85. Hey, that’s a lot of years. But, HG, the birthday boy, is not only Hungry Gerald but Greedy Gerald. HG wants more. More life. More years. More food. More wine. That’s because HG has the best wife, the best children, the best grandchildren and the best dog (Toby, a new member of the family). And, of course, HG/BSK divide their time between two delightful and very different paradises: New Mexico (the Land of Enchantment) and Prince Edward Island (The Gentle Island). In New Mexico, HG/BSK have the benefit of interesting, generous, amusing friends. Among them are Polly B. (the renowned photographer); David F. (novelist and historian); Karen K.(film producer). This trio gathered with HG/BSK and Gorgeous Granddaughter Sofia for a birthday feast of red salmon caviar (from Zabar’s) and home made blini (via the Roger Sherman recipe from Canal House Cooking, Vol. 3). Also Gaspe Nova Scotia smoked salmon and sable (from Russ & Daughters, a very generous gift from Restaurateur Daughter Victoria). On the table was creme fraiche and thick sour cream; scallion cream cheese; whitefish salad; pickles; capers; caper berries; sliced sweet onion and tomatoes; black olives. Jewish rye and pumpernickel bread (from Zabar’s). Genuine New York bagels (Russ & Daughters). The group toasted HG with Kristal champagne (a startling pre-birthday gift from Antony and Claudia C.) and then went on to a variety of cold, dry white wines. Dessert. Ah, dessert!! This was provided by Karen K., acknowledged as The Dessert Queen. HG has written about Karen K.’s wonders before but this time the talented lady outdid herself. Dessert was flan. A wondrous flan that hovered somewhere between traditional flan and an ethereal creme brûlée. A dream custard with toasted flakes of almond to provide a contrasting crunch. Providing some overkill, HG sliced pistachio halvah accompanied by Bushmill’s Irish Honey Whiskey. Polly B. and David F. gave HG a magnificent straw sombrero as a birthday gift. This will be indispensable on PEI’s beaches even though the hat makes HG look like an exotic variety of Jewish mushroom. Thanks to all (including little granddaughter Teru) who sent birthday greetings and wishes. A joyous birthday, indeed.
Happy birthday. My dad, who made it to 99, always said that old coothood was optional, and at any rate shouldn’t set in before 100. You are a great example of keepin’ it young!
Thanks, Dave. When are we going to see you and your bride ?
Happy Birthday Gerry from all the gang at By the Bay Fish Mart. Gladys and I want to wish you the happiest birthday wishes for the years to come. You look so handsome in your new straw hat, it will be useful on the beautiful PEI beaches for sure! Our weather is starting to get colder and we are already wishing for the summer and the return of wonderful friends like you and Sharon.
All the best!
Sheryll and Gladys
How kind of you and Gladys to remember my birthday. Looking forward to modeling my new hat for you. In the meantime, keep warm this winter, have a joyous Christmas and a happy, healthy 2015. Sharon sends you hugs. We both miss your personages and the delicacies you offer for our table….Hungry Gerald..AKA Gerry Freeman
Oh Gerald, you are as delicious as your birthday feast! That hat is very you. And you do have the best of everything. Love, from our casita, to yours. Kisses to that BSK – and does NY have any smoked salmon or Jewish rye or caviar left? I will have to check! XXOO
Darling Stevie: You are inimitable. Irreplaceable. Hey, if you started wearing a dinner jacket you could top Fran Lebowitz.
Many many happy returns of the day from your amigos Jose and Alicia and the Parasol staff! Abraham Lincoln famously said “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years..”. You, my friend, more then any other person, we have known, bare witness to this. You inspire us as you elevate the everyday life to a celebration of passions, epicurean delights, adventure and glorious laughter! Here’s to making it count! Long may you live!
Thank you for your kind (and very moving) thoughts. You,Alicia, Jose and your gracious, courteous staff brighten my days.