Last Sunday, I treated myself to a Tiger Baby’s 60s themed party, complete with a burger and a milkshake, looking over a table lain with delectable strawberry shortcake, colourful cupcakes and a bowl of berries. Adorned in a riot of colours, amidst artsy pergolas, roller skates and bicycles, and a touch of leather every now and then, the vibrant setting of The Archies unfolded before me. The girls twirling in florals, puffed sleeves, flaunting long layered skirts with fringes complementing the printed headbands; and the boys, equally stylish, tucked-in polos paired with baggy trousers, bowties and sleek hairstyles. It was almost like a canvas of 60s aesthetics set in motion- everything echoed dreamy memories of an era we had only heard tales of. 

A few minutes into the graphics, music and narration, as I found myself completely immersed in this cinematic time capsule, the thematic presentation of food became a delightful underline of the story. A newly picked up concept from the 50s, fast food culture became a fascinating chapter in the community’s evolving narrative. Throughout the film, food has been so integral to its iconography, that the producers rolled out several movie posters and character posters with references to baked goodies and thick shakes. 

Simplicity Meets Savory

The focal point of this epicurean haven is a scene straight out of the swinging 60s—a classic depiction of burger, fries, and milkshakes— the holy trinity of fast food culture, in the heart of which, lies Pop Tate’s, an iconic retro diner that effortlessly captured the essence of 60s food culture. Every part of it is decked up to bring out the nostalgia— exteriors graced with white and red illustrations, coupled with cursive calligraphy, and the signboard proudly declaring, “Serving up delicious fun since 1945”; you step in to find leathered booth seats, wooden panels along the walls, and tiny salt and pepper shakers accompanied by squeezy ketchup bottles set up on every table, setting the stage for a culinary journey back in time. Pop Tate’s is a representation of the era of dance, music and freedom. It doesn’t overwhelm with an extensive menu or elaborate food variations; instead, it embraces the simplicity of a bygone era, offering the classic American grub that defined an entire generation that believed they could make a difference. 

The typical burger steals the spotlight, with its timeless combination of a stuffed patty placed between soft baked dough. The legacy of Pop Tate’s honours an era where the burger wasn’t just a meal; it was a cultural phenomenon. A scene unfolds like a living snapshot of the 60s, capturing the essence of fast food simplicity that resonated with a generation hungry for convenience and flavour.

Besides the burger, an enticing side of golden fries, depicting the crisp perfection reflecting a time when less was more, and the idea was to savour each bite, each moment– a stark contrast to the myriad of gourmet options we have today.

Egg french fries: The perfect snack for any time of day

And then, a glassful of rich, creamy milkshakes- with two generous scoops of vanilla whipped cream, topped off with a whimsical cherry, a not-so guilty pleasure that perfectly complemented the slow-paced, vibrant lifestyle of the time.

Stealing The Show with a Trick

Ever wondered how the tastemakers came up with the idea of bringing together sweet and savoury in the name of this classic trio. Maybe it was kitchen alchemy, or  just a new found convenience of cruising with your friends after school and heading for a flavorful indulgence in the name of hamburgers, priced at a pocket friendly dollar or less. The origins may be deep dead in mystery, but one thing’s for sure—the amalgamation of these flavours marked a toothsome turning point in culinary history, and The Archies serves it up with a generous helping of cinematic charm.

But why do these classic burgers pair so seamlessly with milkshakes? There’s a touch of science behind this harmony. Our taste buds have evolved to relish the combination of sugar, fat, and salt, and your standard burger and fries offer a symphony of these flavours. The burger, rich in fat and salt, finds its sweet counterpart in the milkshake, creating a palate-pleasing balance that goes beyond the flavours of a regular gourmet, cleansing your palate with a sweet sip before every bite can make its way to quenching your thirst for more flavour. 

The Archies, through this gastronomic journey, invite us to savour not just the taste but the profound cultural resonance of each bite—a delightful feast for the senses that transcends time and takes us to experience the magic of a bygone era.