Fusion Cuisines in America

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A mix of different regional culinary traditions on a plate, fusion cuisines are the innovative and approachable versions of traditional and regional dishes. Today, America has become a multitude of racial groups, where a fusion movement has emerged. The concept of fusion cooking became popularized in America during the 1970’s due to a steady influx of immigrants in the Progressive Era. Fusion food gained societal acceptance in America during World War II when overseas service introduced it to American soldiers stationed in foreign countries. By introducing the native food and integrating it into the daily meals of the soldiers, the service indirectly inspired a more multicultural American diet. Across the world, the newly-arrived American immigrants brought foreign ingredients, foods, and culture to the United States. America’s reaction to the immigrants was to imperialize; and in attempts to “Americanize” the intimidating, steady flow of migrants, settlement house workers, food nutritionists, and domestic scientists combined the foreign and traditional recipes of the old-world with familiar American ingredients (Mintz). By fusing the two elements the culinary artists created masterpieces that were nationally accepted. Fusion food combines cultures and traditions. It’s reflected in dishes that inspire tolerance and promote assimilation towards immigrants in America. Food, being an essential part of everyday life, influences society in extraordinary ways. Today’s immigrants face an American society built on Anglo-Saxon values and tradition that is apprehensive towards foreign culture. Yet, in the face of the opposition, food stands strong and just like The Last Supper, breaking bread still brings people together. An age-old tradit... ... middle of paper ... ...3). Leung, Teddy. "Chinese Pastries Taken to next Level at Luxury Hotel." Interview by Jerome McDonald. Audio blog post. Http://www.wbez.org/. Chicago Public Media, 19 Sept. 2013. Web. 21 Oct. 2013. Medina, Jennifer. "Blending of Cultures Visible in the Food Trucks." New York Times 8 Apr. 2011, New York ed.: A15. Print. Mintz, S., and S. McNeil. "Food in America." Digital History. N.p.: Digital History, 2013. N. pag. Print. Nerac Insights. "Trends in the Food Industry | Leveraging Innovation to Keep Up With Consumer Demand." Insights for the SIAL Montreal 2009 Conference. Nerac. Nerac, Inc., Apr. 2009. Web. 11 Dec. 2013. Sloan, Elizabeth. "Top 10 Food Trends." Food Technology. Institute of Food Technologists, Apr. 2011. Web. 10 Dec. 2013. United States Census Bureau. "How Do We Know?" Foreign Born Infographic. United States Census Bureau, 2010. Web. 8 Dec. 2013.

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