So I've discovered that I have something of an obsession with regional American foods that I've never tried. This country is huge, and has accordingly spawned a number of unique dishes, tied to a particular region, state, or even city. It's crazy and awesome. Here's a (very) partial list of my experience. I invite you to speak to these if you can, and, just as importantly, add more! Brunswick stew (general South) Horseshoe sandwich (Springfield, IL) Chow mein sandwich (Fall River, MA) Muffuletta (New Orleans, LA) Italian hot dog (NJ) Hot Brown (Louisville, KY) Salt potatoes (Syracuse, NY) Skyline chili (Cincinnati, OH) Chicken Vesuvio (Chicago, IL) Pepperoni roll (WV) Garbage plate (Rochester, NY) Green chile cheeseburger (general Southwest) Seattle-style hot dog Red-eye gravy (general South) Beef-on-weck (western NY) Onion burger (OK) One thing I love is how the dishes that arose from the same kinds of immigrants in various parts of the country are so different. For example, Connecticut has a strong Italian tradition, but they've never heard of a Chicago "Italian beef" here, and I'm sure many of them aren't familiar with New Jersey's "Italian hot dog" either (which apparently includes potatoes).
Red Eye Gravy is really good (had it several times a year for over 25 years). Add tp it some cooked ham (cooked, not Oscar Meyer processed ham) grits and homemade biscuits... and you got a good meal for a chilly night. Dang, dude, saw your location and feel sorry for you. If you could go to Oklahoma, in a town called El Reno, they have an annual Onion Burger Day where on Main Street they make an 850 pound onion burger and pass portions out to the people there. And if you waste even a day in Oklahoma, get a Chichen Fried Steak and you'll know what comfort food is all about.
Ha, don't feel sorry for me - Connecticut is sort of a foodie paradise. Between our spectacular pizza and amazing sandwiches (grinders) and steamed cheeseburgers, not to mention Polish delis and Indian restaurants galore, there's plenty to love here. I was in Kansas City 2004-2012, so I've at least had my share of barbecue, and a few good examples of Southern comfort food (such as chicken fried steak) but other stuff, mostly from the Deep South, has eluded me.
Connecticut has immigrants? Canadians perhaps? Is that like New Jersey/New York Italian? Or like Boston Irish? Or like how people think general Tao as an authentic Chinese cuisine? I'm not sure man but I do envy the food truck industry you guys have in the US. Then again I'm not big on fusion foods. Unless Lolo Buhain marries Nona Carmela and they invite at to dine with them.
I used to know a girl named Muffuletta. A popular dish in my neighborhood is Salchi Pappas. It's cut up hot dogs and French fries mixed with ketchup and mayo. I never had it.. I don't care for hot dogs or mayo. The smell is a bit off putting too.
I've never had a Philly Cheesesteak. I've come pretty close, but I've never gotten to put it in my mouth. In all seriousness, I've never had one. I want to know what all the hype is on them; what makes them so good?
gotta bookmark this thread for later... i consider myself a foodie in training and i'd love to have some of this stuff someday OK's chicken fried steak is indeed a thing of glory, as our are onion burgers and BBQ... some good stuff in KS too but it escapes me at this time
For me it's hard to describe it in a way that does an authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich any justice. All I can suggest is, if you're in Philly, and you have a chance to try one......do it!
I was born and raised in Bridgeport Connecticut for the first 23 years of my life. I have lived in Miami, North Chicao, Oklahoma City suburbs and now Washington state. And I gotta say Connecticut has the best Italian/Spanish foods along with Brick oven pizza. Miami has great ruban sandwiches. Chicago had its great hotdogs and shitty deep dish but I guess some people liked it. Oklahoma had its great bbq. And im not talking BBQ sauce bbq, Real bbq doesnt use sauce! Washington/Oregon state doesnt have much for good food at all but Portland Oregon does have Voodoo doughnuts which is delish!
Slight correction regarding Skyline Chili. Skyline is a brand. What you're talking about is called Cincinnati Style Chili. Skyline and Gold Star are the two most well known brands, but it's also a good idea to check out smaller places. Camp Washington Chili is amazing.
Blasphemy! Seriously though, I love bbq sauce. It can be vinegar or tomato based as long as the meat isn't overcooked. I'd recommend trying boudin, jambalaya and gumbo if you haven't. Shrimp and grits is awesome too.
Alligator Po'Boys and Wisconsin Brautworst. If you're in Minnesota during the state fair you could also have just about anything deep fried, as well. I can't believe- If you're willing to go oriental, there are so many different styles of preparing bacon that come from Poland and Russia, and most of Northern Asia in general.
