WHEN I ARRIVED in the U.S. as a German war bride, in 1948, I lived with my in-laws in Union City, New Jersey. They took me into New York City to see the sights. I was so impressed, but most astounding to me was the Automat. I can still picture all those little glass compartments with such a variety of food. After being hungry for so many years during the war in the old country, this was truly magic.