Cultural Eating in NYC
One of the best things about NYC is the food. Everywhere you go, you can see the mix of cultures and the many different foods we eat. The city is a feast of flavors, ingredients and traditions.
Immigrants from all parts of the world brought their recipes to New York. Visiting the city’s neighborhoods can feel like an around-the-world adventure in dining. From Chinatown and Little Italy to Harlem, a great meal is just a few steps away.
Many foods are recognized as being “New York’s Finest”. The list has to include the obvious: bagels, hot dogs, cheesecake, pizza, pickles, knish.
Many people don’t realize how many dishes were created in the grand hotels or restaurants over the years. New York chefs created the Waldorf Salad, Red Velvet Cake, Lobster Newberg, Steak Diane and even Thousand Island Dressing.
Another cultural fact about New York is that in 1837, the first, fine dining establishment in the United States opened – Delmonico’s. The restaurant also started the “Celebrity Chef” phenomeon when Chef Alessandro Fellippini began to develop the now famous Delmonico Steak. He is also credited with inventing Eggs Benedict and Banked Alaska.
One of my favorite books is Arthur Schwartz’s New York City Food. The book traces over 400 years of eating history and is loaded with pictures and recipes. I love thinking about how our cultures and foods develop.
If all this talk has made you hungry, why don’t you look in your favorite cookbook and make something new? Or go visit that new restaurant and see what’s on the menu.
Happy Living Global with Fine Dining! Joy
