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<title>Navy Mess Night, The Cowboy and The Rose Catering, Grand Junction Colorado</title></head>
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Often times I am asked by owners Zane and Mary Lou Lawson to come up with event
ideas that fill in our schedules during the slowest times. Unlike caterers
in large metro areas, a caterer in a rural area with populations under 250K
generally have some down time from January through March. While we use it
to test new items on the public at the United Way Taste of the Grand Valley fund
raiser, March of Dimes Fund Raiser, Hospice Fund Raiser, or one of the other
charities' events we support, we still starve to fill in the cash coffers and
constantly come up with ideas that may allow the perfect "down time" that being
two events per week that are large enough to make a profit. Such is the
ever searching life of the rural caterer!<p>This year we drew on my
military past to offer the formal Military Mess Night for the various branches
of the armed forces. And so I would find myself 23 years after separating
from the United States Marine Corps, once again involved in the traditions and
methods of the formal military Mess Night. We would put on the Navy Mess
Night for the Chiefs Association of the western states. I went over the
protocol books, downloaded the Navy Mess Night Manual. And pushed forward
to help Zane and Mary Lou, along with the rest of the Catering Companies
employees put on a show for the Chiefs.</p>
<p>Steeped in tradition this was one of the more fun nights I have had catering!
And they allowed me to take pictures of the event.</p>
<p>This is a Navy event, so there is a bar to offer the beverages of choice</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/chiefsbar.jpg" width="376" height="336">
</p>
<p>Protocol demand that there start with a social hour that allows guests to
meet and greet each other prior to the start of the formal ceremony.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/Chiefssocial.jpg" width="445" height="242"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/spousechief.jpg" width="147" height="244"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/squid.jpg" width="445" height="336"></p>
<p>A quick inspection by the Master Chief of the room we have prepared for the
Mess Night for approval in advance of the start of the formal ceremonies.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/headsquid.jpg" width="374" height="200"></p>
<p>These are military people, so food is a must with the drink. So we
layout the shrimp cocktail that they may eat a little before the main service of
food. The call goes out from the Chef that the appetizers are at the
ready! The Master Chief orders the appetizers to the table in the bar for
his men and women! The order is executed.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/cocktailined.jpg" width="268" height="418"></p>
<p>When serving the shrimp cocktail I remind the Sailors what they are fighting
for, the women sailors have already gazed upon Zane and I as fine specimens of
county MEN. ;-) and so I need to remind the male sailors why the ply the seas,</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/Chicks.jpg" width="445" height="336">
</p>
<p>Sexist, maybe, powerful in its message definitely!</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/shrimpcocktl.jpg" width="445" height="324"></p>
<p>The Chef locates the Master Chief and announces that dinner service is
imminent. The Master Chief has the Sergeant at Arms call all the
Chiefs to the Chiefs Mess! And the ceremony starts with the welcoming
toast! The colors and brought in and placed.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/colors.jpg" width="445" height="336"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/toast.jpg" width="445" height="207"></p>
<p>The pomp continues as the Mess Night gets into full swing.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/pomp.jpg" width="396" height="283"></p>
<p>Mr. Vice President of the mess begins the work of directing the Mess Night in
Earnest. A call is made for the parading of the beast. And so the
Chef sends out the plate to be tasted, savored and approved as fit to eat.
Being a former Marine the chef sends out a special plate!</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/jokepltr.jpg" width="307" height="298"></p>
<p>The plate is shown to all the attendees for input as to the consumptability
of the prepared plate!</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/presentation.jpg" width="267" height="172"></p>
<p>No one approves of the initial food the Former Marine Chef has prepared.
And so the Master Chief rejects the plate and orders the chef to prepare a meal
fit for his charges!</p>
<p>The Chef prepares a new beast and the ceremony moves on to the "Parading of
the Beast!"</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/beast.jpg" width="424" height="321"></p>
<p>The beast is marched around the venue and finally stops in front of Mr
President of the Mess (Master Chief) for presentation. He orders the beast
taken to Mr. Vice of the Mess for a look.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/carvebeast.jpg" width="375" height="210"></p>
<p>Mr. Vice is order to carve a taste of Mr. President's beast and bring it
forward.</p>
<p>Military persons celebrate in the quirks that make us individuals. And
so if you have attribute that is a little different. It will be noticed
and it will be used by senior personnel at some point. Today we have "THE
NOSE" in attendance and so the order is given to present the plate to "THE NOSE"
for olfactory inspection of what the Chef has prepared.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/tothenose.jpg" width="445" height="227">
</p>
<p>Upon returning from "THE NOSE" Mr. President orders Mr. Vice to taste his
meat to ensure proper seasoning of the beast was completed to feed his charges.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/tastingbst.jpg" width="445" height="251"></p>
<p>The beast is tasted and pronounced fit for consumption. So the plating
line is set up and service begins with the salad.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/salad.jpg" width="324" height="309"></p>
<p>Then a break while the line is reset for the beef to be carved, plated and
served.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/plateline.jpg" width="445" height="277"></p>
<p>Prior to service of the main course but after the salad, the part that gets
me was done. Regardless of branch of service there are those that offered
and paid the ultimate price to their country. So that each and every USA
citizen (and many citizens of other countries that depend on their alliance with
the USA for strong borders) may go to sleep at night knowing they will wake to
the same government in the morning, with the same freedoms and rights they had
the evening before. Knowing that their children will have opportunity to
carve out a better life pursuing what interests them. Freedom is not free
folks! And this next set of pictures is dedicated at every single formal
dinner to those who know that best, those soldiers killed in action, missing in
action or POWs.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/missingsailor.jpg" width="294" height="426"></p>
<p>The ceremony comes with an explanation of the table and what is represents.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/POWmissing.jpg" width="289" height="100"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/candle.jpg" width="336" height="323"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/missingservice.jpg" width="336" height="341"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/powsailor.jpg" width="306" height="336"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/saltlemon.jpg" width="328" height="264"></p>
<p>“The small table at the front of the mess has been placed there to honor our<br>
POW/MIAs. The items on the table represent various aspects of the courageous men
and<br>
women still missing.”</p>
<p>“The table is smaller than the others symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner
alone<br>
against their oppressors.”</p>
<p>“The white tablecloth represents the purity of their response to our
country’s call<br>
to arms,”<br>
</p>
<p>“The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier,
Sailor,<br>
Marine, Coast Guardsman, or Airman, but all who are not here with us.”<br>
</p>
<p>“The table is round to show that our concern for them is never ending.”</p>
<p>“The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country,<br>
founded as one nation under God.”</p>
<p>“The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the
hearts<br>
of their families and friends.”<br>
</p>
<p>“The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones; and the red<br>
ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the
nation’s call.”<br>
</p>
<p>“The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a<br>
joyous reunion with those yet unaccounted for.”<br>
</p>
<p>“The slices of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of their bitter fate.”<br>
</p>
<p>“The salt upon the bread plate represents the tears of their families.”<br>
</p>
<p>"The wine glass turned upside down reminds us that our distinguished comrades<br>
cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities this evening."</p>
<p>'Til we talk again.... remember you wake in the morning and take for granted
what others in countries around the world wish they had, you know tomorrow will
have laws and order to society, you wake able to pursue you dreams, you wake
with opportunity, you wake without the thought of bombs going off, without the
thought of your government killing you and your family because you are of the
wrong faith, or ethnic background. You will sleep this evening without a
thought of a foreign invader forcing you and your family to prison in the
morning! You will sleep tonight knowing your children we have opportunity
at education, to pursue their dreams, to challenge themselves the next morning.
You take it for given that this will exist when you lay to sleep. You know
that no matter which way the politics sway, no one is going to take up arms if
the election does not go the way of their wishes.</p>
<p>And you can do all of that because of the present men and women, and the many
before them called veterans, that are willing to shed their blood to ensure
generations to come will be afforded the same opportunity. Honor them by
living the free life they offered theirs for you to pursue!</p>
<p>Chef Bob Ballantyne<br>
The Cowboy and The Rose Catering<br>
Grand Junction, Colorado, USA</p>
</body>
</html>
<title>Navy Mess Night, The Cowboy and The Rose Catering, Grand Junction Colorado</title></head>
<body>
Often times I am asked by owners Zane and Mary Lou Lawson to come up with event
ideas that fill in our schedules during the slowest times. Unlike caterers
in large metro areas, a caterer in a rural area with populations under 250K
generally have some down time from January through March. While we use it
to test new items on the public at the United Way Taste of the Grand Valley fund
raiser, March of Dimes Fund Raiser, Hospice Fund Raiser, or one of the other
charities' events we support, we still starve to fill in the cash coffers and
constantly come up with ideas that may allow the perfect "down time" that being
two events per week that are large enough to make a profit. Such is the
ever searching life of the rural caterer!<p>This year we drew on my
military past to offer the formal Military Mess Night for the various branches
of the armed forces. And so I would find myself 23 years after separating
from the United States Marine Corps, once again involved in the traditions and
methods of the formal military Mess Night. We would put on the Navy Mess
Night for the Chiefs Association of the western states. I went over the
protocol books, downloaded the Navy Mess Night Manual. And pushed forward
to help Zane and Mary Lou, along with the rest of the Catering Companies
employees put on a show for the Chiefs.</p>
<p>Steeped in tradition this was one of the more fun nights I have had catering!
And they allowed me to take pictures of the event.</p>
<p>This is a Navy event, so there is a bar to offer the beverages of choice</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/chiefsbar.jpg" width="376" height="336">
</p>
<p>Protocol demand that there start with a social hour that allows guests to
meet and greet each other prior to the start of the formal ceremony.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/Chiefssocial.jpg" width="445" height="242"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/spousechief.jpg" width="147" height="244"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/squid.jpg" width="445" height="336"></p>
<p>A quick inspection by the Master Chief of the room we have prepared for the
Mess Night for approval in advance of the start of the formal ceremonies.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/headsquid.jpg" width="374" height="200"></p>
<p>These are military people, so food is a must with the drink. So we
layout the shrimp cocktail that they may eat a little before the main service of
food. The call goes out from the Chef that the appetizers are at the
ready! The Master Chief orders the appetizers to the table in the bar for
his men and women! The order is executed.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/cocktailined.jpg" width="268" height="418"></p>
<p>When serving the shrimp cocktail I remind the Sailors what they are fighting
for, the women sailors have already gazed upon Zane and I as fine specimens of
county MEN. ;-) and so I need to remind the male sailors why the ply the seas,</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/Chicks.jpg" width="445" height="336">
</p>
<p>Sexist, maybe, powerful in its message definitely!</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/shrimpcocktl.jpg" width="445" height="324"></p>
<p>The Chef locates the Master Chief and announces that dinner service is
imminent. The Master Chief has the Sergeant at Arms call all the
Chiefs to the Chiefs Mess! And the ceremony starts with the welcoming
toast! The colors and brought in and placed.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/colors.jpg" width="445" height="336"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/toast.jpg" width="445" height="207"></p>
<p>The pomp continues as the Mess Night gets into full swing.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/pomp.jpg" width="396" height="283"></p>
<p>Mr. Vice President of the mess begins the work of directing the Mess Night in
Earnest. A call is made for the parading of the beast. And so the
Chef sends out the plate to be tasted, savored and approved as fit to eat.
Being a former Marine the chef sends out a special plate!</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/jokepltr.jpg" width="307" height="298"></p>
<p>The plate is shown to all the attendees for input as to the consumptability
of the prepared plate!</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/presentation.jpg" width="267" height="172"></p>
<p>No one approves of the initial food the Former Marine Chef has prepared.
And so the Master Chief rejects the plate and orders the chef to prepare a meal
fit for his charges!</p>
<p>The Chef prepares a new beast and the ceremony moves on to the "Parading of
the Beast!"</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/beast.jpg" width="424" height="321"></p>
<p>The beast is marched around the venue and finally stops in front of Mr
President of the Mess (Master Chief) for presentation. He orders the beast
taken to Mr. Vice of the Mess for a look.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/carvebeast.jpg" width="375" height="210"></p>
<p>Mr. Vice is order to carve a taste of Mr. President's beast and bring it
forward.</p>
<p>Military persons celebrate in the quirks that make us individuals. And
so if you have attribute that is a little different. It will be noticed
and it will be used by senior personnel at some point. Today we have "THE
NOSE" in attendance and so the order is given to present the plate to "THE NOSE"
for olfactory inspection of what the Chef has prepared.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/tothenose.jpg" width="445" height="227">
</p>
<p>Upon returning from "THE NOSE" Mr. President orders Mr. Vice to taste his
meat to ensure proper seasoning of the beast was completed to feed his charges.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/tastingbst.jpg" width="445" height="251"></p>
<p>The beast is tasted and pronounced fit for consumption. So the plating
line is set up and service begins with the salad.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/salad.jpg" width="324" height="309"></p>
<p>Then a break while the line is reset for the beef to be carved, plated and
served.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/plateline.jpg" width="445" height="277"></p>
<p>Prior to service of the main course but after the salad, the part that gets
me was done. Regardless of branch of service there are those that offered
and paid the ultimate price to their country. So that each and every USA
citizen (and many citizens of other countries that depend on their alliance with
the USA for strong borders) may go to sleep at night knowing they will wake to
the same government in the morning, with the same freedoms and rights they had
the evening before. Knowing that their children will have opportunity to
carve out a better life pursuing what interests them. Freedom is not free
folks! And this next set of pictures is dedicated at every single formal
dinner to those who know that best, those soldiers killed in action, missing in
action or POWs.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/missingsailor.jpg" width="294" height="426"></p>
<p>The ceremony comes with an explanation of the table and what is represents.</p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/POWmissing.jpg" width="289" height="100"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/candle.jpg" width="336" height="323"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/missingservice.jpg" width="336" height="341"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/powsailor.jpg" width="306" height="336"></p>
<p>
<img border="0" src="http://www.prochefblog.com/public_pics/navydin/saltlemon.jpg" width="328" height="264"></p>
<p>“The small table at the front of the mess has been placed there to honor our<br>
POW/MIAs. The items on the table represent various aspects of the courageous men
and<br>
women still missing.”</p>
<p>“The table is smaller than the others symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner
alone<br>
against their oppressors.”</p>
<p>“The white tablecloth represents the purity of their response to our
country’s call<br>
to arms,”<br>
</p>
<p>“The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier,
Sailor,<br>
Marine, Coast Guardsman, or Airman, but all who are not here with us.”<br>
</p>
<p>“The table is round to show that our concern for them is never ending.”</p>
<p>“The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country,<br>
founded as one nation under God.”</p>
<p>“The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the
hearts<br>
of their families and friends.”<br>
</p>
<p>“The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones; and the red<br>
ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the
nation’s call.”<br>
</p>
<p>“The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a<br>
joyous reunion with those yet unaccounted for.”<br>
</p>
<p>“The slices of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of their bitter fate.”<br>
</p>
<p>“The salt upon the bread plate represents the tears of their families.”<br>
</p>
<p>"The wine glass turned upside down reminds us that our distinguished comrades<br>
cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities this evening."</p>
<p>'Til we talk again.... remember you wake in the morning and take for granted
what others in countries around the world wish they had, you know tomorrow will
have laws and order to society, you wake able to pursue you dreams, you wake
with opportunity, you wake without the thought of bombs going off, without the
thought of your government killing you and your family because you are of the
wrong faith, or ethnic background. You will sleep this evening without a
thought of a foreign invader forcing you and your family to prison in the
morning! You will sleep tonight knowing your children we have opportunity
at education, to pursue their dreams, to challenge themselves the next morning.
You take it for given that this will exist when you lay to sleep. You know
that no matter which way the politics sway, no one is going to take up arms if
the election does not go the way of their wishes.</p>
<p>And you can do all of that because of the present men and women, and the many
before them called veterans, that are willing to shed their blood to ensure
generations to come will be afforded the same opportunity. Honor them by
living the free life they offered theirs for you to pursue!</p>
<p>Chef Bob Ballantyne<br>
The Cowboy and The Rose Catering<br>
Grand Junction, Colorado, USA</p>
</body>
</html>
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