The Best Bites on Route 66

Route 66 serves as a culinary timeline of American road trip culture, defined by iconic, nostalgia-laden stops that persist despite the rise of modern highways and fast-food chains. Historic landmarks like Chicago’s Lou Mitchell’s, Albuquerque’s Monte Carlo Liquors and Steakhouse, and Los Angeles’s Formosa Cafe offer distinct regional flavors, ranging from green chili cheeseburgers to Cantonese-American classics. Beyond the highway, the peak of tomato season brings innovation to local kitchens and markets. Chefs are reimagining traditional techniques, such as applying agedashi preparation to tomatoes using tomato-based dashi, while farmers like the Gomez family at Munyak Ranch showcase a diverse rainbow of heirloom varieties, including persimmon, brandywine, and Sungold, which define the mid-summer harvest. These culinary experiences highlight the enduring connection between regional identity, seasonal produce, and the storied history of the American landscape.