HUNGRY GERALD

HG has often posted about the comforting virtues of risotto (see this POST for instructions on how to prepare). HG never orders risotto in American, Paris or London restaurants. The exception is Venice where risotto is good. (The best, although wildly expensive, is at Harry’s Bar). Risotto takes a long time to prepare (constant stirring after adding ladles of stock to rice). Obviously, the labor costs are extreme so flavors and textures suffer because of shortcuts. In Italy, making risotto (or polenta) is a job for men. HG follows that example. BSK is in charge of vegetable additions. In spring, it’s asparagus (last night BSK added perfect steamed asparagus which BSK, masked and rubber-gloved, bought at Whole Foods in the morning). In other seasons BSK adds peas or baby spinach. HG is very generous in adding butter and parmesan to the creamy rice. A robust red wine like Sicilian Nero d’ Avola is the best companion.

Unlike millions of people around the world, HG is not fascinated by English royalty. The other day, inadvertently, HG listened on CNN to Queen Elizabeth Two’s speech to her nation on the coronavirus pandemic. Surprisingly, HG was impressed. The Queen was rational, eloquent, reassuring. No medical information. She leaves that to the scientists. And, she looked great (though a few years older than HG). Regal and rather chic. For a while, HG was a semi royalist. Big contrast between her and the former TV reality host and would-be dictator. HG agrees with the St. Louis Post Dispatch editorial. TV media should stop broadcasting Der Trumperer’s “daily briefings. They provide no useful health information and are nothing but campaign speeches our taxes pay for.

HG forgot to mention, in a previous post, some additional BSK daily and weekly activities — HG heath: BSK monitors HG’s high blood pressure with frequent testing. BSK changes the batteries in HG’s hearing aids to ease HG’s balance and amplify conversation. Pool house: BSK keeps the pool’s water level at the appropriate depth and runs the fan at timely intervals to prevent undue condensation and resultant mold. BSK also waters the plants in the pool house. Sweeps up all debris and cleans pool-house bathroom and changing room. Night: BSK does the major part of after-dinner cleanup including scrubbing pots, etc. And this is after cooking and serving a splendid dinner. Following the cleanup, BSK finally relaxes while watching Netflix (current favorite is the “Longmire” series.) However, BSK’s tasks are not over. Rain, snow or cold, BSK is off outdoors with Toby, The Wonder Dog, for his before bedtime walk. Finally, BSK goes to sleep in a bed where BSK changes the sheets, pillowcases, etc. every Sunday.

BSK got up early to let Toby, The Wonder Dog, out for his morning functions. (Toby woke up early bird BSK by jumping on HG/BSK’s bed and licking BSK’s face. Drowsy HG awoke at 10:30). After feeding Toby, BSK made a big thermos of coffee (enough for BSK and late riser HG). Today, BSK breakfasted on scrambled eggs while reading the latest news on the internet. Next: Laid out a dozen vitamins and medicinals for HG (HG gets much health attention from BSK). Next: Gathered and then tossed laundry in the washing machine and later removed and folded the contents of the dryer. Next: Watered the gardens and spread some compost. Next: Into the BSK studio to check financials, read the NY Times online, pay some bills, read family communications. (Ah, that magic internet). Next: Into the beautiful wine room (Designed and decorated by BSK) to check red wine supply. Running low. Next: Called nearby wine shop, Kokoman, and ordered a well-priced Italian Nero D’ Avola. Taking all of the necessary precautions, BSK drove and picked up the good stuff. Next: Back to studio and yoga mat for online yoga. (Naughty Toby has the habit of jumping on prone BSK). Next: Unkempt HG had a studio makeover from BSK. First, a manicure (no nail polish). Then, a beard trim. Finally, using only clippers, BSK gave HG a haircut. The result of these activities was a neat, handsome old fellow. Next: Forgiving Toby bad yoga behavior, BSK took The Wonder Dog for a long, invigorating walk. Next: Into HG/BSK’s warm indoor lap pool for light weight exercises and a swim. (HG follows for exercise and swim). Next: While HG swims, BSK dries BSK’s hair and body before sipping a white wine spritz. Next: Preparing and cooking a splendid dinner. Tonight, HG anticipates a dinner of lamb kefta, quinoa, roasted tomatoes, fried onions and yogurt sauce (HG is writing this as BSK paddles in the pool). In conclusion: BSK is a beautiful energy machine. BSK makes art—glorious pottery that enhances HG/BSK’s home (plus the homes of others). BSK is not only a talented and versatile artist, BSK does all of the mundane household tasks and does them with style.With good grace, BSK allows HG to revel in deep thoughts and serene contemplation. Yes, HG has a glorious New Mexico life. Without BSK, HG would only be a memory. The country song was written for BSK: “What My Woman Can’t Do, Can’t Be Done.”

Yes, self-isolation has its rewards (as HG has pointed out in previous posts). However. HG misses the food and ambiance (not to mention the normalcy!) of HG’s familiar, casual restaurants in HG/BSK’s New Mexico neighborhood. El Parasol, Sopaipilla Factory, La Mesita are all closed. As noted many times, El Parasol’s green chili menudo has been HG’s lunch favorite. For breakfast or brunch, HG has favored the cheese enchiladas smothered in green and red chili sauce (Christmas style) at Sopaipilla Factory. Topped with two sunny-side up fried eggs and accompanied by warm, freshly made sopaipillas with honey, this is lusty New Mexican cuisine at its best. La Mesita is where HG/BSK went for a down-home dinner: Fried chicken with home fries or French fries (HG has sometimes chosen mac and cheese). In Santa Fe, HG’s lunch spot is Saigon Cafe and its huge bowls of steaming pho. Sazon has been for special occasions. Very creative Mexican cooking with outstanding moles. HG/BSK avoid the hyper marked-up wine list and drink ale at Sazon.

These are terrible times. They are filled with concerns about the health of friends and family. And, worry for those loved ones who are hospitalized with coronavirus or battling the disease at home. HG/BSK are heeding the warning from New Mexico’s Governor: “Stay at home !!”. Much to comfort HG/BSK in self-imposed isolation. Playing with Toby, The Wonder Dog. Admiring the record growth of daffodils and hyacinths in HG/BSK’s garden (tulips will bloom in a few days). Listening to lots of Bach and Mozart as interpreted by Yo Yo Ma, Jascha Heifetz, Pierre Fournier. Swimming and exercising in the pool house (lap pool is a comfy 89 degrees). BSK working in the pottery/painting studio (pausing for online yoga). Walking HG/BSK’s five acres of meadows and orchards. Reading (always a solace). For HG, a stronger cocktail before dinner and more bourbon after dining. BSK drinks more wine than usual. Comfort food: Congee, BSK’s made-from-scratch black bean soup (super); asparagus risotto; vegetable pastas; brined pork chops; chicken in Korean sauce; red lentil soup; pho variation. HG/BSK met in March 1963 (married in July of that year). A 57th anniversary looms. Still together and full of love. That’s true comfort.