Food and Culture in the USA
The importance placed on food in US culture, including Thanksgiving festivities and local markets…
As in most cultures, any kind of celebration includes a great emphasis on food. Menus for gatherings may be built around the traditional “meat and potatoes” or there may be a collection of diverse foods from around the world.
As other cultural influences have become more prominent, choices have expanded. Not only is there an abundance of ethnic restaurants, but there is an increasing number of specialist shops in which to buy food for preparing dishes at home. It is not unusual for a holiday dinner to showcase a traditional dish such as roast turkey, and then be accompanied by vegetarian and vegan dishes, a wider range of vegetables and side dishes representing many different cultures.
Farmers’ markets and expanding produce sections in grocery stores reflect a country that is moving away from its meat-and-potatoes menu. Vegetarian and vegan choices can be found in most restaurants. There is also a growing focus on organic meats and produce, with many stores offering large organic selections.