HUNGRY GERALD

What is bottarga? It is magical Italian substance. Dried fish roe (tuna or mullet). Available in powder or a solid block wrapped in wax (must be grated). It gives a pasta dish a pungent burst of the sea. Thoughtful daughter, Lesley R., brought HG /BSK a little jar from her travels in Portugal. BSK put it to good use tonight. BSK constructed a sauce of olive oil, thinly sliced garlic, chopped fennel and sweet onion, capers. Plus a can of superior Ortiz tuna (a stellar Spanish product) and sliced cherry tomatoes (these sweet wonders are a seasonal Prince Edward Island treat). Mixed it with a few spoonfuls of bottarga. Gave it a hit of hot pepper flakes. A dash of raw olive oil. The pasta was spaghetti cooked al dente. One of the best pasta dishes HG ever tasted (and chubby HG has consumed much pasta). Of course, the best pasta dish is tagliatelle with slices of white truffle. HG/BSK ate this wonder in Bologna, Bergamo and Florence. Killer.

Eric M., HG/BSK’s massively muscled nephew, and his wife, the very beautiful and equally muscled, Lisa, have lived in Las Vegas for a number of years. Eric is the impresario (and a star performer) of “Gladius”, an extraordinary equine show featuring huge draft horses. Lisa also stars in the show and, in addition, is an aerialist in another Vegas extravaganza. Happily, they were visiting Eric’s parents, Yossi and Noel M. (BSK’s sister and brother-in-law), when the insane and tragic Las Vegas massacre took place. Sadly, when they get back to Vegas, they will be poring the lists to see how many of their friends were slain or maimed. At the same time, Trump and the Republican pieces of excrement, will be uttering their usual bullshit about “thoughts and prayers.” Gun control? Fuhgeddabout it. The GOP is puckering up, the better to kiss NRA’s ass and keep those campaign funds flowing. Tragic. Before E. and L. left PEI, HG/BSK hosted a dinner of Portuguese fish spreads (courtesy of daughter Lesley R.), pappardelle with Ragu Bolognese. Dessert was that midwest fave: Tin Roofs (vanilla ice cream covered with Hershey’s Chocolate syrup and topped with Planter’s Cocktail Peanuts). The combo of sweet, salty and rich is a killer. Before leaving, Eric carried a very heavy six foot table top to BSK’s recently completed studio/garage. HG/BSK couldn’t budge it. Powerhouse Eric carried it as if it was a puff of meringue.

Is there anyone who doesn’t like potato chips? Don’t think so. However, good potato chips aren’t always easy to find. Prince Edward Island supermarket and convenience stores carry loads of potato chips. Mostly Lay’s and Old Dutch. Not good. Thus, it was a happy occasion when HG discovered Miss Vickie’s Original Recipe Kettle Cooked Potato Chips. The Canadian company has been making these thick, crunchy, lightly salted chips since 1987 and the package promises: No trans fat. Low in saturated fat. No MSG. No preservatives. Made from Canadian potatoes and cooked in kettles. BSK likes them but has an allegiance to Cape Cod Kettle Chips. Of course, nothing compares to Trader Joe’s Ridge Cut Salt and Pepper Potato Chips (see HG’s May 18, 2017 post). Like TJ’s product, Miss Vickie can be addictive. Disciplined HG limits intake to 15 chips (about 120 calories).