 Its origins, according to historians, are firmly rooted in American soil. The first Father’s Day was honoured as early as 1908, in West Virginia. This was followed by celebrations in Spokane, Washington, on 19th June 1910. In 1924, President Coolidge, no less, publicly supported the notion of a national Father’s Day. Finally, in recognition of the ever-increasing role played by modern-day fathers on the domestic front, President Johnson, in 1996, officially declared the 3rd Sunday in June as Father’s Day. As with most popular ideas, from across the pond, we Brits were soon to cotton on.
So, what better way to celebrate Father’s Day than to treat the long-suffering fathers in your life to a slap-up meal, American-style? You just can’t go wrong with American cuisine; it offers huge diversity, from sophistication to blatant comfort food. In the words of the writer, Sherrie Deatherage-Green: “Hard to define, but easy to love, American cuisine takes on various personalities…defining American cuisine is as difficult as pigeonholing its citizenry”. Here are just a few examples of the many different styles of American cuisine:
Californian: Synonymous with fusion cooking, Californian cuisine is marked by its use of health promoting, fresh ingredients, prepared in interesting combinations.
Euro-Asian: Mainly innovative fusion style cooking, Euro-Asian cuisine also draws on traditional European influences.
Suburban: This no-frills style cooking has a touch of pre-packaged, fast food about it, but it also offers quality and value for money.
Midwestern: Simple, traditional American comfort food, typically served in family- style restaurants.
New England: New England cuisine is characterised by wide use of seafood and dairy products.
Puerto Rican: Mildly spicy, yet well seasoned, American Puerto Rican cuisine draws on Spanish and Mexican influences.
Southern US: A distinct style of cooking that draws on Afro-American influences and can be subdivided into three broad categories: Cajun cooking has rustic French influences and is characterised by the simplicity of its ingredients and methods of preparation. Creole offers a combination of French, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean, African and American influences. Soul food makes the most of inexpensive, local ingredients and simple preparation methods.
Tex-Mex: Spicy, fiery blend of north Mexican and Texan cuisine prepared to please the Western palate.
American-Chinese: Far removed from authentic Chinese cooking, American-Chinese cuisine has been adapted to suit western taste buds.
Now the theory’s all well and good, but where does it leave us when choosing an American-style restaurant to celebrate Father’s Day. At the risk of omission, therefore, I shall lay my neck on the proverbial chopping block and list a few of London’s very tempting options. Why not celebrate Father’s Day American in style at:
Arkansas Café, 107b Commercial Street, Brushfield Street Entrance, Old Spitalfields Market, London, E16 AA: a traditional American grill that serves barbecue-style foods in generous portions. Leave room for a slice of the delicious pecan pie – a must!
Big Easy, 332/334 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UR: authentic American cuisine to suit all tastes; superb seafood and vegetarian options.
Biguns Ribs, 2 Warwick Way, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1RU: a modern eaterie with a fine reputation for American-style cuisine with Mediterranean influences.
Cactus Blue, 86 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6HR: the dramatic décor reflects the eclectic nature and wide-ranging menu of this upmarket South West American-style restaurant and bar; sophistication is key.
Eds Easy Diner (Kings Road), 362 Kings Road, London, SW3 5UZ:
Eds Easy Diner (Moor Street), 12 Moor Street, London, W1V 5LH:
Eds Easy Diner (Rupert Street), 19 Rupert Street, London, W1V 7HN:
Eds - the original 1950s American-style diner that offers great ambience, value and quality – what more could you ask for?
Hard Rock Café, 150 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 1QZ: cram-packed with rock memorabilia and tempting American fodder to please the whole family.
Hugo’s, 51 Princes Gate, Exhibition Road, LONDON, SW7 2PH: a delightful café-restaurant renowned for its impressive brunch menu, and more.
Old Orleans (Ealing), 26/42 Bond Street, Ealing, London, W5 5AA:
Old Orleans (Enfield), 202 Southbury Road, Enfield, EN1 1UY:
Old Orleans (Swiss Cottage), 255 Finchley Road, London, NW3 6LU:
Old Orleans Restaurants and Cocktail Bars capture the best New Orleans culinary influences in an up-beat environment.
Planet Hollywood, 13 Coventry Street, Leicester Square W1 D7DH:
Sums up all things good about traditional and modern American cooking, Planet Hollywood offers more than a meal; it offers the authentic American experience.
TGI Friday’s, 25/29 Coventry Street, London, W1D 7AG:
This American-style establishment is renowned for its lengthy list of inventive cocktails, as well as its wide range of traditional American dishes.
TGI Friday’s (Covent Garden), 6 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9HZ: great atmosphere, eclectic menu serving quality, American cuisine.
Enjoy!
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