This week's 614ortyPlatter touches on a subject whose exploration by us has been curtailed by many things this year: breakfast and brunch.
The obvious obstacle has been the COVID-19 pandemic which has thrown all the world for a big loop. Out of all the different meals of the day, breakfast and brunch has been our main go-out-and-dine-in time for us, and out of due caution, we've limited that type of dining in general this year.
Another limitation has been the discovery of some food allergies for us. Eggs, a staple for us, is no longer able for my better half, as well as oats. When you combine the number of dishes that use eggs and/or oats in their ingredient list together, that limits the meal options greatly no matter what meal of the day. The limitations are especially felt during breakfast and brunch, with eggs and/or oats a main component of numerous favorites.
But if we can't enjoy breakfast as much as we used to in terms of consuming dishes, we can sure enjoy the thought of dishes in our mind via music. My work-from-home status has uncovered the first of what I'm sure will be a number of musical breakfast buffets for you listening pleasure.
1) "Breakfast at Tiffany's" - Deep Blue Something: this earwormy song was the only big hit for this Denton, Texas group, earning them both a Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as a Number 6 on VH-1 & Blender's "Most Awesomely Bad Songs Ever." If nothing else, the song is as catchy as the relationship described in the song is a non-starter: as classic and beloved as the Audrey Hepburn movie of the same title is, if the film the "one thing you got" for your relationship, it's time to hit the Tinder app, buddy.
2) "Dr. Shakshuka" - anna RF: Shakshuka is a Middle East staple dish has gained a foothold in the United States on many restaurant and household breakfast options. So it shouldn't be surprising that "Dr, Shakshuka" is from the South Israel-based anna RF, who describes themselves as an "electro-ethnic reggae band" and whose name is based on a Arabic-Hebrew expression that means both “I know” and “I don’t know.” Their viewpoint, as detailed in this 2014 blogpost by Laura Grace Weldon, is a all-inclusive one, stating that "We find no truth in borders or other fictive ideas of separation. We enjoy the beauty of everyone and we find inspiration in every culture and every place. Our music is based on this point of view, therefore it is positive and open."
3) "Cinnamon.Rolls" - toonorth: Rotterdam's Chillhop specializes in various hiphop, jazzhop and triphop releases, and the works of Ashland, Oregon's toonorth (aka Dominic Martin) fits right in with this vibe. This song languid beat is like eating that perfect baked cinnamon roll, one where you want to linger on each sweet morsel for as long as you can.
4) "Bangers and Mash" - Released in 1961, this duet by famed actors Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren puts this Great Britain and Irish breakfast favorite (as advocated by Sellers) vs. the pasta dishes that Loren would love to feed her partner. As much as I adore Loren, I'm afraid I'd have to go with Sellers here, at least when it comes to breakfast time.
5) "The Lonely Bull" - Huevos Rancheros: Huevos Rancheros (a mix of fried eggs, tortillas, tomatoes, cilantrok chili peppers, onions and salsa fresca) battles Chilaquiles for selection whenever we decide to go Mexican for our desayuno. However, in this case, Huevos Rancheros is an Alberta, Canada band that plied its trade for most of the 1990s and was described once as a cross between Led Zeppelin and The Ventures. This cover of one of Herb Alpert's biggest hits can be found on the "Get Out Of Dodge" album, which was nominated for a Juno Award (the Canadian version of the Grammy Awards) for "Best Alternative Album" in 1998.
6) "Crispy Bacon" - Laurent Garnier: I don't know about you, but limp strips of bacon are always a bit of disappointment if they come with my breakfast dish of choice. French DJ Laurent Garnier, who is still plying his trade since his debut in 1987, makes sure his rendition of this American staple has some crisp to it, with a catchy house-style beat that will encourage you to work off the calories right after you finish your meal.
7) "Cigarettes and Coffee" - Otis Redding: yeah, I could do without the cigarettes myself, but there's nothing wrong with coffee for breakfast, and there's no denying the smooth, impassioned vocals of this soul/R&B legend. Something of a hidden gem on his 1966 release "The Soul Album", this song goes down like a smooth cup of joe, leaning back on your chair with a full belly and looking forward to a solidly good day ahead.
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