One Bite, Four Names and an Extra Syllable

Two plates waited on the kitchen table, with fully cooked patties already cooled to a comfortable temperature, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots. Puschel and Flauschi stood beside their chairs.

Flauschi“Today we are having Frikadellen.”

Puschel“I thought you made Fleischpflanzerl!”

Flauschi“That is one name for patties like these in Bavaria.”

Puschel studied his plate, then peered beneath the little patty.

Puschel“Where are its roots? It sounds like a meat plant. Plants need roots!”

Flauschi“Nothing grows here. Fleischpflanzerl is simply a name for the food.”

Puschel“Good. Otherwise I would have to water it.”

Flauschi laughed. Puschel drew his plate a little closer without lifting it.

Flauschi“In Berlin they are often called Buletten. In Austria you may hear Fleischlaberl or faschierte Laibchen.”

Puschel“Bulelleten! Fleischflaberl! Frikapflanzerl!”

He paused and stared at Flauschi with wide eyes.

Puschel“How many lunches are on my plate now?”

Flauschi“One lunch. Lots of names. Seasoning and recipes can differ from place to place.”

Puschel“So I do not have to eat lunch four times?”

Flauschi“Luckily. Four lunches would never fit on one plate — but you would certainly have tried!”

Puschel lifted a little bite of cooked patty on his fork. He checked it was comfortably warm, then tasted.

Puschel“My Bulellete tastes very good.”

Flauschi“Bulette. Without the extra le.”

Puschel“I am still practising. But I can already eat.”

Flauschi giggled. A pea rolled into a little hollow in his mash.

Puschel“Now my meat plant has a green neighbour!”

Flauschi“And that one does not need watering either.”

They enjoyed their lunch. Puschel decided to call it the delicious little patty next time. That name fitted his tongue beautifully.