Nothing starts the day quite like a plate of steaming pancakes or spicy chilaquiles, but every state has its own unique way of doing breakfast. We found the most iconic breakfast foods in every state, based on local favorites and dishes invented or popularized there.
Abingdon is easy to access just off Interstate 81. This little town has many charms-from its 20-block historic district to the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail. Add to that a thriving creative community, exceptional dining at The Tavern (the state's oldest bar), and homey accommodations, and you have a pretty darn close to perfect Blue Ridge Mountain getaway destination.
It's a standard trope in portrayals of assimilated Jews to open with a scene built around a Christmas tree. That's how Tom Stoppard's " Leopoldstadt" and Alfred Uhry's " Last Night of Ballyhoo" begin, and also Ian Buruma's memoir about his grandparents, " Their Promised Land." The idea is, as soon as you show that, you've got the audience's full attention, especially if it's a Jewish audience, because it's so peculiar.
Texas Roadhouse was founded by Louisville resident Kent Taylor, an industry lifer, having bounded around working and managing at chains like Bennigan's, KFC, and Hooter's. But Taylor was a restless employee who was constantly looking to experiment and eventually started opening his own spots.
Maybe we ran into an old acquaintance at the supermarket and said "Let's catch up sometime" or told our friends we would "check out" the boring-sounding show they spent the past five minutes recommending? That's what country-music superstar Jelly Roll appeared to do after the Grammys last week when, in response to a question about the state of the country, he said he had "a lot to say"
Jenna is a Senior Digital Editor at Southern Living. She has worked on the digital team for nearly 10 years. She joined the team as a Digital Production Assistant in 2014 and has helped the brand grow its digital presence ever since. She writes, produces, and assigns content with a focus on email growth. She also ensures that new content is optimized using SEO best practices and helps use search potential to pitch new content ideas.
Sunday roast at six o'clock sharp. The smell of gravy wafting from the kitchen. Everyone seated around the same table, no exceptions. The clatter of cutlery on proper plates, not a phone in sight. If you grew up in a boomer household, this scene probably triggers some serious nostalgia. But describe it to today's kids, and they'd look at you like you're describing life on another planet.
I'm chowing down on a mini King Cake, my breakfast. It's a braided cinnamon Danish sprinkled with purple, green, and gold edible glitter, with a cream cheese filling and a little plastic baby perched astride. The baby represents the infant Jesus and is said to bring luck (and an obligation to host the next fête, if he shows up in your slice.)
Many of the great wonders of the world, from iconic buildings to national parks, are preserved and open to the public, but some are tucked away on private land where only a few can enjoy them. One such wonder-a natural spring-fed lake just an hour north of New Orleans-opened to the public for the first time last summer, giving Louisianans and visitors access to a surreal, bright-blue lake lined with white sand beaches.
"Today, another kind of treasure typically lures travelers to Franklin, though, one found among the trails, waterfalls, and scenic byways of the community. Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, and a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Franklin is closely tied to the Appalachian Trail, and became the first designated Appalachian Trail Community in 2010, welcoming travelers with open arms."
Sonic seasoning is the phenomenon where specific musical elements: tempo, pitch, instrumentation: can influence how our brains perceive the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. High-pitched tones can make dishes taste sweeter. Bass-heavy tracks can enhance umami and savory notes. Even the crunch sounds we hear while eating can make food seem fresher and crispier. It's not just about mood: it's about fundamentally altering taste perception through sound.
There's something to be said about the appeal of chain restaurants. In theory, customers can walk into any location and get much the same experience. There's nothing wrong with that, especially considering some chains take quality seriously. Chain barbecue restaurants are fewer and farther between than, say, steakhouse chains, and that's because of some unique challenges, including the differences between beloved regional styles. However, the one thing that unites great barbecue is the need for great sides - which is why we're here.
A truly good steak means sourcing high-quality meats that are handled, aged, and then cooked perfectly. Add in attention to sides, expertise in wine pairings, and it's easy to see how things might be better left to the professionals. Many of the best steakhouses across the U.S. are independently owned and operated, but we'd like to shine the spotlight on smaller, regional chains that are doing everything right, too.
"We just always believed that barbecue was a part of our culture, going all the way back in history," Cedric explained. And Anthony put it even more personally: "When you go to a barbecue, no matter where you go, it's like a family reunion. You've got the spades, you've got the dominoes, you've got the good music, you've got the great food, you've got the great camaraderie, you have family around you, and that's what this business is for us."
If you want to dine like it's 1899, look no further than these historic restaurants. From 17th-century taverns to classic dining cars, historic restaurants with enduring legacies are scattered across the United States, each with its own rich history. Business Insider identified the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the country - some dating back to before the US was founded - where diners can still enjoy historic charm and classic comfort foods, such as turkey dinners and burgers.
The Grand Tasting is the best value. For $69 per person, guests may select three sample-sized entrees, and their choice of white or red wine (my server allowed me to swap out my drink for a nonalcoholic hibiscus lemonade). While servings are smaller than those offered a la carte, each portion is still quite hefty. The New Orleans gumbo yakamein ($39) suited the cold Chicago day I visited.
At first glance, Buck & Johnny's, a restaurant just outside Lafayette, Louisiana, looks unremarkable: a warehouse-like space with exposed brick, a large dance floor, and walls decorated with football helmets and old oil company signs. Then, a five-piece band strikes up in the corner. Louisiana zydeco rolls across the room, driven by accordion and the full-body washboard frottoir (a percussion instrument). Couples of all ages gravitate to the dance floor, stepping, spinning, and swaying with varying degrees of confidence.
