Oh, summer, what can I say about you that hasn’t already been said? You’re everybodies favourite. You’re always voted the season ” most likely to succeed”. You always get the gold medal, the Academy award, the Emmy and the Tony! I personally think you’re letting all this adoration go to your head, starting to act a little too smug. Oh sure, your days are gloriously long and hot, and beautiful foods and flowers grow under your watchful sun. But, if I may give my opinion, I think some of your days are too damn hot. Give me 24 degrees w/ a balmy breeze and I’m a happy camper. Hell, I’ll even squeeze the damn lemonade. But 32 degrees, 100% humidity, and no breeze— is this your idea of a joke? Guess what… I’m not laughing!!  No, I’m developing a heat rash and humming ” Heatwave” too damn often. And another thing, why must you force everyone to BBQ everything? It’s all about all foods being cooked over flames, hot coals, burning embers. Big bbq’s, small bbq’s, they’re everywhere—from tiny habachis on balconys to monstrosities the size of a schoolbus in custom-built outdoor kitchens overlooking the olympic size swimming pool. What about a nice garden salad, steamed market vegs w/ an herb vinaigrette, and a perfectly roasted quail? Mmm Mmm— and it didn’t require me to don a goofy apron, standing under the scorching sun, flipping something over more scorching heat! So, can the heat & sell your shares in BBQ King and maybe, just maybe you’ll get my vote next year.

That leaves (ha ha ) us w/ Autumn. Over all, not a bad season. In fact, no real complaints to speak of. Sure, it does precede the dastardly deeds of Winter, but that’s not it’s fault. Our tables groan under the weight of fall’s cornucopia, or, in other words, pass the peas! (Sudden urge to listen to Maceo Parker) Falling leaves that resemble a painter’s pallete, warm days & crisp nights, and not an arrogent bone in its body. A very humble season, in fact. I always feel very invigorated in the fall, ready to take on challenges, anxious to step outside of the box a little bit more.

I think the seasons are a lot like food. Most people have their favourites ( stuff a sock in it, summer!), but some of us can find redeeming qualities in all of them.  I feel the same way about foods. Of course there are many I love more than others, but I can always find something to love in all ingredients. The colour? Texture? Flavour complexity? I tend to have a soft spot for the underdogs, the foods not considered sexy enough for the glossy covers of food mags. Turnips & tripe, beets & brains, squash & shanks. Maybe next year could be declared “year of the underdogs”. Maybe next year we’ll award Spring the gold medal and let Summer sulk w/ silver.

Tastefully Yours,

Luke