HUNGRY GERALD

New York’s best and shortest (five foot-two) Mayor, Fiorello Laguardia, deftly steered New York City through the Great Depression, World War Two and the early post-war years. The “Little Flower” presented HG with an award for coming in second place in a city wide American history contest (second place was a big time honor as there were hundreds of entries). Laguardia delighted HG’s late Mom, by saying: “Gerald, you must have a wonderful mother who is responsible for your prize.” When there was a brief newspaper strike in 1945, Laguardia read the comics to young radio listeners (Station WNYC). The Mayor always noted that his favorite dish was “Pastafazoole” and he would relish a bowl after reading the comics. “Pastafazoole” is pasta e fagioli–a delicious  stew of  broth, onions, garlic, onions, tomato sauce, spices –plus cannellini beans and small shaped pasta. HG adds a pour of olive oil and hot sauce, before devouring this cold weather treat. BSK makes a tasty variant of this dish–broth, olive oil, garlic, spices, escarole and bacon. BSK purees the escarole (catering to HG’s constricted swallowing). HG had three bowls of this wondrous soup last night accompanied by an outstanding Spanish red wine. Happily, there was enough left over for some lunches.