Do you like fusion cuisine? Merriam-Webster has two applicable definitions for the word fusion as it applies to food. The first: a merging of diverse, distinct, or separate elements into a unified whole. The second: food prepared using techniques and ingredients of two or more ethnic or regional cuisines. Some fusion dishes are premeditated. There is an obvious desire to mix and match ingredients and flavors, which leads to Mexitalian, Euro-Asian, Tex-Mex, Euro-African, Pan-Mediterranean, etc. There are some who would argue that California cuisine is actually the first of the fusion fares, which is an interesting way to position the combination of the area’s many cultures with fresh, local ingredients. On the other hand, if fusion is not premeditated, It is a result precipitated by innovation and plain ‘ol ‘What would happen if…?’. If there happens to be a variety of elements on hand that you choose to eat in combination, you can create your own fusion. The question is, where is the line between fusion and culinary confusion?
Continue Reading »
