B J O R N K O C H . N E T

D E F I N I N G   F O O D SF I V E O F T H E U S ' S S I G N A T U R E D I S H E S Y O U S H O U L D T R Y

The United States'

A N O V E R V I E W

T R A V E L I N G A N D F O O D A R E A N I N T E R T W I N E D ,I N T E R S E C T I N G P A I R O F I N T E R E S T S O F M I N ET H A T I O F T E N F I N D M Y S E L F E X P E R I E N C I N G A TT H E S A M E T I M E .

W H E N I T R A V E L , I S A M P L E T H E L O C A L C U I S I N ER E G A R D L E S S O F H O W E X O T I C I T I S O R I S N O T .T H E R E ’ S N O T H I N G L I K E V I S I T I N G T H E H E A R TA N D B I R T H P L A C E O F A D I S H A N D T A S T I N G A NA U T H E N T I C V E R S I O N Y O U R S E L F . I TA L W A Y S – A L W A Y S – B L O W S I M I T A T I O N S O U T O FT H E W A T E R .

Defining Dishes

B J O R N K O C H . N E T

L O U I S I A N A :G U M B OIf you’ve been to Louisianna before, you know that the state is known for its

cajun creole inspired seafood dishes. In New Orleans you’ll likely find a good

bit of jambalaya, but statewide, gumbo is a must-try. The base vegetables of

celery, onions and peppers with stock, a meat or seafood and a variety of

seasonings, spices and other ingredients combine to form a fantastic southern

dish.

Defining Dishes

B J O R N K O C H . N E T

Photo: JeffreyW, Flickr

M A R Y L A N D :C R A B / C R A B C A K E SThe popularity of Maryland crabs comes from the method in which they’re

cooked. Instead of simply boiling blue crabs with little to no spice, Maryland

has made famous the method of utilizing Old Bay and a variety of spices to

bring out the flavor of the crabs. If cracking is too much work for you, Maryland

crab cakes are a fantastic substitute in Maryland.

Defining Dishes

B J O R N K O C H . N E T

Photo: Food Group, Flickr

I L L I N O I S :C H I C A G O D E E P D I S H P I Z Z AYou’ve probably tried deep dish pizza before, but unless you’ve been to

Chicago, you haven’t really tried deep dish pizza. The chunky tomato sauce, the

heaps of cheese and the perfectly cooked crust makes eating authentic

Chicago-style deep dish an experience that every human on earth should try at

least once in their life.

Defining Dishes

B J O R N K O C H . N E T

Photo: Luiz Eduardo, Flickr

P E N N S Y L V A N I A :C H E E S E S T E A KA classic example of something that you can get just about anywhere in the

world, but probably shouldn’t. Visiting just about any pizza place in America,

you’ll find a menu item that will likely read “Philadelphia cheesesteak.” If you

want a real Philly cheesesteak, avoid this. Philly cheesesteaks should be eaten

in Philly. Avoid tourist-based spots like Pats and Genos, and opt instead for

Dalessandros or Steve’s. My final recommendation: cheese whiz and onions.

Not exactly upscale, but certainly delicious.

Defining Dishes

B J O R N K O C H . N E T

M A S S A C H U S E T T S / N E W E N G L A N D :C L A M C H O W D E RYou had to have seen this coming. As a Boston resident, filling up with a bowl of

clam chowder, particularly on a chilly evening, is hard to beat. Thicker than

most other chowders because of its creamy base, New England clam chowder is

a must-try when you’re in the area. And, by the way, to the locals it’s chowda’.

Defining Dishes

B J O R N K O C H . N E T

Photo: ayustety, Flickr