elegies to the discontinued flavors of a childhood classic by David Poplar illustration by maggie edkins Like so many ill-fated love affairs, it started innocently enough. But as they say, we don’t choose love—love chooses us. From the very first moment—when a friendly coworker on my landscaping crew offered me that first otherworldly sip of Pink Swamingo under the hot Georgia sun—my desire could not be quenched. I was set adrift in a blissful sugar coma, helpless to resist. My passion developed quickly, and I soon fell in love with the other character-based Kool-Aid flavors as well: Purplesaurus Rex, Incrediberry and of course, The Great Bluedini. For the next few years, we were inseparable, until the day when my world came crumbling down like a brick wall toppled over by a smiling, red pitcher. As rapidly as my obsession had grown, my loves deserted me. In a panic, I searched far and wide, leaving no aisle of the grocery store untraveled, yet they were nowhere to be found. Calls to Kraft confirmed my worst fear: my favorite flavors had been discontinued. Left directionless, and facing a dangerously low level of glucose in my bloodstream, I attempted to harness my anguish and wrote the following poems as an elegy to my long lost loves. Oh, yeah.
Still hungry
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recent highlights: Tasting Our Way Through TASTE Philadelphia From sumptuous mini parfaits to smooth lobster bisque to tangy barbecue sauces, TASTE Philadelphia Festival offered plenty of samples, as well as wine tastings and a cooking demo led by Ted Allen (host of Food Network’s “Chopped”). fall 2011
In fine restaurants Make mine Purplesaurus Rex B. Y. O. K-A Its color beckons Like Caribbean waters The Great Bluedini From the first faint sip Stimulates my very soul Get the Ritalin Measure out the mix I decide how much sugar I know not “too much” Forever my drink But five glasses in a row? I need to sit down Sweet sugar bouquet Not quite cherry, not quite punch Ahh, Pink Swamingo
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Italian Market Guide Mamma mia, Paesano’s sandwiches and Isgro’s cannoli! Our guide to the best places to grab a bite in Philadelphia’s Italian Market.
Night Market: Chinatown Edition An abundance of music, lights and lines of food trucks. We share our take on the most decadent cupcakes, best wood-fired pizza and creamiest ice cream sandwiches.
Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto This is the perfect dish to cook as the weather turns colder, at once delicate and soul-warmingly hearty. penn appétit
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