I know that working for me is not always easy. Trust me, being me is not always easy. The older I get, the more I appreciate some of the “crazy” people I have known through the years–folks like my grandfather, my mom’s dad–who was an extremely successful but complex and complicated dude. He would make you laugh, command awed attention and respect, and at times leave you slightly afraid, concerned, bewildered. A creative, probing, churning, restless mind–always “on.”
A scenario plays out in my head time and again–a story I tell from time to time suffering my own bewilderment–but I have never written down.
It was a few years back. I walked into Cobblestones bar and eyed the large blackboard that, at the time, advertised the varied oysters we special and rotate. As I read the list I realized that, of all the oysters we had recorded and checked off on the board, there were no Kumomotos listed–a famous and delicious west coast oyster. One of my favorites. In fact, the only west coast oyster I prefer. As I examined the list further, there was absolutely no evidence of ANY west coast oysters on the board.
I approached our beloved chef at the time, Paul Dubuque and asked him why. “Paulie, why is there not a single west coast oyster listed on the board? Where’s the west coast love?”
Paul stared at me. If you don’t know Paul, he has the best eyes. At once, ironic, thoughtful, soulful, sarcastic, exploring, and at the moment, perhaps appalled. If you don’t know Paul, his voice matches his eyes perfectly. Blues-singer gravel, Dice Clay-esque annoyed, bordering on pissed. “Are you fucking with me?” was his respectful response. “Seriously?” was his gravelly emphasis.
“What? It’s serious question. Don’t be upset. I’m just asking.” I was reading his frustration but without a clue.
“You can’t be serious. You’re messing with me right now.” He was still questioning my questioning him.
“What Paul. What?” I asked amused and curious what I was clearly missing.
“Dude” he short-growled in disbelief bordering on disgust. “You don’t remember what you said to me a few months ago? You said, “Hey Paulie, why with all the beautiful oysters we have up and down the east coast, would we be flying in oysters from the opposite side of the country. Let’s just stay local, ok.””
I think I may have smiled a tiny bit. It sounded exactly like something I would have said months earlier, though I didn’t recall the specific conversation. It was sound thinking, from a guy who does lots of sound thinking, even when he (I) am completely contradictory!
“Ok, ok Paul. Did I? You’re doing a great job. Keep up the great work.” I’m sure he said something else. It probably contained an F bomb. Or two. He may have even flipped me the bird as I walked away. I know for sure he was shaking his head and grumbling. I get it.
(Sorry Paul)(Robin)(Kelli)(Kim)(Holly)(Eddie)(Manny)(Steve)(Kids)(Mom)(etc)(etc)
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!