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The Facts About
Victor Valley Food
California Cuisine: It’s Only Natural
Considering California is one of the top produce growers in the United States‚ it’s not surprising California cuisine tends to incorporate fresh ingredients grown in its own back yard. Farmers’ markets are prevalent‚ and avocadoes‚ artichokes‚ fresh figs and dates‚ persimmons‚ sprouts and citrus are some of the state’s best-known products. In fact‚ California boasts cities that claim to be the artichoke‚ date‚ garlic and raisin capitals of the world. Also known for producing great wine‚ California is home to Sonoma and Napa‚ two of the most renowned wine regions in the country.
Well-known chefs such as Alice Waters and Wolfgang Puck have helped pioneer California cuisine. Waters’ restaurant‚ Chez Panisse‚ opened in 1971 in Berkeley and changes its menu daily to capitalize on seasonal ingredients from area farmers’ markets and ranches. Puck is known for blending fresh local ingredients with European culinary techniques and owns a selection of restaurants‚ including the Wolfgang Puck Express and Wolfgang Puck Café chains.
Because California has long attracted immigrants from Asia‚ the Pacific Islands and Central and South America‚ its cuisine has strong international influences. Americans’ love for sushi is said to have started in California‚ and traditional Mexican‚ Honduran and Salvadoran foods are commonplace. Burritos are popular across the state and are typically stuffed with beef or chicken‚ beans‚ rice‚ guacamole‚ lettuce‚ cheese and pico de gallo. Taquerias‚ or taco shops‚ are also widespread‚ as are pupusarias‚ food stands that sell pupusas‚ or stuffed tortillas from El Salvador. One of California’s signature dishes is the Cobb salad‚ a mix of avocado‚ watercress‚ romaine‚ tomato‚ chicken breast‚ hard-boiled egg‚ bacon‚ cheese and French dressing.
Fast food chains such as Taco Bell‚ Jack-in-the-Box and Fatburger originated in California.
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