HUNGRY GERALD

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. 

Jeremy, Teru (the Tokyo pre-teen beauty), and BSK went clamming on the south shore of Prince Edward Island (close to Ocean Mist Farm, the home of Noel and Yossi M.–BSK’s sister and brother in law). Using their toes, the clam diggers harvested both cherrystones and little necks. For “supper” last night at the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront home on the north shore of PEI, the cherrystones were converted to Clams Casino (shells stuffed with bread crumbs, garlic, olive oil and bacon). They were super. The little necks were steamed with garlic, white wine and cherry tomatoes. However, for HG the star of the supper was Jeremy’s perfectly balanced Salt Cod Brandade with fried sage leaves. Smooth. Echo of the sea. Garlicky. Creamy. HG had numerous helpings with white wine. Thanks, excellent son. 

HG/BSK are lucky gourmands. Daughter Lesley R. and son Jeremy are vacationing at the family oceanfront (stirring water views) home on peaceful Prince Edward Island. They are wonderful cooks (as is BSK). So, every “supper” (that’s what they call dinner on PEI) is an extravaganza of culinary pleasure based (for the most part) on local produce. Some years ago, HG would skip lunch. Lesley R. and her husband, Massimo “Max” R. noticed that this left HG dizzy and awkward. They made it their mission to make sure the oldster lunches. Now, HG has tasty midday lunches prepared by them. Today, it was a dish of Jeremy’s hummus, newly picked and boiled PEI potatoes and Greek Yogurt –all flavored with olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and a bit of pimenton. The food made HG happily sigh as HG munched. Lesley and Max scored again.

Yes, it’s a delight to have a son who can cook. Here, at the BSK//HG/RIVA Prince Edward Island oceanfront home, he delights his family every night with tasty and inventive “suppers” . That’s not all— he always gives pleasure with his wit, literary, political and cultural insights and his jolly exuberance. Jeremy was in charge tonight. Happy time began with salt cod fritters adorned with a lush and spicy sauce. HG had to be restrained. The old guy could have eaten dozens of these best ever fritters. HG has fond memories of salt cod fritters HG ate in Venice and Rome. They were extraordinary but Jeremy’s version topped them.  Main dish was reheated chicken and sausage gumbo. This is Jeremy’s signature dish–better than any Cajun and Creole versions. HG ended the meal with ice cream served by beautiful pre-teen Tokyo granddaughter Teru. Tonight Tokyo ruled.           

BSK and daughter, Lesley R., are very fond of cooking with a sheet pan, It seems the ingredients for “supper” keep their integrity when they are roasted in a sheet pan in the oven.(there is also the convenience of one pan cleaning).  BSK and Lesley collaborated on a tasty locavore main dish last night. The diners in HG/BSK/Riva Prince Edward Island oceanfront home gave BSK and Lesley merited applause. The ingredients were all local—chopped peppers, fennel,onions,scallions,parsley;ripe cherry tomatoes. And, delicious cod (cut into chunks) from nearby Julio’s Seafood. Gilded with olive oil and flavored with spices and a dash of hot sauce–this was regal PEI dining. “Supper” ended with warmed leftover berry gratin (a Lesley invention) topped with vanilla ice cream. Perfect summer meal.

At the age of 94 (95 in November, hopefully). Life isn’t easy for the old guy. Many “challenges”: Walking, swallowing, hearing, seeing, etc.,etc.,etc. However, there are many compensations–principal is the companionship and caregiving of the love of HG’s life, BSK. (61 years of marriage and HG wants more with this incomparably beautiful, chic, creative woman). And, HG has the blessing of having a family of loving, creative, super intelligent individuals. They are responsible for HG’s happiness at this demanding stage of HG’s long life –they watch over HG’s safety and bring him laughter and joy. These days on Prince Edward Island (the site of the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront home) there’s another reason for smiles–the fabulous international food prepared by daughter, Lesley R.; son Jeremy and BSK. Dishes come from all over the world–Morocco, Italy, France, Canada, Spain, China, Japan, India, Israel –and the USA (shrimp and grits; chicken gumbo; fried chicken,hot dogs). Last night ,Lesley made Spaghetti Amatriciana (sauce of cherry tomatoes, crisp bacon bits, olive oil,chopped parsley.). This was preceded by a salad of small Newfoundland shrimp. A savory summer meal. Jeremy  made lunch for HG today–hummus, Greek yogurt and Jeremy’s unique beet and tahina salad. So, foodies–should you envy HG? You should.

Son Jeremy is a very talented cook. So, it is not surprising that, teamed with wife and partner, they have made their barbecue izakaya, Freeman Shokudo, a busy eatery renowned for its better- than-Katz’s pastrami and other robust beer-friendly dishes. Maiko and handsome son, Haru, are back in Tokyo while Jeremy and pre-teen daughter, Teru, are still enjoying life at the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront home on the north shore of Prince Edward Island. Last night, Jeremy made one of HG/BSK’s favorite dishes–Chicken gumbo in the N’Awlins style. Jeremy made a mahogany colored roux and filled the pot with chicken thighs, smoked sausage, corn, the New Orleans “holy trinity” of chopped celery, peppers and onions; okra, tomatoes, garlic, broth and a variety of spices and herbs. Jeremy made his own picante sauce if more tongue tingling heat was needed. The dish was spectacular–everyone had seconds and contemplated thirds. Much red wine was quaffed. Daughter Lesley R.’s dessert was not an anticlimax. It was a berry crumble — blueberries and nectarines—the stewed fruit nestled underneath sweetened breadcrumbs and topped with generous amounts of vanilla ice cream. Lush, refreshing–and not too sweet. All at the dining table applauded Jeremy and Lesley for an extraordinary “supper”.

HG is very lucky to have his gifted daughter, Lesley R.,and husband, Massimo, enjoying workathions at the HG/BSK/RIVA oceanfront home on Prince Edward Island. Professor Massimo R. is very attentive to HG’s seating efforts (alert Massimo makes sure HG doesn’t take another–possibly fatal–tumble). In the meantime, Lesley R. takes care of HG’s comfort and nourishment. Today, Lesley prepared a steaming bowl of rice noodles (from a Thai Kitchen package) and topped it with a lot of  silken tofu (rich in protein). Hungry fellow flavored his lunch bowl with sesame oil and Tajin (Mexican spice sprinkles). Nice midday comfort eating. Chilly day so Lesley covered HG’s knees with a warm blanket as seated HG worked on his computer (HG has been wearing shorts). Lesley has been actively aiding HG to see and hear speeches by Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Tim Walz, Doug Emhoff (witty and articulate First Gentleman); Oprah, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama and the star of the evening, Kamala Harris, the next President of the United States (we fervently hope). Listening to Michelle, Oprah and Kamala, HG surmises that oratory has become another female skill.  For Dinner, Lesley made a healthy and tasty meal of chunks of salmon poached in a pungent broth with spices, herbs  and spinach. This was poured over bowls of basmati rice. Lesley chopped scallôns, parsley,basil and arugula to be added to the bowls (because of swallowing handicaps, HG passed on this and was content with some spoonfuls of Sambal Oelek). Lesley did all of this as she steadily worked on her professional duties.   A Wonder Woman, indeed.