All happiness in life begins and ends with my three favorite f-words: Family, friends and food. And of course, for my purposes, food includes drinks!! And something truly magical happens when two or more of these f-words come together! I have just enjoyed three versions of such an alignment and it was a beautiful thing.
1. Brother Dom and the Phu Yen Phenom: On a fateful day several years ago Mathieu stumbled upon the “Ginger Beef Special” at the Phu Yen restaurant in Kanata. Of all the wonderful eating experiences Ottawa has to offer, it was the Phu Yen that we took Mathieu’s family too when they came to visit. His brothers immediately fell equally in love with the Ginger Beef Special (which, we actually found out was only on special that first visit and could have been henceforth referred to simply as “Ginger Beef”). And so, this past week, just as we do each time his brother Dominic visits, we made the pilgrimage to the Phu Yen where they whipped up a plate full of that gingery wonderfulness. Due to distance we have so few opportunities to share the simple things with our family. And if I have learned anything about Drouins, it’s that they like routine…..and food. As I watched two brothers talk and laugh over their Ginger Beef I appreciated both.
2. Freedom, Friends and All Things Deep Fried: There was a time when it was far more common for country neighbors to come together for a meal and each other’s company. I guess people have become too busy for that. But it’s a pastime that is alive and well in Beckwith!! Our friend Kelly has taken having people over for dinner to a whole new level. Part of that might be that the woman is simply a divine cook. The table brims with all things reminiscent of a “last meal” and it is so good that you wouldn’t mind if it was. Deep fried cheesecake, southern-fried chicken, pies….culminating with the main event DEEP-FRIED TURKEY. These two giant turkeys get injected with sauce and dropped into a bubbling vat of vegetable oil!! I find it hard to think of anything beyond that as my body goes into strange happy shivers. But at Kelly’s it’s also about the generosity and openness of those around the table. So many friends sharing stories, lives, and laughter is something to behold, and that’s not to take away from the pure magic that IS a deep fried turkey.
3. Couples, Candles, and Conversation: I have to stop teasing my friend Shelley for her love of all things orderly, true and together. But it is something that was evident, and wonderful as three couples got together for dinner at her house. As adults, it’s relaxing to sit down for a nice meal. But as friends, it’s still great to accompany it with 12 bottles of good wine and snorting, belly-laughter. Finding friends who appreciate both is truly a gift, or as Todd would say, “it’s just swell.”
Today in Ontario is “Family Day.” I’m not so idealistic as to miss the fact that this new holiday was served up to us as an election ploy because our sanity is shaky this time of winter and we’ll vote for anyone who’ll give us a long weekend. But, even so, I am reminded how precious time is with our families, even if we’re just sharing Chinese food in Kanata. And, likewise, how lucky some of us are to have found the rarest kind of friends.....who watch out for us, truly know us, and become family. Everyone should have that…..and it, like everything, is better when coupled with something deep fried.
1. Brother Dom and the Phu Yen Phenom: On a fateful day several years ago Mathieu stumbled upon the “Ginger Beef Special” at the Phu Yen restaurant in Kanata. Of all the wonderful eating experiences Ottawa has to offer, it was the Phu Yen that we took Mathieu’s family too when they came to visit. His brothers immediately fell equally in love with the Ginger Beef Special (which, we actually found out was only on special that first visit and could have been henceforth referred to simply as “Ginger Beef”). And so, this past week, just as we do each time his brother Dominic visits, we made the pilgrimage to the Phu Yen where they whipped up a plate full of that gingery wonderfulness. Due to distance we have so few opportunities to share the simple things with our family. And if I have learned anything about Drouins, it’s that they like routine…..and food. As I watched two brothers talk and laugh over their Ginger Beef I appreciated both.
2. Freedom, Friends and All Things Deep Fried: There was a time when it was far more common for country neighbors to come together for a meal and each other’s company. I guess people have become too busy for that. But it’s a pastime that is alive and well in Beckwith!! Our friend Kelly has taken having people over for dinner to a whole new level. Part of that might be that the woman is simply a divine cook. The table brims with all things reminiscent of a “last meal” and it is so good that you wouldn’t mind if it was. Deep fried cheesecake, southern-fried chicken, pies….culminating with the main event DEEP-FRIED TURKEY. These two giant turkeys get injected with sauce and dropped into a bubbling vat of vegetable oil!! I find it hard to think of anything beyond that as my body goes into strange happy shivers. But at Kelly’s it’s also about the generosity and openness of those around the table. So many friends sharing stories, lives, and laughter is something to behold, and that’s not to take away from the pure magic that IS a deep fried turkey.
3. Couples, Candles, and Conversation: I have to stop teasing my friend Shelley for her love of all things orderly, true and together. But it is something that was evident, and wonderful as three couples got together for dinner at her house. As adults, it’s relaxing to sit down for a nice meal. But as friends, it’s still great to accompany it with 12 bottles of good wine and snorting, belly-laughter. Finding friends who appreciate both is truly a gift, or as Todd would say, “it’s just swell.”
Today in Ontario is “Family Day.” I’m not so idealistic as to miss the fact that this new holiday was served up to us as an election ploy because our sanity is shaky this time of winter and we’ll vote for anyone who’ll give us a long weekend. But, even so, I am reminded how precious time is with our families, even if we’re just sharing Chinese food in Kanata. And, likewise, how lucky some of us are to have found the rarest kind of friends.....who watch out for us, truly know us, and become family. Everyone should have that…..and it, like everything, is better when coupled with something deep fried.
1 comment:
When I read this I was suddenly reminded of the time we snuck burgers and fries into the movie theatre in my purse! I've been dying to try a deep fried turkey but haven't had the chance yet - you made me jealous AND very hungry! I want your neighbor to be my neighbor.
Maegan
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