Jamie Kennedy Likes My Fries
Shameless? Maybe. Thrilled? Definitely. My friend Ron Grebler brought a group of friends tonight and among them was the one and only JK. Although we’d met briefly once before, I felt a nervous excitement I rarely feel. Jamie Kennedy is special. He’s an icon of Toronto chefs. Poster-boy for sustainable food culture, responsible farming and reputed maker of “the best french fries” ever, Jamie Kennedy is as pleasant and warm an icon you’d care to meet.
I’m fortunate to have fed many of the great chef’s in the city. Jesse Vallins, from Trevor Resto/Bar was an early influence and supporter. In fact, Jesse was at the dinner party where I first served my meat. His encouragement and tutelage regarding my mustard and gravy have had huge and delicious impacts on my life and the lives of my customers. Jesse brought Dave Cristian chef at the wonderful Chez Victor. Bob Berman of the late BoBa called me from his car after getting take-out telling me how delicious his sandwich was and greasy his wheel. He came back the next day for sandwiches for his crew and brought his own wonderful ribs for us to sample. Frank from Barberian brought his family and comes in often. The Drake’s own inimitable Ivy Knight came on her birthday with her husband.
The celebrity aspect of this is overwhelming at times. Yesterday Michael Cohl and Bill Ballard dined at Table No. One as they do when Mr. Cohl is in town. On their way out I enjoyed introducing them to friend and upstart impressario Craig Hill of YYZ Records was a pleasure. Last week Senator Hugh Segal ate with Bill Fox and unfortunately I had gone home by the time Moses Znaimer came in late on Sunday. We corresponded by email and we may cater something for him.
Speaking of catering… if you need anything… call me. I carved sandwiches for Adam Farber and friends at his Superbowl party on Sunday. Eric Katz called to book his stag this week. We did Chanukah and Christmas parties. You’ll see a catering menu soon on the new website. In the meantime, call me. Seriously, 416.500.3852. Weddings, bar mitzvahs, anything. I meant that literally: if you spend enough money we can do anything.
Anyway, I’m tired after a long day. And all this name dropping takes a toll on one. We were written up in Peter Kuitenbrouwer’s column in the National Post (”Deli Brings World Together”) on Monday and saw a whole new bunch of faces this week. Tomorrow a Klezmer bank will preform one song at 1 pm. I don’t really get it either but it sounds like fun.
Thats me. Shameless and thrilled.
