NationStates Jolt Archive


Favorite Regional Food Specialty?

Ogiek
10-02-2005, 03:08
Favorite Local Food - Regional Specialty

Okay, I know there are too many regional food for a poll, but what the hell. As a western New Yorker my favorites are hot Buffalo Chicken Wings and Beef on Weck.

Some American regional specialities I am familiar with:

Balitmore - Blue Crab
Boston - Chowder
Buffalo - Wings, Beef on Weck
Chicago - Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago Hot Dogs (w/tomatos, pickles, peppers, etc)
Cincinnati - Skyline Chili on Spaghetti
Detroit - Coney Dogs
Hartford – Lobster Roll
Kansas City - Barbeque
Miami - Stone Crabs
Milwaukee - Bratwurst
New York - Bagels, pizza, hot dogs (Nathans or Sabretts)
New Orleans - Gumbo, Jambalaya
Philadelphia - Philly Cheesesteak
St. Louis - Deep Fried Ravioli
Texas - chili
Tampa-St. Petersburg - Cuban Sandwhich

So, what is your favorite regional food specialty?

I would love to hear about favorite regional specialties outside the U.S. (i.e Cornish pasties, Scottish haggis, etc.).
Nadkor
10-02-2005, 03:09
impiniadas (sp?) from south america, delicious
Roach-Busters
10-02-2005, 03:10
I'm an American, but I loooooove Italian, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese food. :D
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 03:10
impiniadas (sp?) from south america, delicious
Is there a local dish associated with Belfast?
Conceptualists
10-02-2005, 03:11
North of England: Chips and gravy.

Scotland: Haggis.

Cornwall: Erm, Cornish Pasties

Chips, cheese and mayo (although that might just be me)
Nadkor
10-02-2005, 03:12
Is there a local dish associated with Belfast?
i dont think so...if there is then ive never come across it

then again, maybe i have and im just used to it
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 03:12
North of England: Chips and gravy.

Scotland: Haggis.

Cornwall: Erm, Cornish Pasties

Chips, cheese and mayo (although that might just be me)
You eat Chip Buddies in Liverpool?
Roach-Busters
10-02-2005, 03:13
There's no local dish associated with Minneapolis. :(

Then again, what else can you expect from the one of the crappiest places in the world? :(
Keruvalia
10-02-2005, 03:13
Cajun food with Creole spices. All other food is but a mooncast shadow in comparison.

Incidently, if you don't know the difference between Cajun and Creole, you need some education! :D
Andaluciae
10-02-2005, 03:13
What we do in Ohio is steal other people's foods, and claim that they are our own, despite all the evidence otherwise.
The SLAGLands
10-02-2005, 03:14
Cincinnati - Skyline Chili on Spaghetti

And on hot dogs. We put chili on everything in Ohio. :P
Prosophia
10-02-2005, 03:14
I was going to post a poll on this but quickly realized there are just too many. As a western New Yorker my favorites are hot Buffalo Chicken Wings and Beef on Weck.

Some American regional specialities I am familiar with:

Balitmore - Blue Crab
Boston - Chowder
Buffalo - Wings, Beef on Weck
Chicago - Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago Hot Dogs (w/tomatos, pickles, peppers, etc)
Cincinnati - Skyline Chili on Spaghetti
Detroit - Coney Dogs
Hartford – Lobster Roll
Kansas City - Barbeque
Miami - Stone Crabs
Milwaukee - Bratwurst
New York - Bagels, pizza, hot dogs (Nathans or Sabretts)
New Orleans - Gumbo, Jambalaya
Philidelphia - Philly Cheesesteak
St. Louis - Deep Fried Ravioli
Tampa-St. Petersburg - Cuban Sandwhich

So, what is your favorite regional food specialty?

I would love to hear about favorite regional specialties outside the U.S. (i.e Cornish pasties, Scottish haggis, etc.).
Being a Philly native, I'm gonn have to go with the Philly cheese steak!

However, I'm also a HUGE fan of Maryland steamed crabs (Old Bay seasoning + crabs + mallets + brown paper table coverings = heaven!) and Gumbo ('specially with okra) and Jambalaya.

Not to say that some of that other stuff isn't fab as well! :)
Keruvalia
10-02-2005, 03:14
There's no local dish associated with Minneapolis. :(


Lutafisk? ;)
Conceptualists
10-02-2005, 03:14
You eat Chip Buddies in Liverpool?

Some do, but I cannot stand them. Same with the crisp sandwich.
Nadkor
10-02-2005, 03:15
i dont think so...if there is then ive never come across it

then again, maybe i have and im just used to it


oh, thought of one

Soda bread, maybe tatty farls (potato bread) as well
Adrian Barbeau-Bot
10-02-2005, 03:15
as a kansas cityian, im going to vote for my bbq. we rule.

as for my favorite world wide, well, i can eat an ungodly amount of chinese food. chinese food is by far better then any other food ever.

ever.
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 03:16
There's no local dish associated with Minneapolis. :(

Then again, what else can you expect from the one of the crappiest places in the world? :(
You guys got Walleye don't you? There must be some Walleye specialty. Also, aren't there a number of Norwegian based food from Minnesota?
Roach-Busters
10-02-2005, 03:17
Lutafisk? ;)

No, Crappeapolis- and Crappesota in general- have no specialty. :(
Eutrusca
10-02-2005, 03:18
"Favorite regional food specialty?"

Ut oh! NOW you've gone and done it! Heh!

Traditional Southern New Year's Day Meal:

Black-eyed peas
Grits with cheese melted into them
Country Ham [ optionally, Southern Fried Chicken! YUM! ]
Smashed taters with red-eye gravy ( from the Country Ham )
Pinto beans with a whole onion chopped up in them after cooking
Cornbread with country butter or crumbled up in the pinto beans
Candied Yams
Collards cooked for at least 8 hours with a piece of fatback for flavor
Buttermilk, and/or iced tea ( with the sugar already added when it was hot, thank you! )


And if you have any questions about the above, just ask! I love to talk about Southern cooking! :D
Roach-Busters
10-02-2005, 03:20
"Favorite regional food specialty?"

Ut oh! NOW you've gone and done it! Heh!

Traditional Southern New Year's Day Meal:

Black-eyed peas
Grits with cheese melted into them
Country Ham [ optionally, Southern Fried Chicken! YUM! ]
Smashed taters with red-eye gravy ( from the Country Ham )
Pinto beans with a whole onion chopped up in them after cooking
Cornbread with country butter or crumbled up in the pinto beans
Candied Yams
Collards cooked for at least 8 hours with a piece of fatback for flavor
Buttermilk, and/or iced tea ( with the sugar already added when it was hot, thank you! )


And if you have any questions about the above, just ask! I love to talk about Southern cooking! :D

How can you guys eat grits? :eek:
Roach-Busters
10-02-2005, 03:21
You guys got Walleye don't you?

We do.

There must be some Walleye specialty.

Not sure.

Also, aren't there a number of Norwegian based food from Minnesota?

Not sure.
Nadkor
10-02-2005, 03:21
whats a grit?
Davistania
10-02-2005, 03:21
Bratwuerst with lots of Saurkraut. MmmmmmmmmmBoy!
Roach-Busters
10-02-2005, 03:21
whats a grit?

Cream of wheat.
Prosophia
10-02-2005, 03:22
"Favorite regional food specialty?"

Ut oh! NOW you've gone and done it! Heh!

Traditional Southern New Year's Day Meal:

Black-eyed peas
Grits with cheese melted into them
Country Ham [ optionally, Southern Fried Chicken! YUM! ]
Smashed taters with red-eye gravy ( from the Country Ham )
Pinto beans with a whole onion chopped up in them after cooking
Cornbread with country butter or crumbled up in the pinto beans
Candied Yams
Collards cooked for at least 8 hours with a piece of fatback for flavor
Buttermilk, and/or iced tea ( with the sugar already added when it was hot, thank you! )


And if you have any questions about the above, just ask! I love to talk about Southern cooking! :D
Speaking of country ham (not that stupid York ham)... I forgot about a couple other faves of mine.... topped by jamón ibérico (oh-my-god-it's-so-good-and-I-haven't-had-it-since-I-was-in-Seville!!!).

In its place I'll settle for jamón serrano, or as a last resort, prosciutto.
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 03:23
"Favorite regional food specialty?"

Ut oh! NOW you've gone and done it! Heh!

Traditional Southern New Year's Day Meal:

Black-eyed peas
Grits with cheese melted into them
Country Ham [ optionally, Southern Fried Chicken! YUM! ]
Smashed taters with red-eye gravy ( from the Country Ham )
Pinto beans with a whole onion chopped up in them after cooking
Cornbread with country butter or crumbled up in the pinto beans
Candied Yams
Collards cooked for at least 8 hours with a piece of fatback for flavor
Buttermilk, and/or iced tea ( with the sugar already added when it was hot, thank you! )


And if you have any questions about the above, just ask! I love to talk about Southern cooking! :D

I see you are from North Carolina ("a veil of humility between two mountains of conceit"), but have you ever had South Carolina low country shrimp boil?
Keruvalia
10-02-2005, 03:24
Oh you sad, sad people ...

Grits are hominey corn, soaked in water, mashed, and skillet fried. It's got its name from the gritty texture and it's some damn fine eatin'.

I use hominey to make cornbread instead of standard yellow sweet-corn.
Nadkor
10-02-2005, 03:24
Cream of wheat.
i have no idea what that is

*googles*

hmm..."nice"
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 03:24
Oh you sad, sad people ...

Grits are hominey corn, soaked in water, mashed, and skillet fried. It's got its name from the gritty texture and it's some damn fine eatin'.

I use hominey to make cornbread instead of standard yellow sweet-corn.
Italians call it polenta.
Prosophia
10-02-2005, 03:25
Italians call it polenta.
'Cept Italians give it a different sort of texture.
Roach-Busters
10-02-2005, 03:26
Oh you sad, sad people ...

Grits are yucky, icky, disgusting, nasty, repulsive, and flat-out GROSS!

He, he...you said it! :D
Lacadaemon II
10-02-2005, 03:27
You eat Chip Buddies in Liverpool?

Butties, not buddies. (from butter I expect).
Keruvalia
10-02-2005, 03:35
He, he...you said it! :D

lol!

Just for that, next time I'm in Minnesota, I'm gonna punch a Lutheran in the back of the head.
Aerou
10-02-2005, 03:36
Mmmm....

Polish goodies- Kisiel (flavoured pudding), zurek Polski (Polish Sour Rye Soup), mizeria (cucumber and sour cream salad), and makowiec (poppy seed rolls)

I do not however like Southern food.....

-Black-eyed peas
-Grits with cheese melted into them
-Country Ham [ optionally, Southern Fried Chicken! YUM! ]
-Smashed taters with red-eye gravy ( from the Country Ham )
-Pinto beans with a whole onion chopped up in them after cooking
-Cornbread with country butter or crumbled up in the pinto beans
+Candied Yams
-Collards cooked for at least 8 hours with a piece of fatback for flavor
-Buttermilk, and/or iced tea ( with the sugar already added when it was hot, thank you! )

Dinner from hell for me (except for the yams) :) But to each his own.
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 03:45
Butties, not buddies. (from butter I expect).
Thanks. I have only heard it said, never seen it written.
Super-power
10-02-2005, 03:49
New England: Fried Scallops
US South: Key Lime Pie
Vietnam: Spicy Central Vietnamese-style soup
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 03:52
Key Lime Pie

I have lived in Florida for 25 years. How could I have forgotten Key Lime Pie? Another good Southern specialty is sweet potato pie.
Idealistea
10-02-2005, 04:20
Cazón en adobo - marinated dogfish shark fried in olive oil. Tender and wonderful.
Gazpacho andaluz - real gazpacho- not the pseudo-salsa that tries to pass for it in the US.

Cheesteaks - American with. The greatest 5am combination of cholesterol and taste ever.
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 04:25
Cheesteaks - American with.
LOL. You've eaten at Pat's.
Prosophia
10-02-2005, 04:25
Favorite Local Food - Regional Specialty

Okay, I know there are too many regional food for a poll, but what the hell. As a western New Yorker my favorites are hot Buffalo Chicken Wings and Beef on Weck.

Some American regional specialities I am familiar with:

Balitmore - Blue Crab
Boston - Chowder
Buffalo - Wings, Beef on Weck
Chicago - Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago Hot Dogs (w/tomatos, pickles, peppers, etc)
Cincinnati - Skyline Chili on Spaghetti
Detroit - Coney Dogs
Hartford – Lobster Roll
Kansas City - Barbeque
Miami - Stone Crabs
Milwaukee - Bratwurst
New York - Bagels, pizza, hot dogs (Nathans or Sabretts)
New Orleans - Gumbo, Jambalaya
Philidelphia - Philly Cheesesteak
St. Louis - Deep Fried Ravioli
Texas - chili
Tampa-St. Petersburg - Cuban Sandwhich

So, what is your favorite regional food specialty?

I would love to hear about favorite regional specialties outside the U.S. (i.e Cornish pasties, Scottish haggis, etc.).
Just noticed you spelled "Philadelphia" incorrectly... I will try not to get horribly offended. ;)
Prosophia
10-02-2005, 04:26
LOL. You've eaten at Pat's.
Ick! Pat's! Way too touristy! (But I s'pose it's not nearly as terrible as Jim's, so I'll forgive you!)
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 04:27
Just noticed you spelled "Philadelphia" incorrectly... I will try not to get horribly offended. ;)
corrected
Idealistea
10-02-2005, 04:28
LOL. You've eaten at Pat's.

I have indeed, but as their meat tends to sit on the grill too long and get chewy (ditto for Jim's and Geno's), I would by far favor Ishkabibble's (4th and South) or Tony Luke's (2nd and Oregon) for quality of cheesteak. Ishkabibble's is best of all when you get their head cook, this huge affable black guy who really knows what he's doing.
Bitchkitten
10-02-2005, 04:30
For those not in the know, Texas chili has no beans. And Eutrusca, hoppin' john is what you should eat New Years day. :D
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 04:34
For those not in the know, Texas chili has no beans. And Eutrusca, hoppin' john is what you should eat New Years day. :D
True Texas chili has no beans, but for me the beans are my favorite part. So while it is sacrilegious, I add the kidney beans.
Prosophia
10-02-2005, 04:35
corrected
My hero! :fluffle:
Preebles
10-02-2005, 04:45
I'm from Durban, South Africa.
Our main local specialty is 'bunny chow.' Strangely enough it has no bunnies in it, nor is it FOR bunnies. The name may derive from "bun achar" (achar being Indian pickles) or "Bania chow", Bania's being a group of Indian migrants.

Whatever, it's a loaf of bread, usually white, hollowed out and filled with yummy hot curry. You use the scooped up bread to dunk in the gravy.
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 04:56
I'm from Durban, South Africa.
Our main local specialty is 'bunny chow.' Strangely enough it has no bunnies in it, nor is it FOR bunnies. The name may derive from "bun achar" (achar being Indian pickles) or "Bania chow", Bania's being a group of Indian migrants.

Whatever, it's a loaf of bread, usually white, hollowed out and filled with yummy hot curry. You use the scooped up bread to dunk in the gravy.
I had not heard of that before. Sounds good. Do you also eat SmoorSnoek?
Gurnee
10-02-2005, 04:58
I'm from Chicago and I love deep dish pizza with pepperonni. And not the the fake kind of deep dish. It's got to be the real Chicago kind with and incredibly high outer crust, an over-abundance of cheese directly on the crust, followed by toppings, and with sauce on top of it all. Any other way is not authentic Windy City. The best place for regional/authentic food is Taste of Chicago. It's the biggest food fest in the world and every local, authentic, neighborhood restaurant had a stand there. You can get everything from authentic Indian to fried alligator on a stick, to good ol' fashoned french fries. It's awesome.
Prosophia
10-02-2005, 05:05
I'm from Durban, South Africa.
Our main local specialty is 'bunny chow.' Strangely enough it has no bunnies in it, nor is it FOR bunnies. The name may derive from "bun achar" (achar being Indian pickles) or "Bania chow", Bania's being a group of Indian migrants.

Whatever, it's a loaf of bread, usually white, hollowed out and filled with yummy hot curry. You use the scooped up bread to dunk in the gravy.
Yum!! Can you ship some of that to the States?
Planners
10-02-2005, 05:54
In ottawa we have beaver tails.
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 15:03
In ottawa we have beaver tails.
get out (really?)
Bitchkitten
10-02-2005, 15:20
Heard of Texas caviar? It's bull's testicles.
Toujours-Rouge
10-02-2005, 15:24
I've no aidea about yank specialities, but the greatest regional English food has to be Yorkshire Pudding!
Prosophia
10-02-2005, 15:28
Heard of Texas caviar? It's bull's testicles.
Hmm... nope, but once I wanted something simple in Spain, and I ordered "huevas."

I very quickly discovered that "huevas" does not = "huevos" (eggs).

Um, yeah, deep fried sheep testicles arrived. And they wouldn't have been so awful, except they weren't separated, so it was all too clear what they were.

And then there was a particularly large pair that had a prominent vein showing.

*shudders*
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 15:51
Hmm... nope, but once I wanted something simple in Spain, and I ordered "huevas."

I very quickly discovered that "huevas" does not = "huevos" (eggs).

Um, yeah, deep fried sheep testicles arrived. And they wouldn't have been so awful, except they weren't separated, so it was all too clear what they were.

And then there was a particularly large pair that had a prominent vein showing.

*shudders*
So how were they?
Pepe Dominguez
10-02-2005, 16:02
Although I voted Chicago, central California deserves a mention for its pea soup, as well as its garlic dishes, where 90% of the worlds garlic (and figs) are produced.. some eat it raw, but I don't think I could.
Prosophia
10-02-2005, 16:03
So how were they?
They would have been interesting (in a good way) if I didn't know what they were... and if I hadn't felt like I had to eat them. (This was in a bar just around the corner from the room I was subletting, and I didn't want to alienate my neighbors!)
Bitchkitten
10-02-2005, 16:06
Prosophia
Um, yeah, deep fried sheep testicles arrived. And they wouldn't have been so awful, except they weren't separated, so it was all too clear what they were.


A local resturaunt serves them under the name "lamb fries."
Drunk commies
10-02-2005, 16:07
Sorry, I can't pick. Between NY style pizza, Buffalo wings, Philly chesesteaks, and KC barbecue I'm just unable to decide.
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 16:25
I suppose we could have polled favorite hot dogs. Regional specialties I know of include:

Chicago - Chicago Hot Dogs – yellow mustard, green pickle relish, chopped onion, sport peppers, kosher dill pickle, cucumber spear, a couple of thin tomato slices, and celery salt. (never ketchup, but then who would put ketchup on a hot dog?)

Wisconsin - Beer-Braised Brats

New York - Nathans or Sabretts

Cincinnati – Chili Dog

Connecticut (and NE) – deep fried dogs

Buffalo/Rochester – Red or White hots, charcoal-grilled dogs

Georgia (and the SE) – Cole slaw dog

Detroit – Coney Island dogs (Lafayette Coney Island, not the one in NY), w/chili and onions

I prefer Sabretts “dirty water dogs” with brown mustard and red onion sauce or a Rochester white hot. I've had the Chicago dogs, but they just put too much stuff on the dog for my taste.
Greedy Pig
10-02-2005, 16:52
Shit. THis thread is making me hungry. Wish I was in the US right now..
Korarchaeota
10-02-2005, 17:21
As far as upstate NY goes, Hoffman hot dogs (franks or coneys) are the best.
Buffalo wings must come from Frank and Theresa’s. Order them 'suicidal.'

Anywhere in the NE U.S. steamed Maine lobstah, cherrystones on the half shell.

Miami: Media noches (better than the typical Cuban sandwich), pasteles (especially the guava ones) and fritas (like a hamburger but made with chorizo and topped with a little bit of fried shredded potato.)
You Forgot Poland
10-02-2005, 18:39
Miami: Media noches (better than the typical Cuban sandwich).

Wait. What's the diff? I've seen "media noches" and "Cuban" used interchangeably to mean:

Ham, roast pork, cheese, mustard, and pickle on a press-grilled hero.

What goes in your media noches to make it better? (Really, I want to know. It would be like improving upon perfection.)

Also, New York is getting dissed here. I think the corned beef-pastrami "twin" is a much better representative than a Sabrett's. Or for bagels, it's got to be more specific. Like all the way, with lox, capers, and bermuda onion.

And Baltimore gets no love for soft-shelled crabs?

All that aside, KC BBQ is still a frontrunner.
Idealistea
10-02-2005, 19:29
I suppose we could have polled favorite hot dogs. Regional specialties I know of include:


I'm going to have to go with the Beer-braised brats. Tasty as all hell. I hit those with kraut and spicy mustard. However, the Sabretts with red onion sauce and mustard are quite good as well.
Dobbs Town
10-02-2005, 19:33
How about the 'Sauteed Missionary with Coconut au Jus' featured at Cannibal's, the only restaurant in the Andaman Islands?
Korarchaeota
10-02-2005, 19:33
Wait. What's the diff? I've seen "media noches" and "Cuban" used interchangeably to mean:

Ham, roast pork, cheese, mustard, and pickle on a press-grilled hero.

What goes in your media noches to make it better? (Really, I want to know. It would be like improving upon perfection.)


Okay FINE...there's probably little difference. :) It's just the bread, really. From what I understand, media noches are made with an egg bread, where 'cuban' sandwiches are made on a more 'crusty' bread. It soaks up the butter from the grill and squashes down well in the press and mmmmmm....... now the soup I'm having for lunch doesn't seem quite so satisfying.... :(

I can't remember the name of the cafeteria we got them at, but they beat the heck out of any Cuban sandwich I've had up north.
Davistania
10-02-2005, 19:35
I'm going to have to go with the Beer-braised brats. Tasty as all hell. I hit those with kraut and spicy mustard. However, the Sabretts with red onion sauce and mustard are quite good as well.

Braised? We call them Beer Battered here in Madison. You just soak them in the Beer before grilling. Some like to baste a little, too. That's nice.
Saxnot
10-02-2005, 19:38
Chip Butty. Nowt nicer. Or a sausage sandwich. I'm not sure these really count as regional dishes, but they're bloody nice.
For an actual meal: Liver, Bacon, and Sausage (in onion gravy, generally served with mashed potatoes, carrots, and peas.) Probably Northern, as my mum's from up north.
Ogiek
10-02-2005, 19:57
Chip Butty. Nowt nicer. Or a sausage sandwich. I'm not sure these really count as regional dishes, but they're bloody nice.
For an actual meal: Liver, Bacon, and Sausage (in onion gravy, generally served with mashed potatoes, carrots, and peas.) Probably Northern, as my mum's from up north.
You follow that meal with by-pass surgery for dessert?

;)
Eutrusca
10-02-2005, 20:28
How can you guys eat grits? :eek:

Grits are great! Especially if you melt cheese into them. YUM!

Plus, they add BULK to your diet! :D
Preebles
10-02-2005, 22:37
Do you also eat SmoorSnoek?
Yum, snoek! Although I live in Australia now, so no snoek, but smoked cod is plentiful, so I substitute that.

It's great barbecued.