(Submitted photo.)
It was a plea heard around the world that led to an unlikely connection. A Newfoundlander living in Los Angeles realized he was out of Mount Scio savoury just before he was set to cook for the Canadian Thanksgiving Holiday.
After noticing that his supply was low, Chad Richardson put out a call on Twitter hoping to locate someone nearby with an extra stock of the much-beloved seasoning.
On Sunday morning, Richardson woke up to find that the tweet had “blown up” overnight, with a surge of people suddenly invested in the search.
Legit ask… please pass along. Any Newfoundlanders (or anyone really) in LA with some extra savoury for turkey. I thought I had more but I'm out..I will drive to you… will pay top dollar.. or will sing for you.. or will actually cook your turkey. please RT till I get some!
— chadofalltrades (@chadofalltrades) October 11, 2020
Ultimately, he says about five people in his area contacted him to offer up extra savoury—but the gift-giver, in the end, was a woman living in Pasadena, California, whose mother is from Newfoundland.
Richardson says she came across the call for help thanks to a retweet from Mark Critch, and decided to reach out. He says it’s funny how it worked out that a share from Critch was enough to connect the strangers.
To Richardson, dressing made with Mount Scio savoury ‘tastes like home.” In his 17 years living in California, it hasn’t been missing from his turkey dinners.
“To me, savoury is a flavour of Newfoundland. You taste savoury and it reminds you of home,” said Richardson. “It’s the quintessential Newfoundland spice, or taste—besides peppermint nobs of course.”
THANK YOU INTERNET! Mission accomplished! Thank you @markcritch for the retweet that did the trick and thank you @cristinacornejo for the savoury!!!! Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! #HowItStarted pic.twitter.com/JQ4yf0CxsY
— chadofalltrades (@chadofalltrades) October 11, 2020
Richardson says the story has gathered quite a bit of attention across his state and in Newfoundland, which made him reflect on the importance of cultural items. He feels with all the turmoil in the world right now, small moments of light—such as an unlikely connection over savoury—resonates with many.
Ever since the exchange, Richardson says he has been regularly texting with the woman who shared her supply of savoury.
VOCM’s Kerri Hodder spoke with Chad Richardson on the VOCM Morning Show. Listen below:
