Once Upon a Time - There Was Love.

When fans think about Star Trek and romance, Captain Kirk usually comes first to mind. He was the one who had the most relationships in the original series. However, Spock also wasn't entirely lonely. Despite the Vulcan way of life that makes showing emotions undesirable, Spock has experienced a great deal of romance over the years.

We are grateful. Valentine’s Day 2022 was a success at Geppetto’s. Our staff worked hard to make everything special. Our guests were gracious and happy; dining in, ordering takeout and receiving delivery.

Wildflowers & Whimsy made each table look great. Long time customers left us an original Valentine which made everyone smile.

Geppetto’s has amazing customers.

Earlier this week we learned of the sudden death of a very frequent delivery customer. For their family, our hearts break. He was kind and always happy to greet me at their door. I drove to their place many times. If I thought food would help… I’d bring it. Mahalo, dear friends, Mahalo.

You know… Love is a many-splendored thing. That means; love is a thing which has many splendors. Likewise; splendors are to be found in many different kinds of love.

Case in point; We love our customers… regulars who appreciate what we offer… and the new business which gives us a try and finds love in the atmosphere, food and service Geppetto’s has to offer.

If Spock found love… everyone can. Keep your eyes and ears open, not just one day of the year… but every moment.
​
Once upon a time… there was love. Be ready… it might not appear as you thought it would.

What’s a Girl to Eat? I’m looking for recommendations.

While the Winter Olympics are underway…The Special Olympics Polar Plunge will be commencing soon also.
​
Michellee Grogan and I will be joining the rest of our team, The Plunging Opi, for a dip into cold waters to benefit Special Olympics. This will be the first time plungers have plunged The Polar Plunge in Oregon’s capitol city. This inaugural moment will be one to remember.

As I lay here in my bed… under my toasty heating blanket… I know there is no point in asking, “What was I thinking?” I just need to get up and move… dress for the plunge and pack for the aftermath; the opportunity to warm up and cheer the rest on!

Michelle informed me last week that she would not be going under the water because she wears hearing aids. She made it pretty clear that going under water was my job… and so… I will.

I’ve heard… the first one out of the water will have to pay $100. I’m bringing cash… just in case.

So now… what should I eat? Is there any food which fuels heat from the inside out. Just wondering… grasping. This too shall pass. And knowing me… I’ll probably be hooked and looking forward to next year.
​
Go Team USA! Go Team Plunging Opi!

In years past… the responsibility of floral arranging at Geppetto’s has fallen to my mom. (Judy Lindal) She has such a way with flowers and ribbon. Covid season has changed things up a bit… and for now… venturing out is simply not a good idea for mom.

Feeling the need for festivity… and inspired by the Still Small Voice… I reached out to my dear friend Erin Wood at Wildflowers & Whimsy. Erin willingly accepted the challenge to create lovely table arrangements for the MONTH of LOVE!

Not only are they beautiful but her turn around time was super quick, very affordable and my mom… is going to LOVE them!

In other news… Specials will be offered Friday and Saturday of Valentine’s Day weekend. There will be Prime Rib served with Roasted Red Potatoes, Wild Mushroom Risotto with Grilled Chicken and Prawns sautéed in a Lemon Butter Wine Sauce! More about that soon!

Meanwhile… flowers are on the tables in preparation for a heart filled month.

We’ve come a long way from the deep freeze of last year… outdoor dining, lap blankets and heat lamps, power outages and food loss. Praying Mother Nature plays nice this year.
​
Call Geppetto's Italian Restaurant for takeout and delivery (All of Salem and Keizer) 503.378.1271

Taterrific! Spudtacular!

Since last week’s post about craving a baked potato the desired destination was undeniable.

Baked and Loaded Potatoes from the Spud Bus hit the spot!

I branched out from simple butter and salt… when I saw a photo of the Broccoli and Cheese. I left off the sour cream so as not to stray any further. Roger opted for the Stroganoff, which made up for my lack of sour cream. He ate too fast to share.

It was a pleasure meeting Ken and hearing a bit about how the Spud Bus came to be. Sounds like what it took was teamwork… along with a heaping portion of creativity and good ol’ potato ingenuity.

It was a fast and hearty meal cooked to perfection. I’ll be having my second half for dinner tonight.
​
Driver… move that bus! And give me your address there!

February 1st… the day my sister Jane was born. She is a constant in my life, a constant reminder that life has much to offer. We can get the most or the least out of it… and she will always get the most.

Jane and her husband, Dan, find the most amazing things. From delicious food to the most interesting places to visit… they do it all and they do it well.

They brought us to The Noodle House in Portland and they were right, it was amazing. When it comes to what to eat… They. Just. Know.

One time… on an Oregon coast overnight… they brought everything needed to stuff jalapeños with sausage, spices and cream cheese. They baked them in the beach house rental and about killed us with the aroma. It hurt so good. Made us all want more.

That’s what they do. They make you want more.

My suggestion… have someone in your life… if you’re not it… who knows how to find the fantastic… the unbelievably wonderful… the “you’ll never forget it.” That’s what my sister Jane and her husband Dan do.

Now… I could have chosen to focus this day on the negative Geppetto’s review which was posted. But… life is way too short. We can lift others up or tear each other down. We can seek that which is amazing and share it with others or we can spend our lives seeking to destroy.

The choice is ours.

Choose a weapon… or use your time on Earth to leave positive ripples.

Dan retired after decades at Boeing and took up wood working. They brought us a beautiful wine barrel which is a centerpiece at Geppetto’s now. Dan and Jane love Geppetto's.

I will cherish the good and look forward to more. Life is short. I thank God for those who seek the best and the most wonderful. If you don’t have a Jane and Dan in your life… Maybe you’re it.

Perhaps it’s my Irish poking out. I love Italian… but sometimes a girl just needs a baked potato.

If all we had was the final frontier… I would insist that there were potatoes.

Recently my Grandson and I were playing around with Snapchat filters. Suddenly he looked good enough to eat!

Wondering… who has Salem’s best baked potato?

I don’t require much… just butter and salt. It’s all about how tender it is. Oh… and I love to eat the skin… can’t be too tough. Must be just right!

Save a Goose… recommend a simple, great, baked potato!

Somewhere in Salem… #jonesingfortaters

Call Geppetto's Italian Restaurant
for… Italian. Dine in… Takeout and Delivery… All of Salem and Keizer! 503.378.1271

Good Eats & Your Local SOB

“We shall head North!” Announced Roger from the driver’s seat.
So North on Lancaster we went.

Shades of Brew came up on the left hand side. Within the walls and doors… we found Chade himself and one of the best servers on the planet. Her name is Julie. No wonder she’s so great! It’s always nice when you meet someone and you know you will never forget their name because it is the same as yours!

We ordered Shades of Brew Pizza and food from the trailers outside; The Shaka Brah & Daniel's Catering.. All were new to us and scrum·did·dly·ump·tious!
/ˌskrəmˌdidlēˈəm(p)SHəs/

The bonus round was a huge sampling of (Andrew) Campbell’s BBQ chili. It is definitely made for the carnivorous. It is meaty and delicious! Such comfort food. Also included was a generosity of wisdom and knowledge. Insider food trailer info and my greatest takeaway… “It’s gonna get hot in there… and that floor will be a “b****” to clean!”

We learn as we grow. More coming soon. Shades of Brew has trivia and comedy night. Check out their page for more info.
​
Blessings to everyone! Thank you for your hospitality. May your seats be full and your lines be long. May the folks who come feel your hard work and be blessed by your provision. And… may the force of all… that is good and prosperous be with you.

Dressing & Going Vetch this Time

Geppetto’s makes most things in house. Its dressings included.

Our Ranch is delicious. Our Bleu Cheese is a favorite of some. I, personally, would like more chunks but for most it is perfect. Our Thousand Island is made in smaller batches. I’m not a super thousand Island fan… but the flavor is spot on. Makes me wish we sold Reuben sandwiches!

Our Creamy Garlic is in a class by itself. It sells by the quart and is coveted by many. The seventh floor, Neuro Trama Care nurses at Salem Hospital probably consumed more in 2021 than any other group. We treasure the moments providing nourishment for those who serve on the front lines. They can have all the Creamy Garlic they want!

All of that is fine and good… but the dressing I really want to tell you about today is our Honey Mustard. It is extra special because the honey we use is sourced locally. As much as I tire of grocery outages… I was happy to see honey on the list… because I knew that meant a trip to Flying Bee Ranch.

“We are all out of the Alfalfa you purchased last time.” Delsey said. “But let’s do some tasting and see what we can find that will be right for what you need.”

If you have ever had a question about bees and how they operate… Jeremy Mitchell and Delsey Maus at Flying Bee have the answers. Their wealth of bee knowledge runs deep.

Roger and I now know what a Pollen patty looks like. We also know that bees are smart and driven to do what they are here to do. They live and die for their work. It’s all or nothing for a bee. It blew my mind to hear they are smart enough to avoid stepping into a windstorm and will discard their own without apology if not well. They are pretty much and all or nothing kind of insect. “Three feet or three miles.” Don’t ask me… ask Jeremy or Delsey @ Flying Bee. They will answer far better than I.

We tasted several varieties and decided to go Vetch this time. My taste buds tell me… it will give our Honey Mustard the honey flavor it needs to bring out the best in our menu. I am reminded… the flavor of honey comes from the bees themselves and where they land to pick up pollen. Simply fascinating.

Speaking of Thousand Island… Roger and I set out for nourishment after church this morning. We landed at ACME Cafe. Inspired by the second paragraph of this post I went for the Reuben. It was delicious! And… there will be plenty for dinner later tonight. If not… lunch tomorrow. Tom Voegtle and Jesse are doing a great job. They are navigating the scene as fiercely as the rest of us. Not only staying alive but feeding folks well in the process.

Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce GREETERS, Salem Shops Chef… Alonzo Santana… Thank You!

Commitment Matters

Thirty years ago to this day my husband Roger and I were married. It was then we moved to Salem, OR. I had no family and no friends. I was unhappy and sad.

I remember about two months in… we could not see eye to eye on a particular issue… the subject of which I cannot remember. At that point I’d only known him eight months. We met on a blind date. I was pregnant and ready to pack my bags and head home to Seattle. Then we sat down together and as he held my hands he told me of the depth of his commitment.

“We’re going to have some hard times but we’ll make it through… forever together. I’m not going anywhere… and I don’t want you to go anywhere either.”

When things have seemed impossible we have rallied and strengthened each other with love and grace. We have walked together by faith.

If you’ve wondered what runs Geppetto's Italian Restaurant… it’s never ending faith… courage, love and grace. Oh… and a great team of folks who believe in what we do together. Thanks for holding down the fort tonight… so we can make googling eyes at each other without you having to watch.