Gary Nova grew up in the late a40s and early a50s on the lower East Side of Manhattan. He played soccer for the old New York Americans. In the early a60s and a70s, he owned The Gym in New York City. In the a70s, a80s and a90s, he was a singer/musician specializing in ethnic music. Gary is currently semi retired, freelancing in carpentry, and ceramic tiling. He began cooking in 1975, with the first dish being Ukrainian Borshch #1 (according to the cook book), although the recipe in this book has changed somewhat. Garyas advice to beginners is: aBe patient and donat give up!a