HUNGRY GERALD

That’s what the late, great Jewish/German poet and writer said a century ago after eating a plate of “holishkes”  (sweet and sour stuffed cabbage) at a Viennese Jewish restaurant. HG’s late Mom, Ida Kopkind Freeman, made the world’s best stuffed cabbage. HG often had a one half portion as an appetizer before chomping away at a huge pastrami sandwich (Russian dressing and coleslaw) at the long closed Gitlitz Delicatessen on Broadway and 71st. St. in Manhattan. Yesteryear, there were scores of traditional Jewish delis in Manhattan—now only three remain—2nd Ave. Deli; Sarge’s and Katz’s. “Appetizing stores” have also faded away but there are some magnificent survivors—Russ & Daughters; Zabar’s, Barney Greengrass and Murray’s. Yes, there’s hope. Though a confirmed atheist and humanist, HG can still smile at Heine’s  witty and cynical comment—and relish traditional Jewish delicacies. In future posts, HG will discuss  yesteryear’s “meat” and “dairy”: (two separate categories) eateries.

HG was busy at lunch today in HG/BSK’s spacious (3,200 sq. ft.) Central Falls, RI, loft.  There was a lot of catching up –mail delivered here while family was at the Prince Edward Island oceanfront home; unread magazines, bills, etc. HG was absorbed in breaking news in The New York Times —plus obits, opinions, columns,essays, etc. Has American democracy become Fascist? Despite gloomy thoughts, HG had a convenient lunch of Virginia Diner Tailgate Trail Mix–ingredients included sesame batons plus plenty of nuts–almonds, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds. HG augmented this mix with Planter’s cashews and washed it all down with a tall glass of one half orange juice and one half ice water .

Yes, HG/BSK are back in HG/BSK’s spacious, sunny. beautifully, decorated  (by BSK)) loft in the small city (contiguous to Providence) of Central Falls. Lots of dazzling BSK art (paintings and pottery) to gaze at. No ground chicken at the supermarket so BSK substituted ground turkey for BSK’s lush chicken ball/spinach/quinoa dish. Chunkier than chicken but very tasty. Toby, The Wonder Dog., was absent. The aging fellow will be at the Riva Riverside home with Riva pet, the gentle and intelligent Pip. More convenient. There will be weekly reunions with the mature doggies.

When HG lived in New York and New Jersey (yesteryear), men’s bathrooms (in hotels and restaurants) were staffed with courtly and helpful attendants (presume women’s bathrooms had female attendants). The Algonquin Hotel had a very distinguished attendant (HG presumes he was an aristocrat having difficult days). The Oak Room of the Plaza Hotel also had a regal attendant. Once, HG used a sanitary facility next to actor Cary Grant. HG noticed that Grant tipped the attendant five dollars (lavish). HG was content tipping one dollar. HG’s favorite men’s room was at the long demolished Polo Grounds in Manhattan (baseball and football Giants played there–the football Giants later moved to Yankee Stadium in The Bronx). The men’s room was staffed by an old Black man. He would chant “No matter if you shake or dance, the last drop will always fall in your. pants”. Before you left he would declaim: “If you had your little pee, don’t forget to remember me–old Sam.”  He was always tipped –sometimes as much as ten bucks.                                            

 Every BSC supper is a yummy delight. Last night, there was a fabulous bowl of orzo, zucchini,   bacon and chicken broth (much parmesan); this was followed by a ragout of Italian sausage, peppers and vegetables. Wonderful food. Joyous eating on  nights at  Riva/Freeman oceanfront home on serene Prince Edward Island and at HG/BSK’s spacious loft in Central Falls, .RI.                 ,