Best French Fries / June 6, 2014 by Tyler Wood

Invariably, when asked what is an “American food” around the world, this ‘dish’ will be in the top 5 on everyone’s lists. Don’t let the name fool you, fries have historically ambiguous beginnings that are still being debated. Was it the Belgians or the French that first started frying up thin slices of potatoes? I don’t know, but what can’t be argued is that since coming to America and, subsequently, being spread around the world by American fast-food chains and expats, this dish is now firmly deep-fried into the minds of most of the non-European world as uniquely American. In Korea, this is the first thing my students come up with when I ask them what is an American food. These days, Seoul is inundated with fries in many forms, mostly of the fast-food soggy sadness variety, however. So where do we get those greasy morsels of heart-stopping goodness we grew up clogging our arteries with? Keep reading to find out my picks for the top six fries in the neighborhood.

Best Hot Dog / April 5, 2014 by Tyler Wood

There is no need for a list on this topic, there is only one real contender in this category and that is the infamous Super Dog run by the fifth Sgt.-Pepper-era Beatle - Solbin. But there will be no lonely hearts in this club because there is always a band of fans gathered around this hot dog stand. Settled nicely in a back street near such upscale watering holes as the Ho Bar, Bunker, and the Monkey Beaches, he opens late to feed the drinking masses.

Best Mexican / March 27, 2014 by Tyler Wood

One thing an American seeks out wherever he or she roams is good Mexican food. In fact, I believe the spread of Mexican food around the world has been a result of American travelers and expats more than Mexicans themselves, evidenced by where we find Mexican food and what kind. What I’m speaking of is Americanized Mexican food. So, keep in mind when I am writing about Mexican food, I am talking about Americanized Mexican, like the typical American recognizes and likes. Nachos! Americanized Mexican is pretty straight forward – meat, cheese, tortilla, beans & rice, and salsa in large portions. That is the basics. Going the extra mile with creative items and hand-made sauces are really where a place will thrive on my list.