FEElings….Nothing more than FEELings…

Who remembers this song? “Oh Lort” – as Madea says…THAT’s how old we are…or, at least, I am! I’m FRUSTRATED … after a magnificent trip to Santa Fe and Southern New Mexico (in general, hell’s armpit) – a torn meniscus resulted from my HUBRIS in attacking Carlsbad Caverns, and is preventing me from flying around the kitchen, stomping up and down stairs, and now I’m stuck half the time directing from a CHAIR during events…not that this has stopped a full season of feeding you and yours!

I can’t stop – what would life be worth? Chiropractors and braces and MRI’s, oh MY…but the warmth and love I’ve been receiving from you has told me the food has not suffered! Visiting with G’s friend Katherine and spahhhing at Truth or Consequences’ Riverbend Hot Springs gazing out at the Rio Grande, and discovering yet ANOTHER fabulous restaurant in Santa Fe made it all worth it. My two faves, El Farol (where you can watch REAL Flamenco while dining) and Geronimo!, where wild game abounds, were closed, so we opted for “Dinner for Two” and could not have been more pleasantly surprised. Old fashioned table service (Caesar Salad and Bananas Foster!) made it special, and the actual food was incredible (not always available, they used beef cheeks for the chimichanga appetizer that melted in your mouth!). In Santa Fe we stayed at the Santa Fe Motel & Inn, an incredibly well-built and appointed stay that one can AFFORD in the heart of town. A rubber ducky in the tub and REAL, house Hard Boiled Eggs on the breakfast table, and an ice tray filled with ice in our fridge were simple, small delights that made us feel VERY welcome. After a day of exploring, showing Gordon the “miracle staircase” at Loretto Chapel and being held hostage on the square by an insistent hawker, resulting in my purchase of an ointment that slid from $999.00 to $140, we were pleasantly exhausted. You should not miss trying some of the Sauvignon Blanc grown in the area, and Gruet Winery, sparkling wine I discovered decades ago and has remained one of my favorite Blanc de Blanc’s all these years, is still going strong and has expanded with tasting rooms and even MORE derivations of the bubbly. DELICIOUS!!

SCRATCH. SEASONAL. LOCAL.

Grateful and SCARED!

I’m also GRATEFUL and SCARED … Gordon retired and I’ve so loved having him home. It’s funny the look on people’s faces as they ask “How are you doing now that he’s home?” – and I surprise them by saying “I LOVE IT”! He’s happier, I’m happier, but the badge keeps calling. He’s decided to go back to work and I’m worried that 12 hour shifts and 30+ pounds of gear are going to make him cranky again!! Wish us luck, as he returns to serve and I hobble my way through your celebrations!

About Chef Lori

Chef Lori Pierce, owner of Lula's, creates unique, boutique cuisine to impress your guests and clients in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. Our custom recipes and menus delight an intimate gathering of 10, a celebration for 100, and anything in between.

At Lula's, Love is ALWAYS our first ingredient!