HUNGRY GERALD

There is nothing happier (And tastier) than family Christmas presents and food extravaganza at the Riverside, RI, home (Ablaze with seasonal decorations including a glittering, much decorated tree) of gifted daughter, Lesley R., and her illustrious husband, Massimo R.  Happily, HG/BSK’s magnificent granddaughters, Arianna (Accompanied by her loving companion, Adam) and Sofia, were there. (Ms. A. and Ms. S. are outstanding( combinations of beauty and brains.) The wonder dogs, Pip and Toby, added to the merriment. The  family Christmas Eve Feast of Seven (Or more) Jewish Fishes is a long time  jolly tradition. HG ordered the Feast from New York’s Russ & Daughters (The fishes: Three  kinds of smoked salmon; sable; two kinds of caviar; whitefish salad; three varieties of herring; thin slices of smoked tuna. The accompaniments: Lemon quarters, capers; lettuce, tomatoes, onions; bialys; lots of cream cheese; Lower East Side sour pickles; bagels; celeriac salad; crepes and blini hand crafted by Lesley–and more.  Opened presents after the Feast. Generous. Thoughtful. Moderation was not observed. Christmas Day. Modest repeat of smoked fish feasting plus more present opening. As always, we collectively overdid. But. better to be lavish and not stingy. Tangy squash bisque (Recipe from HG’s late sister, Beulah Naomi Katz) was served in the late afternoon. This led into the ultimate wine and food dinner. Massimo, the “Edem” (son-in-law in Yiddish) served three great Italian wines in this order–Brunello, Barolo, Amarone.  And, the food lived up to the wines. Tender, richly flavorful Osso bucci (Veal shanks) in a spectacular meat and vegetable sauce. Massimo’s traditional (Saffron accents) risotto Milanese. Gremolata for sprinkling. Bonus: The bones contained a lush marrow. The risotto was topped with the marrow and was a treat as the rice grains drank up the Osso bucci sauce. Dessert was a superlative apple tart and a neighbor’s homemade flan. Some Amarone was saved to enliven the desserts. This was a meal “that dreams are made of.”