Our deepest thanks go to the restaurateurs, waiters and waitresses, cooks and chefs, pit-masters, pie bakers, pastrami slicers, chocolatiers, and chili wizards who uphold American culinary tradition. Without these people, and without the adventurous eaters eager to support and savor their efforts, America could be a land of nothing but soul-killing Happy (NOT) Meals.
Over a decade ago when Stephen Rushmore conceived Roadfood.com, we never imagined it would become such a lively community of food lovers and a source of endless inspiration for us as we continue to explore the American food landscape. We are grateful to Stephen, to Roadfood team members Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle, Chris Ayers and Amy Briesch, Tony Baldamenti, Marc Bruno, and of course Big Steve Rushmore, as well as to all the good-food tipsters, restaurant reviewers, trip reporters, eat-n-greet organizers, and opinionated foodies who make Roadfood.com a daily unfolding adventure.
One of the most enjoyable ways we communicate our cross-country food adventures is to report about them weekly on Public Radio’s “The Splendid Table.” There is nobody more delicious to chat with than host Lynne Rossetto Kasper; and thanks to Sally Swift and Jen and Jen, the conversation flows like soft butter on a hot biscuit.
We’ve been writing long enough to say with assurance that book publishing has pretty much gone to hell in a hand basket. But there are some wonderful exceptions to its meanness; and we are fortunate enough to have worked with them as we created this lexicon. Our agent, Doe Coover, remains a steady hand who is always helpful, encouraging, and focused. Our editor, Mary Norris, and the folks at Globe Pequot Press demonstrate daily that creating a book still can be a process where intelligence, dignity, and kindness prevail.