American Food

When most people think of American food, they picture pretty basic offerings. “American as apple pie,” the phrase that has been uttered millions of times in this country, comes to mind first, but soon after is followed by hamburgers, french fries, chicken dinners, and meatloaf.

All of these are quite popular American foods, even if they are simple fare. But they are only one aspect of our native cuisine. America is one of the greatest countries in the world, and we have developed one of the greatest and most varied diets on the planet.

Of course, many of the most famous American foods are comfort foods. Southern food, for example, is distinctly American. There is nothing in my mind more American than collared greens, barbecued ribs, red beans and rice. Those creole cuisine standbys perfect thing to pick you up when you're feeling blue or to give you energy to go on when you have a lot of work ahead of you.

Nonetheless, there is American food that is quite healthy for you. As a matter of fact, America is quite a center for health food cuisine. Although most do not people think of macrobiotic food as particularly American, it really has found a home here. There are vegetarian restaurants specializing in locally grown delicacies all over this country.

We have taken vegetarian and vegan food to another level in this country. We have made food that is delicious, nutritious, sustainable, and locally grown in a way that no one else has done in recent times. This is something for us to be proud of.

And of course, you can't discount any of the other regional cuisines as well. Californian food is a distinct variety, separate from Southern cuisine, East Coast gourmet food, and anything else you can think of. Just by adding some cilantro, avocados, and a particular West Coast sensibility, you can completely change up a meal.

Still, for me there is no more perfect American food than the humble hamburger and french fries. Everything that has been done to improve it – including adding bacon, avocado, grilled onions, barbecue sauce, and whatever else – has really brought our country's simple dishes to a whole other level.

I'm not saying that we have the best food in the world, but we are close to the top. There are few countries whose cuisines can compete with us on an even playing field. We simply blow the competition away time after time with our cheddar cheese and apple pies.