Americans are often the butt of obesity jokes. People point fingers at greasy fast food and enormous portions and constantly complain that our love of food surpasses unhealthy. But can you blame us? America is home to some of the most savory regional meals in the world. Luckily for the students of UM, it is possible to sample some of these dishes just by visiting some of Miami’s own restaurants. With so many places to enjoy Americans’ favorite foods, Distraction is giving you a guide to our nation’s staples. Here’s where these dishes are best, both in their signature state and in the Miami area.
BBQ
No Fourth of July picnic would be complete without fireworks, flags and children running around with barbeque sauce up to their elbows. Barbeque is typically considered Southern and can be found almost everywhere in states like Texas, Kansas, Tennessee and other Southern states. Commonly eaten in big, social settings, barbeque is a food known for bringing people together. Students can enjoy barbeque at big events like tailgates and other large, outdoor get together events.
Signature elements of a Barbecue dish: Barbecued pork ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, corn bread.
Where to find it near campus:
Swine Southern Table & Bar
2415 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134; www.runpigrun.com
Uncle Tom’s Barbecue
3988 SW 8 street, Coral Gables, FL 33143; www.utbbq.com
Shorty’s Bar-B-Q
9200 S Dixie Highway, Miami, FL; www.shortys.com
DEEP DISH PIZZA
A late-night staple on every college campus across the country is good ol’ pizza. College students coming home after a late night often turn to pizza when most other restaurants already closed. Though pizza is Italian by design, America made it the perfect snack, and Chicago turned this foreign classic into a deep dish meal for a cheesier indulgence.
Signature elements of a deep dish pizza: Thick crust, red sauce and layers of cheese.
Where to find it near campus:
Manhattan Chicago Pizza
12715 S Dixie Highway, Pinecrest, FL 33156; mcrealpizza.com
FRIED CHICKEN
America is the champion of the deep fryer. From fried chicken to fried oreos, we are a nation built on grease. The South has perfected the art of frying food and has made fried chicken with coleslaw a dietary staple for those below the Mason-Dixon line. For college students looking for a taste of home that will fill them up, fried food is an easy fix. Crusty, crunchy and specially seasoned with a spicy kick is how most traditional Southern restaurants make their fried chicken. Even though you may end up with grease and crusty flakes all over your hands, the mess is well worth it.
Where to find it near campus:
Eating House
804 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134; www.eatinghousemiami.com
Whisk Gourmet Food and Catering
7382 SW 56 Avenue, Miami, FL, 33143; www.whiskgourmet.com
MEXICAN
When America won most of the Southwest during the Mexican-American war in the 1800s, it got more than just land. Mexican food was quickly absorbed into the American diet and today it can be found all the way up in Maine. Although students are often found at Chipotle, for genuine Mexican food that will give a strong kick, they won’t have to look far.
Signature elements of a Mexican dish: tacos, fajitas, queso fresco and corn tortilla chips.
Where to find it near campus:
Talavera Cocina Mexicana
2299 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134; jaguarhg.com/talaveraspot
Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant
8461 SW 132 Street, Miami, FL 33156; www.guadalajaramiami.com
While the health champions of the world will always find fault with America’s obsession with food, it is impossible to deny that the passion is unwarranted. From the clam chowder of New England to the Cajun food of Louisiana, all the way to the Mexican food in California, it is impossible to deny the importance of food to Americans. Thankfully for college students on their own for the first time and looking for new foods, they are in a great spot here in Miami to experience a wide array of what America has to offer.
For other stories related to ‘Murica, read Distraction’s latest issue, the “‘Murica” issue, on newsstands now.
words_caroline ashcraft. photo illustration_yili wu.