Food Americana is targeted directly at the millions of Americans for whom food is more than just sustenance. This is a wide and diverse group for whom information about the culinary world has become an important element of enjoying life, even if they themselves do not enjoy cooking. For many, it’s a true curiosity. For others, a way to burnish one’s “foodie credentials.” But whatever the reason, this is an audience eager for inside stories, little-known facts, and a guide to the authenticity of the various cuisines that make up the American menu today. What they do not want is academic studies, plodding history, or attempts to deep dive into the intersection of policy and politics. They want the breezy but authoritative style they’ve come to love from their main sources of food information—Eater, Serious Eats, Grub Street, and the like.
Whet Your Appetites for A Fascinating History of American Food
"Terrific food journalism. Page uncovers the untold backstories of American food. A great read." —George Stephanopoulos, Good Morning America, This Week and ABC News’ Chief Anchor
2021 International Book Awards finalist in History: United States
Living Now Book Award, Silver - Cookbooks, Ethnic Holiday
#1 New Release in History Humor, Food & Cooking, and Media Tie-In Cooking
David Page changed the world of food television by creating, developing, and executive-producing the groundbreaking show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Now from this two-time Emmy winner comes Food Americana, an entertaining mix of food culture, pop culture, nostalgia, and everything new on the American plate.
The remarkable history of American food. What is American cuisine, what national menu do we share, what dishes have we chosen, how did they become “American,” and how are they likely to evolve from here? David Page answers all these questions and more.
Engaging, insightful, and often humorous. The inside story of how Americans have formed a national cuisine from a world of flavors. Sushi, pizza, tacos, bagels, barbecue, dim sum―even fried chicken, burgers, ice cream, and many more―were born elsewhere and transformed into a unique American cuisine.
Food Americana is a riveting ride into everything we eat and why. From a lobster boat off the coast of Maine to the Memphis in May barbecue competition. From the century-old Russ & Daughters lox and bagels shop in lower Manhattan to the Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival. From a thousand-dollar Chinese meal in San Francisco to birria tacos from a food truck in South Philly.
Meet engaging characters and legends including:
- Alice Waters
- Daniel Boulud
- Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry’s
- Mel Brooks
If you enjoyed captivating food history books like A History of the World in 6 Glasses, On Food and Cooking, or the classic Salt by Mark Kurlansky, you’ll love Food Americana.
