Emerging and Evolving Food in America

America is in the middle of the Asian “culinary mega-trend of our time” according to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). The school recently held a three-day conference called: “The Rise of Asia.” It was at its California Wine Country campus and had as a goal to celebrate and explore how formerly exotic cuisines of Asia have taken over mainstream America. Today, Western chefs are expected to know traditional Chinese food, whether from a street hawker or the table of a Chinese banquet. They take Chinese food traditions and reinvent them at the country’s most upscale restaurants. Interest in health and wellness has contributed to more consumption of Chinese food, because of its fresh produce and dishes targeted at those wanting more organic food and better health. The CIA’s Greg Dresher, executive director of strategic initiatives, pointed out the increasing influence of Asians in America as another reason why interest in Asian food is growing. More than twelve million are Asians and Asian Americans, representing a 63% increase from 1990. Of these, about two and a half million are Chinese. Today, Asian Americans have the highest college degree attainment rate, are the highest percentage of recipients of an advanced degree, and have the highest rate of employment in a “high skill” occupation. – “ Flavor & Fortune