Showing posts with label Dining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dining. Show all posts

Thursday, October 6, 2011

1960 Dining Trends in America

Throughout American history, our cuisine was shaped in part by cultural and world events, along with new technologies. From turn of the century Victorian and opulent cuisine, then into the prohibition and speakeasy cuisine of the 1920s, there have been dramatic shifts in what as a population we ate. Colse to the time of 1960, dining was a colorful and involved affair that still pops up today at retro parties.

Insofar as national events, there was a cultural rift among the people, while in the international arena, the food rationing of Wwii was a thing of the past. In the world of dining, the beloved casseroles of the 1950s were passe, and big names like Julia Child and Jacqueline Kennedy introduced elaborate, French-inspired dishes. We also saw the rise of vegetarian and ethnic food movements. On the other side of things, junk food and fast food made their nearnessy known in the world of 1960 dining.

Vegetarian Dishes

Fine Dining and French Cuisine
In the time of 1960 dining, homemakers began playing with more elaborate, rich dishes such as Swedish meatballs and beef Wellington. At the same time French cuisine became very popularized largely as a consequent of Julia Child. The television show of America's best known chef first aired in 1963, when viewers were mesmerized by her displays of such new dishes as omelets and French onion soup.

Vegetarianism
Up until the time Colse to 1960, dining did not comprise a vegetarian option. The new healthy movement that advanced was greatly helped by the efforts of the American entrepreneur, Frieda Caplan, who first introduced much exotic produce to the American market. These comprise shitake mushrooms, mangoes and most famously, the kiwi, common items today, but virtually unknown at the time.

Ethnic Food
Around this time, ethnic cuisine also began to pique American interest. Japanese steakhouses were first introduced Colse to this time, with their theatrics and hibachi style grills. Benihana, a beloved Japanese steakhouse that's still Colse to today, was first opened in 1964. Soul food also was beloved at this time, and went along with the ample soul music of the era. This cuisine originated in the deep South and characterized much of African American cooking. Largely similar to relax food, soul food dishes included the likes of hush puppies, fried chicken, country fried steak, collard greens and rice pudding.

Junk Food
This is also the time when junk food, like it or not, came into the picture. It was originally aimed at the baby boomers and offered up nutritionally void treats like buffalo wings and fudge cakes. For example, Tang, that sugary powdered orange drink intended for use by the astronauts, was invented while this time.

Barbecues
Another term, "suburban devotion" came to report 1960 dining as well. This renewed interest in the home and outdoor entertaining took the form of mixers and barbecues. Theme parties, like Hawaiian luaus, were popular.

Fondue and Flaming Food
Another way Americans spiced up their 1960 dining caress was the introduction of cheese and chocolate fondue, along with flaming foods. Fondue was originally a Swiss innovation, but it quickly became an entrenched part of American culture, as did flaming foods. One dish, steak Diane, was regularly cooked tableside, while baked Alaska was a flaming meringue dessert beloved at supper parties. Both dishes lent an air of theatrics to dinnertime.

Chain Restaurants
Now seen everywhere, chain restaurants started popping up en masse in the 1960s, when families started spending their evenings at places like Howard Johnson. Salad bars were also born, while the first Wendy's was created in 1969.

1960 Dining Trends in America

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Friday, July 22, 2011

Best Vegetarian Dishes - My perceive With Vegetarian Dining

It seems the more I listen to the news and read the papers, the more I start hearing about tainted or spoiled meat getting into our food supplies. One has to wonder just how safe our meats are, especially with some of the hormones they are putting in them. I looked for an option, and decided to look into cooking some healthy vegetarian dishes for a change.

Now mind you, this wasn't an all out decision to come to be a vegetarian, as some of my prior experiences with vegetarian dining were quite distressing. But this time I decided it would be different, and I would do some investigate prior to running up the grocery tab.

Vegetarian Dishes

Initially I view that going to my local library would provide all the resources I would need in regards to vegetarian recipes and cooking, but then I view I would go one step further. Why not visit a vegetarian restaurant! Easier said then done, as it took hours of looking through the yellow pages along with surfing the web, before I was able to search some sources in close proximity.

The first bistro sounded right on target, "Best Vegetarian". I thought, "How could I go wrong with that?" Well unfortunately the name didn't live up to the food. It was a quiet Wednesday night when I visited, so waiting for a table was not an issue. The waiter was quite polite, and the menu was pages in length. As I browsed through some of the entrees, my eyes came to rest on "vegetable lasagna". Yes, just what I was in the mood for.

The meal arrived quite quickly, (I should have taken this as a clue), and it unmistakably looked quite tempting. Unfortunately as I dug in, my fork seemed to get stuck in this thick "goo" that was similar to mending putty. The vegetables were slightly cooked, if not raw, and the sauce was assuredly right out of a jar. Soon after, I realized that this was nothing more then a "frozen entree", that was probably purchased at a local store. Who said vegetarian dishes had to be fresh.

Well anyway I left quite discouraged, but carefully to do more investigate on vegan dining, and cooking. This time I view I might go the "library" route, and see if I could find some great vegetarian formula books. After all, they say a photograph is worth a thousand words.

Best Vegetarian Dishes - My perceive With Vegetarian Dining

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Sunday, March 6, 2011

Best Vegetarian Dishes - My Experience With Vegetarian Dining

It seems the more I listen to the news and read the papers, the more I start hearing about tainted or spoiled meat getting into our food supplies. One has to wonder just how safe our meats are, especially with some of the hormones they are putting in them. I looked for an option, and decided to look into cooking some healthy vegetarian dishes for a change.

Now mind you, this wasn't an all out decision to become a vegetarian, as some of my prior experiences with vegetarian dining were quite distressing. But this time I decided it would be different, and I would do some research prior to running up the grocery tab.

Vegetarian Dishes

Initially I thought that going to my local library would provide all the resources I would need in regards to vegetarian recipes and cooking, but then I thought I would go one step further. Why not visit a vegetarian restaurant! Easier said then done, as it took hours of looking through the yellow pages along with surfing the web, before I was able to locate some sources in close proximity.

The first restaurant sounded right on target, "Best Vegetarian". I thought, "How could I go wrong with that?" Well unfortunately the name didn't live up to the food. It was a quiet Wednesday night when I visited, so waiting for a table was not an issue. The waiter was quite polite, and the menu was pages in length. As I browsed through some of the entrees, my eyes came to rest on "vegetable lasagna". Yes, just what I was in the mood for.

The meal arrived quite quickly, (I should have taken this as a clue), and it actually looked quite tempting. Unfortunately as I dug in, my fork seemed to get stuck in this thick "goo" that was similar to mending putty. The vegetables were slightly cooked, if not raw, and the sauce was definitely right out of a jar. Soon after, I realized that this was nothing more then a "frozen entree", that was probably purchased at a local store. Who said vegetarian dishes had to be fresh.

Well anyway I left quite discouraged, but determined to do more research on vegan dining, and cooking. This time I thought I might go the "library" route, and see if I could find some great vegetarian recipe books. After all, they say a picture is worth a thousand words.

Best Vegetarian Dishes - My Experience With Vegetarian Dining

Finding the best Vegetarian Dishes can be a challenge for many. Some veggie recipes are truly better then others. If you want some FREE information on great vegetarian recipes then Visit: http://www.vegetariandishes.org.

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Sunday, January 16, 2011

Best Vegetarian Dishes - My Experience With Vegetarian Dining

It seems the more I listen to the news and read the papers, the more I start hearing about tainted or spoiled meat getting into our food supplies. One has to wonder just how safe our meats are, especially with some of the hormones they are putting in them. I looked for an option, and decided to look into cooking some healthy vegetarian dishes for a change.

Now mind you, this wasn't an all out decision to become a vegetarian, as some of my prior experiences with vegetarian dining were quite distressing. But this time I decided it would be different, and I would do some research prior to running up the grocery tab.

Initially I thought that going to my local library would provide all the resources I would need in regards to vegetarian recipes and cooking, but then I thought I would go one step further. Why not visit a vegetarian restaurant! Easier said then done, as it took hours of looking through the yellow pages along with surfing the web, before I was able to locate some sources in close proximity.

The first restaurant sounded right on target, "Best Vegetarian". I thought, "How could I go wrong with that?" Well unfortunately the name didn't live up to the food. It was a quiet Wednesday night when I visited, so waiting for a table was not an issue. The waiter was quite polite, and the menu was pages in length. As I browsed through some of the entrees, my eyes came to rest on "vegetable lasagna". Yes, just what I was in the mood for.

The meal arrived quite quickly, (I should have taken this as a clue), and it actually looked quite tempting. Unfortunately as I dug in, my fork seemed to get stuck in this thick "goo" that was similar to mending putty. The vegetables were slightly cooked, if not raw, and the sauce was definitely right out of a jar. Soon after, I realized that this was nothing more then a "frozen entree", that was probably purchased at a local store. Who said vegetarian dishes had to be fresh.

Well anyway I left quite discouraged, but determined to do more research on vegan dining, and cooking. This time I thought I might go the "library" route, and see if I could find some great vegetarian recipe books. After all, they say a picture is worth a thousand words.




Finding the best Vegetarian Dishes can be a challenge for many. Some veggie recipes are truly better then others. If you want some FREE information on great vegetarian recipes then Visit: http://www.vegetariandishes.org.

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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Nicest Dining Options in Nice, France

France offer treats for all types of palates, and some of the best dining options can be found in Nice, France. Nice is situated on the southeastern coast of France. This place is riddled with interesting French restaurants that would make you want to go back to this place over and over again.

Au Petit Gari
This one can be found beneath Garibaldi. It features old fashioned interiors that evoke an early 20th century atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and efficient. No one ever complains of poor or slow service. Treat yourself with tuna steak with olives and mashed potatoes, rabbit with prunes or the grilled breast of duck.

La Zucca Magica
Offering magical dishes that you won't find anywhere else, La Zucca Magica entice customers with rich Italian cheeses, fresh pastas, and delectable vegetable dishes. This vegetarian eatery is managed by Chef Marco, who opened this establishment in 1997. Since then, he has been serving the finest French vegetarian cuisine in the whole of Nice.

L'Ane Rouge
L'Ane Rouge is tucked inside an ancient building that has been recently restored and refurbished. Known as one of the best seafood restaurants in the area, this eatery specializes in delectable dishes like dory fillet with stuffed lettuce leaves, stuffed mussels, salmon with white wine and spinach, and bouillabaisse. You'll also be fond of the cozy and sophisticated atmosphere.

Restaurant L'Estocaficada
The owner of this restaurant inherited incredible recipes from her grandmother. With these, she is able to whip up wondrous beignets, grilled sardines, and gnocchi that anyone would desire. Pastas are also the specialty of the house.




Pollux Parker is an adventurer who loves discovering secret island getaways in each country he visits. Pollux also likes to collect French Flag and cheap French Flag.

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Monday, December 27, 2010

Boston for Dining - Delight Your Taste Buds With the Best in the Northeast

Which major east coast city is home to the 2007 Best Northeast Chef? If you said New York City and that is your final answer, you just lost the game. If you said Boston, you win the prize. And the 2007 James Beard Award Best Northeast Chef is just the beginning of what Boston has to delight your taste buds.

In the heart of fashionable Back Bay, in an 1880 townhouse, you will find sophisticated and modern New England-French cuisine, with an emphasis on artisanal and New England ingredients. At L'Espalier (30 Gloucester Street), you will also find Chef Frank McClelland, the 2007 James Beard Award Best Northeast Chef. Also in Back Bay, you'll find a specialist in classic steak house cuisine and an award-winning wine selection at Capital Grille (359 Newbury Street). And at Vox (755 Boylston Street), known for its martinis, Chef Eric Bogardus offers dishes like Woven Flounder or Ostrich Stroganoff on an American Bistro-style menu.

Seafood is a New England classic and part of Boston's history is its noted seafood. The Union Oyster House (41 Union Street), established in 1826, claims to be the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the USA. They claim you can find the best clam chowder in New England, along with fresh seafood. Reserve the booth John F. Kennedy favored while practicing law in his early days. Overlooking Boston Harbor, Anthony's Pier 4 (140 Northern Avenue) offers an exceptional dining experience with the freshest seafood and succulent Maine lobsters. At Atlantic Fish Co. (761 Boylston Street) the kitchen serves up raw bar classics like shrimp cocktail, iced Littleneck clams and Blue Point oysters. For a more upscale ambience, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant (34 Columbus Ave, Boston Park Plaza Hotel) is just the ticket in the Theatre District.

Boston's North End is famous for all things Italian, and the restaurants live up to the reputation. Cantina Italiana (346 Hanover Street) is a long-time favorite of locals and visitors alike. Open since 1931, Cantina Italiana is the oldest restaurant in the North End, and offers a warm and charming atmosphere with a relaxed dining experience. Ristorante Fiore (250 Hanover Street) offers authentic Italian cuisine in an elegant setting and the North End's only seasonal patio and rooftop dining.

If Sunday Brunch is your dish, Café Fleuri (250 Franklin Street, The Langham hotel) was voted one of Boston's best. The Sunday Jazz Brunch is just one of its specialties. It offers a brasserie-style dining experience, with an open kitchen and complete brick oven that allows diners a glimpse of culinary creativity firsthand. In addition to breakfast (voted "Best Power Breakfast"), lunch, and dinner seven days a week, Café Fleuri also offers a famous Saturday Chocolate Bar. Harvest (44 Brattle Street, Cambridge) offers another award-winning Sunday Brunch, as well as American cuisine showcasing the region's freshest ingredients and seasonal product. Harvest was voted Top New England Restaurant by the Zagat Survey. If you're packing kids, Bostonians recommend Toro (1704 Washington Street), voted Best of Boston 2007 Kid-Friendly Brunch.

For a meal with a view, Top of the Hub (800 Boylston Street, Prudential Center, 52nd Floor) offers a 360-degree view of the city, plus live jazz and original American dishes with unique flavors.

No major city is without its friendly arguments over the best pizza and Boston is no exception. At Pizzeria Regina (11 Thacher Street), Bostonians have enjoyed tasty brick oven pizza for over 70 years. For specialty pizza, head to Croma (269 Newbury Street), where the special is in the combinations like Peking duck, scallions, and hoisin sauce, or bacon, sausage, mozzarella, and an egg, sunny-side up.

For casual dining, try Bukowski Tavern (50 Dalton Street), voted Best of Boston 2007 Pub Grub. The burgers are big and messy, and the menu includes classic barbequed chicken tenders and the one and only White-Trash Cheese Dip. If you want your casual with a healthy twist, try B. Good (131 Dartmouth Street), where two childhood friends offers guilt-free burgers, fries, along with vegetarian dishes and salads.

Top off your Boston tastebud tour with a confection from Choco Choco House (83 Pembroke Street), voted Best of Boston 2007 Chocolate. Or indulge in one of Boston's favorite dishes, ice cream. Bostonians eat more ice cream per capita than anyone else in the USA, and when they want the best, it's Christina's (1255 Cambridge Street) with 40 rotating offerings, some created with ingredients from the spice shop next door.




If you are headed to Boston to experience the best in the northeast, CRSHotels.com has the perfect hotel for you. Stay at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers, with McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant onsite, or The Langham Boston, featuring Café Fleuri. Choose the Lenox Hotel Boston, the Hilton Boston Financial District, or the Best Western Adams Inn Boston.

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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Restaurants in Kolkata - A Great Dining Experience

Kolkata is the third largest city located at the eastern part of India. It is the capital of West Benga. The city was founded in 1690 by a merchant trader named Job Charnock.

The multinational population of Kolkata savors different recipes and dishes with no exceptions. It is one of the metropolitan cities of India that houses many fine dining restaurants. These cater to all kinds of foods from vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes to soup, appetizers and sweet desserts.

Vegetarian Dishes

Restaurants around Kolkata serve popular dishes of Punkjabi, North and South Indian, Mughlai and Chinese. Mexican and Thai food are also gaining popularity. Among the Indian specialty foods are lentils, bhat, fish curry, luchi and tarkari.

Here are among the fine dining restaurants around Kolkata.

Sourav's Food Pavillion

Sourav's is a multi cuisine restaurant located at the city's Park Street. The restaurant was opened by Sourav Gangualy. It offers a wide array and mysterious cuisines and good seating capacity.

The four-storey multiplex restaurants were designed by architect Kapil Bhalla. It has a unique arrangement of four restaurants under one roof and was completed in just five months. The first restaurant is called One Day. It is a 24-hour coffee shop on the first floor with live bands every night.

Over Boundary Restaurant at the second floor, they serve cross-country cuisines. Third is Maharaj, a 70-seater restaurant that serves royal food from Kashmir, North India and Afghanistan. The last most authentic lounge is the Prince of Cal. It showcases a German-made cricket laced with glittering active light of 12,000,000 color combinations.

These four restaurants cater special events or private parties like anniversaries, cocktail dinners, marriage receptions, bachelor parties and the like. Guests may even request an exclusive area of your choice of cuisine from around the world. Added highlights include a dance with the DJ's, great sounds and lightings. Two persons can avail a set of menu for only 1000 Rs.

Mainland China

Mainland China is a Chinese restaurant that provides world class cuisine at a reasonable price. It offers a unique fine dining experience with high standard services. The two restaurants in Kolkata are located at the 3rd floor of South City Mall and at the 3rd floor Silver Arcade.

Popular delicacies include Drunken Chicken in Shaoxiang wine, Sliced Lamb with cumin and onion and Sizzling Eggplant with spicy tomato garlic sauce. Also, Crispy Vegetable in Beijing style and Fish with Chinese parsley sauce is another favorite amongst the visitors.

Aaheli Restaurant

Aaheli Restaurant is located at the Peerless Inn in Jawaharlal Nehru Road. The name Aaheli comes from the Arabic word which means unadulterated. The restaurant serves traditional Bengali vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The ethnic ambiance of the place matches the bowls and plates as well as the walls with terracotta panels. Smoking and alcohol is not allowed inside the premises.

The Marble Room

Marble Room Restaurant is located at Kenilworth Best Western Hotel at Little Russell Street. The restaurant's interior is designed with a touch of ancient colony. There are English-styled wood chairs, lit rooms and large mirrors.

Marble Room serves traditional North Indian cuisines. Specialties include the kebabs, bhuna gosht, biriyani and Mughlai cuisines. Popular desserts are gajar ka halwa and gulab jamun.
The restaurant has a seating capacity of 70 people that can host a royal party. A lunch or dinner for two can be availed at a maximum price of Rs400. Food is served from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Restaurants in Kolkata - A Great Dining Experience

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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Vegetarian Dining in the Caribbean

For vegetarians, dining out presents many challenges; finding vegan choices can be even more frustrating. Add travel to the mix and you've got a potential recipe for disaster. While the Caribbean's abundance of seafood will suit pescetarians, discovering true vegetarian meals requires a bit more work. Fortunately, a little research before you go will help find dining choices which are not only suitable but delicious.

If you're planning to take a cruise, you're in luck. A number of cruise lines offer vegetarian options, a complete vegetarian menu, or can make you special dishes on request. Celebrity Cruises has received rave reviews for their excellent gourmet vegetarian cuisine, which tailors meals to diners' needs. NCL and Royal Caribbean also rank highly with vegetarian passengers. Carnival Cruise Lines, on the other hand, may be one to avoid. Although they offer one vegetarian item per menu and claim they can accommodate vegetarian requests, they don't have a dietician on board, so their ability to make changes is limited. For vegans, this can be a big problem. One vegan reports that she was assured before the cruise that her diet would be no trouble; however, all she could actually eat was bread, lettuce, and an occasional baked potato. When booking a cruise with any company, tell them you're vegetarian or vegan and ask any questions you may have about menu offerings.

Land-lubbers may find the easiest way to assure a variety of vegetarian choices is to stay at a resort with several restaurants. The Sandals chain, for example, includes up to eleven eateries at each location. Their menus typically include at least one vegetarian option in each category. While that may sound limiting, resort menus tend to change frequently, often nightly. Resorts also usually have a buffet, so you'll be able to pick and choose. Sample menus are generally posted on a resort's website, so logging online may be one way to do a bit of investigative work. Still, it's a good idea to check with the resort before booking to find out how veg-friendly they are.

Higher-end resorts are often more conscious of serving healthy food, including vegetarian dishes. Some of them use locally grown and/or organic items in their cooking. Even if you can't afford to stay there, you may be able to eat at their restaurants. For instance, the Sugar Mill Restaurant at the Sugar Mill Hotel (British Virgin Islands) is a local treat that's worth the trip. Voted "The Best Restaurant in the Caribbean" by readers of Caribbean Travel & Life, this gourmet restaurant's ever-changing menu always offers several vegetarian dishes and its atmosphere makes it a great place for a special night out.

Meat-free travelers interested in visiting the Dominican Republic should consider Sirenis Hotels, which have an all-vegetarian restaurant at their Punta Cana resort complex. Comprised of Sirenis Cocotal Beach Resort and Sirenis Tropical Suites, the vegetarian restaurant seems to be on the all-inclusive plan of Tropical Suites but not Cocotal Beach Resort. If you prefer to stay at Cocotal, check with them to find out if you'll be able to eat at the vegetarian restaurant.

As far as specific countries go, Jamaica is veggie heaven. Because Rastafarians are vegetarian, options abound. The key word to remember is "Ital," derived from "vital." Ital cooking uses pure, organic ingredients, and is essentially vegan. However, some dishes may contain honey, so if you don't eat honey be sure to ask about it. In fact, Ital is a good word to look out for anywhere, as Ital food can be found in other countries, too.

Puerto Rico also has a number of cafés and restaurants which are either all-vegetarian or veg-friendly. If you're having a hard time finding a place, keep your eyes out for the fast food chain Pollo Tropical, which doesn't put meat in its rice and beans.

Of course, ethnic restaurants are good stand-bys anywhere. An island's ethnic population will partially determine what's available. For instance, Trinidad has a number of Chinese and Indian restaurants because immigrants came over from those countries prior to the 20th century.

For casual or take-out meals, look for natural food supermarkets, which sometimes have delis with vegetarian items. Nature's Way in the British Virgin Islands' Road Town is one such place.

The brief list of dining options below will help you get started. Some aren't exclusively vegetarian, but all include at least a few veggie choices on their menus. Vegan and vegan-friendly are indicated with a V.

Antigua: Kalabashe, St. John's West. V

Barbados: Back to Eden, Speightstown. V

Cancun: 100% Natural. V

Cayman Islands: Veggie Delights, Georgetown. V

Dominican Republic: Lotos Restaurant, Santo Domingo. V

Nevis: Natural Livity, Newcastle Village. V

Puerto Rico: Asiquesi, Cabo Rojo. V

St. Martin: Top Carrot, Simpson Bay.

Trinidad: Mother Nature, Port of Spain.

Tobago: Kariwak Village Restaurant, Crown Point.

US Virgin Islands: Soul Vegetarian, Christiansted. V

A few good online resources are www.HappyCow.net, www.VegDining.com, and www.VegSource.com. Unlike the first two, VegSource doesn't have a directory, but its forum has a few threads on restaurants in the Caribbean, and you can always post your own question. Also take a look at the online international yellow pages. Just remember that businesses have to pay money to be listed, so not all restaurants will be represented.

When you're on your trip, if you want to try a restaurant that's out of the way, call first since listings can be outdated. With a little preparation, you'll spend less time worrying about where you're going to eat and more time enjoying your travels.




Karen Joslin writes for Antigua-Guide.info, VirginIslands-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.

© 2006, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc.
Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.

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Friday, October 22, 2010

Dining Trends of the 1960's

You may not realize it, but the food you eat today is shaped by technology, cultural trends, and world events. In each new decade, various food trends reflect the wider world. The 1960s was a time of dramatic dining trends that still exist today in one form or another, whether in nostalgic or "retro" forms or as a part of our everyday life in the 21st century.

Fine Dining - The simple and homecooked foods of the 1950s, such as casseroles, gave way to elaborate meals, particularly French-inspired cuisine. Big names like Jacqueline Kennedy and Julia Child ushered in a new era of dining. Homemakers around the nation began experimenting with more elaborate dishes. Popular dishes included beef Wellington and Swedish meatballs. Dishes that seem commonplace today, like French onion soup and omelets, were popularized by television chef Julia Child, whose show first aired in 1963.

Vegetarian Dishes - Although it may seem strange to think about in today's culture, there was once a time when vegetarian options simply could not be found on most restaurant menus. The vegetarian movement that resulted in greater awareness and presence of vegetarian menu options had its roots in the turbulent 1960s. It was helped along by American entrepreneur Frieda Caplan, who introduced then-exotic produce like mangoes, kiwis, and shitake mushrooms. Although these foods are found in almost every supermarket today, they were relatively unknown in American kitchens until the 1960s. The salad bar was also born during this time.

Ethnic Cuisines - Other unusual foods were also being introduced to the American market during the 1960s, including many exotic flavors. Japanese steakhouses with hibachi-style grills first opened during the 1960s, including Benihana, which remains popular today. Soul food including hush puppies, fried chicken, and country fried steak also became popular, and went well with the soul music of the 1960s era.

Tiki restaurants began serving pineapple-laden drinks in tiki statue-shaped mugs and offering unique cuisine inspired by island cultures. This trend began growing in the 1950s as soldiers returned from their World War II posts in Hawaii and other islands, enthralled with the culture they saw there. This kitschy trend reached its peak in the 1960s.

Junk Food and Restaurant Chains - Along with these delicious and nutritious options came the rise of junk food. Dozens of today's most popular junk food staples were introduced during this era. They were originally aimed at the baby boomers with their large expendable income. Many popular restaurant chains, particularly fast food, also began in the 1960s. The first Wendy's opened in 1969, for example.

Suburban Barbecues - With the rise of the suburbs, Americans began to enjoy backyard barbecues, ranging from Fourth of July barbecues to theme parties such as Hawaiian luaus. Outdoor entertaining took many forms in this era.

Flaming Foods - Unique flaming dishes became all the rage, including steak Diane, cooked tableside, and baked Alaska, a meringue dessert popular for backyard parties. While not technically flaming, fondue meals, originally a Swiss idea, became quite popular. Some tiki restaurants served flaming drinks in cauldron-shaped mugs. Along with Japanese steakhouses and themed parties, these lent a bit of theatrical excitement to dinner.




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