Why is it that the DC area doesn't have sweet tea or other staples of the south, but it's still in the south?

Question

Grits, good BBQ, sweet tea, shrimp and grits, collard greens, fried okra....etc. I've spent plenty of time there and it still gets to me that northern Virginia is still technically the south, but it doesn't have any of the great characteristics of the south. Also, any southern/country/soul food restaurant there doesn't even come close to a cheap mom and pop place actually in the south. The food is always bland and it's as if they're afraid to use seasoning or make the food spicy at all. Cook it with some fat back and cover it with Mrs. Dash and Texas Pete.

Maybe I should clarify DC area, a lot of you seem confused by this term. Alexandria, Arlington, Vienna, Fairfax...etc are all part of the state known as "Virginia". Virginia is a southern state. This area (Northern Virginia) does not have such essential elements to the south. Someone mentioned that it's because the area is the "east coast", not the south. Yes, it is the east coast...along with most of the rest of the "dirty south". NC, SC, Georgia, Virginia, & Florida are all part of the "south" and the "east coast",....I know, South East, I'm a genius.

Answer 1

My heart goes out to you James...on any given day, I can go for pig feet, pit barbequed sausage, greens and ham hocks...or the mean pot liquor after the fact. I Or, I can get real enchaladas, carne guesada, pollo con mole or Caldo------ in Texas with Lousiana Roots. I know what you mean... I have lived in other areas where if i wanted some down home food...I had to cook it. Well....just cut a slice off that Virginia ham and throw in the bone and some onion and make you a good ole pot of beans and some rice... dont forget the cornbread... pour a big glass of Kool aid you'll feel better. ((((((big hug for the hungry man!!!))))))

Answer 2

The DC area is inbetween the south and the north. Just north of the DC area is the state of Maryland. It doesn't have most of these staples either. Just south of the DC area is Virginia, which has many of these things.

Answer 3

You can always move back down to the deep south where you can get the food you want. Better yet, start your own restaurant and serve it like "back home".

Can't get a good brat or cheese curd out there either, or in the south, but do you hear us complain?

Answer 4

I'm not sure but its the same out west once you pass La. you are out of luck. i guess that's why they say American by birth southern by the grace of god. lol Anyway on a more serious note if you know how to really cook southern you could probably make a killing if you open a southern style restaurant "up thar"

Answer 5

As a life long southerner, I can assure you that D.C. is NOT a part of the South. In fact, it was the capital of the Union during the War of Northern Aggression.

Answer 6

It is considered East Coast -- Crab Cakes.

Answer 7

DC is a metro area which was founded by and is still run by "yankees"

DC area is also more educated & health concious. Covering everything in lard isn't really a healthy thing to do.

Answer 8

Uhhhma? remember the Boston Tea Party! They don't wanna forget it!!

Answer 9

dont kno