HG’S beloved daughter, Victoria Freeman, the renowned New York restaurateur (Shukette, Shuka, Cookshop, Vic’s, Rosie’s), spent three happy days with HG/BSK at their Prince Edward Island home. As usual, much travail for Vicki in getting to this blessed green isle (canceled flights, etc.). The weather? Some rain but plenty of sun ideal for BSK/Vicki beach walks. Feasting: Shucked oysters (Brackley Beach and Colville Bay); Sevruga caviar (a gift from generous Vicki); cod, tofu, spinach, soba noodles in scallion broth; fresh caught seared tuna salad with a plethora of greens, zucchini ribbons, avocado (a Vicki request). Culmination was a huge meal at Clamdiggers Restaurant in Cardigan. Crabcakes. Crisp onion rings. Steamed soft shell clams. Giant platters of seafood (fried clams, haddock, scallops) and French fries, of course. There was a problem. We had to wait for 90 minutes before the food arrived. Busy night and HG presumes the kitchen was understaffed. The wait didn’t blunt HG’s appetite. Usually moderate, HG was a “Clean Plate Ranger”. HG had a credit card in hand but stealthy Vicki had paid in advance. A super generous woman. This was in addition to the gifted caviar and two loaves of hard to find Pepperidge Farm Thin White Bread (perfect as a base for caviar when lightly toasted and buttered and also a worthy companion to softly scrambled eggs). BSK has been searching for more convenient ways for Vicki (and her husband, Marc Meyer, the pioneering farm-to-table chef) to travel to PEI. And, HG has promised to stay alive for more Vicki (and Marc) visits.
Gerald, We love this photo as it captures your effervescent personality perfectly!!!
Love to you from New Mexico,
Jose and Alicia
Thank you. Miss you and, of course, your green chili menudo (no posole).