The Pope. The Queen Bee. The One and Only. Chef, author, journalist, critic. Ruth Reichl, Editor of Gourmet Magazine. I don’t think I’m overdoing this. I had a life-changing experience this evening. Following my experience, thanks to Bonnie, I met up with Ruth and Bonnie and Joanne – yes, that Joanne – at the Al Green Theatre at the JCC. Ms. Reichl is on a book tour and before a packed house was interviewed by the charming Joanne Kates.

What does she look like? I have no idea. Ms. Kates wore an elaborate disguise. In fact, after the event I rushed the stage because I needed to thank Joanne Kates in person. The things she wrote have meant more to me on every level than I could ever repay. Funny enough, Ruth waved and said good bye and Joanne Kates looked at me through her mask and I heard her say “I know who you are” as she fled across the stage like I had just come from Mexico and coughed her way.

There is another tie in but I’m reticent to say what that is. Lara, you remember her, told me I should keep it quiet. She is usually right about these things. Maybe I can tantalize you with a clue. Bonnie reminded Ruth (would you listen to me?) that her magazine is publishing a story that pertains to a subject near to my heart. That’s enough. I’m still going to hear about it from Lara.

Anyway, more about tonight. I sat in the first row with friend Andrea Brent – a huge fan of Reichl’s books. In the Q & A someone asked where she ate in Toronto. “I just had dinner at Caplansky’s” she said and I swear to God a cheer went up. Ok. It was me but others cheered too. I won’t quote whatever she said because I’d surely embellish if not outright lie.

Here’s what she Tweeted: “Caplansky’s smoked meat awesome. Along with the single most decadent knish ever made, involving smoked meat, puff pastry, schmaltz…” As soon as Lara sent me that I called Manny to tell him. While I can’t speak for the man, I imagine for a Jewish kid from Brooklyn to have your knish declared “the single most decadent knish ever made” by Her Ruthness has to be close to “It”. He was pleased. I’m beyond thrilled. Really, I’m buzzing.

Because of Ruth’s visit – check tomorrow’s National Post – we didn’t sign a lease today. Tomorrow is soon enough and checking the clock I see that its here. Perfect timing because I’m ready for bed. All this excitement… lol

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 at 12:43 am and is filed under Caplanskys. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.