The types of cuisine available in today’s restaurant market are as limitless as the imagination. From ethnic staples to fusion concepts and beyond, diners can travel on their own food journey throughout the country. Many popular cuisines are easily distinguished from others; each having a distinct identity. One category that has historically struggled with an identity crisis is American Cuisine.
Even today, culinary experts cannot agree on a standard definition for what can be considered American cuisine. Some would say the fast food circuit and household dinner staples like pizza, hot dogs, and macaroni & cheese make up the bulk of what is widely agreed upon as American food. Others would say American Cuisine is difficult to define because it is as diverse as its population.
America is called “The Melting Pot” because of our history in serving as the “land of opportunity” for people from every culture around the world. As such, American Cuisine is most likely formed by a fusion of ethnic and regional approaches to cooking. Many of the foods and cooking techniques used in American Cuisine are not rooted in tradition, but in what is available and convenient. Historically, the American life has been full of struggles where culinary prowess was sent to the back-burner.
American Cuisine may not be easily defined or understood, but there are a few words that can certainly be used to describe it:
- Innovative
- Curious
- Flexible
- Convenient
As our culture once again moves toward a focus on healthy, natural foods, New American Cuisine is emerging with a stronger identity. The simple concept of using what grows around us is slowly becoming standard in American Cuisine.
Just as every chef chooses a chef coat to suit his style, Americans choose cuisines that fit the mood of the day. Our culture is not easily defined in a uniform manner, so it should come as no surprise that the feeling of our food cannot be pinned down to one style.