I am not a good business woman. To clarify… I love what I do, I take pride in my small little business, and I care about those whom I touch through my business. Yet, I am not a good business woman. I care less about the income and profit than I should. I am terrible at marketing myself as it feels unnatural and a bit self-serving. I care more about the people that work for me than I do their productivity. I am happiest when I have had new faces enter the shop and strike up new friendships or shared in an event that was made more special in a small way through my food. Those are the nights I go to bed most content and at peace.

So, as I think about my legacy, that which I will leave behind, I know it won’t be a fat bank account or a surplus of “stuff”. It won’t be newspaper articles or awards. There will be no accolades for my business savvy. Rather, I will most likely be remembered for the simple things, the moments when no one was looking. At least, that is my hope. That is what I would love for my legacy to be in the business sense.

At home, I hope it to be not much different. I hope my legacy will be a collection of the simple things. It is not an easy task to stay focused on that. We live in a world now that emphasizes many things that aren’t simplistic and pure and makes one feel they are the basics- the new basics. The temptation to compete and alter our paths is great.

I will continue to give thought and prayer to what legacy I wish to leave behind. What will people say…”she was a good cook but never made it big because of too much time at home” Perhaps. She was a force in the culinary business but had no life outside of that” I hope not. What will be said of you? Where will your greatest legacy lie? Will it be at work, with your friendships, with your family? It bears some thought.

I know my kids are loved. There are many stray dogs and cats that would say they remember me. I make a great tomato soup which has comforted many a tired and hungry soul. I still have friends from kindergarten years.  It is a start to knowing my legacy.

Each person has their own and the choice is ours-today is a great day to start.

Gazpacho

Chicken Noodle

Corn and Summer Squash

Cream of Asparagus

Entrees:

Chicken Piccata

Emmas Bella Pasta- fettucini with fresh shrimp, red peppers, mushrooms, basil and pine nuts all with a balsamic reduction

Smashed Yukon Gold potatoes with white cheddar and thyme

Pork Tenderloin medallions with guava glaze and orange, pepper and guava relish and couscous

Sides/accompaniments:

Signature chicken salad

Chinese chicken salad with peanut dressing

Mom’s Potato salad

Sweet potato salad

cold orzo mediterranean salad

summer corn salad

assorted salsas and spreads

Baked Goods:

bannana bread

muffins- assorted

scones

croissants

Signature chocolate chip cookies

Breakfast Saturday!!!

Assorted quiches by the slice or whole:

**basil tomato

**spinach, tomato, olives, feta

**sausage, mushroom, onion, white cheddar

**asparagus, sundried tomato, mushroom and provolone cheese

Soups:

Tomato Roasted Red pepper

Italian Tortellini

Potato Leek

Gazpacho

Entrees:

Pork BBque

Lemon Chicken (great hot or cold!)

Thai Beef Salad

Cheese Ravioli with asparagus, roated tomatoes and mushrooms

Stuffed Croissants: feta and spinach/black forest ham and provolone cheese

Sides:

Signature Chicken Salad

Curry Chicken Salad

Taboulleh

Potato Salad

Signature Baked Beans

Pesto Pasta Salad

Caprese Salad

Cucumber Salad

Corn and Black bean Salsa

Mango Salsa

Brushetta

Sundried Tomato Spread

Signature Shrimp Spread

SATURDAY BREAKFAST!!!

Baked French Toast with orange marmalade syrup

Oven Roasted Maple bacon

Housemade Granola

Scones, croissants, muffins, cinnamon rolls

Quiches by the slice or whole (please call for whole orders)

Carrot Ginger

Tomato Roasted Red Pepper

Potato Leek

Chicken Noodle

Entrees:

Chicken Marsala with fresh Pasta

Pork BBQue

Smashed White Cheddar potatoes

Spinach Ravioli with tomatoes, mushrooms and light parmesan sauce

Grilled chicken  with hummous, pita and taboulleh

Felafel Patties with pita, tzatziki Sauce and taboulleh

Fresh spreads, summer salads and salsas to go!

Fresh baked goods, housemade granola and breads…

SATURDAY BREAKFAST…. 8 a.m.-11 a.m.

Assorted freshly baked stratas, croissants, cinnamon rolls, scones and fresh fruit and granola

This past year, I have been a freshman at University of Georgia, traveled to Oxford and Italy and will soon be going to Colorado State. I haven’t truly been to all those places or going there- just a part of me- my heart. There is a big enormous part of my heart still here and will be walking around the high school, getting ready for another journey and doing what it has done for twenty years now- following along with my children and sharing in their joys, their trials and the beautiful people they have become.

You would think that all the pieces of a heart, strewn all over the world, would not be as strong individually or that eventually the supply would dry up. Never. It seems miraculous but is true- it actually grows stronger and seems to multiply. The more places my heart is walking, it is still attached, feeding me with all that I need- love and contentment.

This weekend, my second child, Ellie, graduated from high school. My heart was there, walking across the stage, grabbing that diploma. As we shared the day on Saturday with friends and family, my heart was with her- greeting those who came to wish her well on her next journey and feeling the excitement of heading off to college. I also felt the nervousness about the departure from a comfort of home and the anxiety of all the newness awaiting and also felt the bittersweet goodbyes to friends of many years.

So, as a mother, it seems my heart is destined to walk around on the outside of my body- here and there, embracing life through my three precious children. I am amazed at the heart. Amazed that it is so resilient and strong. It can break and be mended, it can divide and multiply and it can love to such enormous and deep proportions. I have no worry about exhausting my heart- it has good care takers. They give me a work-out to be sure but that which they give back and add to my heart…immeasurable.

We are a good team.

Happy Graduation to all the seniors! And Moms- I will see all of your hearts out there- you are in good company!

Corn Chowder

Italian Tortellini

Tuscan Tomato

Entrees:

Grilled Chicken with pita, cucumber sauce and taboulleh

Pulled pork BBque

Stuffed Shells with House Marinara

Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon with asparagus and Israeli Couscous

Taboulleh

Pasta Salad

Signature Chicken Salad

Curry Chicken Salad

Potato Salad

Caprese Salad

Shrimp Spread

Sundried tomato Spread

Baked Goods…chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake, scones,house granola

SATURDAY BREAKFAST!!!

Baked French Toast with Orange Marmalade Syrup, House  Sausage Loaf, fresh fruit

House Granola

Cinnamon Raisin Bread, Scones, Croissants and Muffins all baked fresh!!

Come and Join us for our Open House- Saturday, Jne 12- 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

We will have menu tastings, updated class lists, drawings for wonderful culinary classes and dinners and great conversation! Come and join us for breakfast and stay the day!

Italian Tortellini

Chicken Wild Rice and Mushroom

Cream of Asparagus

Tuscan Tomato

Pulled Pork Bbque

Baby Back Ribs with Signature Sauce (after Wednesday )

Twice Baked potaoes

Thai Noodles with Roasted Chicken

Lemon Chicken

Pork tenderloin with Dijon Mushroom sauce

Beef Empanadas with corn, black beans, sweet peppers and three cheeses

Taboulleh

Potato salad

Curry Chicken Salad

Signature chiclen Salad

Caprese salad

Salsas

Shrimp Spread

Sundried Tomato Spread

Assorted Baked goods and cake by the slice!

My recent travels took me to England- both London and just north to Oxford and the Cotswold region. It was a wonderful combination of very different terrain, history and culture. London was an exciting and vibrant city with such culture (wonderful theatre and museums) history (Buckinham Palace, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey) and the amazing blend of old and new. It is a civil, clean and polite city filled with an interesting blend of calm in peoples manner and bustle of a city such as New York. I was determined to bust the myth of English food being bland and boring and did just that.

Each meal we shared in London was wonderful, filled with new finds and tastes, and served with politeness and flair. I did dedicate a day to traditional English fare and had some fish and chips, mash (smashed fresh peas with mint) and a Pimms cocktail. While all were nice to try- I am not a fan of fried food much anynore so the fish and chips were not kind to my stomach. however, it was a fun meal to do and the Pub in which we ate, unique.

The fresh fish prepared all different ways, the jersey royal potatoes, traditional English breakfasts and wonderful service will remain favorites of mine.

We stayed at two lovely hotels which were each unique and special. In London, we atyed at The Goring Hotel in the Westminster area which was lovely and had impeccable service and accomodations. The bar was a perfect place to end the day and settle into a nice evening. In the Cotswold, we atyed at Lords of The Manor in Uppper Slaughter. This hotel was steeped in history and tradition. Within the hotel there was an amazing small dining room with a chef beyond belief. Each time we ate there we were one of ten tables treated to a gastronomical feast with tastings at every turn and menu choices which highlighted the local produce and meats as well as adding a level of international and culinary genius.It was difficult to go elsewhere for dinner although we did have other good recommendations in other villages that were also good, just not outstanding.

Oxford was a special treat to see the history but most importantly, to see Todd, my son. He is at Oxford for a six week session as a part of his scholarship and we met him on the campus for an afternoon and early dinner and then spent the next full day with him in a park outside the city of Oxford. Of course, seeing him was the highlight of my trip and being able to see him there, in that environment, unforgettable.

He is off to Sardinia for a  side trip and I am off in my mind to another place to travel already. The world is so big, so vast, and so filled with paths to discover. While it seemed far away at times while I was there, it was also home for those 9 days. People to meet, culture to experience, history to learn and wonderful meals to share. Simplicity in living- perfect.

**Please call to check on availability as we are creating all fresh and homemade cuisine for you each day. Some entrees and offerings may not be available until later in the week. Thanks!

Soups:

Chicken Noodle

Tomato and Roasted Red pepper

Cream of Asparagus

Corn Chowder

Entrees:

Signature Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli or Waterfront Sauce

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Red Pepper relish

Chicken Marsala with linguini

Thai peanut Noodles with Roasted Chicken

Ravioli with asparagus, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and pine nuts all in a light garlic parmesan sauce

Twice baked potatoes

Cold Green Bean salad with walnuts and chevre

Taboulleh

Caprese salad

Signature Chicken salad

Penne Pasta Salad with kalamata olives, scallions, artichokes and tomS

Shrimp Spread

Sundried Tomato Spread

Black Bean and Corn salsa

Brushetta

**Join us for Breakfast to go  (or on our porch!) on Saturdays from 8-11 a.m.

This Saturday we will feature several stratas (order ahead for a whole strata or quiche)!!

Every Saturday you will find our scones, crooissants, cinnamon rolls and delicious sticky buns- hope to see you for some coffee and breakfast!

First, a reminder that To The Last Drop will be closed from May 10-May 24. We will re-open for regular business hours on May 25th, and will look forward to seeing all of you!

Today, being Mother’s Day, I wanted to share a few reflections about Motherhood. My life would not be filled with the many blessings that it is, had it not been for my Mom. She is a beautiful person in every possible way. Her heart is enormous, never ceasing to give unconditional love and compassion at every turn. I can truly say that she never allows anything to deter her from her path of being a good person, a woman of faith, and an example for me of what I strive to be every day. Her smile lights up a room and every path it crosses and her laugh fills my heart with such indescribable joy. To live my life with her vision and her love for life itself is my prayer every night- I honor her every day and today wish her a happy day miles away.

I also honor my children today for in my lifetime, I have never known a greater joy than being their mother. If it were not for them, I would never have known the sweetness of their arms around me, their smiles which cause my heart to skip a beat, and the immense feeling of having my heart exposed all day every day since the moment they took their first breath. They are my breath, the life in my heart and the nourishment to my soul. They are my precious children who have through the years become my friends and young adults that I am homored with whom to share my life.

On a final note, we sad farewell to Maddie, our loving dog of fourteen years. She loved us and with even her last moments, there was no doubt she knew how very much we loved her. There is no emptyness here though- not in the home or not in our hearts. She is still there, in the chair she loved, hanging her head over the armrest to look at us with adoring eyes. Out in the yard where she would simply stand and take in all the beauty every morning before all the other dogs would awaken. She is next to my bed waiting for me to get up at 5 a.m., still lapping water out of the hallway toilet, and still laying on the rug in the kitchen as I cook day after day…just making sure she was close to me. She will always be here- with us- forever.

Love is what makes our hearts grow …the love of a mother, the love for our children, and the love we are able to give and receive from all God’s creatures. Today, mine is growing by the minute.