1- Apple Tart
This sweet treat is known as “American as apple pie” for a reason: it is a national institution. Forget anyone who tells you that pecan or key lime is better; they’re lying. The simple combination of sugar, buttery pastry, and tart sliced apples results in a dessert so exceptional that people have dedicated their entire lives to perfecting it. Try the apple pie with green chilies at the Pie-O-Neer in Pie Town, New Mexico, for a particularly good example. Call ahead and the self-proclaimed “Pie Lady of Pie Town,” Kathy Knapp, will save you a slice.
2- The Hamburger
Every American has a different idea of where to find the best hamburger in the country, ranging from fast food on the West Coast (In-N-Out Burger) to fine dining in New York (The Spotted Pig). However, the Library of Congress recognizes only one location as the birthplace of hamburgers: New Haven, Connecticut. The year was 1900, and the restaurant was called Louis’ Lunch, and the owner was named Louis Lassen. Today, his great-grandson, Jeff Lassen, captains the ship, which still serves five-meat burgers cooked on a century-old cast iron grill.
3- Chowder with Clams
It’s practically against the law to visit Boston without trying New England clam chowder. The fragrant soup is sold everywhere, but it is hideous because it is white and lumpy. But it only takes one taste to fall in love. Whoever thought of combining quahog shellfish with tender potatoes, salted pork, heavy cream, and herbs is a genius. There are numerous ways to eat it, but you should go all out and get a bread bowl at the Atlantic Fish Co., where the chefs carve out a cavity in a fresh boule, pour in the heavenly juice, and then replace the top. Dinnerware that is edible.
4- Bagel with Lox
It’s a fool’s errand to try to distill New York into a single representative cuisine. What about a Nathan’s hot dog? Katz’s pastrami, anyone? Is that a bad cup of diner coffee? Let’s honor the city’s large Jewish population by serving bagels and lox, a weekend staple on many Manhattan tables. Scientific studies have been conducted to determine why the New York bagel reigns supreme over all others; legend has it that it is due to the water. Whatever the reason, go to Russ and Daughters on the Lower East Side and order smoked fish, cream cheeses, and, if you’re feeling flush, caviar.
5- Deep-Dish Pizza
Pizza In Chicago, pizza looks and tastes different. As the name implies, the dish is deep, which means the crust rises high and allows for an artery-clogging amount of cheese and tomato sauce. Unsurprisingly, they refer to it as a “pie.” It is not for the faint of heart and should only be attempted while dressed in dark clothing or using a large napkin. Pair the pie with sugary soda for a truly authentic meal. You could try it at Uno Pizzeria, which claims to have invented the Italian-American hybrid dish in 1943.
6- Drop Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
A biscuit in America means, essentially, a flaky scone often made with lard and buttermilk. In places such as Montana, where people burn energy working on horse ranches, biscuits are eaten at breakfast smothered in a thick white gravy that is studded with bits of sausage. It certainly wakes you up in the morning. For a fun twist, try a musical version in Austin, Texas, where Biscuits and Groovy offers varies with names like “the Aretha Franklin” (maple bacon, colby jack cheese).
7- Barbecue from Texas
Australians may enjoy a weekend barbeque, but Texans live and die by the practice. Mesquite smoked meats and tenderizing rubs are popular obsessions, and it is not uncommon to go to football games and find people bringing entire ranges to the parking lots worth thousands of dollars – a practice known as “tailgating.” Head to the Dallas Farmers Market for some excellent brisket, then find a seat at Pecan Lodge. The pork links, pulled pork, beef ribs, and collard greens are also tasty. Essentially everything.
8- Grits with Hominy
Southern cuisine appears to exist in its own universe, and an entire list could be devoted to items such as chicken and waffles (yes, you read that correctly). So perhaps it’s best to stick to the basics: hominy grits, which are essentially corn milled into a rough powder and boiled with butter or bacon grease. It may sound harsh, but it is actually sublime. Blossom Restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, serves Geechie Boy grits with shrimp and andouille sausage as proof. Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweetened ice tea.
9- Tacos
Basically, Los Angeles has a taqueria on every street corner. With so many Spanish-speaking residents, anything from greasy nachos on Venice Beach to exquisite Michoacan-style goat stews is possible. For a good sampler, skip the chain restaurants and head to El Huarache Azteca, a tiny, no-fuss eatery in Highland Park with menus ranging from fajitas to mole verde and “flautas” – fried crisp taquitos stuffed with chicken. (Guacamole is an obvious choice.) Keep in mind that Mexican food and Tex-Mex are not the same thing.
10- Thanksgiving
So “Thanksgiving” isn’t technically a food, but it’s such a legendary date on the American culinary calendar (the fourth Thursday of November each year) that it deserves to be recognized. The holiday is officially about friends and family, but everyone knows it’s really about turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, green bean casserole, and bellyaches. While the recipes, like most on this list, appear tailor-made to give you a heart attack or diabetes, they’re all delicious, and when combined, they create one of the most ridiculous and enjoyable feasts you’ll ever attend. Many restaurants provide a menu, but the most unique option is always a friend’s home, even if the bird is burned.
