HUNGRY GERALD

Artist & Writers, a bar/restaurant on W.40th street in Manhattan was a frequent hangout for young HG when HG was a journalist and then a public relations professional. It was in the same building as the Herald-Tribune newspaper (both H-T and A & W, sadly, have vanished along with many other culinary and journalistic landmarks that adorned a more gracious and colorful New York). HG wondered about the name of the eatery. Why was “Artist” singular and “Writers” plural? In any case, Artist & Writers was the canteen for “Trib” (that’s what everyone called the newspaper) journalists and others from the Times, Business Week, Newsweek–all with offices in the neighborhood. All referred to it as “Bleeck’s”, after the owner, John Bleeck. HG drank many a Martini and sipped much cognac there but HG also was fond of the food. It was German and hearty. HG’s favorite dish was Konigsberger Klopse. This was composed of meatballs ( pork and beef) mixed with fried onions, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, and loads of spices. Golf ball sized, they were poached in sturdy stock and finished in a cream and capers sauce. It was topped with a big shower of chopped dill. Served with boiled potatoes and pint glasses of dark German beer. Good stuff. It was recalled last night when BSK took handfuls of dill from the BSK herb garden and cooked the herb with garlic scapes, anchovies, butter, chopped onions, olive oil, lemon juice and capers. Poured over lovely salmon filets (cooked medium rare the way HG likes them) , this was lush eating. Brought back memories of Bleeck’s and “the match game” that was played at the bar. HG was a skilled player. Alas, the old guy has forgotten the rules.