Label says, “dooley farms—Vineland NJ”a. Tomatoes: Florida grows most of the tomatoes consumed in the US and elsewhere during the winter. But, although they look beautiful, they often lack any flavor.
That is a detriment if you are having bagels and lox. I heard an interview with Rob Reiner who was asked why you need tomatoes on bagels with lox. He said, “It’s for the wet.” Of course, without his sleight of tongue, you may not find his response to be of interest.
But, here in Jersey, where great tomatoes are hit or miss each summer, Wegmans has been peddling vine ripened and/or greenhouse grown tomatoes, but they, despite looking good, are also tasteless. The only ones we have found to be consistently good are the Compari’s—-small but delicious.
However, eureka! and voila, we have made a discovery at Delicious Orchards where we found terrific large red tomatoes a few days ago that were excellent. And, amazingly, they are grown in Vineland, NJ. (undoubtedly in greenhouses.). Buy them over in Colts Neck. Each one has a little label that says “dooley farms.”
And Wegmans has those fabulous sweet onions from Georgia: Vidalia’s. One of my former partners, cardiologist Steven Roth, MD, moved to Savannah and joined a group there. They used to send him on a trip to the countryside where they grow Vidalia’s. Those onions are incredible. Almost as good as Savannah (home of Johnny Mercer) itself.
Here’s a Georgia Vidalia onion posing with a couple of tomatoes. Paul Goldfinger photos. It looks like a scene from “Love and Death”–below
b. Bagel progress note: The Hot Bagel Bakery in Oakhurst is still #1 in our book and it is also a place to study the sociology of bagel baking and eating. Their bagels are still overweight, but I like to scoop them, and most bagel places have adopted that lingo and practice.
And the people who go there are quite unique. The bakery has been around for over 40 years and is still run by several Irish brothers. Yet their customers are largely Orthodox Jews from the Deal Sephardic community–strictly Kosher.
There is a college student, a red-headed girl, who works there part time. I once brought Eileen with me and introduced her. Since then, when I go there, the red-head asks, “How’s your wife?” So it is friendly, and you can watch them rolling the dough. (and maybe rolling in dough). Jackie Mason used to say that when a Jewish person walks into a busy restaurant, they are likely to say, “This place is a gold mine.” So now I like to quote him when entering a new eatery.
And here is a bit of good news, the Bagel Talk shop in the strip across the street has been revamped. They are busy and have a cheerful staff. Their salads are fresh, and their bagels are quite good. Even their House Blend coffee is pretty good.
You can call in advance, and they take credit cards. They have a computerized way of taking your order, leaving little room for error. However, your result will depend on who is preparing your sandwich.
c. Streaming suggestion: Do you enjoy being unsettled by movies that you watch? Do you prefer movies where the tension level is high and where you don’t mind elements of not knowing what’s what? After all, American movies are often tied into neat bows at the end, and that is why a Korean movie like “Parasite” can baffle the watcher while winning the awards.
Anyhow, if you do, watch “Love and Death” on Prime streaming, it will leave you rattled but wanting more. It has a slow but essential beginning and is written by Michelle Pfeiffer’s famous husband David E. Kelly. It will keep you on the edge of your seat if you have a seat with an edge. Eileen is one to love Hallmark movies, but this movie kept her glued. So far she is still stuck. And you will find out why at the end of the 6th episode.
Here’s a song by Johnny Mercer (lyrics) and Henry Mancini (music) for the movie Breakfast at Tiffany‘s. The recording is by Bill Frisell from his album When You Wish Upon a Star.
Two drifters, off to see the world
There’s such a lot of world to see
We’re after the same rainbow’s end
Waitin’ ’round the bend
My huckleberry friend
Moon river and me
—– Here’s a link to a post of mine about this song:
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