Panini and Circuses

Not everything related to food was better in the past. 

This evening I've just been to a performance of Cirque du Soleil's Ovo here in San Francisco. Cirque is the updated and more conscientious alternative to the often cruel animal-based circuses, employing amazing and fully consenting human talent instead of prodded wildlife to elicit oohs and aahs from an adoring audience. And on the food front, the concession stands that follow the convoy of Cirque trucks around the world has similarly upgraded their fare from the olden days of fairs and traveling shows. 

Panini, crèmes brûlées, sparkling, white and red wine, and a selection of beers, including local ones, were for sale by cheerful staff behind well-attended stands. More familiar staples like popcorn and chocolates could also be had, but overall, this was a caliber beyond the standard peanuts and cracker jacks found at most public spectacles.

 

Gourmet food under the Chapiteau

Whether this is an indication of an ongoing shift towards improved concession food in general or simply the natural influence of a French circus troupe, I welcome the change. May the new year reveal more such pleasant surprises. Bonne année!