HUNGRY GERALD

During the 1950’s, economical HG ate very well at New York’s Chinatown restaurants. Decor was minimal. Waiters were surly. However, the chefs were talented and creative. HG and financially challenged pals would enjoy weekend feasts for as little as $2.00-$2.50 a person (granted that, based on inflation, $2.50 then is equivalent to $33.50 now). A favorite restaurant in this price range was possibly called Yuet Sun (???). HG recalls a typical meal: Pork liver. Shrimp In black bean sauce. Eggplant in garlic sauce. Chinese Broccoli. Pork Lo Mein. Pork fried rice. Steamed fish filets. Unlimited white rice and tea, of course. Almond cookie for dessert. It was all delicious. This was followed by an espresso at Cafe Roma in Little Italy nearby–and maybe a lush Cannoli if feeling prosperous. “Yes, those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end”). This was a song summing it up.