Monday night, I had a friend round for toast. I’m 44. There was a time when if I caught up with a friend, we’d go to the pub. These days it’s a delight if they’re willing to come round for a cup of tea and a slice of toast.
We had some scones from the British shop round the corner. We had some Quavers. We had some hot and spicy pickled onions. My dad sent me some German egg cups from the 1980s for Christmas. They arrived that day from Bulgaria. So my friend and I ate some boiled eggs with soldiers. I boiled the eggs for four minutes, which I’ve decided is the perfect amount of time. You don’t get too much mush in the white, and the yolk is a bit firm but still runny. The soldiers were double toasted. Once when the eggs went in. Again when the eggs came out. Then buttered and sliced up. They were perfect for plunging into the runny yolks and enjoying.
A few months ago, this friend of mine was telling me about his frenetic life. There was a lot going on. I said it all sounded exhausting.
“Mate,” I said. “Wouldn’t you rather just stay at home and have a few nice slices of toast?”
It struck him hard.
“In fact, you’re right,” he said. “I would rather have some toast.”
And so now, whenever we’re due a catch-up, he sends me the toast emoji on my phone. He comes round. I make him some toast. We have a chat and that’s it. His life is less frenetic and we both feel better about it.
There’s a movie called Big Night with Stanley Tucci. It’s all about the big dinner party. There’s a store on 10th Street with the same name. It focuses on going all-out to impress a guest. They say this is “entertaining season.” But for me, entertaining should be like putting on a pair of comfy slippers. Like slipping your favorite Bond film into a VHS player and getting set for a joy. You don’t want to feel anxiety. You don’t want to push the boat out. That’s for other people. You want a simple, nice thing that’s low pressure and a delight. It’s perfect for sharing.
You want a slice of toast. Come round whenever. We’ve always got some bread in.
Happy Thanksgiving.
