Fireworks, (good) food, friends, and family. I call those "the three F’s of July 4th". Yes, technically that’s four, but my editor loves odd numbers so if you won’t tell, I won’t. And while everyone can relate to one of the above, America's birthday means something different to each person. That’s why, in celebration of the nation’s independence, we asked MICHELIN Guide Chefs across the country to share what they enjoy and what's quintessentially American. So whether it’s a good old McDonald’s cheeseburger or a perfectly grilled grass-fed tomahawk steak, below, our MICHELIN Guide Chefs share how they view Independence Day.
Tuome, Thomas Chen
New York, New York
One MICHELIN Star Tuome is the culmination of Thomas Chen’s classic culinary training and heritage. The Asian-inspired menu here put’s Chen’s New York upbringing and his first generation Chinese-American background on full display. Hits like the crispy chicken with rice porridge, octopus with pommes aligot, and deep-fried Chinese “beignets” stuffed with apple jam and paired with vanillas ice cream keep diners hunkering for more. But before all the accolades and delicious ingredient-driven contemporary American dishes, Chen was just another child eating a cheeseburger at McDonald’s. Below, Chen opens up about what July 4th means to him.
What is “American cuisine” to you? What are the first things you think of when you hear those words?
To me, American cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and traditions. First thing I think of when I hear those words are classic American dishes such as burgers, fried chicken, Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, rib roast and all the fixings. I also think of dishes that are regionally popular here like New England clam chowder and lobster rolls.
What was your first experience with “American cuisine”? What’s your favorite? What’s your go-to comfort American cuisine?
My earliest memory with American cuisine was eating at McDonald's as a child, cheeseburger, fries and a Coke. To this day, this is often my late-night meal. My go to favorite is steak and sides (mac and cheese, mashed potato, creamed spinach, crispy onion rings).
What does July 4th mean to you? Favorite July 4th tradition? Favorite thing to eat on July 4th, and where to get it?
July 4th to me is a celebration of freedom. Freedom of choices that we are blessed to have. My favorite July 4th tradition revolves around spending times outdoors with good food. This year we are making lobster rolls.
Would you say your dishes are inspired/influenced by American cuisine? If so, how?
Yes, definitely. Many of the dishes are combined with American with an Asian influence. For example, deviled eggs are a classic American dish but at Tuome we coat the whites with panko to create a crispy exterior and top with a garlic chili.
Psomi, Christina Theofilos
Tampa, Florida
For chef/owner Christina Theofilos, food isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about love. With Psomi, the second-generation Greek-American combines that philosophy with her upbringing. Through a menu that marries Greek and American influences (think octopus ceviche, house-made dolmades, and baklava coffee cake), Theofilos manages to transport her childhood into the present day in delicious fashion. Keep reading below to find out how growing up in America has influenced the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2023 Young Chef Award Winner’s culinary journey.
What is “American cuisine” to you? What are the first things you think of when you hear those words?
America is the melting pot of all different cultures. To me, America's culinary landscape is defined by the immigrant people who make up our nation. Cuisines and styles of cooking are depicted by the natural resources available around you. Available resources, coupled with the American demand for specific foods and ingredients, naturally affect and recreate these traditional dishes into something new; something American.
What was your first experience with “American cuisine”? What’s your favorite? What’s your go-to comfort American cuisine?
Growing up in the kitchen with my mom, I learned that the best food happens when you cook with the ingredients around you. For me, the quality and sourcing of ingredients coupled with simple, yet thoughtful, cooking is my passion. California puts out some of the best produce i've ever eaten and each time I visit, i'm blown away by the abundance of seasonal items available year round. Freshly baked bread and well sourced produce is what I crave. Whether it's a sandwich or a salad, just give me quality and I'm happy.
What does July 4th mean to you? Favorite July 4th tradition? Favorite thing to eat on July 4th, and where to get it?
I just always want to be on the beach! Watching fireworks and relaxing with my family. My favorite place to eat is always home. Whether we are grilling some ridiculously large grass-fed tomahawk steaks or taking it easy with some burgers and brats, you'll feel the love and intention in each and every bite.
Would you say your dishes are inspired/influenced by American cuisine? If so, how?
Of course! I love being greek American with an emphasis on the American! Everything I cook is always rooted in tradition but heavily influenced by America around me.
Junoon, Akshay Bhardwaj
New York, New York
The bold Indian flavors at Junoon can be largely credited to two things. The first is goat. From the toasted brioche with goat brain to las mas (goat cooked with Mathania red chili and smoked mustard oil), the menu makes the most out of every part. The second is corporate chef Akshay Bhardwaj. Combining his passion for cooking and culinary training, Bhardwaj has crafted a menu with authentic plates that have a modern (and tasty) twist. Below, the Queen’s native describes how growing up in America has influenced his dishes.
What is “American cuisine” to you? What are the first things you think of when you hear those words?
The first things that come to mind for American cuisine is melting pot. Besides Native American food, everything else was brought over from overseas or over our original borders, whether its modern day Tex Mex, Southern Cajun comfort, hot dogs (which are originally German), or pizza that is Italian, it's hard to pinpoint the exact cuisine. We take influences like Pizza but then make our own specific styles so you can tell an American you like Chicago deep dish or a New York slice and they will understand what you mean.
What was your first experience with “American cuisine”? What’s your favorite? What’s your go-to comfort American cuisine?
Hot dogs were my first experience with American Cuisine as I grew up in New York. I remember going to the Yankees game with my father and getting a hot dog. We weren't rich by any means and sat in the nosebleeds, but I still remember the grandiose sights, smells, and sounds of Old Yankee stadium as I walked through the stadium and getting to luxuriate with a ballpark hot dog. Nowadays, a Philly Cheesesteak is my go to comfort food as it has all the best flavors you could possibly want- you cannot go wrong with melted cheese, steak, peppers, onions, on a buttery toasted bread!
What does July 4th mean to you? Favorite July 4th tradition? Favorite thing to eat on July 4th, and where to get it?
July 4th means our country took a risk and declared their independence- we should be thankful for that. In New York, this is the true start of the summer for me as the weather is beautiful and the spirits are high for everyone here. If I am not with friends and family at a picnic or pool, then I am cooking burgers for my staff at the restaurant. I enjoy asking each staff member what they want to put on their burgers as there are so many variations ranging from bacon, cheese, pickles, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, mayo, ketchup, etc. No matter where I am or who I am with, I am always the one cooking that day
Would you say your dishes are inspired/influenced by American cuisine? If so, how?
My dishes are influenced now through the "New American" cuisine movement that has an emphasis on "farm to table" and "sustainability". Restaurants are generally focussing more on healthy foods, serving more fresh fruits, vegetables, and fresh seafood. At Junoon, I make sure we purchase dairy and produce from local farms, as well as purchase seafood that is wild caught and helps the fishermen maintain their livelihoods. From there, I pair the seasonal ingredients with traditional Indian flavors and techniques.
Honeymoon Chicken, Rob Sonderman
Washington D.C.
The name Rob Sonderman is a well known one in Washington D.C. Fans of barbecue line up everyday for a taste of the mouthwatering wood-smoked meats from the co-founder and pitmaster of Bib Gourmand Federalist Pig. With Honeymoon Chicken (another Bib Gourmand), Sonderman is hoping to do the same, except this time, you guessed it, with chicken. And with items like the chicken sandwich (which could be made with waffles) and the “fancy fried chicken” (brined for 24 hours and then fried), that surely won’t be hard.
What is “American cuisine” to you? What are the first things you think of when you hear those words?
American cuisine is now a great melting pot of dishes with influence from all over the world. American “soul food” is maybe the only thing that can truly be considered American cuisine but even that is a mixture of different cultural influences. Cooking techniques and ingredients native to the Americas mixed with cooking techniques and ingredients brought over by slaves and other immigrants all over the country. To me, American cuisine is fried chicken, bbq, Mac and cheese, Cole slaw, mashed potatoes, greens and all the other classic American soul food dishes associated with the American South. But that does leave out all of the amazing food that comes from Central and South America which is different but great in its own right.
The first thing I think of is fried chicken, bbq ribs, Mac and cheese, greens, potato salad etc. basically American soul food.
What was your first experience with “American cuisine”? What’s your favorite? What’s your go-to comfort American cuisine?
Growing up in my mom's kitchen. She still makes the best Mac and cheese, grits, and black-eyed peas. My favorite US American food dishes would be hot honey-dipped fried chicken, smoked and glazed bbq pork ribs, and mac and cheese. I produce what I love and simply try to make the best version of it possible. My go-to comfort food is definitely Mac and cheese or really chili Mac which is a much more premium offering than hamburger helper.
What does July 4th mean to you? Favorite July 4th tradition? Favorite thing to eat on July 4th, and where to get it?
When I was younger it meant getting together with family and friends and spending time on the grill together. Now it means getting together with my work family and serving as much classic American food as possible so everyone else can have a great time with their family. And hopefully, I can get out to catch some fireworks after work.
I remember when I was younger, my parents would always go out and get a bucket of fried chicken and we would go down to the National Mall for a picnic to watch the fireworks. That would probably be my favorite tradition.
My favorite thing to eat on July 4th is fried chicken for sure. And there's no better place in the area than Honeymoon Chicken!
Would you say your dishes are inspired/influenced by American cuisine? If so, how?
Absolutely. From top to bottom everything we serve we’d consider classic American food with our own flair added to it. We like to take classic things, that are going to be around for a really long time, and just make a differentiated version of it.
C as in Charlie, Eric Jaeho Choi
New York, New York
What do you get when three lifelong friends come together to bring their childhood to the Big Apple? One of New York City’s hottest tables with a delicious Southern and Korean fusion menu inspired by the memories of growing up as immigrants in a foreign country. Below, chef Eric Jaeho Choi talks about how living in America has created signature dishes like the Seoul'sbury steak and Oxbone cream pasta.
What is “American cuisine” to you? What are the first things you think of when you hear those words?
As a chef, my perspective on "American cuisine" is that it represents a modern evolution and fusion of various culinary traditions. The United States, being a nation shaped by waves of diverse immigrants, has resulted in a unique culinary landscape. American cuisine reflects the blending and evolution of these diverse influences into a distinct culinary identity.
When I think of "American cuisine," American style pizzas, cheeseburgers, chicken wings, and fries often come to my mind. These dishes serve as examples of how authentic recipes and culinary traditions from different parts of the world gradually transformed and adapted to create an American interpretation.
What was your first experience with “American cuisine”? What’s your favorite? What’s your go-to comfort American cuisine?
One of my initial encounters with "American Cuisine" was likely at a McDonald's franchise in Korea. During that time, franchises like McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, KFC, and others were the primary places to experience American food in Korea. As a child, my little brother and I were fond of the Happy Meal, but for different reasons. While he was more interested in the toy, I often exchanged my toy with his cheeseburger instead.
As I grew older and moved beyond the Happy Meal phase, my preferred comfort food in American cuisine became buffalo wings served with celery and blue cheese dip. It remains a timeless favorite that never fails to satisfy my cravings.
What does July 4th mean to you? Favorite July 4th tradition? Favorite thing to eat on July 4th, and where to get it?
On the Fourth of July, I cherish the extra day off, which allows me to spend time with my friends and enjoy some drinks. Due to my parents being older first-generation immigrants from Korea, they didn't celebrate July 4th in the traditional "American way." As a result, I often gather with friends who share a similar background, and together we embrace the celebration in a manner that reflects the essence of this national holiday.
In our own unique way, we strive to commemorate July 4th in what we perceive as the quintessential American fashion. Typically, we purchase a pack of charcoal, hotdogs, burger patties, and some Budweiser, and then head out to a park. This ritual gives us a sense of participating in the true spirit of the Fourth of July.
Would you say your dishes are inspired/influenced by American cuisine? If so, how?
Absolutely, living in the USA for a significant period of time has had a profound influence on both myself and the dishes we serve at C as in Charlie. Our culinary creations reflect this fusion of cultures, showcasing a combination of Southern soul food with a touch of Korean influence. This blend extends not only to the dishes but also to my own personal experiences and growth.
Take, for example, our signature dish, the Seoul'sbury steak. It draws inspiration from both Salisbury steak, a classic American favorite, and "Tteok galbi," a traditional Korean emperor cuisine made with ground beef. We enhance the flavors with Galbi, a Korean soy marinade sauce, and serve it with a delectable Gruyere cheese grits. This amalgamation of flavors showcases the harmonious fusion of American and Korean culinary traditions.
Alta Adams, Keith Corbin and Daniel Patterson
Los Angeles, California
Alta Adams was created by Keith Corbin and Daniel Patterson with one gaol in mind: to bring people together in the community through comforting food and refreshing cocktails. The menu here is a produce-driven one, with Southern flavors and Corbin’s childhood dishes scattered throughout. Below, Corbin explains why dishes like the fried chicken (served with spicy hot sauce and caramelized sweet potatoes) or the golden-fried black-eyed pea fritters aren’t inspired by American cuisine, they are American cuisine.
What is “American cuisine” to you? What are the first things you think of when you hear those words?
We think of American cuisine as the food that started to evolve after the revolution, when people from different cultures began to create food based on ingredients grown and raised here. Today American cuisine is vast and represents a mixture of all the different kinds of people and cultures here.
What was your first experience with “American cuisine”? What’s your favorite? What’s your go-to comfort American cuisine?
I grew up eating traditional American dishes like mac and cheese and barbeque, so they will always have a place in my heart. But I don't think about comfort food as a specific dish, but as any good food made with love and enjoyed with friends and family.
What does July 4th mean to you? Favorite July 4th tradition? Favorite thing to eat on July 4th, and where to get it?
The restaurant industry is so demanding all year round that we are grateful to be able to close on the 4th, so the team spend time relaxing with their families.
Would you say your dishes are inspired/influenced by American cuisine? If so, how?
Our food is a mixture of the West African cuisine that enslaved people brought to the South, the Southern food my granny cooked for me in Watts, and my own creative interpretations, made with the best local ingredients we can find. Our food is not inspired by American cuisine, it is American cuisine.
