I grew up in West Texas, so I do have a passing familiarity with grits. Two fave culinary treats for me: the 15th Century couscous at Bistro Marrakech in Inwood where I live, and the chopped beef sandwich at Tom and Bingo's BBQ in Lubbock where I'm from. Also the Swedish meatballs at the community center in Jokkmokk, Sweden in February during the Rennfest when it's 40 below.
Weston's was quite a scene between John Gotti and entourage on Wednesdays, Hugh Carey singing "New York, New York", various sports types and "Olde New York" supper club denizens. There was always something surreal to keep a bass player awake during the last set. Arnie subbed a few times during my tenure, as did Ron Zito and the late Joe Cocuzzo. I was fired briefly for taking off one too many Saturdays, but it enabled me to use Bobby Pratt's immortal line, "What good's a steady gig if you can't take off?" I learned a lot of tunes on that gig. Ended up with the house B-18, too.
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