a visit. No matter the cafe’s name, and there were several, all knew the eatery by “Angelo’s.”

And then there is the one and only Mae Helen Flowers of Kiamie’s fame. For 45 years she held down the counter and kitchen and the then famous bowling alley. She too knew and served three generations of families. She never forgot a student’s name and decades after they had graduated and came back to town to say hello and smiled when she spotted them coming through the door and called them by name.

Late nights at her counter were special.

Late nights were also special at Ron Shapiro’s Hoka tables. Staggering in from the Gin, the Hoka was a must-have midnight snack. The cheesecake and special coffee were just the start of a unique and delicious menu with comically named dishes: LanaTuna, Love at First Bite, and