The Avenue of Gastronomic Delight

The Avenue of Gastronomic Delight Down the broad avenue called Gastronomic Delight City life gathers when twilight awakens; In eateries, drive-ins, greasy spoons and taverns – jumpin’ joints jumpin’ Like Snoopy with his dish doing the suppertime dance; Lured by the siren of food from imagination’s industry - Reached out for attention - Yelling “Taste me!” Pizza, pasta and lasagna topped off with biscotti and cappuccino With their charms beguiled me from their narrow alley; Soufflés, crepes and flaky croissants - chocolate mousse – crusty baguettes - Invited me to dine at their boulevard bistros; While scones and champ, farl and pasties - soda bread and Irish stew - Grabbed my hand for a jig; And plaintive bagpipes from their pubs enticed me with shortbread I thought I might pass on the haggis; Savory scents teased me from hideaways – shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, Plum puddings, trifles - bergamot teas spoke with British accents; Mariachis sang so joyfully from their balconies of burritos, fajitas, tostadas and nachos - Guacamole and flan became sore temptation; Then I found my feet tapping to the beat of the steel drums - Lured me to beaches with sweet spiced empanadas But I heard from the beer hall - the polkas of spätzle and of sauerbraten, Schnitzel and bratwurst called my name; Only to change partners with a piroshki dancing - Hungarian rhapsodies Of Aunt Paprika’s goulash - borscht and stroganoff joined in; Long day of summer led to fiord parks where kringla, and lefsa - Lingonberry krumkakes - yodeled in concert warmed by glogg; A little lane beckoned, with sidewalk cafes offered cheesy fondue - Raclette with potatoes, rosti finished with zimtsterne stars rising; Eastern Exotics shyly stepped forward to offer dim sum and stir fry, wontons and gyoza In spring rains of shirataki, savory potstickers followed by Saki; Hidden away, perfumed gardens cajoled - recline with tandoori, curry and naan Shish kabob alongside mango chutney with vindaloo going loop-de-loo; A rollicking food truck screeched to a halt by the curb - soul food for the soul Crispy friend chicken, grits, collard greens - don’t forget black eyed peas; Dashing by I almost bumped into flaming cheese followed by moussaka and souvlaki – Gyros and spanakopita close behind – gotta watch out for ouzo – opa! At the end of the cul-de-sac wearing stripes red and white the sweetest surprises - Sundaes, sodas, strawberry shortcake - pumpkin, chess and grasshopper pies; I saluted the cross street named America with barbecue ribs and Caesar salad, “po boys” from the south, mom’s apple pie, hamburgers hot off the grill; A feast for taste buds, flavors -world travelers - a little something different each night; But tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich led me home – ah the comfort of comfort food! Stirred, barbecued, baked, sauteed and grilled 5/21/20