1

Cioppino

Image: James Wei

A not-so-talked-about product of the Italian influence in America, cioppino is an underrated representative from San Francisco. A tomato-based seafood stew (or a soup, depending on who you ask), it started as a struggle meal made with whatever was caught that day, and it is now a beloved dish that reflects the city’s history.

2

Fry bread

Image: Immo Wegmann

When thousands of Navajo people were forcefully displaced from Arizona to New Mexico, they were provided with meager rations for the 300-mile journey: flour, water, salt, and lard. From these scarce provisions, they created a fried dough, chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Originally eaten on its own, it is nowadays paired with all kinds of toppings.

3

Poi

Image: Daniel Dan

Made from steamed and mashed taro root, this Hawaiian dish can be enjoyed in several ways. Although sweeter when freshly made, it is often paired with other savory dishes. It can also be left to ferment, which gives it a more sour taste. Highly nutritious, poi has been a staple in Hawaiian and Polynesian cuisines for centuries.

4

Étouffée

Image: Stephanie Moody

Gumbo and jambalaya might be what first come to mind when thinking about Louisiana, but étouffée (meaning ‘smothered’) should not be overlooked. Thicker than gumbo —though sharing many of its ingredients—, étouffée delivers what its name promises: a rich, gravy-like, shellfish stew that smothers the accompanying rice. Depending on whether you are having a Creole or a Cajun étouffée, it may or may not contain tomatoes.

5

Crab cakes

Image: Girish Dalvi

This dish can be found all along the Atlantic coast, but its most famous iteration is associated with Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. With a history that goes back to Native Americans, modern crab cakes can be enjoyed sautéed, baked, grilled, deep-fried, or broiled, and are most of the time made with blue crab, though other crab meats can be used.

6

Clam chowder

Image: henry perks

A New England staple, this dish draws influence from British, French, and Nova Scotian traditions. Although it was not dairy-based in its origins, modern clam chowder gets its rich texture from milk or cream, and features butter, potatoes, pork, and, of course, clams. Other famous variations differ mainly in the soup base, such as the Manhattan clam chowder (made with tomato) or the Rhode Island clam chowder (made with a clear broth).

7

Hush puppies

Image: Abhijit Biswas

A Southern classic, these cornmeal fritters became popular during the Civil War because they were affordable and versatile. Usually made plain to serve as a side dish, they can also have cheese, jalapenos, whole corn grains, and other fillings added.

8

Marionberry pie

Image: Amanda Hortiz

Oregon's signature dessert, this pie filling features marionberries, a blackberry hybrid developed in the 20th century. Compared with regular blackberries, marionberries have a deeper, more complex flavor, resulting in a sweeter and sharper pie filling. A summer staple, it is often served alongside vanilla ice cream.

9

Runza

Image: Kelsey Todd

Food from the Midwest is sometimes reduced to casserole dishes and jello salads, but it is more varied than some might think. Runza, a sandwich-hot pocket hybrid filled with beef, cabbage, and onions, is an example of how midwesterners transformed immigrant food traditions into something new. Originating in Nebraska, runzas are derived from German and Eastern European pirogs , a baked, filled dough.

10

Akutaq

Image: Adam Chang

Though this Alaskan delicacy is technically an ice cream, don’t expect it to be like the ice creams you are used to. Made from reindeer fat, seal oil, fresh snow, berries, and sometimes, ground fish, akutaq is a dessert, a snack, a spread, and a main dish all in one. Developed as a way to preserve fruits and animal fats, this nutrient-dense dish has everything you need to face the harsh Alaskan winters.

1

Long Tom

Image: Richard Hedrick

This nickname refers to a Founding Father, one of our nation's earliest presidents, famously born in Virginia. Author of the Declaration of Independence, he also oversaw the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Monticello was his home, now a museum and historical site. You know who we're talking about, don't you?

2

Grand Wrestler

Image: Fiona Murray-deGraaff

This is certainly a powerful nickname, right? And it was attributed to a great man who led our nation during the Civil War. Author of the famous Gettysburg Address , he is also famous for having issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. His beard and stovepipe hat are forever etched in our memory. What's your guess?

3

American Fabius

Image: Matt Briney

Quintus Fabius Maximus was a Roman general known for his astute strategies during the Punic Wars. In honour of that general and for the clever tactics he deployed during a conflict in our country's history, one of our presidents earned the nickname "American Fabius". He was also nicknamed "The father of his country." Do you know who we are referring to?

4

The Human Iceberg

Image: Annie Spratt

This nickname may seem a bit harsh, perhaps even exaggerated. "The Human Iceberg" was given to our 23rd president, who led the country from 1889 to 1893, due to his rather stiff and reserved demeanor.

Before becoming president, this commander-in-chief served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and he was also the grandson of a former president! Do you know who he is?

5

Old Man Eloquent

Image: Tim Mossholder

The man who was known as "Old Man Eloquent" not only served as president, but also served in the US House of Representatives for nearly 17 years. Before becoming president, he helped negotiate the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812. Additionally, he was the son of the 2nd president of the United States!

6

His Little Majesty

Image: rupixen

This is another nickname that points to physical features, and we could say it was not used with the best intentions. However, this president was also proudly known as the "Father of the Constitution." In addition, he served two consecutive terms and led the country through the War of 1812. If you want to know who he is, keep reading!

7

Long Tom: Thomas Jefferson

Image: Alicia Razuri

Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd president of our country, was very tall, a feature that earned him the nickname "Long Tom." He was 6' 2'', making him one of the tallest presidents in US history. According to descriptions from the time, President Jefferson was well-proportioned, and his height was above average compared to his contemporaries. Did you know that?

8

Grand Wrestler: Abraham Lincoln

Image: Ed Fr

At 6' 4'', Abraham Lincoln was slightly taller than Thomas Jefferson, but his nickname "Grand Wrestler" came not from his height but from his impressive wrestling skills. That's right! As a young man, the 16th US President was a fantastic wrestler, and his athleticism and physical toughness were outstanding qualities even in his later years.

9

American Fabius: George Washington

Image: Priscilla Gyamfi

Before becoming the 1st president of the United States, George Washington served as the Commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He was known for his clever, strategic use of attrition, avoiding massive battles and conserving troops, a tactic that contributed enormously to the American victory.

He earned the nickname "American Fabius" because his techniques resembled those of the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus, who fought against Hannibal's Carthaginian forces during the Second Punic War.

10

The Human Iceberg: Benjamin Harrison

Image: René DeAnda

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, earned the nickname "The Human Iceberg" due to his reserved and formal character in both political and social interactions. However, despite this rather harsh nickname, many admired his seriousness and intellect.

11

Old Man Eloquent: John Quincy Adams

Image: Larry Ferreira

You were right! "Old Man Eloquent" is the nickname given to John Quincy Adams, the 6th President of the United States, who was also the son of the 2nd president, John Adams.

As we mentioned, he served in the US House of Representatives for 17 years, and it was during that time that his excellent oratory skills and great speeches truly stood out, earning him this peculiar yet favorable alias.

12

His Little Majesty: James Madison

Image: Richard Hedrick

Unlike Lincoln and Jefferson, James Madison was known for his short stature. His 5' 4'' made him the shortest president in US history and earned him the nickname "His Little Majesty".

Initially used by his adversaries, the moniker later took on a more humorous and even affectionate tone, with the word "Majesty" emphasizing Madison's strong and important role in shaping our nation.

1

The entire coastline is made of glorious sandy beaches

Image: Jeremy Bishop

California’s coastline is long, gorgeous, and wildly varied. Much of it is dominated by cliffs, rocky shores, and chilly waters. Even many popular beaches require a wetsuit if you actually want to get in the water.

Yes, some stretches are ideal for volleyball and sunbathing, but others are better suited to photography.

2

Celebrities are everywhere and happy to mingle

Image: Bibi

It’s tempting to imagine Los Angeles as one giant red-carpet event, but daily life looks a lot more ordinary. Celebrities tend to live in gated communities, travel in private cars, and pick very discreet places to relax.

You might spot one, but you’re far more likely to meet tourists looking for celebrities than actual celebrities themselves.

3

Move to Hollywood and become a star overnight

Image: Edgar Colomba

Hollywood is full of dreamers, but most of them are hustling on the side, waiting tables, doing gig work, and going to audition after audition.

Fame is rarely instant. It’s more like a very long, very competitive marathon that most people don’t see unless they live there.

4

Move to Silicon Valley and become an overnight startup whiz

Image: Nils Huenerfuerst

It’s true that Silicon Valley is packed with entrepreneurs and investors. But it’s also full of failed startups, intense work schedules, and fierce competition.

Raising money is tough, building a product is tougher, and surviving long enough to succeed is almost heroic. The myth of "instant unicorn status" is just like the myth of instant movie stardom.

5

The weather is sunny and perfect year-round

Image: Roberto Nickson

California’s climate varies dramatically. Coastal fog in the Bay Area can last all day, winter rainstorms sweep through the north, inland valleys hit triple-digit heat, and wildfire season is a yearly threat.

6

Traffic is terrible, everywhere

Image: Aleksandr Popov

The traffic horror stories from Los Angeles are quite real, but they’re not universal. California is huge, and plenty of mid-sized cities and rural areas have perfectly manageable commutes. Even in LA, traffic ebbs and flows.

7

Californians go to Disneyland every other weekend

Image: Isaac Garcia

Disneyland may be magical, but it’s also expensive, crowded, and logistically complex. Most residents go once in a while, not as a biweekly ritual. Sure, annual passholders exist, but they’re the exception.

8

You’ll find palm trees everywhere

Image: Mitchell Luo

Palm trees are iconic, but they’re not the dominant tree across the state. Many were imported, and Los Angeles’ famous palms are aging out and not being widely replaced. Walk outside the major tourist zones, and you’ll see oaks, pines, sycamores, and far fewer "tropical vacation" vibes than the postcards suggest.

9

Movies are being filmed on every corner

Image: clement proust

You may stumble across a film crew once in a blue moon, but the vast majority of production happens on studio lots or in specifically chosen neighborhoods. Filming permits are expensive, traffic control is complicated, and spontaneous street-corner movie shoots aren’t as common as people think.

10

Everyone is a surfer

Image: Jacob Steckmann

Surfing is a proud part of California culture, but not a universal one. Many residents have never touched a surfboard, and the cold Pacific waters can be intimidating even for the brave. The idea that everyone wakes up, grabs a board, and runs to the beach is more Hollywood montage than real life.

11

Everyone lives close to the ocean

Image: Jonathan Schmer

California’s population is spread across vast inland regions, including the Central Valley, Sacramento, and the Inland Empire, which are all hours away from the coast. Plenty of Californians only see the ocean during vacation.

12

The food is all organic, clean, and hyper-healthy

Image: Jannis Brandt

Yes, you’ll find green juices, vegan cafés, and farm-to-table everything. But California is also home to drive-thrus, giant burritos, and some of the most indulgent comfort food around. The "everyone eats quinoa and sunshine" trope doesn’t hold up once you explore beyond the trendy spots.

13

Everyone commutes by bike, skateboard, or electric scooter

Image: Hiboy

It looks cool in TV shows, but in reality, most Californians commute by car. Public transportation is limited outside a few areas, and long distances make biking impractical for many.

14

Everything in California is incredibly expensive

Image: Martin Zenker

Housing in places like San Francisco is famously pricey, but California also includes smaller cities and rural communities where the cost of living is much closer to the national average.