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
Copyright ©
Sam Kauffman
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