American Corner Yerevan

United Plates of America

1:00pm 20.02.2010

On February 20, 2010, the American Corner Yerevan organized a public lecture entitled "United Plates of America." The guest speaker, U.S. Embassy Assistant Public Affairs Officer Susan Bridenstine, presented the more than 250-year history of American cuisine.

She noted that American cuisine reflects the diversity of the United States and said that American cuisine, like the U.S. population, incorporates a rich mix of ethnic influences. Ms. Bridenstine talked about the influence of immigration and the economic conditions of the country on the food industry. She discussed Native American food traditions, coffee drinking post American Revolutionary War, the influence of slavery on Southern cuisine, the bucolic image of the American farmer, Prohibition, the impact of dietary patterns from various wars, and important social movements related to food. She also mentioned popular American fast food chains and the American diet industry. Ms. Bridenstine gave the participants the opportunity to sample American sauces, crackers, cookies, and other delicious treats.

Around 25 people enjoyed the “food party-lecture” and requested recipes for the food they tasted. There were many students and U.S. Government exchange program alumni among the participants, who now have a fluent understanding of “The United Plates of America.”