1

Julia Child

Image: Caroline Attwood

Probably the first name that comes to mind when thinking about famous American chefs is Julia Child, and for good reason. This chef, author, and television personality is recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public with her first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking , and her television programs, like 1963’s The French Chef.

Child began learning to cook after meeting her future husband, Paul, who grew up in a family passionate about food and was known for his sophisticated palate.

2

Emeril Lagasse

Image: Fabrizio Magoni

Another familiar name (one of many) on this list is Emeril Lagasse, a celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, cookbook author, and regional James Beard Award winner (more on this name later), known for his mastery of Creole and Cajun cuisine.

He is known for catchphrases like "Kick it up a notch!" and "Bam!" and has appeared on a wide variety of cooking shows , including Emeril Live and Essence of Emeril .

3

Paula Deen

Image: Alyson McPhee

The hostess of Paula’s Party is a chef, cookbook author, and TV personality from Savannah, Georgia, where she owns and operates The Lady & Sons restaurant with her sons . She has been the star of several cooking shows, including Paula’s Home Cooking, Positively Paula, Paula’s Best Dishes , and the aforementioned Paula’s Party .

Another show where you might recognize her—though it doesn't bear her name—is MasterChef , where she appears as a guest alongside other well-known chefs, mentoring home cooks through a series of challenges.

4

James Beard

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

If Julia Child is not the first name that comes to your mind when you think of a celebrity chef, then this might be the one. James Beard pioneered television cooking with shows like 1946’s I Love to Eat, taught at The James Beard Cooking School, and lectured extensively. He was a big promoter of American cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients.

Beard taught and mentored generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts, and published more than twenty books.

5

Leah Chase

Image: Jorge Zapata

The Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase, was a New Orleans chef, author, and television host, also known for her civil rights advocacy and her extensive African-American art collection . Her restaurant, Dooky Chase, was known as a gathering place during the 1960s for many involved in the Civil Rights Movement, and in 2018, it was named one of the 40 most important restaurants of the past 40 years by Food & Wine .

Leah Chase was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America in 2010, received a lifetime achievement award from the Southern Foodways Alliance in 2000, and was awarded honorary degrees from several universities, among other honors.

6

Bobby Flay

Image: Wyron A

A staple on the Food Network, Bobby Flay has been a prominent figure in American television since 1995, winning several awards and even earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . He has hosted or been a part of several shows, including Hot Off the Grill with Bobby Flay, 3 Days to Open with Bobby Flay, Throwdown with Bobby Flay , and many more.

He has participated in many shows competing against other chefs, mentoring home chefs, and has hosted many cooking reality shows.

7

Sara Moulton

Image: Holly Stratton

Described as "one of the nation’s most enduring recipe writers and cooking teachers...and a dean of food television and magazines," Sara Moulton is a chef, cookbook author, and television personality. She served as the food editor for ABC’s Good Morning America from 1997 to 2012 and hosted Cooking Live , Cooking Live Primetime , and Sara’s Secrets on the Food Network.

Moulton has authored several cookbooks, including Sara Moulton Cooks at Home (2002), Sara’s Secrets for Weeknight Meals (2005), and Sara Moulton’s Everyday Family Dinners (2010). Since 2008, she has hosted Sara’s Weeknight Meals .

8

Guy Fieri

Image: Manu Ros

This easily recognizable and colorful personality is widely known for hosting many television series on The Food Network, licensing his name to restaurants in cities worldwide, and for his signature flashy shirts and spiky hair. His shows are said to bring an "element of rowdy, mass-market culture to American food television."

A series of TV specials and cooking shows showcase Fieri traveling the country visiting eateries, cooking, participating in and hosting game shows, and making appearances in other chefs’ shows.

9

Mary Ann Esposito

Image: Louis Hansel

Being the hostess of the longest-running television cooking program in America is no small feat, and Mary Ann Esposito—chef, cookbook writer, and central figure of _Ciao Italia_—has achieved just that.

This 30-minute show features Esposito's recipes and cooking tips, along with visits from guest chefs, as she explores the history of Italian cooking and food. The food is made from scratch in the studio, with each dish being prepared in numerous batches and at different recipe stages. This allows Esposito to execute an entire recipe in a matter of minutes, even if it would normally take hours to complete.

10

Anthony Bourdain

Image: Or Hakim

One of the most famous names in American television cooking history is, without a doubt, Anthony Bourdain. After honing his skills in various eateries and graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, including several years as executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in Manhattan, he became best known for his travel documentaries, where he explored local cuisines from around the world, as well as for his books.

His first food and world-travel television show was A Cook's Tour , which was followed by Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations , The Layover , and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. His funny, philosophical, and daredevil attitude made him a beloved figure in the world of television food shows.

1

Stars & Stripes Drive-In, Texas

Image: Josh Sanabria

The first entry on our list is a drive-in located in New Braunfels, Texas , that brings a breath of fresh air to the industry, having opened its doors as recently as 2003. It features three screens, all of which play double features on weekends, as well as a ’ 50s-themed café snack bar with an extensive menu, serving everything from Frito Pie and Funnel Cakes to Mexican sandwiches and box dinners, such as steak fingers served with fries, corn fritters, and gravy.

2

Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, Pennsylvania

Image: David Clode

The oldest operating drive-in theater in the country, Shankweiler’s opened in 1934 in Orefield and operates year-round—even in those tough Pennsylvania winters. The theater shows double features on weekends, has a decent snack bar, and even offers visitors two drive-up party rental spaces , each of which holds about 15 people, in case you were wondering if such a thing was possible.

3

Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theatre, Illinois

Image: Tim Mossholder

Don’t let its 70 years of existence fool you, the Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In has one of the most modern and environmentally friendly features you could possibly find in an establishment of this kind: it is the country’s only wind-powered drive-in theater. The wind turbines power the theater’s screens, speakers, projectors, and snack bars. Additionally, the venue uses LED lighting and encourages recycling among its visitors.

It’s not often that one sees such a commitment to future generations from an establishment as old as this one!

4

Fairlee Motel, Vermont

Image: Manuell Tony

Imagine going to the movies and being able to sleep right there if you are too tired. That’s exactly what the Fairlee offers. A combination drive-in and motel, this venue lets you watch a show and then stay overnight. The theater and the roadside motel have both been open since 1950.

The snack bar comes especially recommended by locals for its burgers made with beef raised on the property owners’ farm.

5

Park Place Drive-In Theater, Virginia

Image: Pixabay

If you’re in Marion, Virginia , and have a craving for a round of mini-golf, the Park Place Drive-In is a sure bet. This one-stop shop for family entertainment offers not only a night out at the movies but also access to an ice cream shop and a mini-golf course . Play 18 holes of putt-putt, grab a scoop or two of Hershey’s Ice Cream, and then head over to the theater for a movie.

6

Rubidoux Drive-In, California

Image: RDNE Stock project

If a 1948 Art Deco-themed screen wasn’t appealing enough, the Rubidoux Drive-In also featured a petting zoo and a miniature railroad , among other family-oriented attractions. Alas, those two features have closed for the time being. Still, the drive-in theater offers plenty of amenities for families to enjoy on their visits.

The theater features two additional screens, aside from the Art Deco one, each of which plays double features on weekends.

7

Bengies Drive-In Theatre, Maryland

Image: Jeremy Yap

If you’ve ever wondered how big the biggest drive-in cinema screen in the country is, this one takes the prize. Bengies Drive-In has a screen that measures 52 by 120 feet, making it the largest in the United States.

This is an important feature, not just because of the cool factor, but also because it means movies can be shown at their full theatrical size, allowing viewers to see all the details in the corners of the screen, just as the filmmakers intended.

8

Wellfleet Drive-In, Massachusetts

Image: Maxim Benkendorf

A flea market, an 18-hole mini golf course, a cocktail bar, and the biggest screen in the New England area await you at Cape Cod’s Wellfleet, a local institution that has been entertaining moviegoers since 1957.

In recent years, the projection system was upgraded to digital with Dolby Digital sound, making the experience even more enjoyable for moviegoers.

9

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Texas

Image: Noom Peerapong

This one is special, even among drive-in theaters. Alamo Drafthouse offers a unique screening of the classic thriller Jaws , where moviegoers watch the film from inner tubes on Lake Travis . This annual tradition provides a creative and immersive way to rewatch this iconic movie from a truly unique perspective. Would you dare to try it?

10

The Mahoning Drive-In Theater, Pennsylvania

Image: Christian Wiediger

Embracing the idea that drive-in theaters are a nostalgic experience, the Mahoning dedicates its three screens to weekend-long themed festivals . For example, Zombie Fest takes place over three nights and screens cult horror films, with overnight camping allowed.

Second Chance Weekend features critically panned films that deserve a closer look, such as a pairing of Howard the Duck with Masters of the Universe . Last but not least, Bite Night showcases 35mm prints of Jaws and Jurassic Park , and in July, the theater celebrates Christmas in July with holiday films.

1

Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi

The "Cola Wars" have been going on for decades, but it seems that there’s no resolution in sight. In the late 1970s, both companies started directing their marketing campaigns against each other, with mixed results , though Coca-Cola always seems to be half a step ahead of Pepsi. They have both gained a loyal following, but the war remains as strong as ever.

2

Hamilton vs. Burr

Political rivalries are not uncommon in America, but few include a deadly duel involving a sitting vice president. The animosity between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr intensified after Burr won a Senate seat from Hamilton’s father-in-law, Philip Schuyler. During the presidential election of 1800 and the New York gubernatorial election of 1804, Hamilton actively supported candidates opposing Burr. Deeply angered by Hamilton’s continued opposition and public criticism, Burr challenged him to a duel, and the rest is history.

3

Yankees vs. Red Sox

Sports fans are dedicated, but few rivalries match the intensity of those who support the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. They have been rivals since their first meeting more than 120 years ago, with the Yankees often being perceived as a dominant team, while the Red Sox filled the role of the underdog . Their enmity deepened dramatically in 1920, when Babe Ruth was sold to the Yankees. What followed was an 86-year championship drought for Boston, popularly known as the "Curse of the Bambino," which the Red Sox finally broke in 2004.

4

Miami vs. Tampa

Can a sandwich cause a rift between two cities? It sure can. Cuban sandwiches are a Floridian staple , and their construction is often considered set in stone: ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, served pressed. Unless you live in Tampa. There, a strong Italian influence has translated into the addition of Genoa salami to the Cuban sandwich, much to the outrage of their Miami neighbors.

5

Mark Twain vs. USPS

Renowned writer Mark Twain had no qualms about criticizing the things he disliked, and he surely disliked the United States Postal Service . He thought it costly, inefficient, and overregulated, and he made sure to let everyone know in articles, complaint letters, and conversations with influential figures. In a poetic turn of events, the USPS released a Mark Twain commemorative stamp in 2011.

6

Hatfields vs. McCoys

One of the most infamous feuds in American history, the rivalry between the Hatfield and McCoy families shook the West Virginia-Kentucky area for three decades . Starting with the murder of a McCoy who was returning home from war, the hostilities and deaths escalated to a point where the Supreme Court was forced to intervene.

7

Edison vs. Tesla

Many inventors were involved in the so-called "War of the Currents," waged on electric power systems, but Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla are the most remembered. Edison championed direct current (DC) electrical systems, which operated at relatively low voltages and were suited to short-distance distribution. Tesla, working with George Westinghouse, promoted alternating current (AC), which could be transmitted over long distances more efficiently. Despite Edison’s strong campaign to discredit AC and its proponents, it ultimately became the standard power system.

8

Joan Crawford vs. Bette Davis

Rivalries are everywhere in the film industry, but some become the stuff of legends. Allegedly, the feud between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis was never as intense as portrayed. While the two actresses did clash at times over personality differences, professional competition, and rumored romantic entanglements, much of the rivalry’s enduring reputation was fueled by gossip columns and sensational press coverage. And their respective film studios took advantage of it.

9

Burger King vs. McDonald’s

The fast-food industry has always had McDonald’s as one of its key players, but other companies have given their all to take that position. Burger King is one of McDonald’s oldest challengers , and has repeatedly tried to influence their customer base through a series of aggressive and often tongue-in-cheek marketing campaigns. While other brands, such as Wendy’s or Five Guys, have dipped their toes in the "Burger Wars," McDonald’s and Burger King remain two of the biggest names in the industry.

10

Edgar Allan Poe vs. Rufus Wilmot Griswold

While Poe looms far larger than Griswold in the modern American mind, much of what the public believes about the "Nevermore" poet was influenced by his rival . Their feud began with the publication of a poetry anthology by Griswold, which displeased Poe due to its contents and criticism of his own poetry. The animosity intensified when they both vied for the same editorial position and, reportedly, the affections of the same woman. After Poe’s death, Griswold wrote an obituary and a biography filled with attacks and slander, which contributed to the idea of Poe as a drunkard and a madman.