Those who grew up in the suburbs know that no trip to the mall was ever complete without a pit stop to the food court. From kung pao chicken and chow mein to fresh, hot cinnamon rolls and salted pretzels, the food court was sure to satisfy whatever craving your heart desired.
The appeal behind such foods isn't necessarily the taste or the quality of ingredients. Rather, it's the impulsivity and the instant gratification of enjoying something quick, classic and satisfying. As The New York Times put it, food court food "is the food that is available at the moment you want some food." It's not the kind of food you'd get dressed up to enjoy, but more the kind of food you'd relish after a long day of walking and shopping.
