HUNGRY GERALD

HG was very fond of the New York restaurants that catered to specific creative types: financial big shots, dreamy poets, etc.  Artists & Writers on W.41 St. was the place for journalists from the Times, Trib, Newsweek, Business Week (All nearby). They all played the “match game” (HG forgets the rules of this obscure bar game). Food was good. HG relished Koenigsberger Klops, meatballs in a dill sauce. The Russian Tea Room was for ballet impresarios, agents, producers, and classical musicians. The blini with red caviar, melted butter and sour cream was stupendous. Advertising executives (Madmen days) favored Christ Cella steak house in the East 40’s. HG joined them for the incomparable steaks (Best ever!!). Ad industry went to Michael’s bar in the East 50’s (As did HG) for after work oversized killer Martinis. Sardi’s in the theater district was for stage luminaries. HG often lunched on their fabulous lamb chops with kidneys. Actors and members of the chorus ate at two theater district restaurants founded by Joe Allen (1933-2019): Orso was Italian. Pappardelle in mushroom sauce was an HG favorite. The other restaurant, eponymous Joe Allen, featured hearty American dishes. Calf’s liver with onions and bacon and chile con carne were HG faves. Real estate titans met for lunch at a private club high up in the Lincoln Building/60 E. 42nd). The food wasn’t memorable. Tycoons of finance, publishing, and law ate at The Four Seasons, not at the scenic Pool Room (For tourists) but in a cluster of plain tables next to the bar. As expected, the food (And wine) were glorious. HG often had perfect fried smelts there.