HUNGRY GERALD

Easter Sunday was a culinary extravaganza. HG/BSK left their Central Falls, RI, for a blockbuster dinner hosted by their gifted daughter, Lesley R., and husband, Profesore Massimo R. (generous wine selector). The venue was the outdoor deck (warm, comfy, spectacular water views) and indoor dining area of their Riverside, RI, home. With  Aperol  Spritzes in hand, the outdoor treats included deviled eggs topped with red salmon caviar; a tapenade like dip of tuna,olives, capers, butter, olive oil. In a bow to the late Julia Child, Lesley served radishes and butter. Massimo provided a remarkable Chablis. The indoor main dish was a tender boneless leg of lamb–butterflied and marinated. BSK brought a sumptuous Greek Avgolemono sauce for the lamb. The sides were oven fried potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes (for HG), plus seasonal asparagus. The Massimo wine selection was  Amarone  (Its lush, mouth filling qualities remain in HG’s memory bank). Cheese course was an aged Parmesan and a rich blue (French? Italian? Danish?). More Amarone. An Italian Panettone like cake for dessert. Chilled Limoncello for HG. Wonderful dinner and HG/BSK expressed their happiness in living close to Lesley and Massimo after being thousands of miles apart for so many years. Took leftovers home and HG  enjoyed Avgolemono soup in a bowl filled with rice and chopped spinach. (BSK had some lamb slices and helped HG finish the blue cheese). Next night was linguine with BSK’s sublime sardine sauce (BSK buys quality tinned sardines at Portugalia, the Zabar’s-like Portuguese food market în Fall River, MA.) As the late Gerald Murphy said: “Living well is the best revenge.”

While HG was busy watching “March Madness” (LSU–Women and Connecticut–Men were the national champs) , BSK cooked a series of delicious international meals  It started when gifted daughter Lesley R. and husband, Massimo R., dined with HG/BSK (At HG/BSK’s Central Falls, Ri. loft). The four hungry folks devoured a Spanish dish–shrimp and scallops in garlic abundant green sauce. HG/BSK first tasted this at El Faro, the long closed Greenwich Village restaurant (located on the corner of Horatio and Greenwich). In her book, “Eat, Memory”, Amanda Hesser includes an eloquent appreciation of El Faro by Gary Shteyngart, the American/Russian writer. Next night was pasta in broccoli sauce (An Italian dish inspired by the version served at Delsomma, a long closed restaurant in the New York theater district). In a bow to HG’s Jewish heritage, BSK followed this with kasha varnishkes (Groats topped with mushrooms and caramelized onions and,of course, sour cream on the side. A featured dish–yesteryear– at New York’s once numerous “dairy” restaurants”). More international cuisine. There was a memorable Cairo inspired sheet pan meal of chicken, potatoes, leeks and arugula topped with spoonfuls of Greek yogurt. HG’s favorite Chinese dish–congee–was true comfort. Happily,this is a BSK specialty. The steaming porridge had a unique flavor since BSK cooked it with abundant ginger, garlic and mushrooms. HG favors picante cuisine so HG’s portion got a generous hit of sriracha (plus nutty toasted sesame oil).  An odd culinary note: The recipe for green sauce includes the liquid from a can of asparagus. Strange, indeed.

It was a Happy Day in Riverside, RI., with BSK; Toby, The Wonder Dog, and Pip, the sensitive, intelligent female. BSK had been dog sitting while daughter, Lesley R., and her husband, Massimo, were in Colorado visiting with daughter Arianna. HG had been living alone in HG/BSK’s Central Falls, R.I. loft. Watched much NCAA basketball and arrived (drowsy and bleary eyed) in Riverside. Twelve hours of sleep and HG was energized and ready for a big breakfast bowl of yogurt, raspberries and maple syrup (accompanied by cafe latte and 14 vitamins and medications). Summer arrived early. Sunny and very warm on the deck facing the Narragansett River. Scores of birds landing on the bird food platform. (Bird songs and joyous chirps galore).Many ducks and swans gliding on the waters plus sailboats, tugs, barges, etc. Few things are better than sitting on a sturdy deck sipping a second cup of coffee while watching water views dotted with swans, boats, etc.. (Summer didn’t last–got cold and grey in afternoon as BSK took the dogs on a beach walk). Apple Jack Negroni before dinner. Dined on another BSK culinary gem: Spaghetti in a sauce of zucchini, mint and ricotta. The zucchini, chopped shallots, chopped garlic were sauteed gently in olive  olive (Lemon juice was added gradually). Room temperature ricotta went into the mix. A handful of finely chopped mint plus lemon zest was swirled into the pasta dish. Salt, ground black pepper and Italian red pepper flakes provided the final touch..Another BSK triumph. And, BSK’s thoughtfulness is infinite. BSK  bought one of HG’s favorite desserts: Haagen Dazs Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. A Happy Day, indeed.

HG has been glued to HG’s office TV. LSU (women) and Connecticut (men) were the national champs and gave HG hours of-pleasure. Caitln Clark of Iowa is extraordinary. Sure, her three-point shooting is thrilling, but it is her mastery of all elements of the game that gives HG many thrills. Her passing is a wonder (full court passes remind HG of Tom Brady) She sets up her team with dazzling assists (unfortunately, her mates have not been good enough to take advantage). She drives to the basket with ease. And, she snares rebounds.  Caitlin is the best. Stars give joy but teamwork wins games. And, that’s what LSU displayed: Tough rebounding. Deadly in the paint and mid range. Surprising three pointers. Excellent defense. A complete team–they deserved to  to be champs. As for Connecticut, this is a polished team, a worthy national champ. They outclassed all of their opponents—winning all games by double figures. Their finals opponent, San Diego State, made things exciting (momentarily). They had won by two buzzer beaters on their way to the champiônship game. After trailing the Huskies by double figures for most ot the game, they got hot (and Connecticut got sloppy) and the Aztecs were four points behind in the second half. The Huskies recovered and demolished the Aztecs, winning by 17 points. Teamwork triumphs.

Yea, HG was very sleepy yesterday when HG joined BSK at the Riverside, RI, home of HG/BSK daughter, Lesley, and her husband, Massimo. BSK has been dog sitting there. Lesley and  Massimo left Toby, The Wonder Dog, and Pip, the sensitive and brilliant female, behind as they were off to visit their daughter, Arianna, in Colorado. Meanwhile–until today–HG has been living alone in HG/BSK’s Central Falls, RI.,loft. In a previous post, HG noted that loneliness has some virtues. (And sometimes it means getting to bed much too late and awakening too early). Drowsy HG’s spirits were enlivened by spending time with BSK and eating an afternoon bowl of ramen enriched with silken tofu. HG had the pleasure of watching Miami and San Diego State get to the NCAA Final Four by winning close games (Plucky Miami made its usual second half comeback). Dinner was BSK’s delicious improvisation. BSK found some Italian sausage in the fridge and cooked it with tomatoes, garlic,onions, tomato paste, olive oil–made a lovely sauce sauce when served over linguine. HG dusted the pasta with parmesan. Enjoyed it with many glasses of Italian red wine. Slept in a king size bed with BSK (Woman of endless virtues.) Dogs slept at the foot of the bed. Happily, HG slept until noon. Bliss.

BSK is dog sitting (Toby and Pip) at the Riverside, RI. home of daughter Lesley R. and her husband, Massimo R.  HG has remained in HG/BSK’s Central Falls, RI. loft. BSK is the love of HG”s life. She is missed, But, there is a compensation. HG can be self indulgent. Witness the perfection of this night: Exercise in late afternoon. Hot shower. Lounged in the living room (comfy Knoll chair). Sipped a large Negroni on the rocks. (One third bourbon. One third sweet vermouth. One third Campari. Juice of one lime.) Listened to the great Django Reinhardt on the Alexa. Loud volume the way HG likes music (BSK would turn it down). Time for dinner. Comfort dish. Egg noodles mixed with butter, cottage cheese, parmesan, salt and pepper. Dessert was French chestnut puree topped with whipped cream. First encountered this delightful sweet at The Gay Hussar, a London restaurant featuring Hungarian cuisine. The eatery was a hangout for Labor Party officials and left wing Members of Parliament. Drank Firesteed pinot noir. Time for intellectual stimulation. Read the current issues of New York Review of Books and The New Yorker (New Yorker had a nice essay by Adam Gopnik on the graphic designer/artist Milton Glaser. New York Review had a wonderful piece on the historic Viennese architect Adolf Loos. The essay was by Martin Filler, the distinguished architecture critic and historian.) If you are ever in Vienna, don’t miss The American Bar, designed by Loos and the most beautiful bar in the world. The ultimate Vienna food treats (of course) are Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (Heavenly boiled beef); Coffee crowned with a lush tower of Schlag (Whipped cream).

Sport beckoned. Off to HG’s fabulous office/library/TV room (the larger TV is in the living room and the office TV allows HG to watch sports–at a very low volume– without disturbing BSK). NCAA “March Madness” College Basketball Tournament. Watched final moments as Florida Atlantic beat Kansas State 79-76. Then, Connecticut demolished Gonzaga 82-54. This was a slaughter. Gonzaga has always been a top  team (HG has never liked their style). The Huskies played perfect team offense and their defense was tenacious The Zags were demoralised. Game pleased HG.

One month ago, BSK cooked (from a NY Times recipe) a tasty tingling dish: “Paprika chicken with lentils, squash, yogurt and Daqua”. Headline on HG post: “NEW CHICKEN DISH.” Time for a repeat. No squash so BSK substituted sweet potato. Check Feb. 25, 2023 archive for recipe. You will know what mysterious “Daqua” is. Hint: It’s Egyptian.  Happily,  BSK made a double header amount of this chicken dish. HG/BSK will have ît for dinner again tonight. BSK is dog sitting so Toby, The Wonder Dog, and Pip, the gracious and super intelligent female, will be present. BSK will warn: “Gerald, don’t feed Toby from the table!!”.

Last night, BSK used two sheet pans and the oven to create one of the best fish dinners HG ever ate. Yes, a worthy rival to Paris specialties: Sole at Le Dome; Salmon in sorrel sauce at Le Stella; Cod with truffled potatoes at Le Vaudeville. In one pan BSK cooked seasonal asparagus and sliced potatoes (Cut into French fry shape). Olive oil, spices and herbs. In the other pan was seasoned swordfish (Robust filets). HG was transported to culinary heaven. Deft BSK made a sublime green sauce in the food processor (Parsley and other fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, spices, salt, pepper), After some whirls in the appliance, the mix,  happily, retained chunkiness. The swordfish (which was juicy, silky and succulent) was topped with this lush stuff. The asparagus were cooked perfectly. But, the big surprise was the potatoes. Crisp and spicy on the outside with meltingly soft and creamy interiors. The best French fries HG ever tasted.  (Yes, better than Paris and better than New York steak houses.) Drank much Firesteed pinot noir. Finished with Feridies dark chocolate covered peanuts (And more pinot noir). Thoughtfully and creatively interior designed by BSK, life is joyous at HG/BSK’s Central Falls, RI., loft .

BSK has had a very annoying head cold this last week. This is unusual. The love of HG’s life keeps healthy and if BSK has a bodily complaint BSK is discreet and doesn’t mention it. But, the head cold’s attendant coughs and sneezes betrayed BSK. Wonder Woman (BSK is that–and more) recalled a press junket in Brazil (Varig, the Brazilian national airline, was HG/BSK’s public relations client.) BSK was hit by a head cold, upset stomach and other unpleasant symptoms. Big time restaurant feast was scheduled at a lauded Rio De Janeiro restaurant. BSK confided with the restaurant”s warm and motherly woman owner. BSK didn’t think BSK could eat. “Don’t worry, child,” the woman said, “I will cure you.” The cure was a big bowl of hearty chicken soup. Magic. BSK gulped the soup, was cured and of good appetite. BSK remembered the soup (No, it wasn’t “Jewish Penicillin”. It was better. “Rio Penicillin.”)  Miraculous. So, last night  BSK cooked a pot of rich chicken soup enriched with carrots, onions and Ditalini (small tubular pasta shapes.) Lush dinner. BSK woke up this morning feeling much better. No, not totally cured but functional and in good spirits. “Mother” knows best.

Yes, BSK is a killer home chef. Every night BSK delights HG with a fabulous dinner. HG sups and at the end of the meal, sighs, smiles and says: “That was the best ever”. HG means it and HG is a finicky foodie. HG is impressed at how BSK can explore the fridge and pantry and, being thrifty and hating waste, can improvise inventive and creative meals. Last night was an example. There were some leftover sea scallops which BSK seared quickly. Onions, garlic, and parsley were in the sofrito, A fresh red pepper was chopped into small pieces and sauteed. Vinegar peppers (They had nestled in the fridge for a few weeks), over the hill arugula, baby spinach, and a dash of tomato paste went into the food processor  (Plus the sofrito and a bit more olive oil) and then was heated. The scallops and peppers were added to the pungent sauce and served over linguine. Finally, BSK gave it a hit of lime juice. (“Best ever!!)