What's Andrew eating Volume 1 Episode 6

Canada Day

Fireworks exploded overhead and a chorus of ooo’s and ahhh’s was sung out by the eager crowd. The multi coloured lights and sparkles danced across the night sky and the silhouette shimmered across the water of the harbour. Kids ran up and down the beach with sparklers in hand carving out crimson and ochre letters into the darkness, their happy screams in harmony with some of the rockets. In the flashes of light you could see trails of smoke floating and weaving in and around the crowd. The scent of spent gunpowder was strong but the dying charcoal embers kept the fragrant memory of the evenings savory meals that were served to anxious mouths. Malcolm could still taste the Piments d'Esplette rubbed pan seared Chilean Sea Bass (sustainable!) with Iranian Saffron infused Jasmine rice and oven roasted heirloom cherry tomatoes. 

Sarah shifted closer to Malcolm as they sat on the old blue and red checkered wool blanket. She leaned in and started to whisper something in French when an explosive boom shattered the silence and made her scream impulsively. Malcolm yelled and jumped up nearly banged heads as he did. They both laughed as he massaged his ringing ear and fell onto his back. Sarah fell over top of him, her hair falling over his face. They stayed that way for only a minute but it was timeless.

It was Andrew sitting down beside them and the hiss of carbon escaping from the tin of coke that brought them back. “Ah, Malcolm, you are under there, brilliant. So did I ever tell you about the time I took the train down to Toronto when I was 10?”

Malcolm and Sarah sat up together and turned towards Andrew. “What do you mean, like a class trip or something” asked Sarah. “No, by myself” declared Andrew straightening up in a gesture of pride and pretended to straight a pretend tie. “My parents had no idea; it was a school day that I just didn’t go to school on. I told them I had band practice after school, you know, just in case I didn’t make it back in time. It was near the end of the year so the teachers didn’t ask and my parents fortunately never thought to question about a band practice.

“What did you do all day? Asked Malcolm. 

“I actually went to the Science Center, it was amazing. I practically ran through the entire place picking up anything that would move. It was amazing, best day ever! They had a Chinese exhibit going on and there was a huge singing bowl in the main gallery. It was filled with water and I actually got it to work so well that the water was rippling and dancing from the vibration. There was water spraying all over the floor and I guess I got a bit carried away laughing…that was when the security guard started walking towards me so I bailed and ran into the next hall.”
“I love it!” proclaimed Sarah, “I could never do something like that.” I spent most of my weekends wasting time on the phone.”

“Talking about boys no doubt” laughed Andrew.

 “Or complaining about them.” came a voice from behind them.

Malcolm turned to find his friend Scott standing beside them and lifted his hand up exposing his palm. Scott replied with a smack as he sat down cross legged as a new burst of colour filled the sky. Mozart was being played and was synced to add harmony to the visual display. It was a little American but no one seemed to mind. It was a sign that the end was coming to an end.

“I love this place” said Scott but I think my home is somewhere else.” It was a bit of a shock to hear but they all understood what he meant and no words were needed, friends and family together on a warm summer night, what could be more perfect than that.

“You know, I think that was around the same time I went to T.O. for some Kiss tickets” said Malcolm. “My sister started out with me on the Go train early in the morning but she got sick and asked if I’d be okay to go?” Obviously I said yes, and made my way to Sam the Record Man but after waiting in line for about an hour some guy came out and said they were out of tickets. But that the Eaton’s Center had a bunch. I ran down Younge Street as fast as I could and up the escalators to the sixth floor. I remember there being this huge line up all the way around the wall but Graham and Jamie were standing by a table holding tickets they already bought. I have to admit being a little naive about the concept of how line ups worked. I asked them were to buy the tickets and they laughed and pointed to the ticket counter. I just walked up going through the end of the line and stood looking at the board, someone asked how many tickets I wanted and that was it. I walked away in less than 10 min. The look of shock on their faces was priceless. Of course it wasn’t until days later I realized exactly what I did.”

 Andre choked on his drink and began coughing. “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me,” he laughed.

“We’re a good pair buddy, couple of real boy scouts. Remind me to tell you about the baseball tournament I was in last year.”

The music was getting louder and the fireworks more intense, boom, phhsssst, crack, bang. One after the other exploding over the water and in a heartbeat everything was black and quiet. Then spontaneous applause and the usual rush of excitement as everyone got up and headed for their cars or started walking home.

“Assuming you’re not sick of my cooking what would you say to coming over this weekend to try something new I’m working on? Asked Andrew. “You’re invited too Scot if you like?” I have a bunch of people from my cooking class coming over and we’re going to do a massive spread with all of our recipes.”

What's Andrew eating Volume 1 episode 5

Last day of School

     Malcolm was late, really late. He was still pulling clothes out of his dresser and holding them up at arm’s length in front of himself. “This is stupid!” he sighed and pulled out an old Cure T shirt that once belonged to his older brother James. He was pulling it over his head as he ran down the stairs, out the back door and jumped on his bike. He was already half way to school when he realized he forgot his lunch on the counter. It was right beside the cold toast he never ate for breakfast. “Just great” he muttered but kept going all the same.  The day went pretty much the same way through to final class.

Mr. Oldman was already up at the board writing out the problems to review for the next year. He wanted to prepare us for the future he said, emphasising the word as he explained to his best friend Rob a couple days later. Mr. Oldman barely noticed which was fine by Malcolm and kept right on going.

 Second period started with the realization he grabbed the wrong books and had to make his way through half of the school to his locker and back. He was sweating and panting as he ran into the room and tripped over Sarah Johnson and barely missing two other girls as the books left his hands and flew across the room.

“So glad you could join us.” remarked Mrs. Mahoney.

“You can just leave the books at the door!” snorted Gary Robinson that got everyone laughing. Malcolm was hard to embarrass normally but he red faced now. Not because of what just happened but because he was now pretty much on top of Sarah. He was mesmerized by the tight fitting outfit she was wearing and couldn’t take his eyes off her.  He had never seen her this way before and never thought of her in any other way other than a friend.  Sarah and Malcolm had been friends since grade 3 and lived a few doors down from each other.  Sarah had noticed Malcolm however and from the way Malcolm was now looking at her she knew he had finally noticed her too. It took Gary to break the silence with a protracted cough to get things moving again.

 The jocks were all busy organizing the football gear with the coach taking inventory in gym, so he just tried reading a book on the bleachers but thoughts of Sarah kept creeping in between the lines. He eventually gave up on the book and closed his eyes. He ended up sleeping right through the lunch hour and had a noticeable burn on his face as he made his way back into the school. It took nearly 5 minutes for his eyes to adjust to the din of the hallway but the air conditioned coolness felt well.

The rest of the day was a blur but mercifully short thanks in no small part to Mr. Able the shop teacher. “Off you go lads, your free, enjoy the summer!”  Malcolm had no reason to go back through the school; he could have just walked out the back door of the shop. It was a beautiful day after all but an urge to see if Sarah was still around gnawed at him. Her locker was on the other side of the school and the last bell sounded as he was still walking. In a heartbeat there was a swarm of people spilling out of every door in front and behind him. He almost felt like he was in a strong river current heading downstream. Sarah’s locker was empty and the door hung wide open. A foreign sense of loss shrouded the walk home. William was of course waiting of him by the first set of doors closest to the road. “Let’s take a walk boy” whispered Malcolm. They set off down Rebecca and away towards the lake, unknowing that Sarah was would be waiting another 5 minutes at Malcolm’s closed locker that still had the pad lock in place. She knew the combination and thought it would be okay to check considering it was the last day of school. The locker was empty with the exception of a couple pencils and a questionably healthy water bottle. She grabbed her pack and raced down the stairs to where she knew Bill would be waiting but knew instantly she was too late.

It would have been easy to just give up and head home but the heart isn’t that easy to give up on. Sarah let fate carry her on the path and she headed off down Rebecca in the same direction as Malcolm was travelling but with a 15 minute head start.

Sarah reached the park and scanned over the soccer playing kids, the families at the pole mounted barbeques, and finally far across the field to someone playing Frisbee with a black dog.  A broad smile lit up her face and she crossed the park as fast as she could but as she got closer she could see him disappear around the far corner of the fence by the lake and open the gate. She hesitated for a second breaking her stride but kept going.

She stood at the archway to the opening of the yard and peered in. It was beautiful; a small tiered garden rose up from the grass and was already full of some of the earlier plants and many herbs. A grey plume of smoke circled the yard like smoke rings but had a mesquite aroma.

It was Andrew that noticed Sarah first. “Hello, come in,” he said in such a warm inviting tone that she could not resist.

“Do you know Malcolm?” questioned Andrew. William bounded up to her and lifted her hand up so it was on top of his head. 

“Sarah?  Hey, uh, what are you, how are you here? Do you know Andrew?” asked Malcolm.

Andrew laughed, “No Malcolm she doesn’t but I would love to get to know her” and he reached out a hand to her and guided her towards the patio. Are you hungry?” He questioned. “I’ve overdone it as usual and there is a ton to eat! Please come in and sit and you can explain to Malcolm why/ how you’re here because from where I’m sitting it is pretty obvious.”

Andrew served a Grilled New Mexico pepper rubbed veal rack chops with grilled fingerling potatoes and grape tomatoes which was amazing.

                                                                

The sun was setting by the time dishes were done and it was time to say goodnight.  

What's Andrew eating Volume 1 episode 4

Father’s Day

      Edwin MacTavish arrived early in his twenties from Aberdeen Scotland. The promise of a new life, a new family and warm dry summers was all it took for him to pack up his few meager belongings and set sail. In those days the only real option was to travel the span of the Atlantic by ship. Edwin loved being “on” the water and spent as much time as he could at the railing watching the flotsam and jetsam. The thought of falling in on the other hand terrified him beyond imagination. On the evening of the second night aboard the sun had washed the western sky in a pallet of crimsons and golden hues of yellow. It was magnificent and Edwin believed it was a promise of how his new life was going to be.  As Howard stood on the deck that 14^th day in June the fathers around him were being hugged and kissed by their families in celebration of Father’s day. Howard of course paid little more than curious attention as he was only a young man himself and not even close to a relationship. That was when Rebecca Kelly raced by carrying a large bag and wooden tripod over her shoulder that just narrowly missed Edwin’s right ear. It was so close he could feel the swishing sound it made, it sounded like a whisper and that whisper sounded like follow me.  He did, right to the bow and watched as Rebecca set up the tripod and then began to assemble a number of parts together and finally place a camera on top. Edwin had only seen a camera once before and never so close.  He was mesmerized by it but more to the point was taken by the beautiful girl that was doing the assembling. Every time she bent over her long red wavy hair would fall and cover her face and every time she stood up she would push it back over her shoulder. She had a milky white complexion that captivated him. It took what seemed forever for Edwin to build up the courage to speak to Rebecca but she was patient. Rebecca it seems had noticed Edwin hours before standing along the railing watching the waves. The camera equipment actually belonged to a friend of the family she was travelling with. She was only too happy to let Rebecca borrow it believing that she was actually interested in taking pictures and learning the fledgling art of photography.

It is on this father’s day many years later as Malcolm was treating his father to a Latte at Café Artigiano on the edge of Oakville’s downtown that he had heard the story. It wasn’t the first time he had heard it but it was the first time he had really listened and understood. And has they sipped they shared a Pineapple Pana Cotta together watching the sun washing the horizon in similar shades of crimson and hues of gold that Edwin had watched on the deck of the ship.

“Happy Father’s day Dad. I love you” said Malcolm. 

What's Andrew Eating. Volume 1 Episode 3

Summer Storm

     Summer was in full swing and nothing was moving. There was not a breath of air, and even though it was only mid July the grass already resembled a field of wheat ready to harvest. Malcolm was out with William who led them both down to the waterfront, at the very least the coolness of the water gave some kind of relief. Clear blue skies stretched across the horizon as far as you could see, at least as far as you could see in that particular direction. The harbour was jammed up with the Sail boats being used only for those that had them to sleep on at night or the occasional party. But not right now. Right now it was mid afternoon on a Saturday and all the sensible people were tucked under a nice willow with a glass of lemonade or their own preferred beverage.

William ran straight into the water and paddled back and forth along the shore line for 55 minutes straight. Malcolm had abandoned his sneakers and socks and waded in as far as he could without getting his shorts wet. The maples that lined the lakeshore were all virgin growth and made a formidable wall against the skyline to the north. So it was a complete surprise to both Malcolm and William when a crack of thunder broke the silence of the afternoon. It was such a loud and unexpected announcement of the arrival of the first summer storm that Malcolm practically fell into the water. He did actually fall in the water when William made a B line for him and tried jumping into his arms.  William didn’t like thunder, or fireworks or anyone mimicking fireworks, or car horns and he didn’t like the noise he just heard.  Malcolm was practically held under water by the weight of the collie and was frantically trying to get his head above the water line. Another loud boom followed by a flash of light high up in the clouds now looming over the line of maples probably saved Malcolm. William thought the picnic table over in the park was a much safer place and raced away. Coughing and spitting out clumps of algae Malcolm oriented him and crawled to his feet out of the water.

In an instant the wind picked up, as if someone opened a door which was followed by consecutive flashes of light and thunder. It was going to be a storm to remember but not one that you would really want to be out in. Malcolm knew he needed shelter and immediately thought of Andrew’s place. From the look on Williams face he would have sworn the dog was thinking the same thing. He was sure of it when he darted out from under the table and ran straight towards the house. Malcolm chased behind and just made it through the back gate when the first drops of rain began to fall.

     Andrew had a beautiful covered patio and laughed at the sight of Malcolm soaked to the skin. “How is it you are so wet and it is only starting to rain?”  William was scratching madly at the patio door. Andrew reached over and slides the glass panel. 

“But he’s soaked, protested Malcolm. 

“Just a little water, it will dry.” Replied Andrew calmly. “Anyway, you’re just in time, I was experimenting this afternoon and it seems I got a little carried away. Why don’t you grab a towel and dry yourself and I’ll finish up here. Then we can sit and watch the rain. I love a good storm, don’t you? 

“They’re the best” said Malcolm as he disappeared into the house.

Andrew called in and asked Malcolm to bring out a couple plates with him along with the bottle of Shiraz that was sitting on the counter.

Malcolm set the table and Andrew served. “Fresh Buratta and heirloom tomato salad with fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette” he announced.

They ate and Malcolm told Andrew all about the afternoon and practically drowning. They laughed together and counted the lightning and thunder strike listened to the rain and let the coolness of the fresh storm air wash over them. Malcolm even tried a little wine; it was a perfect summer day.

What’s Andrew Eating? Volume 1 Episode 2

          

Summer Love

       The summer that Malcolm took a job gardening was the summer that love came. Briefly but it was there and unmistakable.  Bev lived west at the farthest side of the city and it was a challenge for them to see each other as Malcolm had just earned his licence. Bev had yet to take her test and although his father was a great romantic himself he was only able to help bi-weekly in the area of the vehicle lending department. This meant that Malcolm had to be creative and let sleep remain an elusive ghost of his past. But he was in captivated and so no obstacle was too great.  

Eating also became something more of a hobby than an essential. After a particularly hard week of long hours and plus 30° temperatures even Malcolm was left wanting. He hadn’t seen Bev all week and was looking forward to the weekend so they could be together.

Friday afternoon cooled down slightly and was perfect for a bike ride down the lakeshore. Malcolm took his time and let the cool air wash over him and just soak in the summer smells. One smell in particular caught his attention as he rode past Andrew’s house. His stomach rumbled protesting the absence of a full lunch time meal thanks to the Nolan’s dog.  Malcolm had an epiphany and made a wide rolling turn back up the driveway to Andrew’s  house hoping that he would be willing to show him how to cook a romantic dinner for two.  

Andrew was just finishing off an Ahi pepper rubbed butterflied prawns on top of tagliatelle in a lemon mushroom cream sauce and spinach that he was more than happy to share..

         Malcolm woke up early Saturday morning and bought all the ingredients and even talked his parents into going out for the night. The evening was fantastic, and he made the promise that he would do this for her every weekend and he stared into her eyes and as he kissed her he secretly hoped that his new friend Andrew didn’t move away.

Love, life and wine

     Admittedly I’m a little drunk so that could explain the nostalgic repose that I am feeling but I have to say that I’m also inspired.

     To think, to imagine, to dream of oneself within oneself out of time and space, are we created just too merely follow or is there more? An age old question –yes? Is there a higher purpose or are we just waiting for the end of our time. What a tragedy!

     If we are here to love, and I’m speaking more than in the simple architecture of civilization but to truly love, passion beyond understanding. Love in the beauty of all things is not in our nature but depending on whether you look at things from a selfish perspective or through the eyes of wonder then even death can be/is beautiful.

The sun in itself is a destructive force, even by its own nature it is destroying itself just to be. Can that not be said of us? We move forward and grow, but we are also move slowly to death. So therefore to be afraid of death is also to be afraid of life.

     What would you do if I said I love you? Wrapped my arms around you from behind and whispered shadows of a love fulfilled that only your ears could understand? Would all time and material things melt away into a mere backdrop and only then, only that moment mattered? Would you say you love me too? Out of nothing my heart exists only for you. If the ocean washes away an imprint left in the sand does that mean it never existed? In that time, the image lasts an eternity, as the image of you does for me.

If you never heard the words spoken softly from behind is it the same thing as the imprint in the sand? To me it is a sad thing that the ocean knows not of the image it captured the same as if love is never truly understood.

     A story then, something out of time and yet eternal like the words of love, just for you. 

What's Andrew Eating? Episode 1

Malcolm McTavish was born of Scottish immigrants in the Lower Lakes region of the Canadian Shield. A proud a spot as any for the son of Sheep Herder. Honest, hardworking folk that ner had a bad word to say of anyone.

Up early each day, Malcolm would take William; the family Border collie out along the beach of Lake Ontario and let him round up some of the geese that frequented the park close to the house. He loved to hear them honk and watch them scuttle along in front of William, who was weaving this way and that. The sun always felt warm on Malcolm's face. Didn't matter if it was mid December as the temperature dipped below freezing or during the humid lazy days of July. On days when there was school, William would follow Malcolm and be there when school was out to walk him home again. It was a grand life. Malcolm played hard with his friends and even tried out for Shirling believing the shear danger of the sport would win some affection from the girls. Unfortunately the game never really caught on and was cancelled after the first game when the opposing team captain had to be rushed to the hospital from snake venom in his eyes. 

After school, chores were completed and then homework which usually kept Malcolm busy until supper. It was a grand life and he treasured every minute of every day...well to be honest except supper. Supper was always something filling, never fulfilling. Malcolm loved his Mom, no question but he was tired of tatties and mince. Malcolm longed for something just a little different.

Then one day while he was down at the beach something strange happened. A warm gentle breeze carried with it something Malcolm knew was going to change everything. He knew the smell of backyard hamburgers and hotdogs no no no. this was something different. A tingling overwhelmed Malcolm's olfactory senses and he had to stop, head lifted in the air like his faithful companion William did whenever there was a beached fish warming on the sand.

This was no regular fish, certainly no fish Malcolm had ever smelled before. 

 

This was a Beer marinated pan seared Sable fish with smashed new potatoes, oven roasted heirloom tomatoes and sautéed pea shoots with double smoked bacon vinaigrette. 

Malcolm was overcome. He had to find where this new heaven was coming from. At the edge of the park, at the edge of the paved pathway that led all the joggers and cyclists towards the down town lived Andrew. It didn't take a long time for Malcolm to introduce himself to Andrew. And although he never asked, (his parents brought him up never to ask) he hoped - oh how he hoped that one day Andrew would invite him to stay. Until then, he was quite happy just to know that something else existed out there. And so he dedicated himself to taking up a diary and following Andrew's pilgrimage to his great culinary manifesto.

He called it, “What’s Andrew eating?” Malcolm’s world was changing.