July 29, 2003

Trafficking in Bar-B-Que

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- It's the mere fact that I was able to share a Southern delicacy in South Florida with two close friends. (Remember, folks, that geography south of Orlando not in Polk County or the City of Davie is not considered the South.)

Ice must be the measure of civilization. It coddled two pounds of Bar-B-Que pork -- one of vinegar- and one of tomato-based -- a quart of beans and a quart of banana pudding.

(For the record, even though this meal was transported from South Carolina, in my humble opinion, yellow sauce is the work of the devil.)

We added one ear of corn each, foraged freshly from a Publix produce section in Ft. Lauderdale. Pat the corn with fresh butter and the meal surpassed the level of perfection it already held.

Not too coincidentally, I'll be trafficking in another foodstuff that one just can't get in any resemblance of authenticity (with the exception of shape and general appearance) where I currently reside. No fewer than two dozen bagels will be brought to South Carolina from South Florida. Real bagels, as in the ones that are boiled before they're baked. I just hope transporting Jewish soul food across state lines isn't illegal in The South. While ice won’t be needed to keep these fresh, another civilized invention will: the re-sealable, airtight plastic bag.

- Rich