HUNGRY GERALD

The weather was crisp and clear (no snow) on Christmas Day as HG/BSK and the Riva family (daughter Lesley and husband, Massimo, their beautiful daughters, Sofia and Artanna—Plus A’s companion,Adam) gathered at the Riva Riverside, RI, home for a day of fun, feasting and opening scores of presents. The gifts varied–glamorous, whimsical, useful, practical, health conscious—and funny. Breakfast/brunch featured Lesley’s tasty crepes topped with soft, buttery scrambled eggs, red salmon caviar and sour cream. Oh, my!!! Dinner was a Lesleyl extravaganza of lusciousness–Osso Bucchi (veal shanks) cooked into soft and tender meaty morsels. They were nestled in a fabulous sauce that topped a RIsotto Milanese (a Massimo specialty). Softly braised fennel was the vegetable. Gremolata and grated parmesan on the table to enhance the veal shanks and risotto. Massimo was the sommelier. He served a lovely Brunello with the main dish and a powerful Barolo with the cheese course. The family heralded the joy of being together with pre-dinner toasts of icy Prosecco. From the large variety of cheese, HG selected a slice of perfect gorgonzola with fig jam (the pungent cheese was the best ever). HG finished HG’s red wine with a bowl of homemade flan. While sipping white port, HG contemplated HG’s good fortune in having a loving, talented, activist family. They keep HG alive.