The Mid-Atlantic region, with its mild climate, abundance of river valleys with rich soil, and extensive coastline, was a perfect environment for the orchards and farms established by the early settlers who emigrated to American from England, Germany, the Netherlands, and other Western European countries. People from all over the world who have been attracted to the large cities of the Mid-Atlantic have, over the years, played an important role in the cuisine of this region. | Chapter 2 The Cuisine of the Mid-Atlantic American Regional Cuisine The Mid-Atlantic States New York- “The Empire State” New Jersey- “The Garden State” Pennsylvania- “The Keystone State” Delaware- “The First State” Maryland- “The Old Line State” Virginia- “Old Dominion” West Virginia- “The Mountain State” The Terroir of the Region Mild climate Abundance of river valleys Rich soil Extensive coastline A perfect environment for the orchards and farms established by the early settlers who emigrated to American from England, Germany, the Netherlands, and other Western European countries. New York: America’s First “Melting Pot” New York’s ethnic heritage began in the 17th century. It was founded as New Amsterdam colony by the Dutch. For many immigrants, the new colony meant religious freedom New York’s first religious refugees were French Huguenots who settled in what is now considered the Catskills. Religious persecution in the 18th century brought a wave of German immigrants who settled in the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys. Pogroms in Eastern Europe brought hundreds of thousands of Jewish people to New York City. New York: America’s First “Melting Pot” A potato famine in Ireland sent thousands of Irish people to New York in the mid-19th century These Irish laborers helped build the Erie Canal and the state’s first railroads In the early 20th century, Italian immigrants settled in central New York. Poles, Lithuanians, Romanians, and Russians were drawn to the industrial towns of Buffalo, Syracuse, and Schenectady Demographic Trends in New York City Little Italy and Chinatown The Italian and Chinese influences are concentrated here. Lower East Side The traditional home of Russian, Polish, German, and Ukrainian Jews. These immigrants introduced the delicatessen to America. Harlem (North of Central Park) The culinary influences of African Americans, Caribbeans, and Puerto Ricans are seen here. Queens This area has one of the largest foreign-born populations of any county in | Chapter 2 The Cuisine of the Mid-Atlantic American Regional Cuisine The Mid-Atlantic States New York- “The Empire State” New Jersey- “The Garden State” Pennsylvania- “The Keystone State” Delaware- “The First State” Maryland- “The Old Line State” Virginia- “Old Dominion” West Virginia- “The Mountain State” The Terroir of the Region Mild climate Abundance of river valleys Rich soil Extensive coastline A perfect environment for the orchards and farms established by the early settlers who emigrated to American from England, Germany, the Netherlands, and other Western European countries. New York: America’s First “Melting Pot” New York’s ethnic heritage began in the 17th century. It was founded as New Amsterdam colony by the Dutch. For many immigrants, the new colony meant religious freedom New York’s first religious refugees were French Huguenots who settled in what is now considered the Catskills. Religious persecution in the 18th century brought a wave of German immigrants who .
