HUNGRY GERALD

The Korean company, Nongshim, makes the best noodle packs. Shin Ramyun, a spicy noodle soup, is an HG favorite (especially when mixed with the robust spice pack). Of course, HG prefers fresh Japanese ramen enriched with tofu, sliced pork and scallions. But, this takes some time to prepare – so when in a hurry, HG receives comfort from a steaming bowl of Shin Ramyun. This has super picante tang so HG has much ice water on hand. There’s a variation. HG skips the spice pack and mixes the drained noodles with oyster sauce, hoisin and butter. This is a tasty Japanese dish with a bow to Italian cuisine. HG likes it for lunch with a glass of water colored with a dash of red wine. Full glass of wine at lunch leads to premature slumber.

Erik and Lisa Martonovich are the impresarios; and stars of “Gladius,” a wonderful horse show featuring acobatics and thundering chariot like maneuvers on huge horses. Erik and Lisa are towers of muscles and strength —that musculature  is necessary when you have to control massive and powerful animals. “Gladius” is based in Las Vegas and performs in arenas throughout the United States and Canada. Erik is the son and Lisa is the daughter-in-law  of BSK’s sister and brother-in-law Noel and Yossi Martonovich  They live at their verdant Ocean Mist Farm on the Eastern shore of Prince Edward Island. Each summer, Eric and Lisa visit Ocean Mist Farm foa joyous two weeks of sea and equestrian fun –plus outstanding eating.  HG/BSK’s north shore oceanfront home is the site of another seafood extravaganza, The Ocean Mist feast featured an abundance of lobster (harvested in local waters). BSK’s feast was ragout of rice, sea scallops, clams (quahogs) and mussels, The tasty green sauce was composed of white wine, olive oil, and many herbs from BSK’s garden. Beer. Wine. Fabulous Eating.

While coming home to HG/BSK’s north shore Prince Edward Island home brought sea views, sunsets, doggies and BSK’s loving care, HG wishes to thank Montague Hospital. Tests showed no fractures( or other skull problems.) Still moderately bruised but reasonably attractive (at 95 this is a relative thing). Montague Hospital is pure PEI. Gentle, smiling, efficient medical staff that delivered periodic meds and procedures, dressed and undressed HG, and took care of intimate necessities. And, they seemed happy doing these tasks (some quite unpalatable).  Two of the outstanding  staffers were a woman, Angel (aptly named) and a male swallowing specialist with exuberant and very decorative moustaches. The world needs more folks like them. 

HG is back in HG/BSK’s north shore Prince Edward Island oceanfront home (panoramic sea views and blazing sunsets). Sweet, indeed. A note: if ever you need medical aid, go to Montague Hospital (in the Town of Montague, of course). The best caring and gentle professional staff that meets a patient’s needs with smiles and expertise. Nevertheless, it’s good to leave for home and jolly times, with BSK, love of HG’s life (just celebrated our 62nd wedding ann’y). Doggies Pip and Toby were glad to see HG  last night at the dining table enjoying a big bowl of chili prepared by ever thoughtful BSK. And, tonight The Wonder Woman prepared a creative supper, one that HG will always remember with gustatory pleasure. It was a quinoa salad of a number of fresh, local vegetables and topped with an abundance of grilled tuna (caught in local seas). Once more, BSK’s culinary timing was perfect. Ravishing tuna.

HG’s black eyes are moderating and the ancient geezer is–more or less–beginning to look better.  HG was examined by Dr. Penny Thomsen this morning  To be on the safe side, she suggested that HG spend a few days in the Montague Hospital. So, here is HG–hospitalized and under the gentle and competent medical staff of this Prince Edward Island institution. Today is Canada Day so some of the staff are absent. Not to worry. All is efficient–PEI spirit rules. Food is hospital food—healthy and tasteless. BSK is a blessing.—visiting with many good things—-yogurt, a smoothie, delicious carrot cake, Lindt chocolate  (plus toiletries, clothing,  etc.). BSK is invaluable—and the love of HG’s life.

Gourmand HG has joyfully dined on classic great meals—Lobster cocktail and prime sirloin steak at Christ Cella in New York; Sauteed clam bellies and shad/shad roe at Gage & Tollner in Brooklyn; Smoked salmon and mixed grill at the Connaught Restaurant in Londonl; Oysters and Dover sole at Le Dome in Paris. Add to “Great Meals” the lavish feast BSK produced last night at HG/BSK’s oceanfront home (panoramic sea views and sunsets) on Prince Edward Island.The fabulous supper began with a dozen oysters (meticulously shucked by Julio, the local seafood merchant and delivered in a little box snugly nestled on a bed of ice–a beautiful still life. One dozen oysters–six South Lakes and six Pickle Points. The South Lakes were lushly large with a great mouth feel. The Pickle Points were smaller with a subtle hint of brine. HG ate eight oysters and BSK ate four—both were transported to oyster heaven. Yes, the oysters were a tough act to follow but BSK managed to do it with ease and creativity. The main dish was composed of perfectly sauteed sea scallops covered in a sauce of finely chopped spinach enriched by a number of Indian spices. Lush fragrant dish (inspired by a David Tanis recipe).  The taste was so wonderful that HG wanted to retain it—and didn’t have the usual chocolate dessert. It’s good to live in a small.green, diverse, democracy like PEI and compete successfully with  international centers of fine dining.                                                                                                                                               

YOU SHUDDA SEEN THE OTHER GUY!!!! Just kidding. HG looks like HG has been in a ferocious fist fight, N0thing so dramatic.HG just slipped getting out of bed–tumbled. Not serious. BSK to the rescue.. Black eyes. Lump on forehead (it’s gone). Feeling fine, don’t worry!

Butter tarts are Canadian. HG has never seen them in USA groceries. They are round crusty pastries that enclose a filling close to pecan pie. There are two types–pecan or plain. They are incomparable—lush and sweet–but not too sweet. They are a perfect dessert (HG sometimes tops them with a small scoop of ice cream). Splendid at breakfast with coffee. HG/BSK delight in their Prince Edward Island family home–oceanfront location provides panoramic views of the sea and sunsets. And the pantry is stocked with butter tarts. Yes, it’s good to be in a gentle, diverse democracy.  When HG/BSK return to HG/BSK’s Central Falls, RI, loft they miss the sweet treats. They make do with the excellent babkas from a talented local baker.     

For some reason (old age??) HG collects a super abundance of ear wax. This makes the ancient fellow deaf. Now residing with BSK in the family oceanfront home (super sea views and sunsets) on serene, democratic Prince Edward Island,  HG wants to converse with BSK and hear her silvery voice. With that in mind, HG went to the hospital in the town of Montague, A very competent nurse  used a suction machine to remove the wax. It took a long time because–wow–there was much wax. Good result. HG can hear!! Might still need hearing aids—but why wasn’t this done years ago? Go figure.

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.