There is nothing more "Jersey" than a diner. There are more diners than in any other state. No one in the Garden State lives far from one; diners exist in fully half of New Jersey's 567 municipalities. On top of that, two of the three remaining diner manufacturers are located in New Jersey. Peter Genovese spent a year visiting every diner in the state. The result of this extensive research is a funny, revealing book about a beloved American institution. This book answers your questions: Where and how did diners start? Who invented eggs served in a skillet? Why are diners so popular, twenty-four hours a day? And, most important, which one has the best French toast? Jersey Diners is a book packed with diner facts, diner trivia, and stories about the people who work and hang out in diners.

The silver Airstreams and neon signs of the classic American diner brighten New Jersey's highways and Main Streets. But the intrinsic role they have played in the state's culture and industry for more than one hundred years is much more than eggs-over-easy and coffee. Diners are the state's ultimate gathering places--at any moment, high school students, CEOs, construction workers and tourists might be found at a counter chatting with the waitresses and line cooks. Jerseyans yearn for lost favorites like the Excellent Diner and Prout's Diner and still gather at beloved haunts like the Bendix and Tick Tock Diners. Although the industry is all but gone today, New Jersey was once the hub of diner manufacturing, making mobile eateries that fed hungry Americans as far away as the West Coast. Author Michael C. Gabriele offers this delicious history--collected from interviews with owners, patrons and experts--and indulges in many fond memories of New Jersey diners.

From the author of The History of Diners in New Jersey comes a collection of true stories that capture the spirit of the Garden State. Diners are where communities across New Jersey go to celebrate milestones, form lifetime bonds and take comfort in food. Daily life at the counter or in the booth inspires sentimental recollections that reflect the state’s spirit and history. In Stories from New Jersey Diners, local historian Michael C. Gabriele documents colorful stories from the Diner Capital of the World. Late-night eats fueled Wildwood’s wild rock-and-roll days. An entrepreneur from India traveled eight thousand miles to open a diner in Shamong. From an impromptu midnight wedding in an Elizabeth lunch wagon to a Vietnam veteran sustained by a heartfelt note from a beloved Mount Holly waitress, these are true tales from the “Diner Capital of the World.”

Whet Your Appetites for A Fascinating History of American Food "Terrific food journalism. Page uncovers the untold backstories of American food. A great read." —George Stephanopoulos, Good Morning America, This Week and ABC News’ Chief Anchor #1 New Release in History Humor David Page changed the world of food television by creating, developing, and executive-producing the groundbreaking show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Now from the two-time Emmy winner David Page comes the book Food Americana, an entertaining mix of food culture, pop culture, nostalgia, and everything new on the American plate. The remarkable history of American food. What is American cuisine? What national menu do we share? What dishes have we chosen, how did they become “American,” and how are they likely to evolve from here? David Page answers all these questions and more. Food Americana is engaging, insightful, and often humorous. The inside story of how Americans have formed a national cuisine from a world of flavors. Sushi, pizza, tacos, bagels, barbecue, dim sum―even fried chicken, burgers, ice cream, and many more―were born elsewhere and transformed into a unique American cuisine. Food Americana is a riveting ride into every aspect of what we eat and why. From a lobster boat off the coast of Maine to the Memphis in May barbecue competition. From the century-old Russ & Daughters lox and bagels shop in lower Manhattan to the Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival. From a thousand-dollar Chinese meal in San Francisco to birria tacos from a food truck in South Philly. Meet incredibly engaging characters and legends including: • The owner of a great sushi bar in an Oklahoma gas station • The New Englander introducing Utah to lobster rolls • Alice Waters • Daniel Boulud • Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry’s • Mel Brooks If you enjoyed captivating food history books like A History of the World in 6 Glasses, On Food and Cooking, or the classic Salt by Mark Kurlansky, you’ll love Food Americana.

New York Times Bestseller In Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: The Funky Finds in Flavortown, Guy Fieri, one of Food Network’s biggest stars, keeps his motto front and center: “If it’s funky, I’ll find it.” Continuing the series of New York Times bestselling books, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives includes profiles of great American restaurants, delicious recipes, tons of photos, hilarious stories from Guy, his Krew, and the restaurant owners, and a tricked-out, full-color fold-out map of the United States featuring every restaurant in the book.

450 recipes offering up delicious foods that can still be found on diner menus nationwide. Along with the recipes are profiles of interesting diners and their owners. --back cover.

No state has been so frequently mocked, maligned, or misunderstood as New Jersey. Yet the state is filled with amazing places and people who rarely receive the media attention they deserve. For the past twenty years Star-Ledger columnist Peter Genovese has been one of the rare voices singing the praises of his state’s hidden wonders and gritty charms. For this new book, Genovese spent months scouring the state for rich stories and fascinating locations. New Jersey State of Mind takes us on a journey to over twenty-five of these places and introduces us to the colorful characters who live and work there, from a demolition derby driver to a female craft brewer, and from a Cuban celebrity chef to a Portuguese pig breeder. He also reveals the many natural wonders that have earned New Jersey its “Garden State” nickname, from cranberry bogs to river tours to wild bird sanctuaries. Collectively, these pieces paint a picture of a diverse state full of hard-working individuals who care for their communities. This book cuts through the myths and stereotypes surrounding the state and reveals the proud beating heart of the real New Jersey.