HUNGRY GERALD

During HG’s long career as a public relations consultant/publicist, HG had a client headquartered in New Orleans. Yes, HG ate many oysters, po’boys, and cajun dishes. HG delighted in numerous bowls of gumbo and became a gumbo addict, sure that N’awlin’s gumbo was the best. Thought this city was gumbo heaven. But, wait. Years later, SJ and wife, Maiko, were living in Brooklyn. HG/BSK were seated at their dinner table and presented with a steaming pot of SJ’s gumbo. A revelation. Incomparable. The best gumbo in the world. More lush and taste tingling than N’awlins versions. SJ/Maiko now live in Tokyo with their children, Haru and Teru. They own and run Freeman Shokudo, a busy “Brooklyn Barbecue” izakaya. Yes, SJ’s gumbo is on the menu—delighting many hungry diners. Wonderful SJ (and family) have traveled from Tokyo to HG/BSK’s Prince Edward Island oceanfront home for a family reunion. So, last night SJ gave HG a special treat. He cooked a big pot of chicken gumbo. Commented HG: “Better than ever!!”.