Italian cafes and restaurants are a mainstay of many communities across the United States. Cozy trattorias, pizza parlors, and gourmet restaurants can now be found in cities from coast to coast, attracting locals and tourists who want authentic Italian flavors. But when did this trend start? And when did Italian restaurants influence the collective tastes of the American public?
Early history
Italian food runs the gamut from pizza to pasta, lasagna to ice cream, with thousands of Italian restaurants across the country. Usually found in major metropolises like New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, and Chicago, Italian restaurants many only serve Italian fare to guests or combine ingredients with foods from other countries or local dishes. So, when did this practice start? Well, Italian food was brought to the United States at the end of the 19th century. As Italian immigrants started to settle in major cities, from New York City and then onwards to cities in the West, they introduced their cooking methods and flavors to local residents, with Italian food becoming very popular quickly. An early dish that was introduced during this period is called Chicken Tetrazzini, named after the opera singer Luisa Tetrazziini. This sandwich, which was created in New Orleans, was created for Italian workers. Other popular examples of Italian-American foods, which are still popular today, include Philly cheese steak.
20th Century
After the Second World War, soldiers who returned to the United States from Italy brought additional recipes and ingredients, with many dishes introduced around this time still popular today. Soon, Italian food became a staple of the American diet, wth food such as salami, pizza and sun dried tomatoes garnering a loyal legion of foodies. Some communities had not one, or two, but several Italian restaurants. These eateries were characterized for their warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests could mingle with other diners and talk about the important topics of the day. Soon, Italian restaurants began to increase in size and offer more menu items.
Today
Some of the best Italian restaurants today can be found in communities across the United States, and Italian food is available in supermarkets in towns and cities. There is a general appreciation for this cuisine across the country and Italian restaurants now share characteristics similar to eateries in the “motherland.” Some restaurants might incorporate outdoor seating or a garden space, just like trattorias in Venice or Rome. They might also serve alcohol. Recently, there has been a trend for chefs to use more authentic Italian ingredients, including the methods used by the first Italian immigrants who came to the United States.
Coffee and wine culture
Another influence of Italian food on Amerian culture has been the rise of the coffee shop. Both independent, local coffee shops and big name brands offer Italian coffee drinks such as espresso, a trend that has spread across the country. Italian wine has also proved successful, something that has remained popular in the United States for centuries. The first Italian wines were brought to the country in the 1700s, and, today, there are a plethora of wine varieties available, including light and full-bodied wines.