In last week’s Food Friday, I wrote about 5 Bars in Europe you should visit. Today, I will cover places which are famous for a particular dish or drink, because they invented it. If you’re going to enjoy a particular dish or drink, you might as well enjoy the authoritative version of it. Of course, many places are famous for coming up with something, yet are no longer there. So I’ve restricted myself to places that are still open, and you can visit (and eat!).
1. Bananas Foster (Brennan’s – New Orleans, LA) – Probably the most famous “This restaurant invented the dish” story, because it’s concrete. And it’s also a dish that is somewhat unique. Bananas mixed with brown sugar, rum, and set aflame on top of vanilla ice cream, it makes a spectacular show (the setting on fire is usually done tableside). Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina did some damage to the restaurant and its extensive wine collection, but it is re-opened as of June ‘06. The restaurant itself also serves a great Cajun and Creole menu. A must visit on a trip to the Crescent City. 417 Royal St New Orleans, L.A. 70130 (504) 525-9711
2. Sacher Torte (Sacher Hotel – Vienna, Austria) – While the hotel itself was started by the inventor’s grandson, the Sacher Hotel is the unchallenged headquarters of this splendid dessert. A dry chocolate torte (that the
Vieneese claim must be eaten with cream), with a thin layer of Apricot, makes this a great way to end a meal of schnitzel or other hearty Austrian fare. While sacher torte can be found in bakeries all over the city, only the hotel has access to the secret recipe. They also have a branch in Saltzburg if you are in the city of Mozart and simply MUST have torte. Hotel Sacher Wien Philharmonikerstraße 4, A-1010 Vienna, Austria
3. Cobb Salad/Caesar Salad (Chicago, IL/Tijuana, MX) – I put these two entries together because technically, you can’t eat at the originals, but they’re as close as you can possibly come. For the Cobb Salad, the story goes that the owner of the Brown Derby, in Hollywood, quickly invented it for the owner of Graumann’s Chinese Theatre. The Brown Derby no longer exists, but the popularity of the Cobb Salad got it a permanent place and fame on the menu at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. The Caesar Salad, invented at the Hotel Caesar in Tijuana, is available in the incarnation of the hotel Caesar that exists now, not the original. So, as I said, as close as you can come. 140 East Walton Place, Chicago, IL 312.787.2200/Av revolución 1079, Tijuana , Mexico
4. Woolton Pie (Savoy Hotel – London, GB) – Tossing one in here for all the vegetarians. Frederick Marquis, 1st Lord Woolton, the minister of food during World War II, is the namesake for this dish created by the hotel to satisfy rationing requirements during the war. Scarcity of meat meant more vegetable dishes. Despite not being well regarded by people, it is thought of with some nostaliga by older Britons who remember the days of rationing and the patriotism that accompanied it. Strand, London,United Kingdom WC2R 0EU T.+44 20 7836 4343
5. Singapore Sling (Raffles Hotel, Singapore, SG) – Not only can one go to the hotel where this fruity, almost tooth-bitingly sweet cocktail was invented, but the actual bar. The historic Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel was the site of the creation of the gin and grenadine laced tipple. And though the Writers’ Bar is more famous (having been the hangout of M. Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad, and Rudyard Kipling), if you’re willing to drop $24 Singaporean on the bar, you can indulge. 1 Beach Road Singapore 189673 Tel: +65 6337 1886
6. Oysters Rockefeller (Antoine’s – New Orleans, LA) – Still holding one of the great “secret” recipes, this curiously green Oyster dish was made famous almost 100 years ago. Named for the “richness” of the dish, no one is quite sure whether there is spinach in it or not, though the restaurant swears there isn’t. It’s up to the patron to judge. The restaurant itself is also the oldest family owned joint in the United States. That’s entry number 2 on this list for culinary-rich New Orleans.
7. Buffalo Wings (Anchor Bar – Buffalo, NY) – The mecca for football fans, the advertised home of the buffalo wing. Situated in downtown Buffalo, this is the perfect place to have some wings, some beer, and a bit of history before heading off to Ralph Wilson Stadium to watch the Buffalo Bills play in nearby Orchard Park. 1047 Main at North St. Buffalo, NY
8. The Hamburger (Louis Lunch – New Haven, CT) – At this small box eatery in downtown New Haven, known by locals and Yalies alike, one thing is for sure. If you don’t thoroughly enjoy the burger, the experience is sure to stick with you for a while. Cooked using a unique method, in a cast-iron stove on wire racks, even the ovens are antiques. The burger is served to you on two slices of toasted white bread, and large signs in the restaurant proclaim their ketchup-free status. In fact, asking for ketchup is likely to result in at the very least, stern looks, and at the most, ejection sans burger. 263 Crown St. New Haven, CT 06511-6611 (203) 562-5507
9. Philly Cheesesteak (Gino’s OR Pat’s – Philadelphia, PA) – The Cheesesteak obviously originates in Philadelphia, but exactly where is a matter of heated debate among residents of the city of brotherly love. Luckilly, both establishments are located quite nearby each other, so it’s up to the intrepid traveller to make up their own mind. One thing is for sure, pay attention to the ordering instructions, and for the true experience, order with Cheez Whiz. 1219 S 9th St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-5005 (215) 389-0659T
If you want true authenticity, there’s no better to go than to the source. I have left a few things off here, mainly because the restaurants/hotels where they were invented are no longer in existence (Delmonico’s in New York City). Also, many bars have a “specialty” drink they serve. One that comes to mind, (or doesn’t…) is the Moose Juice, served by Mr. Moe’s in Coconut Grove, Miami. Also in this category is the Hurricane, invented and served by Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans, a city with two appearances on the list already. However, the lone cocktail on the list has achieved wide acceptance outside the colonial era Raffles Hotel. Also, La Bodeguita del Medio and La Floridita, both in Old Havana have been closely associated with the Mojito and the Daiquiri, but those drinks were likely invented elsewhere. (Some Cuban basement…)
Have you been to any other places that claim to be the home of a specific dish or drink?
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Photo Credits (vidalia_11/wenzday01/SoniaT 360)
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As a huge fan of New Orleans, I’m glad to see you recognized two of its institutions on this list! Food is such a huge part of its culture and character (and of course, if you’re going to mention alcoholic drinks, the Hurricane is a must). The pina colada has semi-contentious origins, at least when its comes to specific location and date, but it undisbutably hales from Puerto Rico. I discovered this while walking down a narrow, crooked cobble stone street in the San Juan historic district and spotted a massive plaque outside Barrachina, which claims to have created it in 1963, although there are earlier references in history to a drink with the same recipe (or so says wikipedia, and I’m inclined to agree. 1963 seems late for this drink). I have to say I wasn’t a fan of my burger at The Hamburger, most likely because I tend to smother my burgers in ketchup and that clearly wasn’t an option.
I understand its popular but I am still disgusted by seeing Cheez Wiz on a true Philly Cheesesteak. American or provolone are the best options in my opinion. Ketchup is a must on my cheesesteak, luckily it is not usually frowned upon. Your section about Lou’s lunch is very true, having gone there a few times I can tell you it isn’t wise to even mention ketchup inside that building(or trailer). The walls are lined with hand drawn ketchup bottles covered by a circle and line making it clear that there will be no ketchup under that roof. Surprisingly we found no need for condiments anyways. The burger has flavor and is plenty moist, there is no need to smother it in anything. I would recommend getting some friend onions if you MUST have some kind of topping. If your lucky enough to get a seat, or if you find a piece of wall be sure to have a pen handy, almost every inch of wood is covered with names people have carved in while waiting for their burger over the years. Lou’s Lunch is a must if your going to be in the New Haven area even for just a few hours, if you have time for two or more meals, BAR right across the street has fabulous New Haven pizza, and they make their own beer. Personally I find their pizza better then Pepe’s, its never as busy there, and if you go late the entire place converts to a club.
Great comments, thanks all. There’s something about being in the place where they make something the best, because they started making it.
[...] Also in the food area, I’m going to have a chance to go to the Raffles Hotel and sample the Singapore Sling that I wrote about in 9 places where you can eat and drink the original. [...]