On the street

Cedar Rapids Kernels

My husband cannot and will not go to a movie without getting a tub of buttery popcorn. I've yet to decide whether it's the ritual or the popcorn itself that's more important to him. I think for a lot of people it's a toss up.

Last summer's On The Streets are a perfect example. All summer, I left events with my stomach growling because there was so much delicious looking food every wafting all around. Let's face it, Americans love food and summer time fare is top on our list.

Take baseball for example. Just like baseball is America's pastime, the food at the ballpark plays an integral role in the entire experience.

The people I talked to at Veterans Memorial Stadium Saturday night all had their favorites. Among them were the classics like peanuts, hot dogs and nachos. One guy said hamburgers, only to have his friend tell him that wasn't a ballpark food. But, I didn't think pizza was something to enjoy at a baseball game and another man said that was his favorite.

I read somewhere recently that major league ballparks in cities like New York and Chicago are going gourmet. Fans won't have to stick to the typical concession foods. Instead they'll have five-star dining to enjoy while they watch the game. I wonder if they'll still eat their creme brulee sitting in the plastic fold-down chairs?

I also wonder if it's a fad that will catch on? Isn't there something quintessential about sitting at a baseball game with a hot dog in one hand and a beer in another. I don't know that walking into a stadium to the scent of grilled mahi mahi would really be as alluring as the aroma of popcorn mingling other classic concession fare. But maybe that's just me.

Next week Jeff will be at the Catherine McAuley Adult Spelling Bee at Xavier High School. Catch up with him and test your spelling smarts.

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