Chasens Famous Chili History and Recipe

History of Chasen’s Chili: Chasen’s Restaurant in Hollywood, California probably made the most famous chili.  The owner of the restaurant, Dave Chasen (1899-1973), ex-vaudeville performer, kept the Chasens Famous Chili … Continued

Tall glass of date shake topped with whipped cream and cherry

Date Shake History and Recipe

Date Milkshake is a tasty culinary creation, which is commonly made in the date-growing region, near Palm Springs, southern California.  These shakes may sound strange, but date shakes are fabulous!   … Continued

French Dip Sandwich

French Dip Sandwich Recipe and History

A French Dip Sandwich is a hot beef sandwich consisting of tender thin slices of beef layered a long white French roll that is dipped into a flavorful sauce made … Continued

Hangtown Fry

Hangtown Fry History and Recipe

Hangtown Fry could possibly be the first California cuisine.  It consists of fried breaded oysters, eggs, and fried bacon, cooked together like an omelet.   In the gold-mining camps of … Continued

Guava Chiffon Cake

Hawaiian Guava Chiffon Cake History and Recipe

The Guava Chiffon Cake can be called a fusion dessert that combines the classic California Chiffon Cake with the Hawaiian Island’s favorite fruit of guava.  Guava Chiffon Cake is a … Continued

Pacific Salmon – The Story of Pacific Salmon

The Story of Pacific Salmon “The men were astonished at the numbers of salmon in the river, mostly dying after the spawn and therefore inedible. The water was so clear … Continued

San Francisco Cioppino Dinner Menu Collage

San Francisco Cioppino Dinner – Menu and Recipes

San Francisco Cioppino Dinner Menu  San Francisco Cioppino Dinner Menu is a delicious combination of recipes from the far west region of the United States.  Cioppino is an easy-to-make dish … Continued

San Francisco Cioppino

San Francisco Cioppino History and Recipe

Cioppino (pronounced chuh-PEE-no) is considered San Francisco’s signature dish, and no trip to this West Coast city would be complete without a bowlful of this delicious Cioppino seafood stew.  Because … Continued

Smelt

Smelt History and Recipe

Eulachon, Oolichan, Candlefish, Hooligan    Photo of drawing reproduced from the Journals of Lewis and Clark (Illustration by Meriwether Lewis from American Philosophical Society)   “This evening we were visited … Continued

Stuffed Grilled Artichokes

Stuffed Grilled Artichokes Recipe

I found a recipe similar to this Stuffed Grilled Artichokes on a package of artichokes I bought at a grocery store.  I found it to be a much more flavorful … Continued