There was joy in the beautiful agricultural valley of Pojoaque (15 minutes north of Santa Fe) where HG/BSK live. HG’s daughter, Victoria Freeman, and husband/chef Marc Meyer, own and run four of New York’s best restaurants: Cookshop, Rosie’s, Vic’s and Shuka. A fifth, Shukette, will open soon. If in New York, don’t miss them and say HG sent you. Generous Vicki marked HG’s 90th birthday by sending HG a box of wonders from Russ & Daughters, the lower east side landmark of smoked fish. One pound of Nova. One Pound of Scotch smoked salmon. One pound of whitefish/kippered salmon salad. One pound of scallion cream cheese, One pound of plain cream cheese. Two chubs (small smoked whitefish). Bagels galore. And, turn livid green with envy, a substantial tin of paddlefish caviar. HG/BSK examined all of these good things and (since they were soon leaving for Vancouver) determined that this was too much for two (albeit HG/BSK were voracious R. & D. Sunday brunch fans when HG/BSK lived in Greenwich Village). So, HG/BSK invited local friends and neighbors to a down-home New York Jewish brunch. Vodka. Beer. Cold white wine. Pickles. Olives. Capers. Lemons. Whole Foods cole slaw and potato salad. Exuberant joy reigned. There was talk of a Vicki statue or plaque honoring this splendid woman. The caviar was withheld. When back from Rain City, HG/BSK will consume it with a bottle of Gruet Brut and contemplate HG/BSK’s good luck in having a daughter/stepdaughter like Vicki. Much love to her.
Leave a Reply