For every prize dish that goes back 2000 years a dozen have been invented in the last 200. The French baguette is 20th century phenomenon adapted nationwide only after World War II English fish and chips dates from late 19th century when working class took up fried fish of Sephardic Jewish immigrants in East London. Greek Musaka created in early 20th century in an attempt to French if I Greek food tequila promoted as the National Drake of Mexico during the 1930s by the Mexican film industry.
Rachel Laudan, visiting scholar at the University of Texas and author of Cuisine and Empire, talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the history of food. Topics covered include the importance of grain, the spread of various styles of cooking, why French cooking has elite status, and the reach of McDonald's. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the appeal of local food and other recent food passions.