America, it's time to celebrate OUR cuisine!

Although America’s origins sort of began under the auspices of European colonization (notwithstanding the indigenous peoples in the form of Native Americans who were here long before the migration of Europeans to the Americas), the United States of America is American personified. And while there are many varied and wonderful races, colors, creeds and nationalities that make up these United States, this rich diversification has lent itself to a greater wide-ranging culinary landscape across this great land of ours.

I don’t pretend to be an expert on the culinary aspects of American cuisine, and by saying so I don’t intend to take any credit whatsoever away from the true settlers of this land—the Native Americans. Neither is this a diatribe on a history of the Americas. It is merely the inquisitive nature of one woman examining an issue and then asking a simple question:

The culture of the United States is heavily influenced by so many other cultures and, consequently, so is our cuisine. So with fusion of the multiple ethnic and regional approaches to food, what exactly do we claim as our own?

You’ve no doubt heard the phrase, “As American as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie,” (or some derivative thereof) but did you know that hot dogs are based on a German dish? For that matter, so are hamburgers. But over the years, they have become such iconic symbols of American food—staples, if you will—that it’s not difficult to associate them as strictly American.  And I still contend that no one can cook a burger like folks can here on home soil!

I tend to think regional when thinking American cuisine outside of the U.S. For instance, if I were visiting Capetown, South Africa and I happened to spot a woman who bore an eerie resemblance to my deceased grandmother, my next thought would be of Grandma’s cooking.

Grandma grew up in North Carolina and her cooking was deeply rooted in southern style and tradition. No one—not even my mother, and her fried chicken was enough to put Col. Sanders to shame—could fry chicken the way Grandma could. And her soft, buttery and aromatic cornbread was unrivaled, even to this very day. I know I’m not going to get that kind of food in Capetown. But is it realistic to expect a weary traveler halfway around the world to walk into an out-of-the-way restaurant in Cairo, Paris, Venice or anywhere else outside of the States and say “I’m looking for a plate of good old American cuisine, now hook me up!”?

When it comes to food, America is the Rodney Dangerfield of the gastronomy scene: we get no respect.

I think that needs to change.

Other countries lambast Americans because we are a nation of overweight people. According to the National Health and Nutritional Examination Exam Survey (NHANES) 2003-2006 and 2007-2008, “over two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, and over one-third are obese.” (Read Overweight and Obesity Statistics report HERE).

While some attribute this to the rich foods that we eat, others say it is a lack of exercise and laziness. Still others who want to defend larger than life bodies may blame it on being “big-boned”. Well, I don’t know about that, and I’m not here acting in the capacity of a dietician, doctor of nutrition or any role of that nature.

What I am trying to do is be a champion for the cuisine of the Americas. From the New England region, that Maine or Connecticut style lobster roll that you can’t find as good anywhere else is a signature dish that simply works in the Northeast. Or the infamous Philly Cheesesteak piled high with thin slices of steak and melted cheese that can’t be duplicated anywhere else except in Philadelphia. Then there’s sumptuous Lowcountry cuisine from the Georgia coast and South Carolina, such as the ever-popular Lowcountry boil. In the Pacific Northwest, treat yourself to a gamey caribou dish. In the Midwest, the Chicago-style hot dog is a winner.

These are just a few examples of some of the phenomenal cuisine that can be had across this great land. I just wish others outside of this country would begin to realize the mouthwatering cache of food that resides within our borders instead of shining a blinding light on their perceived negative aspects of America. After all, with so many people attempting to make their way to this land of opportunity, why not stay awhile . . . and enjoy the food while you’re here.