Nutritional (?) Anthropology
Those in-the-know are aware that the HR Bartender is a lifelong foodie. I just returned from an all-too-brief but wonderful tour of the Naples Grande Beach Resort where they have a Strip House steakhouse – YUM. But more on that in another post.
Today being Martini Friday, I want to explore what is being called “The Quick 10: The Birthplace of 10 Great American Foods” as it appears in mental_floss. This fun little article delves into the roots of some of this country’s best known and loved cuisine. Well, cuisine may be a little high-end of a term for these creations. But you can’t help but recognize them and maybe even some of their respective birthplaces.
According to the Library of Congress, the hamburger originated in America at Louis’ Lunch restaurant in New Haven, CT. Who knew? The original American pizzeria? Lombardi’s in New York City. You probably got that one.
Okay, here’s another one that’s widely debated . . . the cheesesteak sandwich was born in 1951 at Pat’s King of Steaks in (of course) Philadelphia, PA. Geno’s Steaks has claimed for years to have perfected the cheesesteak several years later. And in 1937, diners at the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, CA witnessed the birth of the Cobb Salad.
You can explore the rest of the list, including the root beer float, corn dogs, and fried Twinkies(huh?). But what I want to know is, where’s all the important stuff? Who invented the martini? Key lime pie? Steak au poive?
If you know a good one, please share. I’ll get things started . . . last year, I had the pleasure of visiting a charming little restaurant called Barrachina that’s right in the heart of Old San Juan, PR. Their claim to fame? In 1963, don Ramon Portas Mingot created the original Piña Colada. Now that’s worth a toast . . . Cheers!
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