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was released. e beautifully photographed book, intended for cooks at every skill level, is a true love letter to Southern culture and to Stewart's own family and folkways. e book contains recipes for every item Stewart sold in her cafe and via mail so that, as she wrote, "our traditions will continue from your oven instead of mine." Visiting Macon ough she doesn't have any family left in Middle Georgia, Stewart still pops up here occasionally. In 2016, the Macon Arts Alliance brought her to do a demonstration on charcuterie board creation, and the Federated Garden Clubs of Macon Inc. has had her as a guest speaker at one of their luncheons. Scott Mitchell, owner of downtown boutique Travis Jean Emporium, loves inviting her for cookbook signings and other in-store events. "Vera's passion for cooking is only surpassed by her infectious smile," Mitchell says. "She's always 100 percent energy and 100 percent fun, and she's a real crowd-pleaser." e life-upending pandemic of 2020 meant a rough year for all of us, but the food-service industry was hit especially hard. Stewart missed catering gigs due to cancellations (the Masters announcement hurt the worst) and her cooking class franchises chose to close, so naturally she's happy to leave that year in the rear-view. But she doesn't dwell on the loss, saying, "is too shall pass." Remember, she learned from her mother early on that when something breaks, you pick up the pieces and keep moving forward. Sharing her joy What's next for the VeryVera brand? Stewart is excited to consider writing a second cookbook, something she didn't think she would do until recently when the project manager of her first book reached out with an idea. Stewart has learned to listen to the wisdom of the talent she surrounds herself with. She'll also continue "e VeryVera Show" and the cooking camp, and she's excited to spend time with her grandkids, who she credits as her inspiration for staying strong and spry. Reminiscing about her past reminds Stewart of the importance and permanence of memories, so she delights in passing down her passions to her grandchildren: they cook together, set the table, have tea parties – laying the foundation for a new generation to carry forward these simple, elegant traditions. "If you look at my brand as a whole – from catering to cookbook to working with children to etiquette and manners – it all goes together, and it all traces back to that homeroom teacher who suggested I might do well as a Home Ec major," Stewart says. "I love staying passionate and engaged because of the opportunities I've had, and the ones I still continue to reach out for. I always tell the young people I work with, if you don't stay on your A game, when the opportunity presents itself, you won't be ready. Your goal should always be: is is going to be the best year of my life, even if you don't know exactly how or why yet." RIVERSIDE DRIVE STORE 3720 Riverside Dr., Macon FORSYTH ROAD STORE 4433 Forsyth Rd., Macon HIGHWAY 96 STORE 5220 GA 96, Jeffersonville BOLINGBROKE STORE 5969 US 41, Bolingbroke OCMULGEE EAST STORE 4900 Ocmulgee East Blvd., Macon HIGHWAY 49 STORE 717 GA 49 N, Macon DRIVEN BY PRODUCTIVITY, FUELED BY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SINCE 1952 Serving Central Georgia with six locally-owned retail locations focused on the highest standards of cleanliness, service, and efficiency APRIL/MAY 2021 | maconmagazine.com 47