LOCAL CHEESCAKE BIG WINNER AGAIN

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Joe Low is a firm believer that "My Daddy's Cheesecake" is the best cheesecake anywhere.

A year ago, his thinking was confirmed when the Cape Girardeau product beat out all other desserts for top honors in the 14th Annual Foodservice New Products competition.

"I've always thought our cheesecake was the best so I was confident that we could compete," said Low, who is vice president of marketing for My Daddy's Cheesecake, Inc., here.

Low was confident again in 1991.

Again, his confidence paid off.

"We've been notified that our New Orleans Praline Cheesecake is a winner," said Low. "We'll be going to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in October to accept our first-place award."

"We" includes Low, his wife, Lauchette Low, treasurer of the corporation; Dr. Tom Harte, president; and Jane Harte, secretary of the firm.

Low and Harte are faculty members at Southeast Missouri State University; Jane Harte is manager of AAA Travel Agency here, and Lauchette Low operates Creative Consultants and a children's wear again shop.

"This is a first in the contest," said Low, of the 15th annual contests sponsored by the Gormann Company, publisher of several trade journals in the foodservice industry. "This marks the first time that a company has won the same category back-to-back."

The winning cheesecake this year is a praline cake, with a pecan center, and topped with praline and a nut topping.

My Daddy's Cheesecake, Inc. was founded in 1987 by the Hartes and Lows, as a part-time business, in an upstairs location at Plaza Galleria here.

"Our business has grown every year," said Low. "We have about eight different flavors including the turtle, which is topped with gourmet chocolate and pecans; cookies 'n' cream, and Mississippi Mud at all times," said Low. "During the holiday period from Thanksgiving through Christmas, we offer some other varieties, like pumpkin and white chocolate."

The cheesecake is available in many restaurants in Southeast Missouri, and in the St. Louis area.

"We also listed in a national mail order catalog," said Low. "People can order through the Weaver's Catalog, which is published in Lebanon, Pa."