food Archives - Lori Bruton

Honor and Patriotism are Served Up at Mission BBQ

January 27, 2023 by Lori Leave a Comment

I found a mission of honor and service in my neck of the woods.

Parked out front of Mission BBQ is a 5-ton truck called BAMBAM (Big And Mobile Barbeque Assault Machine). It serves as a billboard, a portable smoker, and a representative of their mission that proudly displays the American flag.

HONOR

Two patriotic friends, Bill Kraus and Steve “Newt” Newton created a way to honor America’s military, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders.

PATRIOTISM

Recently, I sat down with Darin Townsend, Area Director of Operations, at Mission BBQ in Henrietta, NY. It is the first location in New York state. There are over 100 locations along the East coast. They serve up food and more with a heaping portion of patriotism.

The founders, Bill and Newt, wanted to bring patriotism back to our country to honor those who served. Hats off to them for executing this life-changing mission.

MISSION

The doors of Mission BBQ opened on a significant day, September 11, 2011. They chose that day because 9/11 changed our country forever. It was our Pearl Harbor.

This mission is about taking our country back and making it great again. Our heroes make this country great.

HEROES

Heroes are welcome the moment they walk in the door. Not only are they served authentic, homemade Texas-inspired BBQ and sauces made from scratch, but it is also served with respect and gratitude in a patriotic dining room.

Every day at noon, they stop serving at 11:58 am. Everyone in line is told they are going to pause for the Star-Spangled Banner. The teammates come out and stand around the corners of the restaurant, and at noon sharp, the national anthem of the United States comes on the speakers.

“We honor our country with the singing of the national anthem,” Townsend told me.

On special days like Veteran’s Day and Armed Forces Day, they have a live singer and National Guard. There is a guest of honor table. Last Veteran’s Day, there were three WWII veterans, a Korean War veteran, and three distinguished Army officers. WWII veterans always eat for free.

SERVICE

Throughout the year, they honor folks who have served, including first responders, police officers, and firefighters. On 9/11, they give away free sandwiches to them.

Hung on the walls are patches and pictures donated by family members of those who have served.

You’ll see a picture of Don Quigley, who served with the 1^st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. His daughter is involved with the Honor Flight.

They have the academy wall honoring the four academies and the 9/11 wall in remembrance of that day.

SACRIFICE

There is a Gold Star wall for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free. Lance Corporal Marine Zachary Smith from the Southern Tier paid the ultimate sacrifice when he was deployed to Afghanistan at 19 years young. A picture of Zach and his wife hangs in the foyer. They had only been married for six months.

Stories of service and sacrifice fill this place. Not only is Mission BBQ about good food, but it’s also about meaning, purpose, honor, and giving back.

Townsend also shared with me, “Anytime a Vietnam veteran enters, the teammates shake their hand and say, ‘Welcome home.’”

GIVING BACK

All their service is community oriented.

There is a Veteran VIP program and birthday club offered where you get a free sandwich. The All-American Hero Cup is available year-round. A portion of the proceeds is donated to various organizations.

They take food once a week to the local police and fire departments to say thank you. Recently, Mission BBQ closed for a day to feed the homeless veterans with the message, “Our heroes served us. It’s our turn to serve them.”

Additionally, Mission BBQ gives back by donating and raising funds for various organizations. Namely, The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Wreaths Across America, Honor Flight Network, Navy Seal Foundation, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and Concerns of Police Survivors are a few.

SERVANT’S HEART

Cheers to these heroes for a mission well done. Their servant’s hearts are making a difference daily in many ways. They encourage families to bring in pictures and patches of loved ones who have served or are currently serving.

It will warm your heart and quench your appetite when you support their mission. Well done, Mission BBQ.

Eat the Dessert First: Start Living Life on Your Terms

August 8, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

Bread Pudding Dessert @drdepot photo by Lori Bruton

I agree with this Helen Keller quote, “Life is short and unpredictable. Eat the dessert first.”

In my book, The LORI Factor: Live the Life You Were Born to Live, there is a chapter called, Lifestyle: Start Living Life on Your Terms.

Are you living life on your terms?

I know I wasn’t, until I made different decisions. As a result, I stopped letting life happen to me. I stopped allowing other people’s opinions become my reality.

I remember when somebody mentioned something my mother said. I said I hadn’t talked to my mother that day. He said I meant your mother’s voice that’s in your head. Whoa! He was right. I loved my mother, but many words she said were not the truth. A phrase I kept hearing from her was, “You can’t do that,” and “Your sister would be the one to write a book.” Hearing that repeatedly programmed me to believe it.

Note: Be careful who and what you believe, or you will be deceived.

Thankfully, I learned to tune into a higher voice of the One who taught me my voice matters and that I can do anything that I put my mind to, like writing books. Renewing my mind, changing, and upgrading my thoughts and words were the beginning of living life on my terms.

The Serenity Prayer says: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

It does take courage.

These powerful words made a big difference, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 NLT

Focus on the things you can control. You can’t control the past. Be present. Get unstuck. Instead of resisting change, embrace it.

That doesn’t mean accepting everything being dictated around you. Stand up for what’s right. Unmask yourself. Let your voice be heard.

I used to feel invisible and was taught to be quiet and not to interrupt until I got a LARGER vision of myself beyond what people told me and beyond my circumstances. It’s time to speak up and let my voice be heard because you need to hear this message of hope, encouragement, and empowerment.

By the way, it’s not a coincidence that you are reading or hearing this right now. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD, “They are plans for good and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Paint a picture in your mind of what your best life looks like. Hold that vision, write it down, and make it plain, as it says in the living Word of God in Habakkuk 2.

Keep it before your eyes.

When you can visualize the life you desire, it puts you in the driver’s seat. Visualization is a powerful tool. What do you love? Where are you? What are you doing? Who is with you? See it, hear it, taste it, smell it, and feel it.

Engage all your senses.

Be specific. Picture your dream vacation or dream car, for example. Soon your dreams become reality. Take action. I put myself in the driver’s seat on a boat recently. I have been writing more and getting articles published. I am a travel writer and am stepping into that lifestyle.

Start where you are. Take yourself places in your mind first. Do things in your own backyard that are local.

Explore. Take a road trip.

I live in the “gorges” Finger Lakes region where there are beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and parks. Watkins Glen is a must-see place. From Canandaigua to Ithaca NY, I got to experience accommodations, adventures, relaxation, and amazing food including:

Capt. Bill’s Dinner and Sunset Sightseeing Seneca Lake Cruise

Summit to Stream where I took out an ocean kayak on Seneca Lake

Keuka Watersports at Champlin Beach in a kayak on Keuka Lake

Bed & Breakfast at Oliver Phelps was the first B&B in Canandaigua

Rogues Harbor Inn is a lovely historical B&B near Cayuga Lake

Corner Pub at Rogues Harbor Inn has great food and service at the Inn

Ciao! Was had authentic Italian food with Tuscan flair and delicious dessert

Ithaca Massage Station was a relaxing, pampering experience

NaturLuxe & Stars is where I had my first glamping adventure in style

Jerlando’s Ristorante & Pizza Co. has salads, Italian food & more

Nickel Pit’s BBQ has tender, tasty barbeque with warm service

True Love where I swooned over the schooner and talked to the Captain

Come sail away on the True Love Schooner on Seneca Lake Watkins Glen NY — Sail True Love

I made a decision. I found a way no matter what my bank account or circumstances looked like. No matter to those trying to set me up to fail or making assumptions. No more putting my life on the back burner and taking care of everyone except myself.

Commit to your goals and dreams. Create your life by design. Writing, speaking, wealth, wellness, travel, and more are possible. Get on the road, on the plane, or on the boat to wherever you desire to go.

Tiramisu dessert at Ciao! Ithaca NY — Tiramisu at Ciao!

Eat the dessert first.

Can you see the person you are meant to be? Take the Journey to Hope and Transformation (which I talk about in my first book).

Get my book, The LORI Factor: Live the Life You Were Born to Live, for more ideas on how to live life on your terms.

Tell me the actions you took. The first action was you read this blog. Thank you and congratulations. What spoke to you the most?

Let’s celebrate each step together. Let me know how I can help. Choose life and live life to the fullest.

Get Pampered at the Peppered Pig

May 2, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

When you walk into the Peppered Pig located at 1759 Empire Boulevard in Webster, New York, you’ll feel like you were transported to Paris, France.

The ambiance of this French American Bistro awakens all your senses.

Music whispers in your ears playing French songs that set the mood. It felt like I would be asked to dance at any moment. Since that didn’t happen, I discreetly swayed in silence at the table while enjoying the melodies and perusing the menu.

The décor is pleasing to the eyes with artwork carefully positioned on the walls. Soft-lit candles were placed on each table with silverware wrapped up in cloth napkins. Every seat offered an inviting, relaxing atmosphere.

Greeted with prompt, courteous service with a smile made me feel like family. I had the pleasure of meeting Geoff who made the experience extra special. Yes, I felt pampered.

Pleasant aromas wafted through the air as each dish was delivered to every guest. My hunger was stirring as I awaited my delicious dish.

While you wait for your food to arrive, enjoy wine, a cocktail, a mocktail, or craft beer. There are several varieties.

Get ready for your tastebuds to be tantalized. There is a wide range of choices from salads, soups, sandwiches, quiche, and crêpes just to name a few on the lunch menu. Everything is peppered with just the right seasonings.

Here is a little history from the Institute of Culinary Education. Crêpes are an ultra-thin pancake common in France that can be made sweet or savory, typically rolled or folded with a variety of fillings from jam or Nutella to ham and cheese to seafood. The specialty is served in crêperies, as street food and even in elegant settings as dessert, such as the most famous presentation, crêpes Suzette which is listed on the dessert menu at The Peppered Pig.

The beet salad is a mix of field greens, roasted beets, walnuts, blue cheese with lemon vinaigrette. You can add steak, chicken, or duck.

There is a Crépe with mushroom duxelles, blue cheese, balsamic onions with a petite salad.

Specials are offered, such as Steak Diane made with a 12-ounce Angus strip steak with a mustard Demi glacé cream, mushrooms, and a potato purée.

Wait, there’s more.

Their homemade desserts are to die for. A couple of known favorites are the Crème Brulee and Bread Pudding.

When the weather is warm there is an outside patio for a full Paris feel. Once you have dined at The Peppered Pig you will want to go back for more.

The Peppered Pig / 585-347-6479 / 1759 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY

https://thepigroc.com

Lori Bruton

Travel Writer/Blogger

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo: Serve this Guacamole Dip

April 19, 2022 by Lori Leave a Comment

May is right around the corner. Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is a great time to celebrate. Sharing this recipe will get you off to a tasty start.

Here is a fresh way to mix up some guacamole:

INGREDIENTS:

2 avocados
2 drops Citrus Fresh vitality
1 drop Lime vitality
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1–2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Pinch salt
Pinch black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Remove the pit from the avocados and scoop the flesh into a bowl, mashing roughly with a fork.
Add all other ingredients and stir until mixed.
Garnish with cilantro.
Enjoy with tortilla chips or with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes!

You can enjoy this recipe anytime. Since May is coming up as I write this, I was inspired to share this with you.

On this Lifestyle Blog you will find many morsels from food, health and wellness, travel, inspiration, motivation, and stories you will enjoy that educate and entertain.

Let’s have some fun. Feel free to browse other items here.

Stay tuned for more Lori’s Stories, especially Lori’s Stories By the Water, which is my favorite place to be.

Let me know how you like this guac recipe and how you celebrated even if it was dancing by yourself at home. Crank up the tunes and have a dippity do dah day. Olé!

A Day of Celebration

November 8, 2020 by Lori Leave a Comment

As I write this, today is my son’s birthday. Joseph David born November 8^th. He and his brother were the best gifts I ever received. He is destined for greatness.

I am talking about one of the 7 F’s of Oola–Family.

Family is of high value to me. I am thankful I got to spend time with my son and daughter-in-law today. They add so much meaning to my life. I am blessed.

What’s Oola? It’s a state of awesomeness when your life is balanced and growing in 7 key areas of life (Fitness, Finance, Family, Field, Faith, Friends, and Fun).

Today’s birthday celebration added another “F” of Oola–Fun. It’s important to take time for fun. Fun with family was a double blessing. In fact, it was a beautiful fall day beaming with sunshine and we cooked on the grill. I love the taste of food cooked on charcoal. It was completed with a sweet treat. What a lovely day!

The number 8 is significant. It’s the meaning of new beginnings and renewal. What new things are happening in your life? Or what new beginnings are you hoping to see? What’s important to you?

The flow of number 8 represents the infinity symbol. Let your life flow naturally in the direction you desire. It won’t be a straight line, but a path with some detours. See the detours as adventures that bring you to unexpected places. Those places are just where you are meant to be. Take the risk of doing new things. You never know what you may discover about yourself.

When you look at the 7 key areas of your life that I mentioned above, how are you doing? Which areas are flowing and growing, and which ones are unbalanced and slowing you down? We all have struggles and challenges. Together, we can help each other get in a better place.

Think of each “F” as a spoke on a wheel. Some may be broken or have a hitch right now. Your wheel doesn’t roll smoothly, does it? I have a framework I can guide you through. It starts with where you are now and shows you how to get where you want to be.

It will get you rolling down your desired path.

Ready, Set, Go! Here is a free gift to start your transformation adventure: http://bit.ly/3stepTransform

When you’re ready to shift into a higher gear, go here: https://www.liveoola.com/?ref=4e7de7 Let’s ride down the highway together.

I celebrate you. Remember, you have greatness in you. Do what you came here to do. Let me know how things are going and how I can help. Keep in touch.

Much Love,

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Hi, I'm Lori.
Author, Speaker, Coach, Ghostwriter