Is American food worthy of culinary respect? Author to weigh in at Milford Readers & Writers Fest

Historian and author Paul Freedman claims that American food is as worthy of culinary respect as French, Italian or Chinese. He will explain why when he appears on stage for a conversation titled “What is American Food?” at the fifth annual Milford Readers and Writers Festival on Saturday, Sept. 17.

In his recent book, “American Cuisine-And How It Got That Way,” he traces the historical experiences influencing U.S. cuisine. His earlier book “Ten Restaurants that Changed America” highlighted landmark eateries like Howard Johnson’s, Schrafft’s and Chez Panisse, which, diverse as they are, were important milestones in the evolution of a unique American menu.

Freedman will be interviewed by local author, journalist and dedicated foodie Richard Morais, author of the bestseller, “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” which follows the life of an Indian chef as he conquers the world of French haute cuisine. It was made into a major motion picture starring Helen Mirren.

Freedman, a professor of history at Yale University, is an authority on Medieval Europe and author of more than 10 books. This is his second appearance at the festival..