Episode 35: Chili Bowls

After a few days of milder weather, winter has returned to Neighborful Station, with a deep chill from Canada arriving on the northwest wind. You step off the tram in front of Rustin Middle School just before sunset, on your way to Chili Bowls, a town-wide dinner hosted by the middle school students. On the steep ridge overhead, you hear blue jays settling deep into the evergreens for the cold night ahead. The last rays of sun are turning the few clouds on the western horizon into blazes of red and orange. You feel the crisp air tracing through your nose as you take an easy breath.

On the front lawn of the school, you see Fritz and Anna standing at the center of a circle of stainless steel ovens, supervising a small group of middle schoolers. The heavenly scent of baking bread reaches your nose. Fritz waves you over, calling out, “Hello, You! Would you like to visit our bakery?”

As you walk over, you call back, “Yes, of course! What are you making?”

Anna smiles and replies, “Everything. Cornbread, sourdough, even some naan.”

Fritz beckons you into the circle and says, “I built for tonight a tandoor, and it works!”

You realize that everyone else is only wearing short sleeves, because of the heat from the ovens. Your cheeks flush and you start to feel quite warm in your coat as you tell the group, “This all smells amazing. I’d better get inside and leave you to it.”

When you step into the main entrance of the school, the lights are dim, and there are pillar candles on tables along the sides of the lobby, giving the room a warm glow. Two students in blazers and jeans, holding computer tablets, greet you as you enter, one of them saying, “Welcome to Chili Bowls! How many in your party?”

You answer, “Just one.”

Someone behind you says, “Make that four, please.” You turn to see Fatima, Ajmal, and Olivia, all beaming at you as they take off their coats. Fatima asks, “We don’t want to impose, but will you join us for dinner?”

You tell her, “Yes, I’d be delighted. Thank you.”

One of the students says, “Let’s get you seated. Please, follow me.”

The four of you, and your host, walk down the main hallway of the school, which is lined with lockers interrupted at regular intervals by classroom doors. Like the lobby, this hallway is specially lit for the evening, with colorful Christmas lights weaving through the space overhead. Ajmal murmurs to you, “Mustafa told us they’ve been decorating for days.”

Your host stops at the entrance to a classroom and says, “Right this way, please.” When you enter the room, you see that it has been arranged with small tables for two or four people. A vintage typewriter sits in one corner, and rising from it, there is a huge flock of origami birds, made from the pages of books. The flock stretches from the corner across the entire room, suspended from the ceiling. You reach up to touch the birds above you, which are swaying gently in a warm breeze from the air vents. You feel the smooth textures and sharp angles of their paper bodies, and you take a deep breath.

When the four of you sit down, Moose arrives at the tableside, a huge grin on his face, as he declares, “Good evening, dear neighbors, and welcome to Chili Bowls. Each of the bowls set before you is unique, handmade right here in our pottery studio. We have cooked a range of different chilis tonight, and we will bring three of them to the table for you to share, family style. My serving partner tonight is Diya, and she will bring water and the bread service for the table.” At this, a South Asian girl appears next to Moose. The two of them glance at each other and then quickly look away, as Diya tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear. Fatima and Ajmal trade a look and some raised eyebrows of their own.

Moments later, Moose returns with three serving bowls of chili. He announces as he sets them down, “This first one is classic Texas style. The second is Korean, with gochujang. And the third is a vegetarian mashawa (muh-shuh-WA), made from my mother’s family recipe. We hope you enjoy.” He gives a little bow, and walks away.

Fatima sighs and her eyes sparkle as she says, “Oh, I didn’t know he was doing that. Bon appetit, everyone. Bismillah.”

Diya returns a moment later, bearing a platter full of the breads that have been baking outside. Each of you takes a few things to try, and the table settles into the contented silence of a wonderful meal. You savor the complex spices of the mashawa, dipping your cornbread to soak up the sauce rich in cumin and garam masala. You watch your dinner companions for a moment as they revel in the feast, and you set down your spoon and your bread, placing both of your hands on your belly as you take a relaxed breath.

Olivia coughs quietly to get everyone’s attention, and tilts her head toward the serving station, where Diya has taken Moose’s cell phone and is typing something into it. Moose is blushing furiously. Olivia says, “You know, Chili Bowls was the first time I really noticed Mason. He was just so kind with everyone. I started crushing on him in 7th grade, but I didn’t ask him out until last year. It’s honestly embarrassing that I waited so long.”

All four of your own phones suddenly chime. A text from Emily reads, “Come celebrate Claire’s first birthday with us! Next Saturday at 2:00. Please, no gifts! Will you join us?”

As everyone else begins to RSVP, you write back, “Yes, I can’t wait! But are you sure you don’t want me to bring a gift?”

Emily responds, “Quite sure. I know it feels weird. Trust me.”

You and Fatima look up at each other as she says, “No gifts?

Olivia nods vigorously and tells you, “I won’t spoil the surprise, but it’s a town tradition, and it’s one of my favorite things about living here.” She glances around the room and says, “Now, I wonder where they’re hiding the desserts….”