When To Call

The other day I called the kitchen.  Massimo's sous chef answered the phone and passed the receiver to Massimo, who said,

"Lemme call you back, I have a sea urchin sticking out of my hand."

I'll bet you never heard your husband use an excuse like that!

Ok, it turned out to be true, I saw the evidence of the crustacean's long black spines still embedded in his thumb later.  In fact, another quarter inch piece made its way out a couple of days later.  But quite often, for reasons other than shellfish attacks, Massimo cannot talk on the phone.  In fact, I've learned over the years when to call.  The waiters' meeting takes place at 11 and 5 p.m., which means Massimo, or his sous chef, briefs the waiters on the night's specials, etc.  So I have to call before or after these times.  And then, after 6:30 or so, all bets are off until around 9:30.  Then around 10:30 or 11 he'll call his vendor to place orders for meat, fish, veg, etc. for the following day, and then he's home!

By the way, I'm pretty sure Massimo will be left with a permanent sea urchin scar to add to his growing collection of kitchen injuries.