Embarking on a culinary journey across the United States unveils a tapestry of unique flavors and dining experiences, each distinct to its region. From Kentucky’s storied bourbon heritage to South Carolina’s rich Southern cuisine, the exploration of American gastronomy promises an endless array of delightful discoveries.
Tennessee’s Comforting Classics
With its distinctive regional culinary traditions and a growing list of nationally recognized restaurants, Tennessee offers dining options that satisfy just about any palate. You can easily go from a farm-to-table breakfast in the morning to a dinner menu curated by a James Beard Award-winning chef in the evening.
Tennessee is a region known for its traditional cuisine, and checking out local favorites is a must. Countryside Café in Ooltewah near Chattanooga pays homage to classic country cooking with its succulent fried pork chops and gravied steaks. In Memphis, Catherine & Mary’s, helmed by acclaimed chefs Michael Hudman and Andy Ticer offers a rotating menu of comforting Italian dishes like homemade pastas and tender steaks.
Tennessee’s culinary classics are also showcased in upscale dining venues across the state. Husk in Nashville serves some of the best locally sourced ingredients on their menu. At Restaurant Iris in Memphis, Chef Kelly English crafts innovative interpretations of Creole-French cuisine. Wellington’s in Johnson City, located within the Carnegie Hotel, serves up a farm-to-table Southern fare with the right global influences, complemented by an extensive whiskey selection and live jazz on Thursday evenings.
Tennessee’s tradition of distilling spirits continues to flourish notably with the production of moonshine and whiskey along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail with nearly 30 distilleries, like the iconic Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg. Visitors can experience more traditional drinks and food at Lynchburg’s historic Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House and Restaurant. With over 70 wineries and six wine trails across the state, these scenic tastings provide a first-hand experience of Tennessee’s wine and liquor traditions.
Kentucky’s Culinary Culture and Bourbon
Louisville, Kentucky has a vibrant culinary scene that celebrates its bourbon heritage with its iconic dishes. As the state’s largest city, Louisville’s culture and cuisine are all complemented by bluegrass music and the famed Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky is most famous for its bourbon with the Urban Bourbon Trail offering a curated selection of local restaurants and bars in Louisville for a unique culinary experience. With endless bourbon options on each menu, some of the most famous spots are Porch Kitchen & Bar, Neat Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop, Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen & Lounge, and Old Seelbach Bar where you can craft personalized tasting itineraries. Do not miss trying Louisville’s official cocktail, the Old Fashioned.
In Louisville, skilled distillers craft some of the best bourbon, and the Frazier History Museum serves as the starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Explore the Bourbon District in Downtown Louisville, home to renowned spots like Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and Angel’s Envy. Old Forester Distilling Co. and Stitzel-Weller Distillery also offer firsthand experience of the distillation process.
Louisville’s culinary heritage is steeped in history and legend, with the most famous being the birthplace of the cheeseburger rumoured to be 80/20 @ Kaelin’s. Iconic dishes like the Hot Brown, dating back to the 1920s at the historic Brown Hotel, are a must-try. Kentucky Derby party special Benedictine, a savory spread, the original caramel-dipped Modjeska marshmallows, Bourbon balls, and Louisville’s tradition, Derby Pie, are some more examples of the rich culinary scene.
Where Music Meets Food, Texas
Austin, Texas, the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World,” pulses with decades of rhythm embedded into its culture. The city’s music scene is on the rise, reaching far beyond its traditional blues, jazz, and rock roots. Alongside its musical history, Austin is home to some of the finest cuisine, with mouth-watering BBQ spots to upscale dining. This city has established itself as a pioneer in the culinary world.
It is thrilling to explore the many generations and variations of culture that exist in Austin’s rich musical and culinary melting pot, starting with the restaurant Ramen Tatsu-ya, opened by local chefs/DJs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto. Ramen Tatsu-ya, which utilizes a warehouse space, is filled with music and creates the perfect party/dining environment offering a taste of Austin and its authenticity.
In Fort Worth’s Arlington Heights neighbourhood, the Buttons Restaurant celebrates the fusion of soul food and soul music under Executive Chef Keith “Buttons” Hicks, serving up his renowned chicken and waffles, steaks, and comforting pot roast in a backdrop of old-school vibes and smooth ’70s tunes. Here, signature drinks pay homage to music legends like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. Local artists grace the Buttons stage, belting out soul classics by icons such as Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan.
South Carolina, A Melting Pot of Southern Flavours
South Carolina is a hub of all things Southern, especially those quintessential regional flavours. The barbeques, sweet shrimp, boiled peanuts, female hard-shell blue crab soup, collard greens, okra, pecans, Hoppin’ John, Iced Teas, and Lowcountry Boil are some of the staples of the state.
South Carolina’s capital city of Columbia is a college town and a melting pot with a wide-ranging dining scene. Like many cities around the U.S., Columbia is seeing a surge in the popularity of food trucks. These restaurants on wheels offer something for every palate: Belgian Waffle Truck, Wurst Wagen, and Tacos Nayarit have some delicious menus on offer.
On the brick-and-mortar side, the upscale Motor Supply Company Bistro has been at the forefront of Columbia’s local-vore movement since 1989, featuring a farm-to-table menu that changes twice daily. Here, barbecue is a must, offering some of the best in the country. For an updated take on Southern comfort food, head over to Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Café. The menu is regularly updated with fresh seafood and meats, as well as an award-winning wine list, small-batch bourbon, and local microbrews.
