HUNGRY GERALD

In the 50’s (and much of the 60’s) Third Avenue was darkened by the overhead EL train. There were many tenements housing Irish-Americans. Young HG was a  journalist in those days. Third Avenue was a food (and drink) paradise for perpetually hungry and whiskey drinking HG – a large snifter of rye with a beer chaser cost less than a dollar. There were many Irish bars (“BAR AND GRILLS”) named after their owners (Murphy’s, etc.) or Ireland counties (Sligo,etc.).  All  served corned beef and cabbage or pot roast. Quality varied. Also on the Avenue were chili “parlors”. A dollar bought a big bowl of red served au naturel (with soda crackers) or over rice or spaghetti—Texas style, no beans. Many Chinese restaurants. HG’s favorite dish was shrimp in lobster sauce accompanied by fried rice. There were mini diners that were good places for bacon and eggs with cups of strong coffee. Even if one didn’t have much money, you didn’t go hungry as the EL roared overhead.