This weekend, I spent some quality time with my family. I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like to, but this time we had the opportunity to go out for brunch together. There, I got to do something I haven’t done enough of: savour the moment.
I wake up in my parents’ basement – it’s Sunday, and my wife and I slept over on their pull-out sofa bed. It’s 9:10AM. No alarm, I could get used to this. We casually get dressed and head upstairs. Dad’s awake; everyone else is still out like a light.
It’s the weekend after Mother’s Day, and we’re going out to brunch today. Not just any brunch though: a Pillar & Post brunch. I’ve never had their brunch, but I’ve had dinner there before. If it’s anything like that, we’re in for a treat. I get dressed up, and once everyone’s ready, out we go.
There’s six of us heading out for brunch: my wife and I, my parents, my brother and my grandma. Everyone’s piled into the van, just like old times. It’s not a far drive (around 30 min), but we take the scenic route. Nice that there are still a few of those left, with people building all over the place. I have fond memories of this route as a kid.
We arrive at The Pillar & Post. Today, it’s an inn, spa and restaurant all in one. Back in the 1890s when it was built though, it was a canning factory for local produce. The restaurant today, The Cannery, is named after that heritage. Nice touch.
We’re way too early for brunch, so most of my family wanders off to do a tour of the facility. I linger behind, snapping some photos of the rustic lobby. It reminds me of a simpler time, when strangers weren’t afraid to socialize with each other. I don’t usually shoot in black and white, but there’s something about this place that seems to beg for that treatment. Maybe it’s the history. It’s a moment to savour.
Finally it’s time to eat. We take our seats, then line up for the buffet brunch that’s been laid out. At first I was worried; the word “buffet” conjures up images of stale bagels, poorly cooked eggs and cereal from a vending machine.
Boy, was that image wrong.
What I found instead was a smorgasbord of some of the most amazing foods imaginable; caprese salad made with fresh local ingredients. Beef tenderloin with real horseradish. Marinated olives. A beautiful cheese platter. Beef bourguignon. Smoked mackerel. And the desserts! Chocolate cheesecake, banana bread, and pecan pie, oh my! I load up my plate and head back to the table.
I wait for my family to take a seat, and we all dig in. With one bite, there’s this collective realization: Holy crap, this food tastes as good as it looks. We’re normally a talkative bunch, but nobody speaks for a while.
It’s only after several large bites that my grandma says “This is great! I’ve never had brunch before.” Never… what?!? Wow. My first thought is “You’ve been missing out,” but the next one that comes to mind is one I’m glad came at that time: “I’m glad I got to be there for that first experience.”
Maybe it’s just me, but the rest of the meal seems to taste so much better after that. Every bite, a symphony in my mouth, made so much better by the fact that I’m enjoying it with the people who matter most to me. I smile as I take a bite of beef tenderloin, then realize I put too much horseradish on. More laughter.
Wrapping it Up
See here’s the thing: life is going to get busy. Maybe it’s a new house, maybe it’s a dog, or kids, or a new job. There will always be something. Through all of the ups and downs though, family is there for you, the silent foundation that supports you through good times and bad.
It’s important to remember that. Beyond that, it’s important to cherish that. I don’t do enough of it, but I got to this weekend. It was time spent the right way: phones off, talking, eating, arguing and laughing together. I’m glad I got to savour the moment as much as the food at the time. It’s a memory I’ll carry with me.