HUNGRY GERALD

Orsini’s on New York’s W. 56th was a hangout for HG in the 1950’s when HG was married to HG’s late ex-wife. First a coffee shop and then a restaurant; its customers were famous socialites, actors and writers. When on stage in New York, Yul Brynner and Larence Olivier took their meals there. It was founded by the handsome and courtly Italian, Armando Orsini, and his younger brother, Elio. HG spent a lot of time with Armando since Armando was dating HG’s ex-wife’s close friend, a beautiful model. HG took Armando to HG’s favorite rough and ready Italian restaurants— Patsy’s Pizzeria on First Avenue in East Harlem was one. Snobbish Armando didn’t like it–as well as other HG choices. This made HG dislike Armando and his phony nobility. (In later years, Patsy’s was discovered by Woody Allean and became a gourmand choice —there was no connection between this Patsy’s and the classy Patsy’s in midtown which was a favorite of Frank Sinatra). Armando and the model broke up (she didn’t like his sexual choices). Orsini’s had a long run–1953-1984. Before opening Orsini’s, Armando was married for a few years to the famous stripper, Lili St. Cyr. (though separated, it was believed Lili helped bankroll Orsini’s and encouraged her numerous famous theatrical friends to patronize it).   Armando died in 2011, age 88. He had been married for 51 years to Georgianna Orsini–they wed in 1960. Georgianna was a well regarded poet–author of “Imperfect Lover” and “In Concert”.