HUNGRY GERALD

HG/BSK fell in love with the great Spanish city–Madrid–on a visit a few years ago. The city is steeped in history reflecting everything from imperial rule, the banishing of Jews and Moors, the bloody civil war before World War Two. And more, much more. Two museums of art–the Prado and  Reina Sofia–are startling, treasure houses of sublime paintings. The Prado contains the work of the very important artists of the last centuries–Velasquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens–among them. Reina Sofia is a museum of modern art with wonderful works by Miro, Magritte,  Dali and Picasso. One room houses Picasso’s “Guernica”, his searing indictment of Nazi bombing of a Spanish village during Spain’s civil war. Yes, the painting remains relevant during the present days of horror. HG/BSK ate well in the majestic city: Paella. Magnificent thin slices of Iberian ham (better than Prosciutto);  Shrimp in garlic sauce; Octopus (prepared in many savory ways); Sauteed hake. Drank the best sangria (not too sweet). Lovely memories.