The All-American Picnic

The sizzling sound of a ground beef patty as it hits the grill on a sunny Saturday afternoon: this is a surefire sign you’re at an all-American backyard barbeque cookout. There’s fresh cut watermelon to keep kids and adults alike satisfied until the main course of hamburgers and hot dogs can sit in our bellies. The neighbors brought potato salad; Aunt Alison made her famous vegetable medley. And of course everybody’s favorite guilty pleasure of potato chips and onion dip. Throw in some Bud Light and the radio baseball commentary and you really can’t get more American than that.

Let’s observe Dad at the grill: he’s got his favorite “Kiss the Cook” apron, a spatula of gigantic proportions, and the meat set up in an organized and thought out manner. He takes a poll: who wants American cheese on their burger? Who wants cheddar? And who just wants it plain? How many people would prefer a hot dog to a burger? And who’s gonna go all the way and have both? After getting everything in order, it’s time to get down to business. As he flips the burger, a beautiful smell fills the air, lifting everyone’s spirits in a way only a backyard barbeque can do.

When the food on the grille is finally done, the kids are the first to run and get their share. Jumping up and down for the first cheeseburgers and hot dogs, Dad gives them the special smaller ones, made just for them. With a few squeezes of a ketchup bottle and some diced veggies later, everyone’s sitting down at picnic tables enjoying their meals. Compliments from all to the chef, who’s finally settling down to enjoy his own work. Smiling, laughing, Mom wiping mustard off little Jessie’s face. Just when we all thought our stomachs couldn’t be any happier, we see it coming from inside the house: a warm apple pie, straight from the oven and into Mom’s hands. The smell fills our nostrils with happiness; happiness that can only come from a fresh and unexpected desert.

All of this plays into the comfort food of America, and I couldn’t be more comfortable if I tried.