Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil (2007)
Words & Artwork by Jeff Smith
Colors by Steve Hamaker
Chef’s Note: It is intriguing to hear Captain Marvel comment that “I think of all the advancements in civilization I’ve seen so far, hot dogs from a cart might be the very best one.”
The ancient world, which is where Captain Marvel is “from” (at least in terms of his magical catchphrase), certainly had sausages, not to mention fast food joints.
The thermopolium was a place of refreshment in ancient Rome, a sort of snack bar where drinks and hot food were served. At that time, in fact, like today, it was not unusual to have lunch outside the house.
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Its structure of the thermopolium was very simple, it included a small room open on the street equipped with a masonry counter, decorated with marble slabs, in which large terracotta amphorae (dolia) were encased, suitable for containing food. Sometimes there were areas behind where you could sit and have your meal, just like in modern fast food restaurants.The food that were served inside were often depicted in wall paintings, inside and also outside the room. These were legumes, vegetables, eggs, olives, onions, skewers of meat, sausages, game, fish, cheeses, dried or seasonal fruit, focaccia and sweets.
Maybe it’s the “from a cart” part of the equation? But here too, food from a cart is nothing new.
My speculation is that what Captain Marvel is really enjoying here is a dirty water dog – hence his appreciation of the technological advancements in food cart design to produce such a delicacy.