When Tomatoes Lead to Brotherly Violence
By Michelle Fabio
If you’re reading this, chances are that you are passionate about tomatoes.
So how far would you go to defend your beloved tomato’s right to sit atop one of your country’s signature dishes?
Michael and John Garvin, two brothers from England, came to blows over just this question regarding Shepherd’s Pie after a day of drinking. Michael, a chef, didn’t take too kindly to his brother’s suggestion of topping the dish with a layer of sliced tomatoes—in fact, he responded by hitting John over the head with a shovel.
According to Michael’s lawyer, a threat by John to torch his brother’s flat followed. After the alleged threat, John was arrested and spent a night in jail. He admitted a breach of the peace, and according to the Telegraph, “was bound over to keep the peace for 12 months in the sum of £200.”
Oh, and what about the relationship between Shepherd’s Pie and tomatoes? District Judge Peter Ward found that tomatoes have no place in the traditional English dish.
FYI, Shepherd’s pie is a dish made of minced meat (usually lamb, thus the “shepherd”) and then covered with mashed potatoes and baked. Other ingredients can include peas, carrots, and other vegetables.
But apparently no tomatoes.
May we suggest to the brothers a nice tomato salad on the side?
May 5th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Too funny.
I’m not sure I’d like tomatoes atop my Shepherd’s Pie, but a few slices on the side would be just what the doctor…er…chef ordered!
May 5th, 2008 at 9:59 am
OMG, Michelle! What a classic account! Mercy!!!! I say, John should try his own hand at being a chef and see if his tomato-topped shepherd’s pie creates a sensation. Poor guy! Thanks for a little Monday-morning humor!
May 5th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Michelle, That is priceless. I can sort of relate. I can’t cook with my husband. Every time we try there is an argument. However, there has not been actual violence. Thanks for the laugh.
May 8th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Glad you all enjoyed it. I personally have never seen Shepherd’s Pie with tomatoes on, but I’m certainly not getting in the middle of anything