Link to article:  http://www.lodinews.com/news/article_8ad361ee-d0dd-53a0-9639-84c72f36319b.html

Tears flow as soldier, mom reunite

By Ross Farrow/News-Sentinel Staff Writer | Posted: Thursday, December 15, 2011 12:00 am

Talk about your conspiracy theories — this really was a conspiracy.

Family members made up all sorts of tall tales to surprise Woodbridge resident Tammy Delemos, who was reunited with her son after he recently returned from Iraq.

But it was all worth it when her son, Pfc. Josh Simpson, dressed in his Army fatigues, sneaked up from behind and served his mother the sandwich she ordered Tuesday at Fiori’s Butcher Shoppe on Lodi Avenue.

Simpson had served 11 months in Iraq before being sent to his base in Fort Riley, Kan., on Oct. 22. He hadn’t seen his mother since Feb. 5.

Her eyes filled with tears, Delemos embraced Simpson for a good couple of minutes. The crying got contagious, with customers, cooks and servers throughout the restaurant wiping their eyes as they watched mother and son greet each other.

Delemos’ family formed one big conspiracy to surprise her. And the stories were wild. Here’s a sampling:

Simpson texted his mother, telling her he would be in California for the holidays in five days. That text came at 8:30 Tuesday night, and Simpson was at Sacramento International Airport at the time.

“Basically, he’s been lying to his mother,” said Delemos’ husband, Andy Delemos.

Tammy Delemos’ daughter, Elena Theriot, said she needed to talk to her about a major issue facing her life. They agreed to meet for lunch Wednesday at Fiori’s Butcher Shoppe.

Simpson’s wife, Haley, told her mother-in-law what a long day it was for her on Tuesday. She was talking about flying from Kansas to Sacramento, which included some bad weather in Kansas. Realizing that she almost spilled the beans, Haley instead said it was a long day because of final exams she took Tuesday at a school in Kansas.

To further keep Simpson’s whereabouts a secret, the family arranged for Haley’s father to pick her and Simpson up at the airport. He drove them to his own house, where the couple surprised Haley’s mother as well.

Andy Delemos, Simpson’s stepfather, was also in on the conspiracy, along with the Butcher Shoppe employees. Only his mom was in the dark.

Simpson is a 2009 graduate of Franklin High School in Elk Grove. He and Haley, who were childhood sweethearts, got married on Jan. 22 of this year. She lived near his base in Kansas and went to school there while Simpson was in Iraq.

Simpson said his 11 months in Iraq were pretty uneventful, and he wasn’t wounded in action. He will return to Fort Riley in two weeks, but he doesn’t face a second tour of duty in Iraq. He hasn’t decided whether he will re-enlist in the Army.

Life in the Fiori Family has been quite busy during the month of August, giving us lots to celebrate and be thankful for!  On August 16th, David and Dana welcomed their first child, Deacon Gianni Fiori, weighing 7lbs 7oz and bearing a very strong resemblance to his daddy’s baby pictures.  Then, on August 27, Joey popped the big question on his girlfriend, Lindsey, while enjoying a gondola ride around the Newport Harbor.  We are excited to say that she will be officially joining the Fiori Clan next year!

Q: Name one thing you miss most about Lodi.

A: Besides my parents, brother, and favorite dog Scooter, who I do think about every day, I have to say the things I miss most about Lodi are the food and the memories I have of sharing meals with family and friends both at home and at our myriad of locally owned restaurants. I not only continue to find inspiration in their hard work and dedication, but I also hope that one day, somehow, the Butcher Shoppe will finally break down and name a sandwich after my family — The Nardinelli Knockout.

Complete article: http://www.lodinews.com/features/article_e965eac6-4fdb-5d49-af46-5bacec5a2242.html

Here is a fun idea:  Rachel Ray did a segment yesterday on Good Morning America that included making homemade bbq sauce (uniquely and creatively flavored by you), putting it into jars, and then giving it as a gift along with a gift card to your local butcher shoppe. This is a great idea for hostess gifts, birthday gifts, or just to share some love to those around you with a passion for food and cooking!

Click title below to see her t.v. segment with barbeque sauce recipe:

Rachel Ray Summertime Cookout

Click here to contact us to get your gift cards: Contact Us

A little festive holiday fun making gingerbread trains at the Shoppe last weekend, along with a visit from our friends at Good Day Sacramento!  Take a look…  http://video.sacramento.cbslocal.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=5381860&at1=Entertainment&h1=Alan

The guessing game is over…. and it’s a BOY! 

Caleb Joseph Williams was born July 8th,  9 lbs 2 oz, to proud parents Jimmy and Jenny.  The family couldn’t be more excited to finally meet this bundle of joy!  

For more pictures, clic on the link below, and scroll to “Day 8: Lodi Newborn Photographer” - wonderful shots taken by Jesica Allen!  http://jesicaallen.com/blog/

This month our store was featured in the San Joaquin Lifestyles magazine.  The article is below, but I wasn’t able to paste in pictures from their website, so for the full effect, go to www.sanjoaquinlifestyles.com and click ‘Savor’, then ‘Homemade Everything’. 

Homemade Everything
By Ivan Moore

For 27 years, the family-owned deli has been serving a loyal customer base fresh fare made from local ingredients and gourmet meats.
Owners Joe and Barbara started the business in 1983, when Joe began selling his own cured and marinated meats. His specialties included homemade bratwurst, smoked salmon, and home-cured pastrami. Soon, the diminutive meat market earned a following, and gained a reputation as the premier place to pick up ready-marinated meats.

In 1998, the Fioris moved two doors down into a larger location to expand their market into a sit-down restaurant.
“The time was just right,” remembers Joe. “From the first day, we had full crowds.”
And crowds continue to flock to the Lodi Avenue location, a lunch destination known not only for its wide selection of sandwiches, but a well-rounded menu that includes fresh soups, salads, and desserts and an array of Lodi wines. In addition to a wide selection of regional and imported specialty food items, Fiori’s is proud to feature local produce and products, including locally roasted coffee and Lodi’s own Cicchetti Olive Oil. Joe still sells his homemade jerky and marinated meats, and also offers bottles of his famous seasoning blends.

“Homemade everything,” is how chef Katherine Wilson describes Fiori’s menu. When she joined Fiori’s in 2006, she introduced her own style of culinary offerings to complement the established Fiori menu. Her homemade soups, baked goods, quiches, and desserts have helped to solidify Fiori’s reputation as a delectable Lodi tradition.

Fiori’s Butcher Shoppe & Deli
400 W. Lodi Avenue, Lodi

New homemade Mini Cookies – try 1, 2, or a few!   At 50 cents each, they’re the perfect size if your craving just a little something sweet after your meal, and fun for the kids, too!  All the same yummy flavors as before – Peanut Butter, Gingersnap, Chocolate Krinkle, Soft Oatmeal Cranberry, Chocolate Chunk, Molasses, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Snickerdoodle. 50 cents each, $6.00 /dozen.

2009 was a busy year for us, with the addition of space onto the back of our building allowing for our new kitchen, as well as the new website, and now into 2010, we continue with ongoing updates and remodeling continuing even as I type!   Floor remodel pictures coming soon…be sure to check in to see the ongoing progress!