Taste of America celebrates regional cuisines for nation’s 250th

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - The National Archives Foundation, National Restaurant Association, and Drink Company hosted a food festival as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, bringing regional cuisines from across the country to Constitution Avenue.

For one night, guests took a multi-state culinary adventure by walking two blocks in the nation’s capital. Constitution Avenue was turned into a restaurant with the home of the Declaration of Independence as the backdrop.

“Taste of America” featured four chefs from each corner of the country using regional menus to tell the story of American culture.

“It feels wonderful,” said Billie Jo Edmonds of Mo’s Seafood & Chowder in Asotria, Ore.

She represented the Northwest, serving the menu from Mo’s Seafood and Chowder to highlight the tradition and community of Astoria.

“People come to the Northwest, they know Mo’s. And so to be able to bring it to a national stage like this, it’s incredible,” Edmonds said.

“There are stories in every single dish that we serve. The marionberry is such a local to the northwest, some claim maybe even just to Oregon, and so it felt really pertinent to have it come here,” she said.

Massachusetts, North Carolina and New Mexico joined the list. Guests took their tastebuds on a cross-country adventure, learning about the ingredients and flavors that make each dish unique.

“We’ve been around for 80 years, and to celebrate 250 with America, it’s an incredible honor,” Edmonds said.

The event was part of the three-day “Spirit of Independence” festival. It benefited the National Archives Foundation and celebrated America’s 250th birthday.