HUNGRY GERALD

Jeremy, Teru (the Tokyo pre-teen beauty), and BSK went clamming on the south shore of Prince Edward Island (close to Ocean Mist Farm, the home of Noel and Yossi M.–BSK’s sister and brother in law). Using their toes, the clam diggers harvested both cherrystones and little necks. For “supper” last night at the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront home on the north shore of PEI, the cherrystones were converted to Clams Casino (shells stuffed with bread crumbs, garlic, olive oil and bacon). They were super. The little necks were steamed with garlic, white wine and cherry tomatoes. However, for HG the star of the supper was Jeremy’s perfectly balanced Salt Cod Brandade with fried sage leaves. Smooth. Echo of the sea. Garlicky. Creamy. HG had numerous helpings with white wine. Thanks, excellent son. 

HG/BSK are lucky gourmands. Daughter Lesley R. and son Jeremy are vacationing at the family oceanfront (stirring water views) home on peaceful Prince Edward Island. They are wonderful cooks (as is BSK). So, every “supper” (that’s what they call dinner on PEI) is an extravaganza of culinary pleasure based (for the most part) on local produce. Some years ago, HG would skip lunch. Lesley R. and her husband, Massimo “Max” R. noticed that this left HG dizzy and awkward. They made it their mission to make sure the oldster lunches. Now, HG has tasty midday lunches prepared by them. Today, it was a dish of Jeremy’s hummus, newly picked and boiled PEI potatoes and Greek Yogurt –all flavored with olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and a bit of pimenton. The food made HG happily sigh as HG munched. Lesley and Max scored again.

Yes, it’s a delight to have a son who can cook. Here, at the BSK//HG/RIVA Prince Edward Island oceanfront home, he delights his family every night with tasty and inventive “suppers” . That’s not all— he always gives pleasure with his wit, literary, political and cultural insights and his jolly exuberance. Jeremy was in charge tonight. Happy time began with salt cod fritters adorned with a lush and spicy sauce. HG had to be restrained. The old guy could have eaten dozens of these best ever fritters. HG has fond memories of salt cod fritters HG ate in Venice and Rome. They were extraordinary but Jeremy’s version topped them.  Main dish was reheated chicken and sausage gumbo. This is Jeremy’s signature dish–better than any Cajun and Creole versions. HG ended the meal with ice cream served by beautiful pre-teen Tokyo granddaughter Teru. Tonight Tokyo ruled.           

BSK and daughter, Lesley R., are very fond of cooking with a sheet pan, It seems the ingredients for “supper” keep their integrity when they are roasted in a sheet pan in the oven.(there is also the convenience of one pan cleaning).  BSK and Lesley collaborated on a tasty locavore main dish last night. The diners in HG/BSK/Riva Prince Edward Island oceanfront home gave BSK and Lesley merited applause. The ingredients were all local—chopped peppers, fennel,onions,scallions,parsley;ripe cherry tomatoes. And, delicious cod (cut into chunks) from nearby Julio’s Seafood. Gilded with olive oil and flavored with spices and a dash of hot sauce–this was regal PEI dining. “Supper” ended with warmed leftover berry gratin (a Lesley invention) topped with vanilla ice cream. Perfect summer meal.

At the age of 94 (95 in November, hopefully). Life isn’t easy for the old guy. Many “challenges”: Walking, swallowing, hearing, seeing, etc.,etc.,etc. However, there are many compensations–principal is the companionship and caregiving of the love of HG’s life, BSK. (61 years of marriage and HG wants more with this incomparably beautiful, chic, creative woman). And, HG has the blessing of having a family of loving, creative, super intelligent individuals. They are responsible for HG’s happiness at this demanding stage of HG’s long life –they watch over HG’s safety and bring him laughter and joy. These days on Prince Edward Island (the site of the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront home) there’s another reason for smiles–the fabulous international food prepared by daughter, Lesley R.; son Jeremy and BSK. Dishes come from all over the world–Morocco, Italy, France, Canada, Spain, China, Japan, India, Israel –and the USA (shrimp and grits; chicken gumbo; fried chicken,hot dogs). Last night ,Lesley made Spaghetti Amatriciana (sauce of cherry tomatoes, crisp bacon bits, olive oil,chopped parsley.). This was preceded by a salad of small Newfoundland shrimp. A savory summer meal. Jeremy  made lunch for HG today–hummus, Greek yogurt and Jeremy’s unique beet and tahina salad. So, foodies–should you envy HG? You should.

Son Jeremy is a very talented cook. So, it is not surprising that, teamed with wife and partner, they have made their barbecue izakaya, Freeman Shokudo, a busy eatery renowned for its better- than-Katz’s pastrami and other robust beer-friendly dishes. Maiko and handsome son, Haru, are back in Tokyo while Jeremy and pre-teen daughter, Teru, are still enjoying life at the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront home on the north shore of Prince Edward Island. Last night, Jeremy made one of HG/BSK’s favorite dishes–Chicken gumbo in the N’Awlins style. Jeremy made a mahogany colored roux and filled the pot with chicken thighs, smoked sausage, corn, the New Orleans “holy trinity” of chopped celery, peppers and onions; okra, tomatoes, garlic, broth and a variety of spices and herbs. Jeremy made his own picante sauce if more tongue tingling heat was needed. The dish was spectacular–everyone had seconds and contemplated thirds. Much red wine was quaffed. Daughter Lesley R.’s dessert was not an anticlimax. It was a berry crumble — blueberries and nectarines—the stewed fruit nestled underneath sweetened breadcrumbs and topped with generous amounts of vanilla ice cream. Lush, refreshing–and not too sweet. All at the dining table applauded Jeremy and Lesley for an extraordinary “supper”.

HG is very lucky to have his gifted daughter, Lesley R.,and husband, Massimo, enjoying workathions at the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront home on Prince Edward Island. Professor Massimo R. is very attentive to HG’s seating efforts (alert Massimo makes sure HG doesn’t take another–possibly fatal–tumble). In the meantime, Lesley R. takes care of HG’s comfort and nourishment. Today, Lesley prepared a steaming bowl of rice noodles (from a Thai Kitchen package) and topped it with a lot of  silken tofu (rich in protein). Hungry fellow flavored his lunch bowl with sesame oil and Tajin (Mexican spice sprinkles). Nice midday comfort eating. Chilly day so Lesley covered HG’s knees with a warm blanket as seated HG worked on his computer (HG has been wearing shorts). Lesley has been actively aiding HG to see and hear speeches by Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Tim Walz, Doug Emhoff (witty and articulate First Gentleman); Oprah, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama and the star of the evening, Kamala Harris, the next President of the United States (we fervently hope). Listening to Michelle, Oprah and Kamala, HG surmises that oratory has become another female skill.  For Dinner, Lesley made a healthy and tasty meal of chunks of salmon poached in a pungent broth with spices, herbs  and spinach. This was poured over bowls of basmati rice. Lesley chopped scallôns, parsley,basil and arugula to be added to the bowls (because of swallowing handicaps, HG passed on this and was content with some spoonfuls of Sambal Oelek). Lesley did all of this as she steadily worked on her professional duties.   A Wonder Woman, indeed.                                                              

For many years HG demeaned vegetables. “Rabbit food.”  “Earth garbage.” Etc., etc.. The exceptions were sweet corn and New Jersey tomatoes. Potatoes were okay if they flanked steak and other meat treats. With old (very old) age, HG’s tastes have changed. He now loves veggies. A misfortune: HG can’t eat leafy green salads because of throat constriction from cancer surgery. Fortunately, endive leaves are a treat as well as chopped spinach. Broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini and okra are favorites. Last night, Gifted Daughter Lesley R. prepared a healthy and deeply flavored pasta dish for supper at the family oceanfront home on Prince Edward Island. Cauliflower, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels were gently sauteed in olive oil and spices. The melange was flavored with feta cheese. This was mixed with pasta (linguine for HG and farfalle for HG’s tablemates). Astoundingly delicious. Hey, do vegetarians make sense?

A grey day on Prince Edward Island which turned sunny in late afternoon. An enjoyable supper (dinner) at the family oceanfront home. HG/BSK,son Jeremy and his pre-teen daughter, the adorable Teru comprised the unusually small group at the dining table. During the summer there are as many as 10 hungry folks at supper. (This night HG/BSK daughter Lesey R. and her husband, Massimo, were in Charlottetown dining with friends Silva and Neb. Silva is the architect of the HG/BSK/RIVA home and Professor Neb is a distinguished academic. The visiting Tokyoites–Jeremy’s wife, Maiko Sakamoto, son Haru and Maiko’s Mom, Kyoko Sakamoto, are back in that city.) So, Jeremy was in charge of supper (lucky us) and it was glorious—crisp fried hake, in-season yellow beans with a delectable sauce, crispy potato nuggets baked in the oven with a smear of duck fat. The spuds were inspired by the famed Paris bistro–L’Ami Louis. The dinner at home was a bargain. Dinner at the Paris bistro costs $150-175 per person.

BSK and daughter, Lesley R., are very concerned about HG’s nutrition and HG’s longevity. HG is flattered. Obviously, with all of HG’s faults and short temper, they want the old guy around. So, lunch is important. HG’s lunch choice is Thai Kitchen rice noodle soup with a lot of silken tofu and sesame oil plus hot sauce for flavoring. When thin sliced white (or rye) bread is available, HG enjoys a sardine sandwich enriched with Kewpie Mayonnaise, Maille Mustard and a dash of Sambal Oelek. But, the best lunch is one that Lesley R. prepared for her Dad the last two days: Soft leftover grits, a bit of broth and hot sauce, gently swirled scrambled eggs. Gently heated with a cup of steaming coffee on the table, this is a superlative lunch that keeps HG happy until the cocktail hour and the subsequent tasty dinner prepared by HG’s family (all have culinary skills). HG is blessed to have a skilled and caring family.