Poll: Regional cuisines [Archive] - CookingLight.com Community

Gail

01-03-2001, 12:43 PM

Yes, it's me actually initiating a poll for once, but between Susann's "country" of the month and a recent conversation I had with a friend, I got thinking about the subject of regional cuisine--you know those things which are so popular in your area, but scarcely if ever seen in other parts of the U.S... Ask a Southern Californian about meat pies, pulled pork, grits or lutefisk and you'll likely come up empty. Dale's Seasoning?-- haven't got a clue.

...but on the other hand, how many of you have local pupuserias? (Pupusas are El Salvadoran pancake-type thingies, served with various fillings...) Do your local hamburger joints advertise pastrami, burritos and gyros? Are you under the misapprehension that in order to qualify for tacodom, it has to be crunchy and full of lettuce and cheese? Welcome to California.

So, stop by a while and share what's popular and possibly unique to your corner of the world... I think it'd make for some interesting reading...

Susann

01-03-2001, 12:55 PM

Of course I have to comment on Gail's poll. Here in Atlanta, we have a ton of food traditions. I grew up in Savannah but was born in New York, so I am not a true Southerner, but seafood is king in Savannah. I fondly remember many shrimp boil parties. Take a big pot and throw in shrimp (unpeeled) and potatoes and corn and a spice mix. Then throw the whole delicious mess onto a picnic table (this is definitely outside cuisine) covered in newspaper and dig in!

Again, great topic, Gail. I look forward to reading everyone's posts.

Don

01-03-2001, 01:26 PM

Hi Gail,

The three items that I always miss when I'm away from Baltimore are steamed crabs, stuffed fish, and pit beef sandwiches. When we cook crabs, we numb them first by putting them on ice or in a cold box. Then, when they stop fussing, they are layered in a huge pot (we use a beer keg with one end cut off to make a lid) and on each layer we sprinkle hot seasoning (similar to Old Bay) and rock salt. When the pot is full, the crabs are steamed. Then you roll out the newspaper and get cracking. It's not the most filling experience in the world, but it is the best way to kill a few hours in the summer.
As for stuffed fish, we always stuff fish with crab imperial, which is lump crabmeat in a sherry based cream sauce. The crabmeat is piled high on the fish, and then it is broiled. I have never had stuffed fish anywhere that was good as the stuffed fish in Baltimore.
Pit beef can also be pit turkey, or pit pork. Basically the meat is slow roasted over a charcoal pit and then very thinly sliced to make sandwiches. The most common toppings are horseradish, tiger sauce (a horseradish based mayo), raw onions, and/or mustard, although everyone seems to have their own combination.
The other two items that come to mind that I would be remiss if I didn't mention them are Utz potato chips (the best that I have ever eaten), and the absolute best chocolate cookies in the world--Berger's cookies. I have friends all over the world who beg me to ship them Berger's cookies. They are a thin cake cookie topped with a ton of delicious chocolate icing. Absolutely sinful! They've become so popular that Berger's now has a website to sell cookies, but they're only made in Baltimore.
I must admit that it's nice to be living back in my hometown, but I still miss the food in L.A. Oh for a decent Mexican restaurant and better Asian and Latino grocery stores!

lindrusso

01-03-2001, 01:27 PM

Does Bud Light count as cuisine???

But seriously.....I'm not exactly sure what the regional cuisine is here in the midwest - just nothing too unusual or exotic. Some things I can think of off hand: pork loin sandwiches and elephant ears (funnel cake by a different name).

I can answer for my former state of PA - Philly Cheesesteaks!! And my other former state of NY - bagels and pizza. Oh sure you can find those things other places, just not as good!

[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 01-03-2001).]

MrsReber

01-03-2001, 01:27 PM

Here in central NJ, we have just about any type of food you could ask for (Mexican, Carribean, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, tons of seafood places), all within a short distance and most of it decent. But if I were to pick one thing, I would have to say that the Italian food in the NY/NJ area is the best- probably because of all the Brooklyn Italians in the area. Also, bagels and bialys abound - big hot crusty bagels. My sister moved to NC and always brings bagels home with her when she visits. She says she can't get a "real" bagel in NC. She also has to have pizza for dinner at least once while she's here. Just recently, a good pizza place opened near them in NC. The owner knew they were from the north when they asked for a plain "pie". He is also from this area, hence the good pizza!

Lindrusso- looks like you and I are on the same page with bagels and pizza!

[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 01-03-2001).]

kwormann

01-03-2001, 01:30 PM

Well, in Houston, we get 2

Gulf coast shrimp and Tex Mex (also a sprinkling of authentic Mexican!)

I think its a yummy city to be in!

Kim

Gina O

01-03-2001, 01:46 PM

Thanks to my sister moving all over the country and complaining about what she can't get there, here are some local "delicacies" from Missouri. First, toasted ravioli.... meat filled ravioli breaded and deep fried, typically served as an appetizer with marinara. Second, gooey butter cake... just like it sounds, and too sinful to describe on a CL BB. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Certainly not only found in Missouri, but did you know that there are people in this land of the free and home of the brave that have never heard of White Castles or Steak and Shake??? Frightening isn't it. And, for those from farther North, Tim Horton's doesn't exsist down here. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

To the Southerners in the group... oh how I long for cheese straws! Gina

Vanessa

01-03-2001, 01:48 PM

Great thread Gail!
Don thanks for your info on berger cookies I will look them up. In MD I would say there is a variety of good food. Of course when people visit they want crab cakes & seafood.
We have BBQ places and you find the Southern influence in several dishes.
I agree with Don there is a need for good mexican food and better latin supermarkets.
I do miss my own food from Puerto Rico specially pasteles, arroz con dulce, lechon a la vara (pork) etc...but at this time with such cold temperatures a plate of PR food and sun would be a piece of heaven.

sneezles

01-03-2001, 01:48 PM

Kim
And don't forget those Margaritas...they go with both the shrimp and the Tex-Mex!!!

The Meyerland area is a great place for bagels-Three Brothers Bakery-the best Jewish bakery in town!

Mesquite grilling is found all around the city, too!

And now that I have moved to a Czech community, we feast on great sausage and kolaches!

[This message has been edited by sneezles (edited 01-03-2001).]

SueK

01-03-2001, 01:53 PM

Here in central PA, the food is probably known for the PA Dutch/Amish type dishes. Basically, that would be anything artery clogging and high fat! Our grocery stores in this area are sorely lacking in good ethnic ingredients, in my opinion. One thing that my husband loves (he grew up around here, I didn't) is chicken and waffles. Never tried it, never will. Just the thought of having meat on top of something I'd eat for breakfast holds no appeal to me!

emilycat

01-03-2001, 02:25 PM

Oh, goodness...I suppose I'm a true southerner, having grown up and lived my entire life in the south, and oddly enough, I do not like most southern food in the least. I think it's a little too boring for me and much too reliant on oil and butter.

But....lest I digress, these are my pride and joys http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Creamed corn that is made the proper way...loooong stove cooking with only corn and water -- the starches release and that's what makes it creamy. You'd never believe there's nothing else in it, and it's so divine. Canned cream corn is an absolute outrage and an insult to a delicious treat.

Sock-eye gravy...blood red clear stuff...I wouldn't touch it now, but I used to sop it up with biscuits and it was soooo good. That's when I was called "my granddaddy's girl" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Biscuit bread -- my grandmother made biscuit dough and cooked it on a skillet, then cut it into wedges.

Okra boiled on top of peas or by itself My grandfather and I were always the only ones to eat the slimy things, but I love them...in fact, I'm going to go buy some today at the farmer's market. Even more fun when you can snip them off the vine yourself.

Gosh, I would go on, but I'll never get to the store. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

SusieO

01-03-2001, 02:33 PM

I agree this is a great thread!

I spent a large chunk of time in South Louisiana where people don't eat to live, they live to eat. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif The food, of course, is Cajun or Creole: gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, courtbouillon, boiled crawfish. I learned a lot about cooking when I lived there, but never would have survived Weight Watchers!

Here in Florida, I'm not sure about local cuisine; everyone seems to be from somewhere else. We do get good Cuban, Greek and other ethnic foods, and of course lots of seafood.

Vanessa: Is arroz con dulce like a rice pudding? It sounds fabulous.

venus

01-03-2001, 03:14 PM

Nice subject! My Southern friends call me a big Yankee, so here's my version of regional cuisine:

Here in New York City there are tons of regional items. New York style pizza, of course, and beautiful bagels. You can get lox just about anywhere, and nothing can beat a good Jewish pastrami--so good, but sooo bad for you.

I used to live in Upstate NY, and there are some weird things up there. My #1 all time favorite is french fries with gravy, and sometimes cheese too http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif Sounds weird, but it's incredible. How about a Bo Burger--that's a burger with a fried egg on top--or a Tully burger.

But in the end, my heart belongs to New England. There is nothing like a New England clam chowder--made the proper way. Manhattan clam chowder is just a joke . And who can forget a clam bake? A real clambake is one on the beach, with lobsters, clams, seaweed, potatoes, onions and corn on the cob and it takes hours!

We have great local wine from the Fingerlakes and Long Island and Brooklyn Brewery makes some yummy beer.

lorilei

01-03-2001, 03:25 PM

It's amazing how, when you live in a place for a long time, you stop viewing its eccentricities (or regional flavors) as "odd".

You stop wondering why these strange little Wisconsin farm people hop onto HWY FF and flock to their local pub each Friday evening for a FISH FRY (lake perch is especial), complete with crusty rye bread and coleslaw. You know it's because restaurants don't serve much besides fish here on Fridays http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

You stop wondering why Milwaukeeans rush upwards into the Door County region on weekends for FISH BOILS during the summertime. You understand that it's because you can't beat that sort of party.

You stop thinking... and start eating more CHEESE, cuz it's so darn cheap (and GOOD, at that). You start craving a weekly dose of flavored CUSTARD and pretending it's good for you because of the calcium content.

You even start overlooking the way strangers stare at you when you mention travelling to your Mom and Dad's log house to sample delights like "Schaum torte"...

It's because they're not from 'round these parts... and that just makes a visit all the more interesting.

BTW
SCHAUM TORTE: A compellingly sweet marshmallowy meringue torte served with berries.

[This message has been edited by lorilei (edited 01-03-2001).]

Mandy

01-03-2001, 03:41 PM

Well, I've lived in Cincinnati for 5 years now, and here's what I've noticed about Cincinnati food:

Cincinnati Chili: A meat sauce with a very different spice taste to it, served over spaghetti and topped with cheese. If you ask a native to Cincinnati, it's the best thing around. If you ask me, it's ok on a rare occation (but generally not worth all the fat and calories).

Greaters Ice Cream: Now to me this is the best thing around! My favorite are their "chocolate chip" variety, where the "chips" are about the size of a mini candy bar.

Also in Cincinnati are a lot of strange cured meats. And something called ghetta (sp?), another strange meat thing. I'm not too into the unidentified meats personally.

Great topic!

mlynn

01-03-2001, 04:00 PM

Mandy--

You're bringing back some great memories! I left Cincinnati almost four years ago, and I still miss Graeter's-- especially the coconut ice cream which is only available in July, or is it August? I always went to the Graeter's in Clifton.

I grew up in Northwest Ohio, and I've noticed that you can't find beef and noodles anywhere else I've been. I don't mean the soup, I mean homemade egg noodles with beef, usually served over mashed potatoes. I guess it's not exotic, but I can't get it here in Denver. One thing that I can't get and definitely don't miss is a helping of pickled beets and eggs! My mom makes this for picnics and family gatherings and I never liked it. People out West don't seem to make their own sauerkraut or pickle relish either.

lanie

01-03-2001, 04:02 PM

How about Labatt's Blue or Molson!

Actually Canada is very ethnic as you probably all know and living in Toronto as I do, is very multi-cultural, therefore, we have just about 'you name it' here. Fantastic restaurants and a beautiful city, however, I would not say one thing is indigenous to 'Toronto' - we certainly have all or most of the above-mentioned foods here - WE ARE copycats and usually the 'specialties' from different States eventually end up (albiet late in coming) on a menu in a restaurant serving 'that' particular type of food.

Only 2 things come to mind - from Quebec - Tourtieres and French Fries with Poutine - definitely French Canadian cuisine,

kwormann

01-03-2001, 04:06 PM

Gina O

Oh how I long for Steak and Shake..best burgers in burgerdom!
No one here has heard of them!

Sneezles, Margaritas go with EVERYTHING!!!
Kim

[This message has been edited by kwormann (edited 01-03-2001).]

AndreaU

01-03-2001, 04:08 PM

I know I'm not the only one from Buffalo here... we've occasionally reminisced about the goodies we miss, like Chicken Wings! (They're only called Buffalo Wings if you're not from Buffalo) Among other local favorites: Loganberry drink, sponge candy, Beef on Weck, Friday Fish Fry, anything from the Broadway Market, and my recent new-found-must-have- whenever-I-visit, Wegmans Hot Ginger Ale. The website http://www.buffalofoods.com has a lot of great foods you can't get anywhere else. Venus, you mentioned gravy fries & cheese fries- yummmm! I think the gravy fries are a Canadian thing as that's where I've usually had them. Great topic! Can't wait to travel around and try some of everyone's regional fare.

hhcowgirl

01-03-2001, 04:40 PM

Lived in the south all my life. All I have to say is FRIED OKRA.

Actually, I guess I also have to say Cheerwine (it's a weird NC drink).

kwormann

01-03-2001, 04:51 PM

HHcowgirl,

my mom used to LOVE CHeerwine when we lived in NC!

JHolcomb

01-03-2001, 04:58 PM

I'm from NC, and I must say that Cheerwine is the best, especially with Lexington style BBQ and BBQ slaw (NOT coleslaw).
Also, country ham and bisuits are a pretty big thing here.
My parents are from the mtns of NC, and pinto beans and cornbread are on the table almost every night. When I lived in Ireland I tried to make this and it was awful-you just can't get the same kind of cormeal.

marys

01-03-2001, 05:59 PM

Andrea - you're not alone with the Buffalo favorites. In addition to all of the great foods you mentioned, I miss their pizzas. My husband (who is not from Buffalo) is always amazed that there is a little pizza shop on every corner! In Cincinnati (where I live now) we mainly have the chain pizza places. I have to agree with the praise for Graeter's ice cream, it's great.

Any of you in Raleigh - I lived there for 5 years and I'm drawing a blank about the name of the great ice cream place - it's like a cross between soft custard and hard ice cream. I've only been gone 2 1/2 years, I can't believe I forgot the name already!

I also lived in Hilton head for a while and couldn't get enough of the spinach dip at Wild Wings! Certainly not unique to the island, but I loved it!

ElinorC

01-03-2001, 06:13 PM

I live in Northeast Ohio where there are a lot of Eastern Europeans who are big on meat and potatoes. Also goulash, paprikash, perogies, sauerkraut, sausages of all sorts,and great pastries.

mightyh

01-03-2001, 06:22 PM

I'll chime in with the Ohio crowd with cheers for Graeter's ice cream. It is absolutely the best I've ever had, especially the chip varieties--my favorite is raspberry chip. I am drooling as I type this.

Don't know if this is a mid-west thing or not, but I like to have malt vinegar with my french fries on occasion.

hhcowgirl

01-03-2001, 06:49 PM

Marys--I grew up spending my summers in hilton head with my family and I must agree about the spinach dip at wings. You gotta try the one at Hilton Head Brewing Co., too--incredible! In fact, I am going next weekend; I'll give you a report on the dips!

emilycat

01-03-2001, 07:08 PM

marys,

You must be talking about Goodberries...it gets raves all the time!

And to you Carolinians (or former ones), I completely forgot about Cheerwine....definitely many steps up from Cherry Coke!

Emily

Ohioan

01-04-2001, 08:14 AM

Although I'm now a card-carrying Ohioan, I'm originally from New York City, and I agree that the best bagels and pizzas are in NYC -- although we do have a displaced New Yorker here in Columbus who makes real New York style bagels (Block's, for those of you in the area). I also agree that you can't get bialy's anywhere else, and I'll add egg creams to the pile of missing foods.

And at the risk of having Gail and other Californians (not to mention Chicagoans) come after me with their local weaponry (which is also a regional thing, I understand), I have to say that there's no decent pastrami outside of New York, and no one else knows how to make braciola properly.

Since I'm also a transplanted Texan, I'll further incur the wrath of Tarheels by saying that NO ONE knows how to make barbecue but Texans! So there! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Cheers and put up your dukes,
Phoebe

P.S. - By "dukes," I refer to fists, not to the NC university so beloved of the Tarheels whom I've just challenged. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

Zinnia

01-04-2001, 08:53 AM

I miss this place and everyone in it sooo much! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif You guys have no idea how long it has taken me to read up on all the happenings 'round here the last couple days!
Maybe it's withdrawals starting in...
I can remember "way back when" some of what you are all describing and I love the memories. I am also VERY hungry now and wanna say thanks alot!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
Just wanted to say that my region specialty would probably be Alaska King Crab, Halibut & Salmon. I also have a freezer full of the salmon and halibut too d). Take care, http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Zinnia

SandyM

01-04-2001, 09:05 AM

I'm a former Buffalonian, and people look at me sort of cockeyed around here when I ask for "sponge candy" - it's called "sea foam" here in Michigan. The pizza, wings and sub joints in western NY are great!!!. I miss them (but my hips don't). And who can forget Charlaps ice cream........ my mind wanders back to summers as a kid enjoying their wonderful home-made ice cream ........

venus

01-04-2001, 09:11 AM

Andrea--I can't believe I forgot to mention wings! You cannot get decent wings outside Upstate NY--they're just not the same. My other forgotten Upstate favorite is Purity Ice Cream. I'm dying for a big bowl of Blueberry Cheesecake right now.

JillC

01-04-2001, 09:53 AM

What a great thread!
I agree with Lorilei about Wisconsin Friday night fish fries. I really missed them when I lived outside the state. And you know you've hit the jackpot when your favorite local fish fry joint serves schaum torte for dessert or there's a great frozen custard place down the street.
Also, if I'm going to hang out at a local bar, nothing is better than a cold beer and some deep fried cheese curds (talk about artery clogging!).
I grew up in northern WI on the Michigan border where pasties are big. I'm not a meat eater, but I must admit that I miss them--either with gravy or ketchup.
Of course, since its the midwest, you can't forget about casseroles and hot dishes. A family get-together wouldn't be complete without one.
Yum!
Jill

marys

01-04-2001, 10:21 AM

hhcowgirl-have a great time at Hilton Head! I never tried the dip at HH Brewing Company, but I certainly had my share of their beer! That was one of my favorite hangouts!

emilycat - Goodberries! Thank you for the reminder!

MrsReber

01-04-2001, 10:22 AM

Ohioan, you are so right! I thought about egg creams, too- reminds me of the old Brooklyn neighborhood Woolworth's.

But I do have to disagree with the wings- I will admit I've never had wings in Buffalo, but there is a place in central NJ that has the best wings I have ever had. My husband and I are due to go there soon, too. They also have the coldest beer to go with them! We have spent many an afternoon eating two huge plates of wings with this awesome sauce (they will not give out the recipe).

Jessica

01-04-2001, 10:42 AM

Although I am a Minnesotan now, I grew up in Chicago eating the world's best pizza. Nothing here compares. Pizza is a way of life in Chicago and everyone has a favorite...Gino's East pan pizza and Ranalli's double-decker were mine. Sigh... I rarely get homesick for Chicago, but when I go out for pizza here, it hardly seems worth the trouble.

Don

01-04-2001, 10:52 AM

Jessica, I'll give you a seconding nomination on Gino's East pizza. The last time I was in Chicago I waited 45 minutes in 15� weather with about a 30mph wind just to get into the restaurant. You're definitely right. I haven't found a pizza anywhere that comes close to Gino's East.

AndreaU

01-04-2001, 03:25 PM

MaryS & SandyM- I forgot pizza! I don't think I had a birthday party growing up when there wasn't a sheet pizza and a bucket of wings from Santora's! I must admit, though, living an hour north of NYC I can still get decent pizza- which I am grateful for. I forgot about Charlap's- remember their potato chips too?

kwormann

01-04-2001, 06:46 PM

Well, I only lived in central Tennessee for 1 year, and I dont care for it, but everyone there likes biscuits with CHOCOLATE gravy!

Kim

phantomcg

01-04-2001, 11:02 PM

Well, it's not a "hometown" specialty since I live in Michigan, but I have to say Biscuits and SSG Gravy. I spent 3 years in Alabama (always told my Mom that I was a Southener with the bad luck to be born in the North) and have traveled in the South quite a bit and you cannot get biscuits and gravy anywhere in Michigan that even begin to compare.

Cheryl

ReneeV

01-05-2001, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by ElinorC:
I live in Northeast Ohio where there are a lot of Eastern Europeans who are big on meat and potatoes. Also goulash, paprikash, perogies, sauerkraut, sausages of all sorts,and great pastries.

Hi Elinor,
I'm from Northeast Ohio originally, Lorain. I live in North East Jersey now. (Close to NYC) I was wondering if anyone was going to mention Easteran European food. It's just great there! I'm Italian American, but I do love the perogi and sausages back home.

I must add that I have lived in both NYC and Chicago and I am a great fan of Chicago deep dish style pizza. (Sorry NYC, I just don't go for the thin, floppy crust thing.)

Ren�e

Natasha

01-05-2001, 05:00 PM

Canadian cuisine doesn t really belong here on a poll of U.S. regional cuisine, but since it has already come up on this thread and I do know a thing or two about Cdn. cuisine I thought I would put in my two cents...

I believe that there are a lot of typically Canadian recipes around, maybe more so in Quebec than in the other provinces, but really all across the country. Though many many food items and recipes are common between Canada and the U.S., there are certain things you see in Canada but not the U.S., and vice versa. Here are some examples of what I consider to be typical or indigenous Canadian food & drink (I haven t tried all of them, but most of the ones I have tried were pretty darn good) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif:

Quebec/certain other Francophone areas: tourtiere (meat pie), buche de Noel (Yule log), poutine (fries w/gravy and cheese), Oka cheese and other cheeses, balais (chocolate on a stick for kids - literally brooms), leek tart, pets de soeurs (very hard to describe - they re kind of like little cinnamon buns, but not really); sugar and maple syrup pie; Lebanese-style cuisine; oh, and those Vachon cakes! Also I found a better selection of chocolate bars in Canada than in any other country I ve seen, though I guess that s not something I should write on the CL BB... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Saskatchewan & other prairie provinces: saskatoonberries; wild rice dishes; many Eastern European (esp. Ukrainian, I think) and Icelandic inspired dishes, Jolt cola (Ick! sounds terrible), Old Dutch brand chips & snacks...

Ontario: butter tarts http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif; Donairs (Ottawa area; this is sliced beef in a pita); fried zucchini (Ottawa area); Beaver Tails (Ottawa area - these are fried pastry with cinnamon sugar, garlic salt, or jam spread on top - really geared towards visitors); wine-growing country; diverse cuisines from around the world are represented in Ont., especially Asian

B.C.: incredible fish dishes (esp. salmon - glazed salmon etc.), health food of all kinds, Nanaimo Bars, Squamish Bars (these are not health food by any stretch of the imagination!), also wine-growing country; also a place with very diverse cuisines and restaurants, especially Asian

Atlantic (incl. Newfoundland): salt cod (esp. Nfld. - can you say baccaloo, boys and girls?), grunts, cobblers, scones, oatcakes, and many other dishes modified from typical Irish and Scottish recipes

North: I admit my ignorance here but no doubt there are indigenous or typical recipes.

Virtually everywhere: More Tim Hortons (donuts etc.) than you can count! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

There are also a great many Canadian beers (Moosehead, Sleeman, Upper Canada, Molson, Labatt, maybe even Black Label?...) and other liquors (Canadian Club, anyone?), most of which I never tried http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Sorry if I rambled; hope you found it interesting. Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 01-06-2001).]

Natasha

01-06-2001, 10:14 AM

Me again. There don t seem to be many Western/Central Pennsylvanians on the board, but has anyone tried those Boyer Smoothie Peanut Butter Cups? They re shaped like Reese s Peanut Butter Cups but have no chocolate coating. Sooo good! Also on the junk food front, anything from the Sheetz bakery (esp. the sugar cookies), the incredible variety of pretzels, and Snyder of Hanover s potato chips (esp. Parmesan and Garlic). No, I don t eat much of any of these, but do enjoy them immensely once in a while!

SueK

01-06-2001, 10:31 AM

Originally posted by Natasha:
Me again. There don t seem to be many Western/Central Pennsylvanians on the board, but has anyone tried those Boyer Smoothie Peanut Butter Cups? They re shaped like Reese s Peanut Butter Cups but have no chocolate coating. Sooo good! Also on the junk food front, anything from the Sheetz bakery (esp. the sugar cookies), the incredible variety of pretzels, and Snyder of Hanover s potato chips (esp. Parmesan and Garlic). No, I don t eat much of any of these, but do enjoy them immensely once in a while!

Natasha, I live in Central PA now, and I like the Boyers. I was thinking that they shut down in the past year, though, but I'm not sure. I also like Middlesworth Potato Chips, which are local. They are great! I haven't ever had anything from Sheetz's bakery, though!

Gwenniver

01-06-2001, 12:28 PM

I miss real cheese fries! (OK, they're made with cheez wiz, but around Philadelphia, those were the kind you'd get in the mall, on South Street---Inky's!) I also miss real Philly cheesesteaks--none of this mushroom and pepper and provolone cheese stuff. I remember them as Steak-ums type steak with processed Cheez-wiz type cheese--onions if you're feeling daring, ketchup if you're weird like me. Who dared bring all those real, fresh ingredients to the cheesesteak anyway? Heretics... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I moved from the Philadelphia area (the New Jersey side of it) to Virginia Beach. Here they have Rally's (possibly the best fast food around although not exactly on my WW menu ;> ), so I guess it's not that bad. Regional cuisine? If you count those things, certainly--but nothing gourmets would consider cuisine. Thank goodness I'm not worried about gourmet! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif We get good seafood in Virginia Beach, of course, but I can't think of any particular recipes for the region (and neither can my husband, who's lived here his whole life). Southern food/soul cooking is pretty big here--that's a Southern thing in general.

One thing I was glad to have left behind in New Jersey was Take-a-Boost. Anybody familiar with this one? It's a sugar syrup sort of mix for drinks that tastes like somebody left a Coke out on the counter for three days. My mother's family served it at every family party I can remember growing up (and I *never* developed a taste for it). Also known as Drink-a-Toast. Blecch.

Geez! After reading these, I did forget pizza. Our regional New-York style pizza (don't know if I was close enough to call it real New York pizza) had a sweet tomato sauce, cheese that melted into a single sheet (and had to be blotted--really good for you), and could be folded in half like a sandwich. Now *that's* pizza! There's one place in Virginia Beach that makes anything even close.

[This message has been edited by Gwenniver (edited 01-06-2001).]

Beth

01-06-2001, 11:14 PM

Texas means shrimp, barbeque, steaks, burgers or anything on the grill, a different chili for every day of the year, anything Tex-Mex, Mexican or Cajun, German food from the hill country, Texas Sheet cake, chicken fried steak and lots of berries and the best watermelon in the summer, the best grapefruits in the winter.

AndreaU

01-06-2001, 11:58 PM

Natasha,
Thanks for bringing up Canadian cuisine! Growing up in Buffalo, I travelled to Canada quite a bit. Tim Horton's doughnuts are all over Buffalo- I make sure to stop in when I visit my family. Then my husband & I honeymooned throughout eastern Canada. How could I forget beaver tails? What a delicious (yet I'm sure sinful) treat! And sugar pie is amazing... thanks for your input!

lindrusso

01-07-2001, 10:05 AM

Originally posted by Beth:
Texas means shrimp, barbeque, steaks, burgers or anything on the grill, a different chili for every day of the year, anything Tex-Mex, Mexican or Cajun, German food from the hill country, Texas Sheet cake, chicken fried steak and lots of berries and the best watermelon in the summer, the best grapefruits in the winter.

I must say I found it quite difficult being a vegetarian guest in Texas. We'd attend Army or civilian functions and there was always 6 different kinds of meat on the BBQ and the only other alternatives were (in this case)awful store-bought potato salads and cole slaw. Thank goodness we lived fairly close to Austin - that place is vegetarian heaven!!

SusieO

01-07-2001, 10:26 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Gwenniver:
[B]I miss real cheese fries! (OK, they're made with cheez wiz, but around Philadelphia, those were the kind you'd get in the mall, on South Street---Inky's!)

In bars in New Orleans, they serve what I think of as "real" cheese fries. These are French Fries covered in a mountain of shredded Cheddar, then placed under a toaster or broiler so that the cheese melts. Sinful, and soooo delicious!

luv2cook

01-07-2001, 10:47 AM

Speaking of fries - I had the best fries of my life in Ocean City, MD, on the boardwalk. I think they were called Thrasher fries. The line to get them was around the corner. My girlfriend and I were walking down the boardwalk after getting our coveted fries and a seagull came and snatched it right out of her hand! It was very very hot so I'm sure that the gull dropped it. If he ate it, he was braver than we were!

Mexican is my fav. food to eat so I'm glad I live in a big city. I have tried Salvadorian food along with Brazilian, Latino, etc. I'm not much for Italian. There's a great restaurant in Houston called the Red Onion. They have great pineapple salsa and the chef's plate has been great each time. I have found that a lot of the dives have really authentic food versus some of the TexMex chains...

bijoux22

01-07-2001, 12:18 PM

As the only person responding from New England, so far anyway, I will try my best to include all the best.

New England or Rhode Island Clam Chowder. Clam Bakes, Lobster in the rough (ordered take-out style and eaten at picnic tables, these places always have the best fried whole belly clams also)

If you travel up to Maine you can get baked beans at every meal, especially with your eggs for breakfast.

Grinders also called Submarine Sandwiches.

I know I am forgetting a lot so...c'mon New Englanders help me out!

slknight

01-07-2001, 12:29 PM

Ok, I'll chime in as another New Englander (although not a native). Here on the North Shore of Boston we have the lobster shacks, fried clams, etc that were already mentioned. But also, it seems like on every corner there is a roast beef and sub place. The one near me serves fabulous roast beef sandwiches. If you've ever seen the movie "Good Will Hunting," they talk about going to Kelly's for roast beef. Yumm!

Beth

01-07-2001, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by lindrusso:
I must say I found it quite difficult being a vegetarian guest in Texas. We'd attend Army or civilian functions and there was always 6 different kinds of meat on the BBQ and the only other alternatives were (in this case)awful store-bought potato salads and cole slaw. Thank goodness we lived fairly close to Austin - that place is vegetarian heaven!!

I'm sure it is harder here than many places. I worked for a law firm that had to set up Kosher and vegetarian tables for large events, but in general, meat's big in TX. Austin is more progressive in many ways, recycling too. I thought that if I ever got my husband here from CA, he'd probably like Austin best (hills and attitudes mmoe like CA), but he loves it here. I've even had some adjusting after growing up here, living in Autin for 3 yrs, CA for 8 yrs and moving back.

Melman

01-08-2001, 08:27 AM

Definitely not FROM New England...but love it!! I especially love the food.

As mentioned: fried clams, lobster (nothing like getting it right from one of the lobster companies and taking it home to cook!!), fish "chowdda" (from the No Name...does that place still exist???), Italian bakeries, ANYTHING at Quincy Market!!! Arrghh...I need a trip in the northern direction!!!!

Leanne

01-08-2001, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by kwormann:
Well, I only lived in central Tennessee for 1 year, and I dont care for it, but everyone there likes biscuits with CHOCOLATE gravy!

Kim

I lived in central Tennesse for 22 years & have never heard of buscuits & chocolate gravy! However - we did have biscuits & red eye gravy. mmm.....

I will say that for a very long time, I never realized that different parts of the country ate differently. How sheltered was I?!

layla14

01-08-2001, 12:20 PM

As a Rhode Islander there are a few things that I missed terrible when I lived in NY. Clam Cakes, Dell's Frozen Lemonade and coffee milk.

food girl

01-08-2001, 12:36 PM

I have lived in Knoxville, TN most of my life except for about 8 years in Birmingham.

I am not a huge fan of southern cookin'. It is very bland and greasy a la cracker barrel. I have come across some interesting foods such as pig's ear sandwiches (ok), ox tail (gross), poke salad (ahem, cathartic)and a barbeque sandwich called the hotter-than-hell (and it was).

My favorite southern foods are blackberry cobbler, mayfield ice cream sandwiches, sweet tea, wilted salad, fried okra and field peas done right.

I am familiar with sock-eye, red eye and sawmill gravy but I have never heard of chocolate gravy.

Nanci

01-08-2001, 12:42 PM

Thanks Jessica -- I was reading all the posts about NY pizza and thinking there's no way you can compare NY pizza to Chicago Pizza. In addition to Gino's East, Unos and Dues -- one of my personal favs is Lou Malnatti's.

My sister's family relocated to Oregon about 8 years ago. I have carried pizza, Vienna hot dogs with Rosen poppy seed buns, Tom Tom tamales, Swedish meatballs, Limpa bread and lingonberries (sp?) on my flights to visit. In addiiton to shipping various quantities of McCormick's chili seasoning and numerous pizzas.

Chicago has wonderful ethnic neighborboods -- Andersonville for Swedish, Taylor steet for Italian, 26th street for Mexican, Halsted for Greek. My sister's biggest complaint about Oregaon is the restaurants and limited grocery offerings -- although they had Trader Joe's before us.

Nanci

layla14

01-08-2001, 12:46 PM

As a Rhode Islander there are a few things that I missed terrible when I lived in NY. Clam Cakes, Dell's Frozen Lemonade and coffee milk.

Gail

01-08-2001, 12:58 PM

Wow, you've been a prolific bunch while I've been flat on my back, nursing my flu... Some fascinating stuff, just as I anticipated. I AM noting a singular lack of responses from the West Coast. I KNOW there are some regional specialties of the Pacific Northwest, but I'm still curious if other fellow Californians can come up with regional specialties. San Francisco Sourdough bread comes to mind... Squaw Bread... I think Cobb Salad originated at LA's old Brown Derby Restaurant...

I read a review of a local restaurant, JiRaffe, in yesterday's paper which referred to some of their dishes as classic "California Cuisine" and again I began wondering: What is California Cuisine? Help me out, someone...