A Trip to Tinoland

There is something so incredibly wonderful about a delicious, fresh made meal. We received just that from Azul’s Taco House. We ventured all the way to Dallas for a reason.

Some people enfold you. Sometimes the soul connects, deeply from the start. I can’t explain it but I feel like Tino Land and I grew up together. Not that our life experiences were the same, or even similar, but something makes me feel that way about this man.

We are all on this planet… at this particular time… under these particular circumstances for reasons we could never completely understand. Our responsibility to ourselves and each other is to work diligently and love fully together. When we do that good prevails and there is hope. Love conquers all.

Thank you, Tino. Thank you for sharing your heart. Thank you for loving deeply and for inspiring others to do the same.

Total side note: I thoroughly enjoyed a chicken quesadilla made with a fresher than fresh flour tortilla. The memory alone of the crispy, cheddar edges is making my mouth water even now. Roger ordered a carnitas burrito which was literally as big as my head! The red and green salsas brought a medley of flavors to it all.

Happy Sunday from Geppetto's!

Irish Eyes Are Smiling at Geppetto's Italian Restaurant!

We couldn’t help ourselves. A giant corned beef roast is waiting for you (Thank you Chef Frank Primley!) Served with cabbage, carrots and yellow potatoes. $15 Full portion $8 Petite

Cead Mile Failte!
(Means… a hundred thousand welcomes) Sláinte! (means Cheers!)

May the road rise to meet you.
May your pizza be cut Chicago Style… with plenty of cheese on top!

Heck… we could even put your corned beef, cabbage and carrots into a Stromboli and call it a day $10!

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from Geppetto’s!
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Call for takeout and delivery (all of Salem and Keizer.) 503.378.1271. Reservations are not required but are encouraged. Hope to see you soon!

Delivery of a Different Kind

Sometimes a delivery can mean a great deal. Tonight’s delivery to Eric Whitney meant such a great deal it inspired me to write.

I have not shared Eric’s story… because it is his to tell. It is with his permission that I offer the following;

A Story of Inspiration.

Eric Whitney is a tall man with long arms and legs. He is smart and capable and wields a sharp sense of humor.

He has worked in the restaurant business for many years, at Geppetto’s for 14 plus. He rides a Harley and can Karaoke with the best. He’s got the dance moves to accompany his vocal talents and knows how to pick a Super Bowl champ.

Eric is self effacing and understands a hard road.

The truth is… Eric has, over the years, dealt with recurrent brain tumors and their surgical removal. In December of 2020 tumors were removed and he was, surprisingly, back to work within a month. In December of 2021 tumors had returned with a vengeance and surgery became necessary again. January 3rd he went “under the knife” hoping for the best. Today… two and a half months later… Eric is still stuck in a skilled nursing facility. He is receiving great care but his progress has been slow and tomorrow brings the onset of six weeks of thirty radiation treatments.

On this, the eve of radiation, delivery brought… Geppetto’s spaghetti and meat sauce and garlic bread (extra crispy) prepared by those who love him and miss him. Everything was prepared just as he would have cooked it for himself.

The food was a good thing… covered in hand written notes from coworkers… but the opportunity to see him… was exponentially greater.

His struggle is real. He wants his life back and my heart felt that for him. I want that too.

I am sharing Eric’s story… because he said it was okay to do so… and we believe in miracles.

Please pray for Eric. Please pray that miracles for Eric abound, for healing and restoration.

Thank God, that Eric’s sweet dog Gidget gets to come to visit. Family and close friends, and the entire Geppetto’s team are with him in spirit.

Eric is an inspiration… to say the least. Tonight brought a delivery of a different kind… a delivery of hope and inspiration. Perhaps more miracles for Eric are on the way; miracles of healing, hope, and restoration, with peace and joy in the meantime.

Side note; sometimes businesses are dealing with more than numbers. There are real people behind the scenes… with real lives and real challenges.

With the mask mandate lifted… tonight’s delivery brought The Geppetto’s Bench. Eric is never alone. We are here… if for nothing else… for him.

Prayers appreciated.

Not Just Any Port

So… it’s the second Friday of Geppetto's food trailer business. Shout out to Capital Auto Group for granting us a place to launch.

Alex Casebeer was quick to say, “You can park here anytime you want… whenever you’re ready!”

It takes a truck to pull a trailer. Turned out the truck which pulls our trailer is a Chevy Silverado, a big one. We purchased that truck at Capital and it’s perfect for us. (Thank you, Andrea!)

Little did we know that truck was the dream truck for our son. He’s the same guy who purchased, fixed up and wrecked more cars than I have ever owned. He became a tow truck driver after high school and then a big rig driver for Budweiser. Little did we know all of that training would lead our Alex into the restaurant business.

He’s working the trailer on the regular now, backing it up like it’s no big deal; Mondays and Fridays, 11-3 at Capital Auto Group , 2855 Maple Ave NE here in Salem.

I’ll post a photo of the trailer menu. But the add on special today is a fresh green salad with Geppetto’s house made marinated carrots, zucchini and choice of dressing. $5.00. You may also add a protein for $5.00; chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage or 2 Geppetto’s house made Meatballs (gluten free)

The setting is beautiful; a covered gazebo with plenty of seating and coiffed green grass.
Come and get some Geppetto’s to eat… and a beverage from the Happy Heart Coffee Company.
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This is not “just any port” this is community. And sometimes dreams really do come true.

Simply Amazed

So… the morning will bring a new day. Geppetto’s will embark on a new journey… that of a food trailer serving Geppetto’s deliciousness.

We visited the Hooked on Food truck at Capital Auto Group this afternoon… for tomorrow… we shall roll at that location.

Today… we took time to visit. We chatted with Tito, Hooked on Food truck owner… and his son, Henry. They were beyond generous with time and wisdom.

Our encounter ended with some of the best food we’ve eaten; the Tuna Melt, the Meanloaf… the Chicken Caesar wrap… the “messy” delicious fries… so good!

The funny part… after a long visit and receiving our food… it started to rain. We ran to our truck, jumped in and drove away. It wasn’t until we were well merged onto I-5 that we realized we had not paid! There is nothing like feeling like an a#% \%^*!

Immediately I called… “I’m on my way back, I said. I’m so sorry.”

Tito and Henry were gracious and forgiving. They waited a bit for me… never the time when you want to sit and wait for a train…. but I made it back. I was able to pay… and they were able to shut down for the day.

So… much to do to prepare for tomorrow… but one thing I know. Geppetto’s has delicious food, tried and true. The trailer is new territory… but product which has stood the test of time.

Our maiden voyage will happen… and from it we will learn.

Geppetto’s food trailer will be at Capital Auto Group on Cherry and The Parkway, 11:00-3. Praying for good sleep and all that we need.

As I always say… God is in charge of invitations. He knows who will come… what time the will arrive… how many will be in their party… and what they will want to eat. It is simply our job to to be ready.

That’s what tomorrow will bring. Simply amazing.

We are excited to launch this effort. We are thankful to Capital Auto Group for the opportunity.
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Let’s roll!

Short staffed and stretched to the max!

Geppetto’s will be closed today, 030122.1, and all Tuesdays for the month of March.

The reasons are pretty simple.

1. We have had four very strong employees depart recently due to life changes and opportunities. The search continues but we currently don’t have enough staff to fill seven days.

2. Tuesdays are our slowest day.

The funny thing… is realizing there is a plan… and it’s big… and if we journey with eyes ears and hearts open… blessings abound.

The good news is… Geppetto’s food trailer will be opening this month and we’re pretty excited about that. I’ll let you know what our location and menu will be in another post.

Interesting to us is how God found a way to get Roger and I to take one day off a week… without a fire closure or major plumbing problem. Employment issues are real and our business is not unique in the struggle.
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Deeper still… our hearts and prayers are up and out for the whole world. We must continue to function… and do so… well aware that many are suffering greatly while we are struggling a little. May what we offer daily bring comfort and give rise to love. Let there be peace.

High Altitude Warning!

Geppetto’s presents… Salem’s own TBL Basketball Team! These guys are great athletes who, thanks to Owner, Jason Conrad, have chosen to make Salem their home. They will be at the restaurant tonight, Thursday, 2/24 at 6:00pm for a meet and greet as well as photo opportunities!
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Rise above it all! Seek new heights! Come and meet your Salem Capitals!

This night was special…

Geppetto’s was there. We brought our house made, Gluten Free meatballs and meat sauce along with mini Caprese Salads; fresh Mozzarella, basil and Bougie Balsamic… served with hand picked, hydroponically grown, Heirloom tomato slices… deeeelicious!

Everything we offered was well received. To put it frankly… what we had to offer was a hit.
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We are thankful for the opportunity to provide and learn.

With every experience we learn and grow. #grateful

Posting now because… well… I should.

The next post will be deemed most important though.

Stardate 022222.2 coming soon!

A friend was in New Orleans for food and drink… so good! Soraida… thank you for sharing… beignets… heck yah! Coffee please!
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If I could choose my team for a tight game ahead… I would want Soraida on my bench. She is the real deal… a get it done girl… who raises the bar! If I had to face the enemy in any alley… she would be one I would want there. Bless you, Soraida! Love you and thank you… for calling a spade a spade… and keeping it real and true and to the point.

An excellent meal from an unsung location.

Event after event takes place downtown at the Salem Conference Center. Breakfast events aren’t as common as lunch and dinner.

This morning… breakfast with the Chief was well attended and absolutely inspirational. Did I mention there was bacon? Bacon, scrambled eggs, potatoes and coffee!

How do they do it at SCC? Delicious food… served hot… when it’s meant to be hot… to hundreds of people… all pretty much at the same time.

The crew at SCC deserves recognition. They provide great food, service and professionalism… no matter the cause.

SCC has suffered great losses through the pandemic. No in person events… could kill an event space. But SCC did not die. They knew what to do to persevere. And as hard as the decisions and choices were to make… they did it.

SCC is gradually returning to a semblance of normal. While group size fluctuates by necessity… food quality and the high level of service provided does not.

While benefiting from the venue… I made a new friend today. Her name is Shelby. She is nothing but just a hound dog. She is energetic, loving and very slobbery. Her handler, Officer Merritt was kind enough to pose for photos.

Thank you to Salem Conference Center, chefs, servers, crew and management.
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Thank you to all who serve! Everyone… stay strong and stay safe!