Livin’ in Liverpool

“She was a spitfire.”

That’s the way her son, Jack Root, remembers Terry Root, the longtime owner-operator of Mother’s Restaurant on First Street, who passed away Aug. 14, at age 88.

At Mother’s for 35 years, Terry specialized in Italian feasts and succulent seafood. While her cooking pleased our palates, her percolating personality touched our hearts and souls. With a smile that brightened many a dark kitchen or dining room, Terry dispensed plenty of wit and sometimes even some wisdom.

How witty was she?

Well, she boldly held her own alongside professional actor and comedian Dom DeLuise during a cooking demonstration at the NY State Fair.

How wise was she?

Well, having studied at Worcester Tech and the San Francisco Culinary Institute, she wrote and published a cookbook called “Mother’s Originals,” which she personally marketed across Central New York. She also conducted cooking classes at the restaurant for 10 years.

Catering for celebrities

Not shy about drumming up business for herself and her staff, Terry wangled her way backstage at various concert venues to cook for celebrities such as Jerry Vale, Rick Springfield, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. Musicians weren’t the only ones to dig Terry’s service. Politicians – including mayors, congressmen and senators – also appreciated her broiling and baking. And, of course, her gift for gab.

One of Mother’s faithful customers, Steve Dougherty, has fond memories of many a meal there.

“Our absolute favorite place to eat was Mother’s,” he remembered, “and not just because of the fantastic food but even more so because of ‘Mother.’ Terry came to every single table in her restaurant to check on her guests and to give the lucky few a neck massage. She was a beacon of kindness and joy.”

Former Syracuse City Councilor Susann Panek agreed.

“Sure, I remember the great meals at Mother’s,” she said. “The building was old, but the food was always top notch. Terry was spunky and spirited.”

Local poet Betsy Goudy recalls Terry with a single succinct sentence: “She was a hoot.”

Sure was!

Jazz at Sharkey’s may go virtual

The pandemic “guidelines” seem to change daily.

Now that three-day jazz, funk and blues weekend we hipped you to in last week’s column may be in jeopardy. On Aug. 20, the State Liquor Authority banned all “advertised” and “ticketed” musical performances at bars and restaurants.

Berkshire Bank had sponsored the Labor Day Weekend funky jazz bash booked by CNY Jazz Central and set for Sept. 5 through 7, at Sharkey’s Bar & Grill, 7240 Oswego Road. Tickets were selling for $22 per day, and parking would cost $5 daily. Tickets for virtual access only went for $19.95; nejazzwinefest.org; 315-479-JAZZ.

CNY Jazz Executive Director Larry Luttinger, who lives in Liverpool, quickly shifted gears with plans to present a virtual event with VIP screenings at Sharkey’s Sept. 5-7, with just a $5 cover charge; dinner must be purchased separately. Stay tuned.