I was in bed last night when something compelled me to get up and write that “Doug” post. Clearly I wasn’t resting comfortably but after unburdening myself of those feelings I slept very well. I woke early and headed into what would be an awesome fantastic day. A day that helped me answer my own nagging doubts about why I do this.
Around 11 am the inimitable Andrew Tile brought 33 students and staff for their Second Annual Caplansky’s Graduation party. Andrew is a stand up guy, someone whose smile lights up a room and puts people at ease. His students have special needs and its a very big deal for many of them to eat in a restaurant. Its truly an honour to be the restaurant of their choice. Andrew organised everything such that it went off without a hitch.
The lunch rush seemed to sustain itself for a good couple of hours. Sarah Z rocked the floor and Jason the new guy in the kitchen was awesome (along with Robb Zaina who is always awesome). Old friend Rob Archambault stopped by on his birthday. Jared Greenspan hung out on the patio with Matt and Monarch regular Gabe the stock analyst stopped by for a fresser. Sister-in-law Claire Helen Wilkinson Angus Caplan (I’m not making that up) also soaked up some rays with Heather Moyes the (incredibly hot) Olympic Champion Bobsledder and subject of Claire’s film doc.
Could it get any better? Well it did. Ron Grebler and Gregory MacDonald met me at the deli at 5pm and the three of us made a pilgrimage to Buster Rhino’s BBQ joint in Whitby. We got there around 6.30 and were happy to find Joel Solish, Andrew Revesz and Zofie (last name unknown) waiting. Luckily Darryl and Scott stayed late just to feed us and Darryl’s wife Beth and their kids were the perfect hosts. I didn’t want to impose and expected to eat and leave but we sat around and chatted for hours. It was bliss. Great friends old and new shared an incredible meal and an incredible experience.
If you’re looking for the best bbq I’ve had since Herb’s Real Pit in Cherokee N. Carolina, go to Buster Rhino’s in Whitby. The ribs, the brisket and pulled pork were all first rate – I ate my fill and brought home loads for the freezer. As I sat there schmoozing with these lovely people it occurred to me that THIS is why I do this. If I hadn’t been in the restaurant business, I wouldn’t have met Joel who introduced me to Darryl. I wouldn’t know Ron (who is Andrew Tile’s cousin) or Greg (a chef who plays with Sloan) or Andrew (who is from Montreal but doesn’t use that against me) or Zofie (who gently kissed her bf Andrew even though his mouth was on fire from habanero oil) either. Claire Helen Wilkinson Angus Caplan I would have known but may not be in touch with her. That’s complicated.
I also want to say “thanks” to everyone who reached out to me as a result of what I posted last night. My cousin Adam even offered to change my tires. Can you imagine? That’s love. To be honest, it sort of embarrasses me to know people actually read this stuff because I don’t hold back. Thanks for listening, thanks for caring and thanks for sharing my life. It wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without you.
