HUNGRY GERALD

Some followers of HG have queried HG: “What is the best restaurant meal you have ever had ?”  HG pondered and narrowed it down to meals in three cities—New York, London and Paris. Best New York meal was at long closed Christ Cella, the eminent steak house (Scotch Sour; lobster cocktail; medium rare sirloin steak and creamed spinach; eclair dessert. Beverage was Guinness/IPA Black and Tan);  Runner up was Gage and Tollner– Shad and Shad Roe in the Spring. Drank Chablis and had sauteed clam bellies as an appetizer. In third place was Keen’s (Mutton Chop for dinner and Roast Beef Hash for lunch). Drank ale. In London, the two great restaurants were the Savoy Grill in the Savoy Hotel and the Connaught Restaurant in the Connaught Hotel. HG ordered the same meal in both places. Smoked salmon with a flute of Champagne; Mixed grill with souffle potatoes. Drank English dark ale. J. Sheekey (seafood) was the runner up. (Fish Pie; mixed grilled fish). English dark ale, once more. Paris, glorious Paris. Le Stella Brasserie was a favorite.  A classic meal: Oysters. Bulots.(On the house Champagne reserved for favorite customers like HG/BSK); Rack of lamb with French fries; Marcellin cheese; IIe Flottante for dessert, Espresso and Martell Cognac.  Drank the good house Bordeaux with the lamb and the cheese, Champagne with the dessert.  HG/BSK had robust regional meals at Ma Bourgogne (Jambon persillé, quenelles in nantua sauce, apricot tart, Bourgogne red wine). Unquestionably, HG’s choice of the best restaurant meal HG has ever had was at Le Dome. Here’s the glory: Gillardeaux oysters; sauteed frog legs; Grilled Dover Sole with potato puffs in a rich, lemon juice enhanced butter sauce; Berthillon ice cream for dessert; espresso and cognac to finish; Muscadet and chablis throughout the meal. Astounding culinary pleasure that would cost 600-650 euros today.