An oil painting of a classic blue Cadillac parked in front of a 1950s diner with a giant Hamburger on top of the building by A.D. Dunk. Created with images Creator
powered by DALL·E

The Simple Act of Car Dining

A.D. Dunk
3 min readAug 24, 2023

--

I found myself at Burger King, securing my guilty pleasures — a cheeseburger, a hearty serving of fries, and an unsweetened tea (a small attempt at moderation). With my meal in tow, I parked a short distance from where I had ordered, ensuring my comfort. With air conditioning on, doors locked, music playing, I delved into my meal with eager anticipation. There was no meticulous arrangement, no organized approach, just an immediate unboxing of the burger and a hearty bite. Eyes closed in the sheer bliss of the moment, savoring each chew, I felt connected to the simple act of enjoying food.

There’s something peculiarly soothing about enjoying a meal within the confines of my car. I have wondered why. Is it the changing scenery outside my window, the sight of people bustling about, or the sensation of pausing amidst the chaos? As I sit here, burger in hand, I find myself pondering these questions. I observe a stranger in the neighboring car: her grip on a cheeseburger, the AC humming, and tinted windows revealing fleeting glimpses of her as she takes each bite; I can’t help but share in this distinctly modern experience.

Amidst my reverie, life was in full motion around me. Pedestrians strolled in and out of stores, cars zipped past, and the trees danced in the breeze. Yet, I remained still, a contrast to the bustling world outside. My thoughts wandered as I swallowed the…

--

--