The Petrol Station as a Piece of American Cuisine
A celebrity chef believes that a petrol station is just as much a part of American cuisine as a slice of pizza. According to chef Andrew Zimmer, who has spent 25 years traveling through the country in a van, petrol stations offer a unique culinary experience that is often overlooked.
Qualifications and Experience
Zimmer claims that he has eaten at more places than anyone else in the past two and a half decades, which qualifies him to vouch for the appeal of petrol stations. He is currently working with Casey’s petrol stations in Iowa to promote their new barbecue brisket pizza.
The Adventure Feeling
Zimmer attributes the appeal of petrol stations to the sense of adventure they offer. "We don’t have to cross the ocean with a 19th-century tramp steamer to have an adventure," he says. "We can go to a place and try a regional food or a regional pleasure that happens to be for sale in this specific shop and have just as warm, blurred feeling."
Beyond Pizza
While Zimmer praises the new barbecue brisket pizza at Casey’s for its "real, healthy ingredients," he believes that a good petrol station offers more than just pizza. He cites the example of a breakfast burrito at a petrol station in Arizona, made with homemade chorizo, eggs, and crispy potatoes, as a truly extraordinary culinary experience.
No Apologies for Indulging
Zimmer does not apologize for eating what he wants when he is on the go. "You try to keep your healthy lifestyle until the time when you have a fraudulent moment or a fraudulent day," he admits. While he acknowledges that eating pizza and slushies every day would not be good for him, he believes in indulging occasionally and enjoying the unique culinary experiences that petrol stations have to offer.
Embracing Regional Food
Zimmer’s love for petrol stations is rooted in his appreciation for regional food and the sense of adventure that comes with trying new things. He believes that petrol stations offer a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and cuisine, and he encourages people to be open to trying new foods and drinks when they travel. Whether it’s a barbecue brisket pizza or a homemade chorizo burrito, Zimmer believes that the right petrol station can be a truly special place to eat.
