I have done a bit of road traveling in the United States and am constantly fascinated by the different regional specialties that I continue to stumble upon which I knew nothing of previously. A lot of times I wonder why they have not become more popular outside of their local geographic area. Sometimes it’s due to a product only being attainable within a certain area and I think sometimes it’s due to people calling it “unauthentic” if produced or replicated elsewhere.
Either way, I’ve been working on a United States Regional Food Wiki. For the purposes of this project a regional food shall be clarified as either having been originated from a specific area and thus still being strongly associated with that region, regardless if it can be found elsewhere, like the Philly Cheesesteak or a food that can only be found in a certain location (for the most part) as in poi and Hawaii or a dish that has become substantially associated with a specific geographic location regardless of origin, as in Lutefisk in Minnesota.
You can search for foods either by state or category. Feel free to update the wiki with items you feel are representative of your local food scene. This is a work in progress and I hope it will expand the culinary landscape that makes this wonderful nation so delicious.
Steamed cheeseburgers are a regional specialty in central Connecticut. Blocks of meat and cheese are steamed in a cabinet and the molten cheese is poured on top of the burger. Roadfood has written about these extensively.
Ted’s in Meriden, CT is probably best-known for their steamed cheeseburgers. (http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=112)
These are also served at O’Rourke’s in Middletown. (http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Reviews/118/orourkes)
By: Leeanne on November 25, 2009
at 9:43 am
You’re absolutely right. I’ve been to Ted’s Famous and he serves a wicked steamed burger. I’ll have to add it to the Wiki. Thanks!
By: ETR on November 25, 2009
at 9:51 am
Hey, great site. I just wanted to comment on the fact that you left the Egg Cream off your lists for New York and New Jersey. Living in New Jersey and being a big foodie and traveler i can tell you that these are the only to states they show up in. It’s kinda like a fizzy chocolate milk made with Fox’s U-bet chocolate milk mix(bottled in Brooklyn), milk, and seltzer water. Its very popular with the Jewish community because of Fox’s strict Kosher standards.
One could start a whole new site devoted to the Kosher foods found throughout the New York, New Jersey area. Thanks for your time.
By: Dan on December 2, 2009
at 4:27 am
Thanks Dan…I’ll have to add that.
By: ETR on December 2, 2009
at 7:26 am
I came across your blog via Nick’s. I checked out the Louisiana link on the wiki (I’m Louisiana born and raised) and those dishes were spot on! Good work!
By: Jason on December 6, 2009
at 1:01 am
Thanks Jason! That means a lot when I hear it from someone that would know.
By: ETR on December 6, 2009
at 6:26 am
Good Work, Another regional dish is Spiedies (Southern Tier of NY – Binghamton Area) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiedie
By: Steve on December 10, 2009
at 11:59 am
Thanks Steve…it’s been added.
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at 12:38 pm
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at 9:19 am
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at 2:43 pm
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at 4:47 am