Made in California, Volume 1: The California-Born Diners, Burger Joints, Restaurants & Fast Food That Changed America, 1915-1966

Name: Made in California, Volume 1: The California-Born Diners, Burger Joints, Restaurants & Fast Food That Changed America, 1915-1966
Price: 40.00 USD
Availability: BackOrder
ISBN: 9781945551918

✍️ Geary, George

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$40.00

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Food Writing & History

📚 EDITORIAL REVIEW

“If you are a home cook obsessed with fast-food history and nostalgic roadside culture, you will love recreating these retro classics. This book won't suit bakers looking for rigorous science, as it focuses heavily on commercial culinary history rather than quick weeknight dinners.

— Editorial Team

Author

Geary, George

📚 all books by this author (7) →

🏛 Prospect Park Books 📅 2021 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781945551918

📝 Description: Made in California, Volume 1: The California-Born Diners, Burger Joints, Restaurants & Fast Food That Changed America, 1915-1966

A&W Root Beer. Foster's Freeze. IHOP. Der Wienerschnitzel. See's Candy. Jack in the Box. You name the American food icon, and chances are its roots are in California. Food historian and chef George Geary tells the remarkable stories of the early 20th-century food startups that captured America's hearts and stomachs, from Bob's Big Boy to McDonald's, Winchell's Donuts to In-N-Out, Peet's Coffee to Taco Bell. With more than 200 historic and contemporary photos showing California's history from 1915-1966.

💎 Expert review

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🍳

Eatbook Family editorial team

Cookbook desk

George Geary delivers a compelling visual history that traces the origins of beloved chains like McDonald's and In-N-Out. The inclusion of over two hundred photos provides rich context for each story, making it a valuable resource for understanding how these brands shaped national eating habits. However, this is not a practical guide for home cooks seeking new dishes to prepare. Readers looking for step-by-step instructions or ingredient lists will find no utility here. It is strictly a historical account of business origins and cultural impact rather than a functional kitchen reference.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Eatbook Family —

⭐ eatbookfamily.com editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you are a home cook obsessed with fast-food history and nostalgic roadside culture, you will love recreating these retro classics. This book won't suit bakers looking for rigorous science, as it focuses heavily on commercial culinary history rather than quick weeknight dinners.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Eatbook Family editorial team

George Geary delivers a compelling visual history that traces the origins of beloved chains like McDonald's and In-N-Out. The inclusion of over two hundred photos provides rich context for each story, making it a valuable resource for understanding how these brands shaped national eating habits. However, this is not a practical guide for home cooks seeking new dishes to prepare. Readers looking for step-by-step instructions or ingredient lists will find no utility here. It is strictly a historical account of business origins and cultural impact rather than a functional kitchen reference.

❓ Frequently asked questions

The recipes use standard American home kitchen measurements.

Yes, it includes over 200 historic and contemporary photographs documenting California food culture.

📖 Who should read this

📜 Historical context

This collection explores the pioneering fast-food joints, burger stands, and diners born in California between 1915 and 1966. These iconic establishments transformed American eating habits long before national chains dominated the landscape. It captures the spirit of mid-century innovation through the lens of the Golden State's vibrant roadside culinary tradition.