| You may not realize it, but the food you eat | | | | menu options had its roots in the turbulent 1960s. |
| today is shaped by technology, cultural trends, | | | | It was helped along by American entrepreneur |
| and world events. In each new decade, various | | | | Frieda Caplan, who introduced then-exotic produce |
| food trends reflect the wider world. The 1960s | | | | like mangoes, kiwis, and shitake mushrooms. |
| was a time of dramatic dining trends that still | | | | Although these foods are found in almost every |
| exist today in one form or another, whether in | | | | supermarket today, they were relatively unknown |
| nostalgic or "retro" forms or as a part of our | | | | in American kitchens until the 1960s. The salad bar |
| everyday life in the 21st century. | | | | was also born during this time. |
| Fine Dining - The simple and homecooked foods | | | | Ethnic Cuisines - Other unusual foods were also |
| of the 1950s, such as casseroles, gave way to | | | | being introduced to the American market during |
| elaborate meals, particularly French-inspired cuisine. | | | | the 1960s, including many exotic flavors. Japanese |
| Big names like Jacqueline Kennedy and Julia Child | | | | steakhouses with hibachi-style grills first opened |
| ushered in a new era of dining. Homemakers | | | | during the 1960s, including Benihana, which remains |
| around the nation began experimenting with more | | | | popular today. Soul food including hush puppies, |
| elaborate dishes. Popular dishes included beef | | | | fried chicken, and country fried steak also |
| Wellington and Swedish meatballs. Dishes that | | | | became popular, and went well with the soul |
| seem commonplace today, like French onion soup | | | | music of the 1960s era. |
| and omelets, were popularized by television chef | | | | Tiki restaurants began serving pineapple-laden |
| Julia Child, whose show first aired in 1963. | | | | drinks in tiki statue-shaped mugs and offering |
| Vegetarian Dishes - Although it may seem | | | | unique cuisine inspired by island cultures. This trend |
| strange to think about in today's culture, there | | | | began growing in the 1950s as soldiers returned |
| was once a time when vegetarian options simply | | | | from their World War II posts in Hawaii and other |
| could not be found on most restaurant menus. | | | | islands, enthralled with the culture they saw there. |
| The vegetarian movement that resulted in | | | | This kitschy trend reached its peak in the 1960s. |
| greater awareness and presence of vegetarian | | | | |