BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA The digital-issue of NACS Magazine is available. The print edition is not far behind. I found barbecue in Bloomington, Indiana. I was surprised. The guy behind it is barbecue guru Chris Smith. He's put a lot of thought into the process and the sides are engineered for powerful flavor. It took weeks in the Sysco test kitchen to create … [Read more...]
Convenience Store Sales-Record High 2013
(This is a great story. Could the growth in the foodservice section have something to do with the Gas Station Gourmet? We don't know, but we will ponder after lunch.) CHICAGO – U.S. convenience stores reached record in-store sales in 2013, with sales climbing 2.4% to $204 billion. Combined with motor fuels sales of $491.5 billion, overall convenience store … [Read more...]
HORROR-able Customer Service
Most C-stores & truck stops I visit have really good service. I was in a store and watched this happened. I simply observed as an employee at the counter read the sports page. Inattentive employees can be an issue for some stores. It's something for managers to consider when training staff. Pay attention so customers don't feel invisible. When I was scheduled to do a … [Read more...]
C-Store Cajun Barbecue-Eunice, LA
Tailgating at the Oasis Travel Center
NACS Magazine – January Issue
My profile of Mudbugs in Eunice, Louisiana is in the January issue of NACS Magazine. Thanks to Tom Voinche for tipping me off and lunch. Unicorn sightings are a rare event. Even more rare is Voinche paying for lunch. That day, I knew I'd seen everything Too Bad Pigs Only Have One Stomach A doctor once told me, "It's too bad pigs only have one stomach. She was referring to … [Read more...]
Andouille Stuffed Pork Loin
It’s pork season! In South Louisiana, it is perhaps always pork season. I had a three pound boneless pork loin that had to be dealt with soon. I wanted to do something different. I happened to have some of Neil Richards andouille sausage and thought there is no better combination than pork loin and smoked, andouille pork sausage. SHOPPING I like to buy my … [Read more...]
OFF-ROAD making Easy Fast Cake for Office or Home
3-2-1 Cake When we're not on the road finding great gas station food, I like to find fun recipes for home. There are a number of recipes for this online. My kids like this one best. This is a great snack for after school or at the office. Ingredients One box Angel Food Cake mix One box any flavor you like mix mixes in Zip Lock … [Read more...]
Truck Stop Eggplant Dressing
Sarah's Grandmother's Recipe This just might become your new holiday meal tradition The holiday eating frenzy is approaching. Dressing is a staple and I love dressing. It’s my favorite festive side dish. In the past, I’ve made dressing that was almost untouched. So, I’ve been searching for a great dressing recipe. I happened upon one while shooting the Gas Station … [Read more...]
“I’m on T.V. – I’m here to help.”
There's nothing like the look of delight on a great cook's face when I come into the kitchen. I offer advice on how to make their popular, signature dishes even better. It feels good when I can help with simple things like "add a little more garlic" or "stir counterclockwise for poultry gravy." The latter of course depends on which hemisphere one is cooking. Fun … [Read more...]