HUNGRY GERALD

When HG began his many decades of restaurant dining, there were only two Japanese restaurants in New York–Suehiro (near Columbia) and another (forgot the name) in the E. 20’s. The menus were almost identical—Miso soup; Sukiyaki, bowl of white rice; tea; orange or lemon sorbet for dessert. (Sukiyaki was composed of thinly sliced beef, vegetables, soy sauce, mirin and was simmered at the table). A very exotic, filling and inexpensive meal. There were no sushi bars or restaurants in New York. First time HG ate sushi was in the 1960’s. The eatery was located in the Jewish/Hasidic jewelry district of W.47th Street. HG thought his first taste of sushi was vile but gave it another try and became addicted. (BSK gave HG a treat yesterday by purchasing excellent salmon and tuna sushi from Market Basket  Supermarket near HG/BSK’s Central Falls, RI, loft). Sushi has conquered America. It’s available in almost every supermarket coast-to-coast. Japanese restaurants have proliferated and some offer Omakase sushi tastings for as much as $1000 per person. HG contents himself with more modest arrays.