Baby it’s cold outside. It feels like January. But it’s warm and dry inside the Phinney Ridge Winter Men’s Shelter. And the food has been particularly good. Since Christmas we’ve had Mitch’s BBQ ribs (twice) with garlic and butter mashed potatoes, and garlic and butter pasta. Can you imagine a world without butter? Christmas Day we had a roast ham which came close to the “how fast did it disappear” record. Close, but no cigar. The “disappearing” record is the true standard of how delicious and desirous a meal truly is. That record for this year is currently held by yours truly for my Texas Toast French toast with maple syrup and butter which could not be put on the table fast enough. Men were in line for seconds right behind men getting their firsts. I took advantage of certain facts about men in general and the logistical capabilities of the kitchen at Emmanuel to obtain my title as Disappearing King. First, men love breakfast for dinner. You go to any tavern and say, “I need something to eat. I think I’ll have…breakfast.” And they will say, “Comin’ right up.” They know exactly what you mean. It doesn’t really matter what kind of breakfast it is, or what time of day. It’s more important that it be quick and right off the griddle which is a great attribute of our kitchen at Emmanuel. The big Ellen Coghill Memorial  Lang oven has its flat tops just fifteen feet from the serving tables. You can carry that thick egg soaked golden brown  toast right to the plate on the spatula. Add butter and maple syrup and more butter, and you want another. That’s the way you do it.

Oh, we do serve vegetables and fruit. We’re not barbarians. We could use the fine china. But the plate is only needed for such a short time. We could gild the lily with fruit toppings and whipped cream, but why? (Actually that does sound better, but is it? There is no other way to find out than to try it. Maybe next time.)

In other news; did I mention it’s cold outside?

Thanks goes to KAPKA school for their lovingly prepared gift boxes to the men. It makes a place seem more like home. I like having volunteers from several generations serving in the Shelter. It helps to break down that separation which inhibits most of us, that of the different generations. Serving together is the best way to get to know one another.

I hope to see you soon in the Men’s Shelter, on Phinney Ridge.

Ben Paul 1-5-2017