Oh, much joy !! BSK has arrived in the Riverside, Rhode Island home of gifted daughter Lesley R. and her husband, Profesore Massimo R. The Wonder Woman is decompressing after a month of long days expediting HG/BSK’s move to a spacious loft in Providence’s Central Falls area (closing the purchase next Monday). Once more, HG finds the love of HG’s life more beautiful than ever. And, super chic (scarf arrangements top those of Parisiennes). HG’s joy was matched by that of Toby,The Wonder Dog. A warm reunion and serene sleep at the foot of HG/BSK’s guest room bed. Celebratory homecoming dinner featured local oysters (perfectly shucked by Massimo), swordfish, tasty side dishes and Cava sparkling wine. HG’s life is complete with BSK, HG’s wife of 59 years is back in HG’s presence. Still in love with the wondrous woman.
HG is a dedicated fan of Chinese food and has been since he was 10 years old (or younger). That’s 83 years of lo mein, chili oil, fermented black beans and every variety of seafood, pork and stir fries. When HG/BSK lived in the Northeast HG/BSK dined often in Chinatown, the upper west side and Clifton, NJ. (Yes, Clifton had a splendid Chinese restaurant –might still be there–and HG dined there often when HG/BSK’s public relations firm was headquartered in Clifton). But, for many years good Chinese food was rare (except for New York trips and Vancouver, BC, part time residence in a spacious loft). HG/BSK resided for many years in Santa Fe and Prince Edward Island, neither a source for Chinese food but wonderful places to live. PEI will remain a constant in the lives of HG/BSK and family but the Santa Fe compound has been sold. HG/BSK’s new residence is a fabulous 3,200 square foot loft in the Central Falls area of Providence, RI. (move in date is mid-November). Meanwhile, HG is living the good life in Riverside, RI, being taken care of with love and efficiency by gifted daughter, Lesley R. and her brilliant husband, Professor Massimo R. Knowing of HG’s Chinese food famine, Massimo ordered a super abundant feast from Cheng Du, a very good Chinese restaurant in North Providence. Lucky HG is happy to be residing in Providence, a city with many very good Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian and other Asian restaurants. In addition, close to HG/BSK’s new loft is Good Fortune Market. This emporium is huge and carries a starting variety of Asian foods—packaged and frozen. HG/BSK are looking forward to Sunday at home dim sum delights including har gow, shu mai, shrimp and pork dumplings, and fresh egg tarts. (An HG fantasy turned into reality). Tonight’s Cheng Du feast included two varieties of Szechuan fish, duck stir fry, wonton in chili oil, home style tofu, steamed eggplant in garlic sauce; prawns and vegetables; pea shoots, string beans, hot and sour soup–and more, much more. Everything was delicious, up to the best New York Chinatown standards. Hey, Rhody has food that isn’t Asian: Great oysters, fish, clams, squid, lobsters, etc. Plus Del’s Lemonade and New York System hot dogs. The smallest state is a food heaven.
Japanese are very fond of curry. Packages of curry mix are found on the pantry shelves of most Japanese homes. HG/BSK were introduced to Jpanese curry by SJ’s wife, Maiko Sakamoto, a beautiful and gifted chef (partner with SJ in Freeman Shokudo, a Tokyo izakaya specializing in Brooklyn barbecue including pastrami). HG recalls Maiko’s Japanese curry enveloping tender sliced chicken. The sauce was thick and lush. Last night’s Riverside, RI, dinner was ground pork and sweet potato curry. Lesley thinned the curry with a bit of dashi broth. Served over rice and accompanied by local beer and a tangy chutney, it was another memorable repast orchestrated by gifted daughter, Lesley R. BSK will be back in Rhody in a few days. Much anticipation. Presume BSK will assist Lesley in the kitchen. Happy times ahead as HG is reunited with the love of his life.
