Italian cuisine as a national cuisine known today has evolved from centuries of social and political change. Its roots can be traced back to 4th century BC through to the introduction of notable chefs such as Maestro Martino who cooked an elegant refined Italian cuisine. The cuisine significantly changed with discovery of the New World helped shape much of what is known as Italian cuisine today with introduction of items as potatoes, tomatoes, bell pepper and maize, which are all central parts of the cuisine but were not introduced in scale until the 18th century.Ingredients and dishes vary by region. There are many significant regional dishes that have become both national and regional. Many dishes that were once regional, however, have proliferated in different variations across the country in the present day. Cheese and wine are also a major part of the cuisine, playing different roles both regionally and nationally with their many variations and Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) (regulated appellation) laws. Coffee, and more specifically espresso has become highly important to the cultural cuisine of Italy.

Acadiana is the Louisiana-inspired offering from the restaurant group which gave us TenPenh, DC Coast and Ceiba. Just thinking of Southern cooking whets my appetite and chef Jeff Tunks delivers a good interpretation of contemporary New Orleans fare. Acadiana is located by the new Convention Center at 901 New York Ave. NW.Cost - $$Service - A-Servic

A new Creole/Southern style restaurant opened in Milwaukee. It is good, and one of the only places in Milwaukee you can find Cajun food.

Experience the pleasure of Marsha Brown's Southern Style Creole cooking in New Hope PA ( Pennsylvania ). Read the review to find out more!

Here's an essay about Southern cooking that is wrapped around a review for one of the best restaurant/wine bars in Sonoma County, California. The restaurant is called Zin and it is the creation of Chef Jeff Mall who is part of the Southern Foodways Alliance. This piece goes on to discuss the purpose of the SFA and how Zin fits the bill.

Brief report about where to get down home cooking (BBQ, soul food, southern cuisine, and more) in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. All the restaurants are extremely low budget options, except for the upscale (yet understated) Canyon Grill, which is still reasonably priced and very good value for money.