Carnitas simmered with love, skewers kissed by fire, hot dogs that make the score - some of the best eats in LA can be found in its many communities

Portland`s freethinking food scene fosters barbecue brisket tacos, loaded mac and cheese - and Thuy Pham`s heartfelt Vietnamese vegan pork belly.

Always on the go, the Big Apple fuels its hustle with soul-stirring shrimp and grits, crisp slices, spicy halal chicken and rice, and snappy dogs.

Amid a party city`s mix od po'boys, snoballs and crawfish, Ms. Linda Green`s beloved yakamein bubbles with inspiration, even in the face of tragedy.

Sparkling fresh poke. Succulent kalua pig. Tempting, tender kalbi. For a real taste of Hawaii, take a bite as its lunch trucks and holes-in-the-wall.

Souse - that bold, vinegary broth boosted with meat and potatoes - saved Souseman Larry`s life in a town build on fritas, pikliz and Cuban sandwiches.