Food has been the subject of popular songs for decades, as evidenced by the 1952 Hank Wiliams classic “Jambalaya.” Praising the taste of the hearty Creole/Cajun dish, as well as crawfish pie and filé gumbo, “Jambalaya” has been covered by countless other artists and translated into languages ranging from Dutch to Chinese.
While Williams’ offering is one of the most famous culinary compositions, many other types of food have also been memorialized in melodies.
There’s the Beatles’ fruit-titled “Strawberry Fields Forever,” released in 1967, and Prince’s “Raspberry Beret.” Sugar was mentioned by both the Guess Who in their “No Sugar Tonight” and the Rolling Stones in the iconic “Brown Sugar.”
Pop-loving audiences might also remember “Sugar, Sugar,” by the American fictional bubblegum band known as the Archies, while Don McLean’s “American Pie” became the anthem of a generation.
Few food-related songs, however, are as memorable as Jimmy Buffett’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” As well as making Key West his home during some of his most productive years, Buffett drew on the island’s influence to create the tropical mystique that flavored his music throughout his life. While “Cheeseburger” doesn’t specifically reference Key West, his ode to the meaty meal he dubbed “Heaven on earth with an onion slice” remains one of his most enduring hits.
Cheeseburgers aren’t the only meat memorialized in lyrics and chords. There are also tunes about chicken, hot dogs, cornbread and even pork chops.
Pork chops worth saluting in song are among the most popular dishes spotlighted during the Key West Cooking Show’s learn-and-dine sessions. Chef-storytellers regale attendees with tales of Key West’s culinary traditions, while showcasing preparation techniques from the venue’s vintage demonstration kitchen at 291 Front St.
Class participants enjoy a savory meal of thick, juicy pork chops marinated in a savory blend of spices, then seared and slow-cooked. Accompanying the hearty entrée are a crisp wedge salad, gravy-covered potatoes gratin, and sweet guava bread pudding. Tips and techniques for preparing all of them are shared by the chef-storytellers so that, following the session, attendees can make and serve the delicious dishes at home.
A Cooking Show session is far more than a learning experience and a satisfying meal. It’s an adventure shared with strangers-turned-friends, an immersion in Key West’s cultural and culinary heritage, and the development of camaraderie through cuisine — benefits that surely deserve a song of their own.
Last Bites
Dish of the week: Potatoes Gratin. While traditional potato gratin are demonstrated and served with pork chops during Key West Cooking Show experiences, many cooks embellish the creamy side dish in innovative ways. Diced ham, earthy rutabagas, caramelized onions or even roasted and peeled poblano peppers are among the ingredients that can be added.
Helpful kitchen hack: It might seem convenient to store potatoes and onions together, but it’s far better to keep them separate. Why? Their unique chemistry means that, when stored together, they both spoil more quickly.
Hungry for more? Learn to prepare the perfect Key lime pie — and then enjoy a slice. Multiple pie-making classes are offered daily (except Sunday). Visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305-294-COOK.
