Historic Hotels Carry on Culinary Traditions

By Zoe Stutman

Hotels have played an intrinsic role in the creation of America’s cultural fabric. They have enabled a flow of culture, stories, and, what some people consider the most important element, food. Acclaimed hotels across the nation have contributed to creating the American foodscape experienced today.

Historic Hotels of America just released its “Top 25 List of Historic Hotels with the Most Unique Culinary Traditions.” The compilation reveals the origins and hidden stories behind many beloved American classics that are passed on across the decades and generations. Here are a few highlights from the latest list:

Omni Parker House, Boston (1855) Boston, Massachusetts
The celebrated and beloved Boston Cream Pie has not always been known as such. Back in 1856, what was originally the “Parker House Chocolate Cream Pie,” was first created and served at the Omni Parker House hotel. The delectable dessert gained such a following and sweet reputation that in 1958 it became a national staple as a Betty Crocker mix, and is now Massachusetts’ official state dessert (pictured).

Caribe Hilton (1949) San Juan, Puerto Rico
In 1954, the Caribe Hilton’s bartender whipped up a concoction of mixed rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice—and just like that, the Piña Colada was born. In 1978, Puerto Rico made the Piña Colada the  territory’s official drink.

Westin Portland Harborview (1927) Portland, Maine
After former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her Scottish Terrier, Fala, were denied a room at the hotel, now known as the Westin Portland Harborview, in 1946 and changed the policy of the hotel, the bartender created a drink in her, and Fala’s, honor. The Roosevelt’s Revenge cocktail is an artful mixture of local Ice Pik vodka, Galliano and orange.

The Hollywood Roosevelt (1927) Los Angeles, California
Since hosting the first Academy Awards in 1929, the Hollywood Roosevelt has long celebrated its iconic history and its cherished guests, from Clark Gable to Angelina Jolie. At the time of the inaugural Academy Awards banquet, the hotel served fine dining meals from Consommé Celestine to Filet of Sole Sauté Au Beurre. In honoring this event, the Hollywood Roosevelt continues to serve upscale dishes that bring a modernity to the original Academy Awards’ menu.

The Hermitage Hotel (1910) Nashville, Tennessee
The Hermitage Hotel and Jack Daniels, Tennessee’s original whiskey, has a relationship dating back to the Prohibition era. The eighth floor was home to “The Jack Daniels Suite” since it was so often used by anti-suffragists who smuggled in their own alcohol. Jack Daniels continues to be a partner with the Hermitage Hotel to this day, the whiskey brand even made a special barrel blend exclusively for the hotel. You can find this blend in the Hermitage Hotel’s cocktail, the “Jack’s Mule.”

Grand Hotel (1847) Point Clear, Alabama
The Grand Hotel’s chef and U.S. Army Veteran, “Uncle Bud,” created his signature gumbo in 1960, when he first began cooking at the establishment. The dish, featuring fresh seafood from Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, became so popular that Uncle Bud’s original recipe is still used by the hotel today.

*Pictured Boston Cream Pie at Omni Parker House, Boston

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Zoe Stutman