Like all seasons, there is a taste of summer–certain foods, certain flavors, certain smells that define the bright sunny spirit. A whiff, a taste and we are all catapulted back to the endless idyllic days of childhood.
For some people, it is the bounty of the ocean and marinated fish eaten on the beach. For others, it is burgers and hot dogs in the back yard, or peach cobbler and iced tea on the porch. Or lomilomi salmon, chicken long rice, and kalua pork. Or barbeque and cole slaw. Or grilled corn and fruta con chile.
There are as many different kinds of American foods are there are different kinds of Americans and they could ALL be celebrated as we celebrate the country of immigrants that we are.
For even more examples of American food traditions imported from other countries, check out: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/31/dining/foods-family-traditions-summer.html