Let me lay a hypothetical question on you.  Let’s say a foreigner was coming to America to stay with you, maybe a long lost cousin or your mail-order-bride to be.  What would you show them, or better yet, how would you show them your cultural identity?  Would you show them monuments? Or would you go get some drinks and eat a good meal?  I’d guess most would say “chow down”-- what better way to say “Welcome to America” than with food.  It’s a way for people to feel comfortable, especially if they don’t speak the English.  

Go to any other country in the world and eat where and what the locals are eating. This to me is the greatest way to know a people.  Every culture has a heritage where their customs and ceremonies define who they are and I guarantee food is involved.   The Japanese have the Tea Ceremony, Germans have Oktoberfest and every holiday in America, food is in abundance.  Food made by regular people, not factories that supply thousands of restaurants by the same name.  A tangible culture.

Getting back to my original question, what’s your answer?  What food defines America?
Is it a dirty water dog from Manhattan, Steak and potatoes, Southern fried chicken or maybe a recipe that has been passed down for many generations?  Let me know.  Drop me an email at   porkboy13@yahoo.com. Just include what or where you would eat.  Ill post them in a following article.

Diversity is a gift, don’t waste it by eating at a chain, support the little guy.