My
mom, sister and I waited at a table under a sprawling oak, inhaling aromatic
smoke, as we waited for ribs, links and a potato bomb at Rogers BBQ Barn. Then
we moved to a screened-in, rustic dining area to feast. The view from there was
another oak with low branches, a garden and a field, that made Mom reminiscent
of Louisiana visits in her youth.
I
know this place at 15879 Old Sour Lake Road has been around more than a year,
because a friend of mine ordered her holiday spread from there and raved. For
me, it was worth the wait. It’s not far from the track where I walk near
Westbrook High School in Beaumont.
Yet it’s down scenic country road that makes you feel like you’re on a
road trip. We saw horses and what Mom insists was a jackass, not a mule.
Refinery
workers, motorcycle riders and pickup truck drivers paraded past the ordering
window of this little red “barn” and they all seemed like they were regulars on
return visits. I got to weigh and buy sweet potatoes on the honor system from
under a tent. Every bite was good, and there was plenty of raw, white onion, my favorite barbecue
side. I”ve driven much farther for “famous” barbecue that was less impressive
than Rogers. I’ll be one of those repeat customers and I’ll be ordering ribs
again.
Sugarmaker’s Cut
Runamok Maple’s barrel-aged syrups are high-end breakfast enhancers. The skill
and knowledge that comes out of Cambridge, Vermont comes at a price, but syrup
in the $16.95-$27.95 range is sometimes the only thing that will highlight your
masterpiece pancakes or sausage. Sugarmaker’s Cut reserve, not blended or
homogonized, is the most romantic variety name in the line. Bourbon Barrel-Aged
is as beautifully packaged as its neighbors, like Cinnamon+Vanilla Infused.
That’s Madagascar vanilla, and pairs with apple pie, pancakes, ice cream or
yogurt.
But it is the Hibiscus Flower Infused, with a ruby-red tint and a warning to
not share with friends unless you’re ready to run out that gets most of my
love. Granted, I haven’t tried them all, though Cardamom-Infused beckons. But
I’m guessing that the hibisucus will remain my favorite straight up. Makers
suggest it to enliven cocktails. Runamokmaple.com can get some of
these flavors to your holiday tables.
Goat
poop blessings
Goat
poop and bee vomit for Christmas? A goat for milk and manure and a hive for
honey is considerably more valuable to a family somewhere than a singing trout
would be here.
World
Vision Gift Catalog guides gift givers to stylish jewelry and décor handcrafted
with the intent to give back. Make a donation and receive something like
prosperity cinnamon, carved wooden spoons or a turquoise medallion necklace
made by families in Delhi. The chain is distinctive and the medallion is a web
of beads on gold wire that’s eye catching. If your “gift” is wearable,
you have the added bonus of a conversation starter, so you can spread the word
on this program. It’s tax deductible. To order from World Vision’s Gift
Catalog, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org or
call 855-WV-GIFTS.
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