American Food

US State Foods
Regional US Cuisine

Taste the States: 50 Iconic American Foods From A to Z

Tonight will bring discourse about battleground counties and swing states.
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Tonight will bring discourse about battleground counties and swing states. But when it comes to food, we declare: there are no red states or blue states — only epicurean states!

Despite the growing number of chain restaurants across America, regional cuisine remains as vast as our continent is wide. Some may travel far distances just for a taste of authentic, iconic state dishes, but to know the history behind their creation is another story. For instance, do you know who invented the first Philly cheesesteak? How about the California Cobb salad? We've gathered 50 dishes from 50 states to prime you about the dishes you love. Be forewarned: this slideshow will make you hungry.

Alabama: Fried Apple Pies Alaska: King Crab Legs With Butter Arizona: Chimichangas Arkansas: Chicken and Dumplings California: Cobb Salad Colorado: Western or Denver Sandwich Connecticut: New Haven-Style Thin-Crust Apizza
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Traditional American Dishes
burgers

10 Quintessentially American Dishes

Since the Obamas' state dinner last week featured classic American food, I've had traditional cuisine on the mind.
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Traditional American Dishes

Since the Obamas' state dinner last week featured classic American food, I've had traditional cuisine on the mind. We asked you to share what dishes you consider signature to the US, and the responses were deliciously varied, from apple pie to barbecue. Here, I've rounded up 10 recipes, inspired by your suggestions, for a good old American feast.

Pulled Pork Sandwich Macaroni and Cheese Lobster Club Sandwich Steak Apple Pie Ribs Pancakes
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Obama State Dinner Menu
Cristeta Comerford

Quintessential American Food? Surf and Turf, Apple Pie

Last night the Obamas hosted their first state dinner of 2011.
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Last night the Obamas hosted their first state dinner of 2011. Yesterday, the menu was described as being "quintessentially American," but no specifics were released. While we tried to guess what would be served, in the end White House chefs Cristeta Comerford and Bill Yosses went with a surf and turf menu.

The first course was a pear, fennel, walnut, and goat cheese salad. The second plating consisted of poached Maine lobster served with glazed carrots and mushrooms. After a palate-cleansing lemon sorbet, the president, Chinese delegation, and their guests enjoyed rib eye with crisp onions, double stuffed potatoes, and creamed spinach. For dessert? Good old-fashioned apple pie and vanilla ice cream. The meal sounds perfect to me: it's luxurious, but classic. What do you think of the menu?

Quintessentially American Foods
Cristeta Comerford

What Foods Are Quintessentially American?

Tonight at the White House, chefs Cristeta Comerford and Bill Yosses are cooking up a special state dinner.
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Tonight at the White House, chefs Cristeta Comerford and Bill Yosses are cooking up a special state dinner. Although the official menu has yet to be released, it is said that the Chinese delegation and the Obamas will dine on food that is "quintessentially American." But what exactly does that mean?

When I lived in Spain and people asked me to make "American food," I always served fried chicken and macaroni and cheese, so I guess that's what I consider to be the United States' signature dish. However, it's hard to pick just one dish, as pizza, burgers, and Caesar salads also come to mind. Which foods do you think are all-American? Please share with us below!

Source: Flickr User stu_spivack

Food Map of the United States, State by State
let's dish

What Food Best Describes Your State?

My Food Looks Funny just released an entertaining pictorial that represents what America produces and eats, state by state.
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US Food Map By StateMy Food Looks Funny just released an entertaining pictorial that represents what America produces and eats, state by state. Although a lot of them are pretty accurate, I'd say some are up for contention. (Jelly pie in Arkansas? I would've thought cheese dip.) What's your state's quintessential food?

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