HUNGRY GERALD

A cascade of family and culinary happiness. HG’s daughter, Victoria, the beautiful New York restaurateur (Shukette, Shuka, Cookshop, Vic’s, Rosie’s) came to HG /BSK’s Central Falls,RI, loft for a brief visit. She was joined for dinner by HG/BSK’s gifted daughter, Lesley R. and her brilliant husband, Profesore Massimo R. Victoria brought a vivid group of dips from Shukette, the innovative Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant (Plus, for dipping purposes, an array of spectacular breads). Massimo brought big, briny oysters–and shucked them perfectly. Lesley brought the ultimate Babka (Baked local) for breakfast the next morning. Dinner was an extravaganza–oysters followed by dips and breads followed by a hake, potato, red pepper, tomatoes stew in fish broth. Much food. Much culinary fireworks. Following HG’s traditional dessert of French chestnut puree and whipped cream, there were chocolates containing flavored grappa. Wines that accompanied the food were Gruet, Muscadet and Chianti. (HG writes this after a  Babka and cafe au lait breakfast. Babka is a home run of a pastry).