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california today
Almonds, burritos, sourdough, Dungeness crab - the options are many.
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go throughSumia Karamangra
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On a recent drive south from Fresno, I passed through the townselmaProudly proclaiming itself the Raisin Capital of the World, its logo is a plump bunch of purple grapes on a globe. located nearbyThe world's largest raisin box, a roadside tourist attraction and a neighborhood that literally means Raisin City.
He knows Gilroy and garlic,Castroville and Artichokes, Oxnard And Strawberries. This is another crop that has left a unique cultural legacy in California. It got me thinking about how we define which foods are quintessentially California given the spread and diversity of our state, and prompted me to ask her for help choosing a typical state food. (Although California has a state flower, a state reptile, and a state rock, legislators haveHe avoids official foods.)
Well, after hundreds of emails, here are the results.
More of you suggest avocados than any other food. California is the largest producer of fruit in the U.S., especially the creamy Hass avocado.invented in los angeles county.
You might not think of avocados as a food in and of itself, but my 5th grade teacher in Southern California ate one by the spoonful every day for lunch. As one reader, Regan Davis, put it, "Almost everything with the word 'California' in it contains avocados."
Even closer are the tacos and burritos, which have Mexican roots, affordable prices, regional flavors (think San Diego fish tacos and San Francisco mission burritos), and the ease with which they serve for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a satisfying meal. The magical power of snacks. Yum.
Other honorable mentions: San Francisco Sourdough, Almonds, In-N-Out Burger, Dungeness Crab, Napa Valley Wine,acorn meal, the Santa María three-point sumJoe Pino.(Unfortunately, no one ever wrote about raisins.)
Today, I'm going to share some of your thoughts, lightly edited for clarity, on why you feel certain foods scream California:
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“While they've only recently appeared on restaurant menus in Northern and Southern California, California moms have introducedAvocado ToastTheir children are at least a century old. Avocado slices on salted sourdough toast was a common breakfast in my house in the 1950s. My parents grew up eating it, and I'm happy to introduce it to my own children and grandchildren. "—Ellen Robinson-Haynes, Sacramento
"The quintessential Californian food I crave more than any other food in the world isCalifornia Burrito.The combination of homemade flour tortillas, delicious steak and guacamole chips is amazing. I can't find them in NYC where I live now, and I have to at least have some when I get back to California. I even had my mom freeze them and send them to me from San Diego when the time passed. "—Tony Baez, New York
"My childhood in California includedartichoke, steamed to perfection, the leaves dipped in melted butter, scraped clean, and discarded into a communal container. Years later, when I lived in NYC, I was in a nearby grocery store and saw someone pick up an artichoke and turn it side to side. I told him to trim, steam, dip, scrape, and clean the heart necklace. "What's wrong with this?" he asked, picking up a dark gray, blistered artichoke. "That one," I said, "was the best; he was kissed by the fog, so you know he grew up on the California coast." —Janet Galen, Menlo Park
"I have aITS-IT Ice Cream Sandwiches Every day in high school, and when I went to college in Connecticut, I realized for the first time that not all of the country had the same food and this particular treat. It's still one of my favorite desserts. "-Megan Imrie, Valle de Portola
“Your invitation to identify quintessential California food leads me to the following:Dungeness Crab, my mom's special sauce, mayonnaise mixed with ketchup, served with San Francisco sourdough bread and butter. Vegetables are not necessary. Our family has been looking forward to the start of crab season. We've been eating here for as long as I can remember, and now that I'm 69, we plan to continue eating for the next 30 or so years. "—Nancy Baldwin, Elk Grove
"The distinct smellsheThis is pure California. I couldn't finish garlic fries at a Giants baseball game without buying a basket! "—Bob Weisend, Saratoga
"There's nothing like California for meapricot.We grew up in Salinas with two almond trees in our backyard. The fruit was ripe, we devoured the juicy balls, and my mother made apricot jam, apricot jam, and apricot tart. Dried California apricots are richer than sweet, keeping us kids happy during the long gaps between fresh apricot seasons. "-Paula Ball, Roseburg, Oregon.
“I lived in Morro Bay a few years ago and ate the local oysters and watched the sun set over the bay behind the cliffs. Our server complained that she had too much MaduroavocadoBecause local farmers regularly come to give them to the staff. California is the only state where servers tip the table in the form of ripe avocados from the farm on the hill behind you. Never in my life have I left a restaurant so satisfied. "-Talia E. Mobley, Brookhaven, Nueva York
Just for:
Why California?There is no official national food yet.
How California ended up with so many farmers markets. (It's not easy.)
your favorite fast foodHe might be from California.
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rest of the news
Kennedy campaign:More than half a century later, as her father seeks the White House to end a disastrous Vietnam War and save the country from racial conflict,Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,who live in the Los Angeles area, the presidential campaign announced Wednesday.
Letter to Governor:Michael Weinstein, a powerful nonprofit executive,$2 per signature paid for draft letter to Governor Gavin NewsomCalls to lower housing costs in California, Politico reports.
Night bus:More than 50 years ago, an overnight train connected Los Angeles and San Francisco,A startup wants to restore serviceAccording to the Los Angeles Times.
southeastern california
Police suspension:LAPD officer suspended for 10 days without payIn connection with the incident in 2021 when the department's bomb squad detonated a pack of fireworksAccording to the Los Angeles Times, it damaged a block in South Los Angeles.
compensation:Black and Mexican American Families Displaced from Palm Springs Neighborhoods in the 1960sThey are seeking $2.3 billion from the city, Information Associated Press.
central california
air quality:Although Fresno's air quality improved last year, the city continues to improveOne of the most polluted areas in the country, Information Fresno Bee.
Northern California
Auckland teachers strike:Parents launched a community petition.Strike threat against Auckland Education Association, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, believed the shutdown would hurt students.
baseball:A group of Oakland A's fans came up with a new boycott plan: Pack the stadium at midweek games in June to show management, not fans,has left the team.
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What shall we eat
Bittersweet Chocolate Almondssoftmed macron cookie crumbs。
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where we travel
Today's tip comes from Felton resident Laurie Twilight:
"One of my favorite places is theAnza Borrego Desert State Parkin Southern California. It is the largest state park in California and the second largest in the United States. The blooming desert is wild and spectacular. My favorite cactus is the opuntillo, there are hundreds of species. When in bloom, this cactus bears long, finger-shaped red flowers on its prickly, sky-high branches, 8 to 20 feet tall, in various angles and twists. Seeing them scattered across the desert floor gave me a sense of freedom or joy, like acceptance with open arms. "
(Video) Think Before You Eat - How Your Food Choices Can Save the Environment
Tell us about your favorite places to visit in California.Email your suggestions toCAtoday@nytimes.com.We'll share more in future newsletters.
Dinosaur
After a rainy winter, spring has arrived in California. Tell us about your favorite part of the season, whether it's a road trip, a festival, a sunny afternoon, or wildflower viewing.
send email toCAToday@nytimes.com, and include your name and the city where you live.
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Before you go, there is good news
In keeping with today's food theme, Eater has just released a very comprehensive andAn entertaining guide to the best burritos in California., which the outlet called "a celebration of the traditional and genre-bending form of the burrito in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego."
As Eater Los Angeles editor Matthew Kang writes, "Take back the foil and dig deeper."
Thanks for reading. come back tomorrow. — Sumia
PS hereToday's Mini Crossword.
Briana Scalia, Isabella Grullón Paz and Bernard Mokam contributed to California Today. You can contact the team byCAtoday@nytimes.com.
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FAQs
This is his choice of California food? ›
California. The Golden State unconventionally declared four different nuts as its official state food, but almonds are the obvious choice. The state produces 80 percent of the world's crops!
What is California's most known food? ›- Hollywood – Cobb Salad. ...
- Santa Barbara (Hidden Valley) Ranch Dressing. ...
- Santa Maria – Santa Maria Tri Tip. ...
- Gilroy – Garlic-Stuffed Sourdough Bread. ...
- San Francisco Bay Area – Cioppino. ...
- Oakland – Popsicles. ...
- Lodi – Grilled Pork Chop and Cherry Sauce. ...
- Placerville/El Dorado – Hangtown Fry.
California. The Golden State unconventionally declared four different nuts as its official state food, but almonds are the obvious choice. The state produces 80 percent of the world's crops!
What does California style mean for food? ›In essence, California cuisine is characterized by a reverence to fresh, simple preparation, and the use of local and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. But there's more to it than that. California cuisine is also characterized by an element of fusion, employing cooking techniques from other cultures.
Whose concept is California cuisine? ›Pioneered by Alice Waters and her collaborators, notably Jeremiah Tower, at Chez Panisse in the 1970s, this style of cooking emphasized first and foremost respecting the beautiful ingredients produced by farmers in the Golden State.
Does California have a special food? ›From fresh oysters and creamy clam chowder to avocado toast and garlic ice cream, there's no shortage of unique delicacies to try in the Golden State.
What food can you only get in California? ›- 2 – French Dip Sandwich.
- 3 – The Mission Burrito.
- 4 – Korean Tacos.
- 5 – Cioppino.
- 6 – California-Style Burrito.
- 7 – Fish Tacos.
- 8 – California-Style Pizza.
- 9 – American-Style Sushi.
- Martini (Martinez) ...
- Mai Tai Cocktail (Emeryville) ...
- Popsicle (Oakland) ...
- Cioppino (San Francisco) ...
- Jack Cheese (Pacifica) ...
- Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing (Santa Barbara) ...
- Cheeseburger (Pasadena) ...
- California Roll (Los Angeles)
With sun, sand, surf, and mountains, the West Coast state of California is known for its many attractions that lure travelers year-round. From famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood sign, to the Golden State's rich outdoor opportunities, this eclectic state makes for a well-rounded vacation.
What seafood is California known for? ›Famous for its' Dungeness crab, Cioppino and local oysters, San Francisco or “The City by the Bay” as it is affectionately known, has some of the best seafood the West Coast has to offer.
What is a California menu? ›
Food service operations may have separate menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A menu that has all three meals available all day and are listed on the same menu. What is a California menu? Every food and beverage item is priced and ordered separately.
Why is California food so good? ›The quality of the food prepared will always be influenced by the environment in which the ingredients are grown. Climates in California range from Mediterranean to temperate to tropical to arid desert to alpine in the mountains; the state is home to one of the most diverse ecologies in the world.
Who is the godfather of California cuisine? ›Jonathan Waxman is an American chef who was one of the pioneers of California cuisine and is credited with being the first to bring its style, fusing French cooking techniques with the freshest local ingredients, to New York.
What is California culture? ›The culture of California is tied to the culture of the United States as a whole. However, there are features that are unique to California. With roots in the cultures of Spain, Asia, Mexico, and the eastern United States, California integrates foods, languages and traditions from all over the world.
What is the most common snack in California? ›...
Introduction.
State | Most Popular Snack by State |
---|---|
Alaska | Fritos |
Arizona | Cheetos |
Arkansas | Doritos |
California | Cheetos |
Tacos with their diverse flavours remain a go-to option in Los Angeles and rightly be called as the king of LA street foods. So, head out to many of the food trucks and street vendors offering Tacos at their shop to enjoy a delicious and juicy salsa filling inside homemade tortilla wraps.
Is LA a foodie city? ›A pioneer in California cuisine and fast-casual fare, the city excels at everything from street food to seafood to a vast array of cuisines from around the globe. L.A.'s culinary chops were on full display in Michelin's first-ever all-California restaurant guide, released earlier this summer.
What is the most famous food in the world? ›Italian pizza
Italian pizza is probably the most famous food in the World. Pizza has crossed the borders of Italy a long time ago and nowadays it is consumed all over the world. Pizza is the topmost-liked food in the world. Today you can find pizza in almost every corner of the world.
- Glen Ellen.
- Sausalito. ...
- Bodega Bay. ...
- Solvang. ...
- Sebastopol. via Flickr. ...
- Santa Ynez Valley. Photo by pfly/Flickr. ...
- Ojai. Photo by Ken Lund/Flickr. ...
- Mendocino. Just three hours from Sacramento, Mendocino County is a perfect one-day getaway. ...
In contrast with Tex-Mex, Cal-Mex, a fusion of California cuisine and traditional Mexican cooking, is known for fresh and seasonal ingredients, lighter proteins and plant-forward dishes, as well as new takes on Mexican regional dishes like tacos gobernadores, tlayudas and alambres.
Why do people prefer California? ›
Opportunity, adventure, and pleasant weather are some of the many appeals of the Golden State. You can search high (Mount Whitney is the highest point in the 48 contiguous states) and low (Death Valley has North America's lowest elevation) and truly find something for everyone in California.
Where in California is popular? ›Los Angeles is the most visited city in California. Tourists visit the city to see Hollywood and explore the downtown Los Angeles attractions and world-famous restaurants.
What is the California fish called? ›State Fish: The golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita) is native only to California and was named the official state fish by act of the State Legislature in 1947.
What are 3 popular seafood? ›Shrimp, tuna, clams—the most popular seafood items in the United States are familiar names to both seafood lovers and the occasional consumer.
What fish is native to California? ›Common Name | Scientific Name |
---|---|
California Golden Trout | Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita |
Little Kern Golden Trout | Oncorhynchus mykiss whitel |
Kern River Rainbow Trout | Oncorhynchus mykiss gilberti |
Sacramento Redband Trout | Oncorhynchus mykiss stonei |
Nearly one million Californians, 45 percent of whom are low-income, live without access to nearby supermarkets or large grocery stores in communities known as “food deserts.”4 As defined by the United States Department of Agriculture, food deserts are places with large proportions of households with low incomes, ...
What food is Northern California known for? ›Northern California is known for its clam chowder, a creamy stew that includes clams and other ingredients such as potatoes and onions. The stew is typically wrapped in sourdough bread and eaten this way by people in the state of California.
What are the 5 different menus? ›What Are The Five Types of Menus? The five types of menus most commonly used are a la carte menus, static menus, du jour menus, cycle menus, and fixed menus.
Are there food cities in California? ›Here are the top 10 overall Best Foodie Cities in America:
San Francisco, California. Austin, Texas. Sacramento, California.
It is the third most populated megalopolis in the United States, after the Great Lakes Megalopolis and the Northeast Megalopolis. Much of Southern California is famous for its large, spread-out, suburban communities and use of automobiles and highways.
What is the southern tip of California? ›
...
Imperial Beach, California | |
---|---|
Website | www.imperialbeachca.gov |
California's Top 10 Agricultural Commodities
Dairy Products, Milk — $7.57 billion. Grapes — $5.23 billion. Almonds — $5.03 billion. Cattle and Calves — $3.11 billion.
What do dried strawberries, cilantro, thyme, tarragon and lemon zest have in common? They're all ingredients in our signature gourmet seasoning blend known as the Taste of California. This savory mix of herbs, fruits and spices launches a veritable orchestra of flavors in your mouth. We're not kidding.
Why is food so expensive in California? ›High Demand And Low Supply For Groceries
It's not just the number of mouths to feed that makes groceries so expensive in California; it's also the fact that many people who live here have more money to spend on food than their counterparts in other states.
The kitchen deity – also known as the Stove God, named Zao Jun, Zao Shen, Zao kimjah, Cokimjah or Zhang Lang – is the most important of a plethora of Chinese domestic gods that protect the hearth and family. The Kitchen God is recognized in Chinese folk religion, Chinese mythology, and Taoism.
Who invented La Grande cuisine? ›Antonin Carême | |
---|---|
Carême, by Charles de Steuben | |
Born | Marie-Antoine Carême 8 June 1783 or 1784 Paris |
Died | 12 January 1833 Paris |
Occupation(s) | Chef and author |
Founder of the Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, California, Alice Waters is considered by many to be the originator of “California Cuisine.” Her philosophy of using only fresh, locally grown organic ingredients and her advocacy of sustainable agriculture has made her one of America's most influential chefs.
What foods are exclusive to California? ›- Avocado Toast. While the origin of avocado toast is a controversial topic, there is no doubt it's popular in California. ...
- California-Style Pizza. ...
- California Sushi Roll. ...
- Cheeseburger. ...
- Cobb Salad.
- Tomatoes.
- Peppers.
- Squash.
- Cucumbers.
- Carrots.
- Beans.
- Lettuce.
- Sweet corn.
Grapes — $5.23 billion. Almonds — $5.03 billion. Cattle and Calves — $3.11 billion.
What is California's favorite junk food? ›
According to a list compiled by Eat This Not That, the most popular junk food snack in the entire state is Cheetos.
What is the popular junk food in California? ›According to Eat This, Not That!, the most popular junk food in California is Cheetos! Other popular junk foods on the list were Ruffles, doughnuts, popcorn, candy bars, Sout Patch Kids, Pringles, and Oreos.
What made California so famous? ›With millions of acres of farmland, California leads the United States in agricultural production. The state is also home to famous cultural institutions and national parks including Hollywood, Disneyland, Yosemite National Park, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.
What is California unique for? ›With sun, sand, surf, and mountains, the West Coast state of California is known for its many attractions that lure travelers year-round. From famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood sign, to the Golden State's rich outdoor opportunities, this eclectic state makes for a well-rounded vacation.
What is special to California? ›California is known for its thrilling theme parks, quality cuisine and wine, SUNNY beaches and VAST natIONAL PARKS. California is a large, diverse state in the western United States. With so many things to see and do, it can be difficult to decide what you want to explore first.