What's Andrew eating Volume 1 episode 8

Labor of Love

“Malcolm.” (pause) “Malcolm.” (pause)  “MALCOLM!”

Malcolm opened his eyes slowly, the light was unnaturally bright, everything was overexposed, and so cold that he felt stiff.  Standing up unsteadily he had to reach out for support as if his legs had never been used before.

 “What is going on?”  He called out with a strained voice, but there was no answer.  Something outside the light moving around in front of him but he couldn’t tell who or what they were.  Laughter and crying at the same time echoed down the corridor.  He stood waiting for something to happen, someone to help him but the lights faded and everything was black.

Malcolm opened his eyes as a warm breeze was blowing the curtains through the open window. It felt good.  He was alone in an empty hallway, a wheelchair sitting beside his bed.  He could see a vending machine at the end of the hall that had an aquarium face.  Hundreds of florescent fish glowing in the black light tank hovered in front of the words Coca Cola.  The lights down the hallway began to flicker and one by one they began to go out starting over the Pop machine and raced towards where Malcolm was laying.  He called out again but there was no answer so he sat up and jumped off the bed.  Pain erupted flooding his body with pain as he crashed hard onto the floor.  Something broke but the pain subsided and he was left with only the warmth that made him think he was sitting in a bath.  He reached down and felt the pool of warm liquid and knew instinctively what it would be.  He lifted his hand up and a reddish liquid was dripping from his fingers, “ah crap!” Wondering what course of action to take he sat quietly and closed his eyes.  A familiar smell filled the hall, not an unpleasant smell, more sweet and food like.  Malcolm opened his eyes slowly and looked at the landscape of tins, partially frozen fruit juice containers all over the floor, some open some closed.  He pulled himself onto the wheelchair and caught his breath.  Pushing his way through the sea of containers, orange, cherry and grape bullets of ice exploded in all directions, a rainbow mosaic left on the floor behind him as a reminder. 

Wheeling around the corner a large set of double doors blocked any further advance.  They were the kind with spring hinges to allow people to pass through without using their hands.  A sink just outside the room normally used for scrubbing up before an operation was full of dirty dishes.  William the Border collie was standing up at the sink holding a dish rag and smoking a cigarette.  He looked around at Malcolm and nodded towards the door who then stood up from the chair and walked through the doors.

The room was full of people sitting at candlelit tables chatting about who did this and I did falling silent when Malcolm entered.  There was a crowd of Doctors standing in a circle in the center of the room, a circle of lights overhead.  Two of the Doctors turned and motioned for him to come closer.  “Ah Malcolm, your just in time.” They said in unison and stepped to either side.  Inside the circle was an operating table where Sarah was laying dressed in a hospital gown with her knees up and legs wide open.   Pregnant and ready to give birth at any second she was faced and sweating but beautiful.  She also smelled vaguely of ahi pepper.

“Are you ready Sarah, here it comes!” announce the doctor with the pencil thin moustache.  He was dressed in a tuxedo with oven mitts on his hands. “It’s a fish! Then right after, Braised Lamb, dish after dish was whisked from under Sarah’s gown and they were handing them to Malcolm.  He wasn’t sure at first what to do at first but the crowd began to clap and he realized he had to deliver to the waiting people at the candlelit tables.

Sautéed Queen Charlotte Halibut with Aji pepper and linguini with Hedgehog mushrooms in a Vermouth cream sauce

 

Sumac rubbed pork chops with roasted red peppers stuffed with      grape tomatoes, garlic and anchovies

Delicious is pan seared porcini and New Mexico

Fennel brined duck breast on celeriac and potato purée with Garnacha reduction

 

Braised moose with sautéed shredded truffled Brussel's Sprouts and Dijon and crème fraiche roasted potatoes accompanied with oven roasted grape tomatoes

   Wild BC Spot Prawns!

 Third course consists of porcini dusted Qualicum Bay scallops with Himalayan sea salt, fennel pollen and chile threads on top of pappardelle with a lemon cream sauce

On and on it went, everyone was applauding and whistling, it carried on for so long a ringing sound began to sing in Malcolm’s ears.  It started slowly and built into a single long note. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.  The lights went out and there was no sound.

The Doctor with the pencil thin moustache closed his eyes, “That’s all we can do, call it 11:07.

What's Andrew Eating Volume 1 Episode 7

The Camping Trip

The hot, humid days of summer had arrived to the small township of Oakville after what seemed to be a record setting spring of continuous rain and overcast skies.  The one’s that had braved the soaring temperatures took what little refuge they could in the shelter of the weeds that now had to be pulled before they overtook the rows of lovingly planted vegetables and herbs.  By noon most of those brave souls could take no more and withdrew into the relative safety of their air conditioned homes.  Andrew was one of those ardent gardeners and one of the few that doggedly remained in the center of his small oasis pulling weeds with one hand and wiping sweat from his brow with the other.  He was determined to finish no matter what and he was well on his way when the phone rang.  Andrew removed his gloves as he walked towards the patio and reached over the glass pitcher of lemonade on the table. He curled his fingers around the handset lifting it up to his ear, “Hello?”

It was Malcolm’s mom; “Yes, hello Andrew?” she began.  She was speaking much too fast and almost out of breath. Andrew had an idea that something was wrong immediately.

3 days earlier

Malcolm had convinced his parents during the final few weeks of school to let him borrow his mother’s car so that he could head up to Algonquin Park with Sarah for a few days. It would be after the Canada day long weekend, right after his Dad had left to the Airport so he played on the “Alone time” theme that he believed his mother needed.  Harder to convince was Sarah’s parents but after some assurances regarding sleeping accommodations, they reluctantly agreed.  They had all been together on the evening of the 1^st and even though they had stayed up late watching the fireworks by the lake Malcolm was still determined that they were going to leave early the next day. Malcolm had spent the previous weekend organizing pots, sleeping bags, clothes, food, matches, first aid and on down the list packing and repacking into his backpack.  The only thing missing was the tent, well at least one that would fold down to a decent size and weighed a bit less. Saturday afternoon he picked up Sarah and they spent the day at the Mountain Equipment Co-op or MEC as it was more affectionately known.  They found a small 2 man tent shaped like a segment of watermelon. Of course no one actually asked about one tent or two but Malcolm understood how parents thought and brought the other tent with him when he came to pick up Sarah the next day.  He also made sure it sat high on the pile supplies, obvious but not too obvious.  Craig Johnson leaned in the open window and kissed Sarah on the temple, “Be good! He commanded looking up at Malcolm as he did and then casually scanned the back of the car.  “Do you have everything?”  He asked, sunscreen, rope for hanging your food, sleeping bags..?”  He trailed off.  That was when Malcolm noticed the look of concern lift from his face and he knew he had spotted the second tent.  “Ah, good then, well we’ll let you get off then, you are a bit behind I think?   Sarah’s mom leaned in and gave her a quick hug whispering something into Sarah’s ear and tucking something into the palm of her hand.

On the Road

Sometimes a little procrastination is a good thing, Algonquin Park being about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Oakville would have been more like a 4 or 5 hour drive with commuter traffic. Leaving late in the day meant that it was all the time they needed.  “Four o’clock!” said Malcolm as he pulled up to the gate to check into the park. “Three Fifty seven,” corrected Sarah smiling as she reached into her wallet.  “My mom gave us some money for the park fees.”

 “Excellent!” exclaimed Malcolm wearing a huge grin.

They were at the trail head 20 minutes later and into the wilderness.  The canopy of Oaks and Maple cut the sunlight into a patchwork quilt across the trail in front of them.  The carpet of deadfall softened their footsteps and a noticeable quiet pressed in around them than made you feel like you were underwater.  They walked hand in hand until the trail narrowed then took turns leading.  It didn’t take long to notice the weight of the packs, the extra heat they created and now capturing the beads of sweat trickling and pooling in the curves of their lower backs.  After a long steady climb the path began to blend into the rest of the forest floor as the light softened.   Sarah stopped dead at the crest and Malcolm walked straight into her nearly knocking her off her feet.  When he saw the drop off the rocky cliff below he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.  “Holy crap!” he breathed looking around and finding his footing.  “I’m so sorry,” he began but stopped and stared off over her right shoulder.  They were standing on a ridge where the trees quickly disappeared below them and ended at the edge of a crystal clear lake. Reds and oranges filled the westerning sky and a light fog was drifting around the edge of the water as the heat of the day fell off.  Sarah followed his gaze and gasped, “We are camping here no matter what.” 

Once they were at the bottom of the hill they quickly dropped the packs on the ground and grabbed some snacks that Andrew had made for them. Granola clusters made with oats, nuts honey and dark cherries that was simply delicious.  After the tent was set up, and the meal complete Malcolm was tying off the food cache in a neighboring tree when he heard a splash.  He followed the sound, laughing to himself thinking Sarah had fallen in when he came across a boot, a sock then the other boot with the sock stuffed into it.  He looked up and saw a trail of clothing that led to a gap in the bushes where a small white piece of clothing rested flag like at the end of a dead branch. Seconds later a second splash broke the silence.

Sarah slept restlessly on the top of the sleeping bag when she heard a click outside the tent.  Then scraping sound on material.  She leaned over and pushed Malcolm, “Wake up, wake up!  There’s something out there with the food. 
“What-huh?”  He mumbled then promptly fell back to sleep.  
Pushing a little harder and leaning into Malcolm’s ear she whispered, “Wake up!” but with a bit more urgency. “There’s something out there” she said again drawing out the words. 
Malcolm was exhausted from the long day and tried comforting Sarah, "It's probably just a squirrel or something" and fell back to sleep in minutes but was awake once again by the sound of the sleeping bag rustling.  "Sarah, please just relax I'm sure it is nothing to worry about." He closed his eyes again and rolled over trying to escape but he could feel Sarah staring at him. He flicked awake at the sound of her whimpering and bolted upright inside the small tent. The combination of late nights, walking with a heavy pack for hours in 30° heat was clearly the reason for his hasty reaction. He couldn't have been thinking reasonable as he grabbed the flashlight and raced out of the tent into the moonlight. 
“Malcolm, what are you doing?” Sarah yelled. “It could be a bear!”  

There was no need for the flashlight, the moon provided all the light he needed to see that it was just a raccoon sitting on top of the food bag pulling smaller bags of food out and dropping them on the ground.  Sarah didn’t need a flashlight to see Malcolm either. He was standing below the raccoon in nothing but his boxers lobbing small rocks and twigs up into the tree. He was a lousy shot and didn’t hit the animal once but it retreated all the same and disappeared into the forest.  He smiled at Sarah, content with his accomplishment, oblivious.

The next day was just as hot as the last and started earlier as the moisture from the lake seemed to feed the humidity in the air 10 times over.  After breakfast of some fruit and eggs in a bag they set out once more.  The packs were still damp and cold from the afternoon before, Sarah let out a gasp as she lifted it up onto her shoulders.  Malcolm screeched and lunged forward as if he was trying to out run his.  About half way through the day they reached a point in the trail where you could either stay on the shorter loop or break off and travel a larger loop that brought you around the full length of the large lake and boggy marsh.  A bridge that crossed the river acted as the intersection for the two loops.  There was a single sign with grooves cut into it that looked as if it was created by a 5^th grade woodshop class.  The marker that said (you are here) could have been anywhere on the path.  Malcolm wasn’t even sure which line was supposed to be the river and which one was supposed to be the trail.  They both stared at it for several minutes when Malcolm blurted out, “The Bridge!”  It came out like a statement but without a lot of the conviction.  Bridges lead away, over the river and around, right?  I’m pretty sure we need to stay on this side of the river he said at last.  Who could argue with that logic?  That is the trouble with logic, is sounds so…logical.  Unfortunately you could also reason that there might be another bridge just before the parking lot where the Volkswagen was parked.  Malcolm and Sarah were heading into the wilderness and it would be nightfall before they realized they would be spending and extra night.

“Four and a half hours in the wrong direction Malcolm!” Sarah cried.  “And it has got to be what, 3 hours easy back to the second camp site on the first trail.”

“Four” muttered Malcolm.

“What was that?” asked Sarah. 

“Nothing, forget it. Come on, it was an easy mistake.  ”Let’s just eat something and set up the tent.  A good night’s sleep and we’ll move out early tomorrow morning.”   The knowledge of the extra walking that had to be done weighed heavily on Sarah.  It wasn’t so much the walk that worried her; it was the huge blister almost the full length of her heel.  She winced as she pulled off her boot pressing her teeth together to stifle a cry.  She didn’t want Malcolm to know and crawled into the tent to get the first aid cream.  “I’m going to bed!” she said and disappeared inside.  Malcolm looked up at the stars that were coming into view on the eastern horizon and wondered if it wouldn’t be better for him to sleep outside.  He decided to just watch the sun set and let the night fill in the shadows before he slipped into the tent.

Sarah was up, dressed, packed and ready to go before Malcolm was even out of the tent.  Her heel looked terrible and felt worse but she never said a word.  Malcolm was ready to go without eating when Sarah pulled out a dish of berries she had collected that morning. “Thank you.” He said sheepishly. “I’m sorry about everything, and then his spirit lifted, “if we can keep up a good pace we can probably make it out tonight.” He smiled as he lifted the pack up onto his shoulders.  Sarah smiled back but without the same faith and they set off.  Sarah began to limp about half way back to the bridge and started slowing down.  By the time they got the bridge it was already early afternoon and the pain was setting in.  She pulled off the trail and sat at the edge of the river, “I have to rest for a bit” she said and slowly took off her boots.  She wasn’t sure it was a good idea but she had to risk it.  She dipped her feet into the cool water and began sobbing and explained everything to Malcolm.  It was a relief at first to find out she wasn’t mad with him but he nearly passed out at the sight of her blister.  Another hour passed and Sarah pulled her feet out of the water.  Her heel looked more like it had been burned, the redness and raw skin stood in stark contrast against the pale white skin on top her foot.  “Malcolm, can you hand me the first aid kit please?”  She asked without looking up.  Malcolm who had been staring at disbelief jumped at the sound of her voice as if he’d been kicked and quickly ran over to the pack. “There’s no way you can walk out with that.” He said. “We need to start thinking of an alternate plan.  It’s probably another 3 hours regular walking to the next camp site, then another 3, maybe 4 to the car.  I’ll set up the tent for you to stay here.  I’m going to run back to the car and then call for help, maybe there is some coverage somewhere along the road.  Worst case I’ll use the landline at the park office and get help from one of the rangers.  Sarah began to argue but couldn’t even touch the wound with a towel to dry it.  She agreed reluctantly and Malcolm cleared an area for the tent.

Within 20 minutes he had set up a nice camp and a place for a fire.  Malcolm took only the essentials, water, a couple granola bars then he was off.  He leaned over and kissed Sarah, “I love you” he breathed.  Sarah pulled back and stared at Malcolm.

“I’m sorry, it just slipped out, I wasn’t thinking.” He said as he stood up quickly and turned to go in a single motion.  He didn’t wait for any kind of answer instead he began running to ease the embarrassment, the rush of cool air felt good against his red cheeks. 

Sarah sat and thought about what had just happened and watched Malcolm disappear around the corner. They had grown up together, shared ghost stories and slurpies, summer camp and snow forts. They hadn’t seen each other much in the first few years of high school but she always hoped.  Sarah sat in the warmth of the sun, closed her eyes and smiled.

Present day

Andrew got off the phone and packed some food into a cooler, just some sushi he had been experimenting with and rushed out to the car. 

His unexpected friendship with Malcolm came with a surprise.  He had his own circle of friends of course but somehow he had also been drawn into Malcolm’s which included his family which wasn’t a bad thing at all as far as he was concerned.  He was sure that it was simple parental protection that spurred the first meeting but they had all bonded.  Malcolm’s father was off on business and his mother was worried. It was reasonable to think they could just be late, a flat tire perhaps, or stopped for something to eat after taking longer to get off the trail but her intuition said differently.  She had called Andrew just to be sure that Malcolm hadn’t  simply stopped off to give him something, a fresh fish perhaps or wild berries for one of his recipes. It was the call from Sarah’s mom that got her on the phone to Andrew.

It was well after midnight by the time Andrew and Rebecca McTavish passed through the gates of Algonquin Park.  They met one of the park wardens and they drove together to the parking lot of the trail where Rebecca’s car sat silent and empty. “On the bright side, Mrs. McTavish,” began Constable Turner, who had been waiting by the car. “On the bright side, there is no sign of a struggle and the car is locked up tight with a number of personal belongings, meaning this is how they left it and by all accounts they are meaning to come back to it.”  She wanted to shout at him, “So why aren’t they here then. Where the fuck are they?” but she simply nodded politely and quelled all the new possibilities and tragedies that were swirling around her head. “So what do we do?” she asked. The officer explained that the trail could be taken in two directions and that although it was a continuous loop it was attached to.. blah blah blah.  Rebecca had tuned out and began walking towards the start of the trail. The moon was still providing an incredible amount of light so that even in these very early hours of morning you could see everything quite well.  She was just about to ask when they were going to leave when a thumping could be heard. “Shhh, did anyone hear that?” It was a distance off but it was there, a constant thump thump, then it stopped.  “Could be nothing mam, there are a lot of things out here that could be making that noise. Deer, Moose, even a chipmunk can sound like a large animal within the trees.” 

“That is no damn chipmunk” she snapped.  “My son is out there with a beautiful young girl and I’m going in to find them!”

“Mom?” whispered a very tired voice behind her.  Rebecca McTavish turned to see Malcolm standing there; pale, dirty where he had been sweating and began sobbing with relief until she realized he was alone.  “Where is Sarah?” she asked. “She’s okay, sort of” began Malcolm and then he explained about getting lost and the blister.  

As Malcolm was explaining, the park warden was making calls to various people including an EMTs. The officer had two quads on a trailer that he was pulling down and pulled out an extra helmet.  The ambulance was there in 10 min and immediately got Malcolm in and began checking his vital signs and gave him an IV to replace all the fluids he had lost.  He had asked to go back to get Sarah but the paramedic took one look at Malcolm’s face and shook her head. “We don’t need you passing out on the back of a quad” she said.

In didn’t take long for them to find Sarah, she could see the lights coming through the trees long before the noise of the engines announced the arrival of safety.  She was already up and packing the tent when the officer and paramedic arrived.  After checking Sarah they loaded up the gear and turned the quads around.  They were back to the parking lot in no time and they helped her into the ambulance.  Malcolm began to sit up but was pushed back down again, “You rest!” commanded the paramedic and finished her checkup of Sarah.

The sun created a sliver of light across the horizon when Andrew pulled out of the parking lot. Rebecca drove with Malcolm and Sarah leaning close to each other holding hands but with eyes closed.  Sarah’s parents were waiting in the driveway when pulled in. Andrew stopped off and pulled the backpacks out for them. He was just about to leave when Rebecca stopped him.  “Thank you so much Andrew, I don’t know if I could have managed myself. Please stay and have some breakfast with us, I think we’re all curious about how the camping trip went. Besides, I think you know this one. It was amazing strawberry shortcake with Creme de Cassis that Rebecca had pulled of Andrews’ recipe blog. I knew I had to make this when I saw it she said.

Andrew made some espresso and they savored the moment together and listened to the tale of the somewhat abridged version of their camping trip.

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.