HUNGRY GERALD

Sweets Seafood Restaurant, located on Fulton Street close to the Fulton Fish Market on New York’s East River waterfront, was the oldest (1842-1945) and best seafood restaurant in New York. Young HG had a part time job as a stationary salesman in the Wall Street (close to Sweets) area and ate at the restaurant frequently. HG often ordered sole meuniere and oysters. Superb. Though underaged, HG was served beer without a qualm or an ID inspection.. HG often had other dishes–swordfish, pompano, flounder, sea bass. The fish was broiled or sauteed–customer’s choice. Fried oysters with a lush tartar sauce was a treat. Very spartan decor and very old waiters (Who greeted regulars like HG with a minimal smile). Customers included Wall Streeters plus the aristocratic coffee, tea, cocoa importers who did business in antique filled one story buildings on Water Street. Sweets had a vast wine, beer and cocktail menu.. The bar motto: “You name it. We’ll mix it.” Sweets was founded by Abraham M. Sweet–thus the name. The seafood at Sweets was sparkling fresh. It was purchased by the Sweets’ chefs daily at the Fulton Fish Market as soon as the market opened in the dark of the night. No, it’s not nostalgia. Sweets was The Emperor of Seafood.