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Jackson Limousines
Gourmet on the go
Limo driver, Vincent's make it an evening worth remembering
By Barbara Yost
barbara.yost@arizonarepublic.com
Gary Jackson makes women cry. Jackson is no cad, no bill collector. His Cuisine Limousine is a vehicle for romance that brings tears of joy to those who find themselves overlooking the lights of the city while enjoying fine dining with their sweetie - a sweetie who believes money is no object.
Jackson's plan is simple: He picks up guests in his stretch limo and drops them at Vincent Guerithault on Camelback, an upscale east Phoenix restaurant. While the guests relax in the lounge, Vincent's elves load up Jackson's portable oven with selections from their menu. A nice rack of lamb, perhaps or lobster. Or beef tenderloin
" We customize the menu," Vincent's general manager Jodi Bourdo says.
"I think it's really a neat idea. It's romantic, it's something different than dining in a restaurant. It's a wonderful service." Once the food is onboard, Jackson whisks the couple up to lookout point on Camelback Mountain, where he sets a table for two in the limo's back seat while the guests take a stroll. It's when he throws open the door and the women see that elegant table - flowers, candles, champagne - that tears begin to flow.
"That's what I shoot for, that response", says Jackson, who calls it the "Oh, my God" moment.
Jackson gave up a basketball career to make such magic moments. He came to the Valley from New York City in 1972 to play basketball for Arizona State University. After graduating in 1976, he was invited to try out for the Phoenix Suns but didn't make the team. He played pro ball in Europe for a few years, then returned to New York. His mother encouraged him to go to the west again.
After a stint as a skycap at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Jackson bought a limousine and became a full time driver, counting such dignitaries as Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan and movie stars among his passengers.
One evening, while cooling his heels for three hours in Vincent's parking lot as clients dined inside, he had the notion to provide his own meals on wheels. Cuisine Limousine was born
"It offers people an opportunity to do something unique and memorable," says Jackson, a food lover diligently watches the Food Network with his two young children and wife, Lonnie.
After offering his movable feast occasionally for several years, he says he is now going "full blast." The price tag sounds high: $595 for more than a four hour evening, including dinner and a late night cruise on the gondolas at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale resort at Gainey Ranch.
But Jackson points out that limo service alone can costs hundreds of dollars and dinner alone for two from Tony Vincent's doesn't come cheaply. Cuisine Limousine operates from October to mid-May. Some summertime experiences are permitted if weather permits. If it's too hot Camelback would wilt the most passionate dinner.
Did we say passion? Yes, Jackson suspects hanky panky has taken pace in the back of his limo. And yes there is a privacy partition.
Jackson says the look on clients' faces when they first spot their backseat
banquet is the greatest reward.
"That makes it all worthwhile," he says.