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You’re not in Kansas anymore… this barbecue is from Winona

ClubWest

(To view our September/October 2015 issue of ClubWEST online, click here.)

By Mike Williscraft

In business, just as in life, sometimes the best deal you make is the one which does not come to fruition.

Such was the case for Lori and Steve Popp, owners of the highly successful Memphis Fire Barbecue Company in Winona.

It was in 2008 when the duo had decided, after years in different capacities in the restaurant industry, to try their hand at operating a food truck/catering business.

“We had a BBQ catering trailer build set up with a U.S. company that fell through. We searched for a Canadian company to do the same thing but the closest we could come on price was three times the original cost. We just could not afford that,” said Steve.

“We had been driving by this spot for 18 months so we thought, ‘why not give this place a try?’.”

Their theory, recalls Lori, “We would rather open the door for one person, rather than wait for a phone call to serve 100.”

While that circumstance led them to their Hwy. 8 location just west of Lewis Road, their venture into the world of southern barbecue started about a decade earlier.

The first turn of fate came while Steve was working at Mon Bijou, a fine dining restaurant in Burlington.

See the full article in our online edition.

From the Publisher September/October 2015

ClubWest

(To view our September/October 2015 issue of ClubWEST online, click here.)

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
– Benjamin Franklin

One thing about food: everyone needs it.

Whether you are a bonafide meat maniac or a hardcore vegan, not a person on earth does not have a favourite dish, a favourite way of preparing something, and that meal which almost certainly reminds them of childhood, comfort and warmth.

It is harvest time here in Niagara and it is a great time of year for anyone who invests their time and energy into making their own food. Some do it from scratch, others may use an accessory here or there to save a little time. For those folks, and for those who rarely see the kitchen, with what the residents of this area have at their collective doorsteps we thought we could offer some ideas to give it a try.

Chef Jan-Willem Stulp has taken some extra time to create some recipes for a unique, not-overly-complicated Thanksgiving-style meal, but bits and pieces of it can be simplified to be just a very nice dinner for company, a family gathering or a romantic dinner for two. He always puts a great deal of thought and effort into what he presents in the pages of ClubWest and you will see that attention to detail is evident in our Fall edition to be sure.

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, and getting your base cooking materials at the grocery store is not enough for you – you want your food to be even fresher – you may want to take the advice of Brent Bochek, who offers some fishing tips and locales to catch your own dinner. Brent is an avid fisherman whose passion for the hobby is clear.

His knowledge of the local fishing scene is also second to none. He too offers an idea on how to prepare what you catch…his version of stream-to-table as opposed to the popular gate-to-table theme.

Speaking about passion….what more can be said about Steve and Lori Popp at Memphis Fire Barbecue Co. Their combined passion for treating people right and putting out great from scratch food has been a recipe for success. They provide some secrets and tips for smoking meats at home.

Without a doubt, this time of year is our opportunity to appreciate all we have right here in Niagara West. Fruit and produce to be sure, but also locally raised chicken, meat and fish. Whether you cure meats or can tomatoes, you can use local freshness to prepare foods for those nasty, cold winter days.

With this edition also spanning Thanksgiving, one can reflect on the whole year. It is easy to see something in every season why there are great reasons to give thanks we live where we do.

Publisher, ClubWEST Magazine
Mike Williscraft

From the Publisher July/August 2015

ClubWest

(To view our July/August 2015 issue of ClubWEST online, click here.)

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
– Benjamin Franklin

He had me at his first anecdote: needing to start a brand new job a day later than asked, after asking permission, so he could get married on Monday, June 10, 1972.

Gary Ricker was a walking, talking moment in West Lincoln history when he dropped by the township council chambers back in May to accept a token of appreciation after retiring from 41 years with the West Lincoln Fire Department.

It seemed Gary had stopped by to see about a potential job in the Caistor works yard as a truck driver and ended up being offered a position on the spot. Only problem was he had already set that date as his wedding day. It all worked out.

He started a day late, got married and is still married to his bride, Dawn, today.

The man has a great memory and can spin a yarn…a great combination for a feature story subject. I hope you enjoy hearing his tale, as much as I did speaking to him about it.

Then you toss one Garett Grist into the mix, and you have a very different recipe.

The 20-year-old Grimsby lad is movin’ on up in the auto racing world and we wish him nothing but luck on his life’s path which he hopes speeds him through the fast lane to the highest levels of racing in North America.

And a note of appreciation must go to former Grimsby resident and neighbour of the Grists on Kennedy Avenue, Bob Brooks, for connecting me to Garett. I’ve known Bob for many years and he dropped in to chat in mid-June touting the exploits of Garett. Bing, bang, boom and we were all set for another great story of a local kid doing well.

Simply put, these are the stories of which we just cannot get enough.

This edition marks the first anniversary for ClubWEST. In that year, I believe we have delivered on everything we set out to do: provide our readers with the best feature stories and photography on people, activities, pursuits and items of historical significance. And when we say ClubWEST will hit the street the first Thursday of every month it is due, you better believe that deadline will be honoured.

We love portraying people’s stories and it is clear after one year that our readers love this publication. Readers have jumped on board and taken ownership of this little book. That is clear from the number of people I get coming in with tidbits and story ideas they think are ClubWEST worthy. That occurred to me when Bob Brooks was in our office.

This type of connection to readers and the community it not something we take for granted. We deeply appreciate it.

Publisher, ClubWEST Magazine
Mike Williscraft