Hello and welcome to part 11 of our journey through North Carolina.
It was great relaxing at Down by the River Campground and exploring the surrounding area. On one of our outings we discovered Fabio’s Restaurant in Newland, NC. Folks what a place! I know you’ve heard us say this a few times but we can’t help sharing with you these wonderful places. Have you ever been at a restaurant where the owner loves cooking, loves people, loves his community, loves his family, has traveled the world and has a servant’s heart? Well if you have then you can understand why this place rates high on the scale of eateries.
As we started talking, Fabio began letting us follow him as he prepared lunches and chatted with the continuing flow of people. It was awesome watching this master in the kitchen. He shared that he studied Culinary Arts in Switzerland, joined the cruise ship circuit preparing dishes on the seas, traveling to Europe working in restaurants perfecting his culinary skills before coming back to the USA and settling there in Newland, NC. He summed it up wonderfully when he shared that cooking to him is about family and you always want to share a great meal with family. Well, we sure felt like we were part of his family this day and truly we thank you Fabio for the experience. We know you are following so keep making that special sauce because we’ll be back.
Well this is it for today. We hope you come back and see how the trip unfolds as we share more of the USA Through Our Eyes. Until then be safe.
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can tell by his countenance. Thanks again for a wonderful retelling of your adventures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He had a passion for what he did. He was a noble man of good character.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks like Fabio is a man of great joy. Thanks again for the lovely post (still catching up….). 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is so great hearing you say you are enjoying our travels. We too are enjoying yours and how you frame them. Isn’t it the truth about food!!!! There is something about sitting around eating that promotes great conversations. Be safe out there and thank you for keeping our dreams alive by seeing yours come true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it says something when “breaking bread” is an almost universal act. It’s a way to sit and share life-sustaining calories and bond with friends and strangers. I am also enjoying your travels and am grateful that we’ve had the chance to “meet”.
LikeLike
Words so wonderfully spoken. People need that soul nourishment that comes from being around real down home folks. We just know it fill us with joy when we can sit with others and share the burdens life can through at us and know we’re not alone. It is so nice having you with us and be able to share like this. You sound like real down home folks!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the mass produced food factories may feed the body but don’t nourish the soul like honest to goodness human interactions.
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
You are welcome! Yessssss! It is great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so nice of you to say Oristel. You are a special young man and we are so happy sharing journeys with you. Isn’t it great finding folks along the way that have that love in their hearts and are willing to share it. We cherish it when we discover it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly. We so enjoy the down home real people that we meet. They have a certain charm and personable atmosphere that the big places lack.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was re-reading this because I love it so much. And I think the reason I love is because it involves sharing and loving. I truly am in love with this, “Have you ever been at a restaurant where the owner loves cooking, loves people, loves his community, loves his family, has traveled the world and has a servant’s heart?”
LikeLiked by 1 person
The small places are the BEST places to visit. I’d say it’s a great way to really learn about an area and meet real people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You nailed it on this point!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you 😂 what you do with the adventure is what matters too 😉👍🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
They keep coming and we keep going. So much to see as you well know being a road warrior like you are now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
How fun! What awesome adventures you are having!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, love it! Guess I qualify then. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
One thing about kids is they tell the truth, sometimes painfully. So if they haven’t fed it to the dog under the table and ask for seconds this means you are a master chef.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, not sure if I’d class myself a master, but I think the kids think so! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Italians just have a knack for cooking. Are you a master in the kitchen?
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful. Being of Italian heritage I totally understand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was wonderful. We love Italian food and this was the kind not out of a box, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lucky to stumble across such a place and people who have such passion for what they do.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We are called to plant seeds, God does the rest. And we are expected to stay where we nor God’s word are not received…
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true! Diversity makes us great and we all can bring something to the table. Just wish everyone at the table was willing to eat of the something brought, lol. I use to hate broccoli but now love it all because someone encouraged me to try it, lol.
LikeLike
Each of our gifts, talents and passions has a place in our world. If God had meant for us all to be the same there would only be one of us – lol. 🙂
xx,
mgh
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Madelyn. Isn’t it great how when you are doing what you enjoy it shows forth in your works. Passion is incredible and like Fabio you too have it as do so many here on wordpress with the courage to share it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m always amazed by those who find their passion in the restaurant business – and grateful that so many DO. Posts like this one (especially the photos of Fabio in the kitchen) remind me that nothing is “work” when it is done with a joyful heart and one is called to undertake it.
I appreciate your including the beautiful people you meet as you travel this beautiful state.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to transform a world!”
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂 We just try to be the light in a dark world. Sometimes it is well received and there are times we just keep moving.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe there are more people who will respond kindly when they are approached in that way. You are probably right in many cases.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so true Steve. We’ve come across a few in our travels and when we just smile, nod and keep moving. The great part is a moment later there are 10 with joy and a smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
There are some very nasty people in this world, which makes the observant ones take notice of the humble and kind folks out there. It’s always nice to enjoy such people as them…
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. Glad you had a good time
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The diet part is a killer! 🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, LOL. We know what you mean. If it were closer to us we’d be eating then dieting, eating then dieting, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Steve. What a place and what a man. He certainly has his priorities in the right spot that came through as we got to know him. We believe there will be others stopping by his place and will see and taste. So nice having you along with us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. It was a wonderful experience eating in his restaurant and viewing someone with a servants heart. Glad you stopped by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 🙂 We’d be eating then dieting and eating and dieting, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You better stop making me hungry for places that are too far for me to visit 😊 You keep adding to my never ending list!! The restaurant looks good – just the kind of place I’d find myself eating those good comfort foods made with love 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awwwwww! 🙈
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, another great review of another great place to eat! Sounds like you guys found real gem in this place! I’m sure Fabio is very happy with this recommendation…
Steve
LikeLiked by 2 people
Interesting photos
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks & ditto! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can Fabio open a restaurant here? He sounds awesome!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Clarissa. We always welcome your words and their encouragement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great words and pictures and a nice touch of the family one!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Heide. This is so kind of you to say. We try to always be aware that peoples time is so precious and we do not want to take up too much of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a journey that will be for you and the family from Africa to NC. It will be exciting to see it through your eyes. We are happy our journey there may have given you some ideas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Theresa. We like those meeting places where the focus is food but the real joy is in fellowship with others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When the stories are as good as yours, there’s no such thing as “too long.” 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
We have a cousin in North Carolina and I am hoping to travel to America in the foreseeable future. I am keeping a note of all these delightful places you mention so that we can visit some of them. Have a super week Audrey and Tom.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Love these stops in small restaurants along the way!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It sure is a small world Deborah. You would love this little off the beaten path place. We warn you though you’ll be stuffed afterwards, lol. Our difficulty is pulling away from the table before having to loosen the belt, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pat you would love this little restaurant because we know you appreciate great food based on the great experiences you have finding eateries in your travels. It’s a real Italian meal without leaving the US, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Heide. It was a bit longer then we like to do but wanted to share the excitement this chef had for his love of food and people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks T.R. Isn’t it great when you have that joy in your heart and know where it comes from then share it as he does through his foods and service. Glad you are with us to enjoy reading about his gifts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will have to keep this restaurant in mind if I ever get that way again. Such a small world!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Makes me want to visit NC even more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a sweet post! Fabio seems like a real gem — and we could all learn both from his desire to serve others (quite literally, in this case!) and following his passion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a a beautiful story : )
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 You said it perfectly, “its like going to someone’s home.”!!! What a joy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Oristel. This is such a wonderful comment to receive especially coming from you whom we hold in esteem because of your wonderful works.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so special of you to say Karen. It is nice we are able to share of our adventures here and follow along with your adventures there. The UK and Europe are places we hope to one day visit and learning through your travels there will prepare us. Thank you for making the time to talk with us.
LikeLike
The best meals I’ve eaten in restaurants were in little family owned places in small towns. It’s like going to someone’s home.
Thanks for sharing. Now I’m hungry😕😉
LikeLiked by 4 people
you are most welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! I love this!!!! Wow! Life is all about sharing and loving and experiencing. I really love the way you keep a blog about your journey and the way you share it with us is mind blowing! You should, if you haven’t already, look into publishing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi. I love reading about your travels. My travel has been limited to the UK and a few parts of Europe. I haven’t been to the US. I enjoy reading about your escapades. Really interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Margaret.
LikeLike
You are too kind and that’s why God blesses you with all of His lovely children, and creations :):)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ann. He was a nice person and loved what he did and it showed in wonderful ways.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He sure does put us there doesn’t he Margaret. Yes that was Fabio as a younger man with his children. He was a strong man of faith and living it through the joy of serving others with great foods. It is so nice having you along with us and seeing as you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We cannot begin to express the joy in our hearts this morning as we read these words you wrote! Thank you for such a gift of you being with us on our journey’s and allowing us to share in yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This blog and the photos are a big compliment to Fabio, and what I was reading also my compliments for him. A man with a great heart. Thanks for sharing Tom and Audrey.
LikeLiked by 3 people
God sure does put all His children right where He wants them to be and this is another great example! Fabio sounds like a very happy, appreciative man, no wonder he has lived such a full and blessed life. I love the pictures especailly the one of him(guessing it’s Fabio) and the little girls. That will warm your heart. Thank you 2 so much for sharing your trip with us :):) God Bless you 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
I love that you are doing it! It’s like I know I will be unwrapping a gift each time I see a new post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so nice of you to say. Thank you. It is our desire to do this. There are so many wonderful people and their stories are great ones that teach us a lot. It warms our soul having you along to share with.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re so wonderful at capturing what to me life is all about and sharing people’s passions, dreams and souls!! “Everyday people” can be such a joy to get to know! Thank you for bringing to life these everyday heroes in our lives!
LikeLiked by 3 people