French Toast

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Serving the community through food is a passion of mine. Breaking bread with each of you brings me so much joy. In addition to serving meals, I am always looking for ways to improve. Each week, there’s a slight change in our restaurant—something new, something better. I don’t always announce these changes, but when I stumbled upon the perfect Brioche bread,  I knew that I had found a keeper.
While I face the unique challenge of not always being able to taste the food myself because of allergies, I rely on my other senses and the valuable opinions of my team and community. The way the food looks and smells, and even how a fork and knife move through it, all play a role in my decision-making. That’s why finding the perfect Brioche bread for our French toast was such a big deal.
Many of you know that our French toast comes from France, where the ingredients are clean and of high quality. When I recently changed food service companies, I discovered they didn’t carry the beloved Brioche that people have traveled miles for, eager to enjoy its delicate crumb, its perfect tooth, and its subtle balance of sweetness. The food service company generously provided several samples, but none measured up to the original. The obvious solution? Call France and see if I could buy directly from them.
Making my first international call was a new experience. I quickly realized that the person on the other end didn’t speak English, which made communication difficult. Determined to find a way, I reached out for help. I called the new food service company to see if anyone in their office spoke French, but I had no luck. I reached out to friends and even put out a plea on Facebook.
Then, I thought outside the box. Using Google Translate, I practiced my pronunciation and made a second call. This time, the woman on the phone connected me to a bilingual representative who helped bridge the language gap. I realized that I could not buy directly from them because I was too small, so I had to rely on a larger food distributor to create a relationship. Through this connection, I got in touch with a local representative in the U.S. and passed along the information to our new food supplier.
You must remember—The Goochland Restaurant is a small, 40-seat diner. Yet, this food service company took a chance on us and built a relationship with the bakery in France. Thanks to perseverance, teamwork, and a little creativity, we were able to keep the high-quality Brioche that makes our French toast so unique.
Today, I had the pleasure of meeting the French bakery’s United States representative! I couldn’t believe she came all the way down from New York and took the time to stop in for a visit. We had such a wonderful time chatting, and it was especially fun to serve her The Goochland Restaurant’s famous French toast. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me!

Get your coffee, at River Road Cottage!

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Some places feel like home—where every item has a story, every corner is filled with heart, and every person you meet is passionate about what they do. River Road Cottage is one of those places.
I have so much love, respect, and admiration for the incredible owners who have poured their hearts into creating a space that brings people together. Their kindness, their vision, and their unwavering support of local makers make River Road Cottage so much more than a boutique—it’s a community.
And the vendors? They are some of the most talented, hardworking, and inspiring people I’ve ever met. The dedication and passion they put into their craft are echoed and reflected in every single piece you’ll find there. It’s an honor to know them, to support them, and to be part of something so special.
I am also incredibly grateful that River Road Cottage now carries The Goochland Restaurant’s Medium Roast coffee. To have our coffee in a place filled with so much heart means more than words can say. It’s not just about the coffee—it’s about connection, community, and sharing something made with love.
If you haven’t been to River Road Cottage yet, take the time to visit. Walk through, soak in the beauty, and appreciate the love poured into everything—carefully chosen, beautifully created, and thoughtfully crafted by passionate hands. I am endlessly grateful to be surrounded, inspired, and empowered by such an amazing group of people. 

❤️

Now you can order your take-out food on our website!

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Christine is always working to push the needle 1%. In that effort, we have now added online ordering to our website. While the system is live we are still actively adding items and customizing them for this platform. If you don’t see your favorite or want to customize something, give us a call!

Order Online Now!

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Goochland Restaurant Coffee

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Exciting News from Goochland Restaurant: Our Signature Coffee Is Now Available for Purchase!

At Goochland Restaurant, we’ve always believed that great meals deserve great coffee. That’s why we’ve partnered with the same trusted local roaster to bring you our signature coffee — now available for purchase in whole bean or ground form!

Freshly Roasted, Better Flavor

Our dedication to serving the freshest coffee doesn’t stop at your table. We’re now grinding all of our coffee fresh on-site for every cup we serve, ensuring maximum flavor and aroma in every sip.

And now, you can experience that same incredible taste at home! Whether you prefer whole-bean coffee to grind fresh yourself or ground coffee for convenience, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose Goochland Restaurant Coffee?

  • Locally Roasted: Supporting our community while ensuring top-tier quality.
  • Freshly Ground on Site: Enjoy the same rich, full-bodied flavor we serve in our restaurant.
  • Available Your Way: Take home whole bean or ground coffee to brew your perfect cup.

Stop by Goochland Restaurant today to pick up a bag and bring the taste of your favorite local spot home. You can also learn more about our restaurant and offerings at goochlandrestaurant.com.

Start your day with the same great coffee you enjoy when dining with us — now available to take home. See you soon!

Goochland restaurant coffee logo featuring a coffee mug, coffee beans in a bag and a to go coffee cup

Daily Encouragement for 9-14-24

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I want you to review your calendar for the rest of the month. As you see the obligations that are ready and waiting for you, I want you to ask yourself when is the best time to accomplish new or demanding tasks. It would help to learn this about yourself to create a health and wellness routine. Health and wellness esteem routines will give you the courage to step out of your comfort zone and tackle the hard things that life brings your way. Make sure you show up for yourself today. You are worth the effort. Use your tracker so you can see your progress.

  1. Did you start your day with clean water?
  2. Did you log any activities that negatively impacted your success toward your goal yesterday? Observe them and ask yourself the hard questions. Were you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired when you choose an action that would negatively impact your success? Learn to H.A.U.L.T. and choose the right action to help you achieve your goals.  
  3. Were there any emotionally draining activities that occurred
  4. Did you eat enough yesterday?
  5. How did you sleep last night?
  6. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  7. Choose to cut down on your sugar.
  8. Choose to move for at least 10 minutes today purposefully.
  9. Meditation

Keep up the hard work. You only have one opportunity for today.

Remember, your happiness is your responsibility.

Daily Encouragement for 9-13-24

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13—You have been creating your routine for the last 12 days. You are finding a rhythm and doing hard things daily, hourly, and sometimes minute-by-minute. Today, could you show up for each moment? Choose to be completely present. If you find yourself doom scrolling or watching mindless T.V., today is the day to introduce meditation. The power of meditation is immeasurable. Here is an article that you will find helpful.

https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/10-health-benefits-of-meditation-and-how-to-focus-on-mindfulness-and-compassion/2022/12

  1. Did you start your day with clean water?
  2. Did you log any activities that negatively impacted your success toward your goal yesterday? Observe them and ask yourself the hard questions. Were you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired when you chose an action that would negatively impact your success? Learn to H.A.U.L.T. and choose the right action to help you achieve your goals.  
  3. Were there any emotionally draining activities that occurred
  4. Did you eat enough yesterday?
  5. How did you sleep last night?
  6. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  7. Choose to cut down on your sugar.
  8. Choose to move for at least 10 minutes today purposefully.
  9. Meditation

Keep up the hard work. You only have one opportunity for today.

Remember, your happiness is your responsibility.

Daily Encouragement for 9-12-24

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You need growth days in your life. These growth days will look different in different seasons, which is why it’s so important to keep a tracker. We often forget how hard we are working while we are growing. Growing hurts. It’s not easy, but reaching a different level is satisfying. Keep your eye on the one goal that you made 12 days ago. Remember to log your successes and your struggles. You are worth the time and effort to make a change.

  1. Did you start your day with clean water?
  2. Did you log any activities that negatively impacted your success toward your goal yesterday? Observe them and ask yourself the hard questions. Were you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired when you chose an action that would negatively impact your success? Learn to H.A.U.L.T. and choose the right action to help you achieve your goals.  
  3. Were there any emotionally draining activities that occurred
  4. Did you eat enough yesterday?
  5. How did you sleep last night?
  6. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  7. Choose to cut down on your sugar.
  8. Choose to move for at least 10 minutes today purposefully.

Keep up the hard work. You only have one opportunity for today.

Remember, your happiness is your responsibility.

Daily Encouragement for 9-11-24

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What is the story that you are telling yourself each day? Your voice is the loudest in your precious life. You have been keeping a daily log. Continue to review your tracker, and remember to track your success moments and the moments that may derail you from reaching your goal.

  1. Did you start your day with clean water?
  2. Did you log any activities that negatively impacted your success toward your goal yesterday? Observe them and ask yourself the hard questions. Were you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired when you chose an action that would negatively impact your success? Learn to H.A.U.L.T. and choose the right action to help you achieve your goals.  
  3. Were there any emotionally draining activities that occurred
  4. Did you eat enough yesterday?
  5. How did you sleep last night?
  6. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  7. Choose to cut down on your sugar.
  8. Choose to move for at least 10 minutes today purposefully.

You will notice that I suggested moving five extra purposeful minutes today. I recommend getting a heart rate tracker if you do not have one. I am happy to share what I use if you want suggestions. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like suggestions. Keep up the hard work. You only have one opportunity for today.

Remember, your happiness is your responsibility.

Daily Encouragement for 9-10-24

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You all have been at this for ten days. That takes dedication and persistence. Can you share one success you have experienced in the last ten days? Each of us has the same 24 hours a day, and it’s your choice to use those 24 hours. Review the habits you have been stacking and score yourself mentally 1- 5. 1 is none of the time, and 5 is consciously and consistently daily.

  1. Did you kick-start your day with a glass of clean water? This simple act can set a healthy tone for the rest of your day.
  2. Did you log any activities that negatively impacted your success toward your goal yesterday? Observe them and ask yourself the hard questions. Were you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired when you chose an action that would negatively impact your success? Learn to H.A.U.L.T. and choose the right action to help you achieve your goals.  
  3. Were there any emotionally draining activities that took place? Reflecting on these can help you manage stress and maintain a positive mindset.
  4. Did you eat enough yesterday?
  5. How did you sleep last night?
  6. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  7. Choose to cut down on your sugar.
  8. Choose to move for at least 5 minutes today, purposefully.

Keep up the hard work. You only have one opportunity for today.

Remember, your happiness is your responsibility.

Daily Encouragement for 9-9-24

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I am so excited to share life with each of you. It is a blessing to be in the trenches or on the mountaintop with you. I want to hear about your successes and challenges. Remember, you have to fail to succeed. Let’s do an overview of the habits that you have been stacking.

  1. Did you start your day with clean water?
  2. Did you log any activities that negatively impacted your success toward your goal yesterday? Observe them and ask yourself the hard questions. Were you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired when you choose an action that would negatively impact your success? Learn to H.A.U.L.T. and choose the right action to help you achieve your goals.  
  3. Were there any emotionally draining activities that occurred
  4. Did you eat enough yesterday?
  5. How did you sleep last night?
  6. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  7. Choose to cut down on your sugar.
  8. Choose to move for at least 5 minutes today, purposefully.

Did you know that the last three days of your life will impact how you feel today? Please keep a tracker with you so you can easily collect data, look back, and see how successful you are. When life gets in the way, focus on the eight habits you have been stacking. It’s not about perfection but persistence. Dont give up. You are only stuck if you stop.

Keep up the hard work. You only have one opportunity for today.

Remember, your happiness is your responsibility.