HUNGRY GERALD

Worried fans of HG: HG is alive and will soon be posting daily about HG/BSK’s culinary experiences. HG’s computer died and now HG has a new one. Hooray. BSK’s sister, Noel M and her husband, Yossi M., dined at HG/BSK’s Prince Edward Island oceanfront home last night. BSK made a wonderful coconut milk, rice, scallop, and mussel stew –with a modest dollop of Harissa it was stupendous. Noel brought a fruit compote. Bowls were topped with French Vanilla ice cream. A delightful climax. HG has been urging BSK to collaborate with HG in making a dried fruit compote. The pantry has all the ingredients—figs, dates, raisins, cherries, prunes, apricots. Maybe Noel’s tasty version will spur BSK to action (BSK can’ be out-compoted by a kid sister).
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Surgery, despite surgical skills and anaesthetics, is unpleasant. HG’s history began with circumcision at a ceremonial “Bris”. This marked HG’s covenant with the Jewish God. Infant HG cried and screamed, according to witnesses, at this intimate intrusion. More than 35 years later, had an emergency hernia operation after falling in a Fire Island volleyball game. Minutes before stranguation HG was rushed, via helicopter, to the nearby Patchogue, Long Island, hospital. Surgery was swift and successful. HG had an amusing and charming roommate who shared forbidden cognac with HG. When he left, HG looked out the window and saw he was handcuffed with two police cars awaiting. Later I learned he was an eminent Cosa Nostra boss. Next surgery was in New Jersey after a right leg spiral fracture–the result of a skiing accident in Sugarbush, Vermont. HG was on crutches for some weeks—became expert and could move up and down stairs with alacrity. Metal plate in leg confuses airline security people.  Big time surgery was in 1992. HG was diagnosed with throat cancer (started at the base of HG’s tongue). Looked like the Malach Hamoves (Angel of Death)—aided by decades of two pack a day cigarette smoking–had finally caught up with HG. Fortunately, a miraculous surgeon, Dr. Victor Schramm, was available–usually booked by patients from all over the world.  The successful 12-hour surgery was followed by radiation and a long, uncomfortable recuperation. Yes, HG’s swallowing has been handicapped and shoulder blades have been compromised. But, HG is alive, happy, 94 years old and hasn’t smoked a cigarette or cigar since 1992. But, HG had an unpleasant surprise at the Prince Edward Island family oceanfront home. In August 2023 HG slipped in the bathroom and broke his hip. This often results in death for old folks but after two surgeries, much therapy and discomfort ,HG can walk again (aided by a walker or cane). Yes, HG is alive–and wants to keep it that way (at least for a little while).

BSK planned the traditional shrimp and grits for supper. However, when HG looked in the pantry–no grits. HG/BSK had a dinner guest but BSK was not flustered—BSK simply substituted Red Mill corn meal for the grits and this polenta grain was a worthy companion for the spicy shrimp. Our guest was the ever beautiful Leslie French, our friend and neighbor. The foursome had robust helpings of the excellent dish (Leslie took some home for a meal the next day). Leslie and HG had ice cream for dessert with cigar shaped Tokyo cookies (thoughtful gift to HG from daughter in law, Maiko Sakamoto). Much sauvignon blanc was drunk. Another happy tine at the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront family home on serene, green and gentle Prince Edward Island.

“Improv” is short for “improvisation,” of course. In theatrical terms, it means performing without a script (often acting out a suggestion from the audience), relying upon creativity and actor skills. BSK was an “improv” star during BSK’s theatrical career. And, her culinary “improvs”are just as impressive.  Last night, BSK examined items in the fridge and pantry—and improvised an outstanding, lush supper  (one of the best ever). The main dish consisted of ground chicken cooked on the oven range. This was added to a pot of boiling stock with okra (HG’s favorite veggie), couscous, cherry tomatoes, parsley plus herbs and spices. Heat was turned down to simmer for all the flavors to integrate. Each serving got a dollop of Harissa, the Moroccan hot sauce.  Mind blowing, fabulous eating. HG beseeched BSK to add this to the BSK chicken repertoire and make it often (with more okra, if possible).  Yes,it was another joyous night at the HG/BSK/RIVA  family home on serene and green Prince Edward Island.                                                    

That’s what our Montclair, NJ, housekeeper would say when HG/BSK left home for a restaurant meal, movie or play. Well, HG/BSK are “all alone” in HG/BSK’s Prince Edward Island oceanfront home as daughter Lesley R. and her husband, Massimo, have left to drive to their Riverside,  RI, home. (HG/BSK are not super lonely–HG/BSK have Toby, The Wonder Dog, as a frisky companion. Toby misses his soul mate, Pip, L. & M.’s intelligent lady dog pet).  BSK has been a sous chef for the past month as Lesley and son Jeremy have done the cooking. BSK’s culinary skills haven’t eroded. Witness last night’s savory supper: Italian sausages and local red peppers, onions and garlic (plus a squeeze of tomato paste) over Garofalo pappardelle.Hearty supper at the end of a chilly day.  Wonderful BSK still rules in the kitchen. HG applauds.

HG/BSK daughter, Lesley, and her brilliant husband, Massimo (plus sweet Pip, their doggie–Toby, The Wonder Dog, stayed in PEI with HG/BSK) left Prince Edward Island for their Riverside, RI, home. Happily, Lesley will be back to the HG/BSK/RIVA Prince Edward Island oceanfront home later this month to help her parents pack and share the driving back to their Central Falls, RI, loft. (we will meet “Max” when we arrive). So, last night’s PEI supper was a modified farewell. Lesley rose to the occasion by making a flavorful and spicy coconut milk-rice-sea scallop-mussel stew. Fabulous dish and the scallops were perfectly cooked with their muscle attachments careflully removed. See you soon, L & M. (Meanwhile, Toby is lonely and sad).

Wow!!  A great celebration and farewell dinner last night at Ocean Mist Farm, the spectacularly verdant farm (and equestrian center)—home of BSK’s sister, Noel M. and her husband, Yossi M. Ocean Mist is bursting with ripening fruit–plums, peaches, pears and berries. There’s an outdoor, wood burning pizza oven on the grounds built by their son, Erik M. and his wife, Lisa. A magnificent abundance of wisteria covers a pergola and shades the dining room, site of last night’s festivities. HG/BSK, daughter, Lesley R., and her husband, Massimo, left the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront home on the north shore of Prince Edward Island for Ocean Mist, located on the south shore (45 minute drive, door-to-door). The group was there to celebrate the 54th wedding anniversary of Noel and Yossi–also a chance for N. and Y. to say goodby to Lesley and “Max”–who leave PEI for Rhode Island in a few days (lucky HG/BSK live close to L. & M In Rhody so many good times will be had together in the months ahead –fingers crossed, old HG will try to stay alive). Last night’s joy began with celebratory toasts (white wine) and an appetizer of hummus, cherry tomatoes and Noel’s home-baked pita dusted with zaatar. The main dish was ground lamb kabobs barbecued by Yossi. Juicy, packed with spices and herbs plus a hint of smoke. Among the best ever and easy for HG to swallow (thanks, Yossi). The sides were outstanding—golden Israeli couscous, Greek yogurt dotted with olive oil, grilled vegetables. Adding flavor and fire to the meal were two condiments created by HG/BSK son Jeremy–a bright red liquid hot sauce, a variation of Frank’s, and a dark green Yemenite “Khrug”, that burns tongue and mouth with masochistic pleasure (group drank Rose’ and moved on to a robust red from the Peele vineyards in Ontario). The meal ended with a green salad from Yossi’s farm/garden (HG had the usual two balls of vanilla ice cream), last sips of red wine–and many hugs and kisses.

Multi talented daughter, Lesley R., was busy last night at the stove–beginning the saute for her beguiling supper pasta when–E-E-E-K!!!—a frisky little grey mouse scampered across her arm. Pandemonium!! Lesley’s husband captured the mouse and gave it a humane death. During the ensuing clean up and excitement, Lesley burnt her sauce and had to start over. So, into the pan went olive oil, zucchini, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, feta, corn, garlic and basil. This was mixed with Malfatti pasta (a lovely shape that captured the vegetable sauce). Lesley made HG’s portion extra creamy (and swallowable) by adding labneh and a splash of olive oil (another example of Lesley’s concern for her father). Additions were grated parmesan and aleppo pepper. A happy meal (despite little rodent intrusion). There are now many state of the art mouse traps strategically positioned in the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront family home on serene Prince Edward Island. 

Four–HG/BSK, daughter Lesley R. and her husband “Max” R.–at the dining table last night. There have been as many as ten during the family reunion at the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront (great sea views) home on peaceful and gentle Prince Edward Island (Canada’s smallest province). Son Jeremy and his lovely young daughter, Teru, left for Tokyo yesterday (hope they got there safely–southern Japan has been rocked by typhoons).  Supper for the PEI four was a delicious corn and shrimp chowder prepared by Lesley. Shrimp were perfectly cooked–tender and juicy–and this isn’t easy in a “chowda” where shrimp often become rubbery.  Alas, no Teru to bring HG the usual ice cream dessert. The old guy ended the meal with fruity red wine, peanut brittle and chocolate/peanut squares. Sweet finale.

Sadness at HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront home on Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest and gentlest province. HG/BSK’s son, Jeremy, and his daughter, Teru, have left PEI and are now mid flight to Tokyo. HG misses his son, a loving and erudite guy who is a great cook and a sparkling presence. And,Teru? The pre-teen young lady is beautiful and graceful, very helpful to HG and each night has served HG an ice cream dessert to climax HG’s supper. Tonight was a farewell meal. Teru had a requested lobster. HG/BSK, daughter, Lesley, and husband, “Max” (Massimo), Jeremy had a lush halibut and corn chowder (“chowda”).  HG was wistful as Teru served HG’s traditional dessert. HG will try to stay alive and enjoy another family reunion on PEI.