David Page will release a new book called Food Americana: The Remarkable People and Incredible Stories behind America’s Favorite Dishes. It is focused on the nature of American cuisine and includes the backstories of various popular dishes. Page, who has two Emmys as the creator and producer of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, shared that he has been thinking about the idea for a long time and has now managed to start researching and writing.

Food Americana Is Set to Release On May 4

While the official release of Food Americana is set for May 4, its audio version will be available on April 20. It will tell the story of how Americans formed a national cuisine from a world of different flavors, as well as how this process is still going on to this day. The book will present a mix of food culture, nostalgia, pop culture, and personalities. Page talks to many people, including pizza pioneer Chris Bianco, farm-to-table chef Alice Waters, and the co-founder of Lender’s Bagels Marvin Lender. Other big names include Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, founder of Five Guys Jerry Murrell, and the Chinese food pioneer Cecilia Chiang. Page spoke with Chiang shortly before she passed away at the age of 100.

Page Traveled to the Different States to Write Food Americana, Including New Jersey

For Food Americana, David Page decided to travel to many states, and he didn’t forget to visit New Jersey. Page also dived into Mexican restaurants and took a deeper look at Mexican American foods, including the mole poblano. This mole from Puebla is considered Mexico’s national dish, with mole being a chile pepper sauce containing nuts, chocolate, fruits, and spices.

Readers will also read about a woman running a sushi bar in a gas station in Oklahoma, as well as a chef who is reinventing traditional Chinese food and charging nearly $500 per person. Fans of the American cuisine will also find info on a pizza school in San Francisco, the National Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival, and a lobster boat off the coast of Maine. David Page also explores various trends in American food, including handmade ice cream and upscale barbecue and burgers.

The Caribbean is a bucket-list destination for many. With over 20 islands just a short flight from America, there are plenty of places to explore and enjoy. However, it’s also an important part of the world that needs to be protected. If you want to explore the Caribbean without leaving too much of a mark, here’s how to do it in a more sustainable way.

Stay Local

There are so many incredible accommodation options in the Caribbean, but one way to make sure you’re traveling ethically is by staying local. Look for locally-owned places to stay, including guesthouses, boutique hotels, B&Bs, and more. Big-chain hotels don’t tend to be the most sustainable when compared to these smaller options. Most locally-owned places will source their food from the island you’re staying on, and you’ll be contributing to the community too.

Grab a Bike

It seems as though more and more people are exploring the Caribbean on a bicycle – and for good reason, too! You can see so much more of your stunning destination when you cycle around. There are plenty of biking tours available if you’re not entirely sure where to go, which are so much more sustainable than truck excursions. You’ll find plenty of places renting bicycles too, if you’d prefer to explore at your own pace.

Visit Sustainability Projects

There are some absolutely amazing conservation and sustainability projects going on throughout the Caribbean, but they need your support. Look up what challenges the island you’re visiting has, then search for the conservation nonprofit organizations operating to combat that challenge. You may also be able to find out more from the local tourism board. Get involved by helping for a day, learning about the work they do, and even donating if you have the cash!

Want to explore the Caribbean in a sustainable way? These tips should definitely help!