California Food and Wine

California’s multicultural society is reflected in the many varieties of food available with a predominance of Mexican, Cajun, grilled meat and fresh fish. Eating out is an important part of Californian way of life with a wide range of restaurants offering many types of food from Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Caribbean to Italian, French, Spanish and Mexican. Breakfast is a very important meal to Californians who often eat this meal out. A typical breakfast consists in omelets, pancakes with fresh fruit and maple syrup, a wide variety of muffins, coffee and juice.
The freshness of the produce is a strong point of food in California, there is even a variety of Farmer’s Markets across the country offering certified farmers’ products. The mild sunny climate favours agriculture placing Californian grown vegetables and fruits among the best in the world. Fresh tomatoes, artichokes, avocadoes, plums, oranges and grapes are only some of the produce that are exported the world over.
Californian modern cuisine is a fusion of many influences; oriental, Italian, French and Cajun elements are played around by expert chefs to create delicious dishes. The clam chowder is one of the most typical dishes, as well as crab, fresh fish, barbequed meat and a wide variety of dessert such as Pecan Pie and Chocolate Brownies.
Californian wine has gained its place next to the older Italian and French wines. Today Californian wine is well regarded the world over with names such as Opus One, Newton Cabernet, Ruston Stagecoah, Cakebread Chardonnay, Cakebread Cellars Merlot and Silver Oak Cabernet to name but a few.