Eating Up Route 66: A Delicious Journey Through America’s Heartland
A Road Trip For Your Taste Buds
If you are a fan of road trips and good food, Eating Up Route 66: A Delicious Journey Through America’s Heartland is the perfect book for you. The book, written by Michael Wallis and Suzanne Fitzgerald Wallis, takes you on a culinary journey along the famous Route 66. From Chicago to Santa Monica, the authors explore the history and culture of the towns and cities along the way, while also highlighting the unique and delicious foods that each has to offer.
The History of Route 66
Before diving into the food, the authors provide an interesting and informative history of Route 66. The highway, which was established in 1926, connected the eastern and western parts of the United States and became an important route for both commerce and tourism. However, due to the construction of the Interstate Highway System, Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985. The book explores how the highway has become a symbol of American culture and nostalgia, and how it continues to attract tourists from around the world.
The Food Along Route 66
One of the highlights of Eating Up Route 66 is the wide variety of foods that are featured throughout the book. The authors highlight classic dishes such as Tex-Mex, barbecue, and fried chicken, but also explore lesser-known regional specialties like Ozark pudding, Navajo fry bread, and green chile cheeseburgers. Each chapter of the book is dedicated to a different state along the Route 66, and the authors provide a list of restaurants and food stops that they visited and recommend.
Illinois
The journey begins in Chicago, Illinois, where the authors visit Lou Mitchell’s, a diner that has been serving breakfast since 1923. They also stop at Cozy Dog Drive-In, a restaurant in Springfield that claims to have invented the corn dog.
Oklahoma
As they make their way through Oklahoma, the authors explore the state’s rich Native American history and try dishes like Indian tacos and fry bread. They also visit some classic Route 66 diners like Pop’s Soda Ranch and the Rock Café.
Arizona
In Arizona, the authors taste the famous green chile cheeseburger at Sparky’s in Hatch and visit the historic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico. They also explore the Grand Canyon and the historic mining town of Oatman.
California
The journey ends in Santa Monica, California, where the authors visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier and try some classic California cuisine like fish tacos and avocado toast.
Conclusion
Eating Up Route 66: A Delicious Journey Through America’s Heartland is a must-read for anyone who loves food, history, or road trips. The book is filled with interesting stories, mouth-watering recipes, and beautiful photographs. Whether you plan to take a trip along Route 66 or simply want to explore the unique and delicious foods of America’s heartland, this book is the perfect guide.
