At M on High, when we say we serve Contemporary American Cuisine, we’re talking about something far more diverse, delicious, and dynamic than just burgers and fries (though we love a great burger too). American food is a vibrant reflection of our country’s melting pot of cultures, ingredients, and traditions—especially here in California. It’s food rooted in history, inspired by immigration, shaped by regions, and constantly evolving.
A Culinary Mosaic: The Cultural Roots of American Cuisine
There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of American cuisine, as it’s built from numerous influences. Indigenous communities cultivated corn, squash, beans, and wild game long before European settlers arrived. Then came waves of immigrants—from Italy, China, Germany, West Africa, Mexico, and beyond—each bringing their own food traditions, cooking techniques, and beloved ingredients. Over time, those traditions merged, adapted, and turned into something new.
Fried chicken with collard greens and cornbread? That’s deeply Southern, with roots in African American cooking. Bagels and lox? A nod to Jewish delis in New York. Tacos, sushi burritos, kimchi quesadillas, chicken tikka pizza—you’ll find it all here, and it’s all American. Our food is constantly reinventing itself.
American Classics, Reimagined
Some dishes are simply timeless. Think mac and cheese, meatloaf, crab cakes, Caesar salads, pot roast, or apple pie. But the best part? These classics don’t stay static. Contemporary American cuisine breathes new life into old favorites. It could be mac and cheese with sharp aged cheddar and a crisp pancetta crust, or meatloaf with a spicy tomato glaze and sweet potato mash. These are the kinds of ideas that excite us in our kitchen.
At M on High, we honor those iconic flavors while adding unexpected twists and techniques that make them fresh again. That’s what keeps American cuisine exciting—it never stands still.
A Country of Regions, A Table of Variety
The United States spans coast to coast, and so does the food. Each region has its own personality on the plate:
- The South brings smoky BBQ, buttery biscuits, shrimp and grits.
- The Northeast gives us clam chowder, lobster rolls, and maple everything.
- The Midwest is big on hearty casseroles, corn-fed steaks, and comfort food.
- The Southwest loves chiles, slow-cooked meats, and Mexican-inspired fusion.
- The Pacific Northwest goes wild with salmon, mushrooms, and craft everything.
Here in California, we’ve got our own thing going—and we love it.
California Cuisine and the Joy of Local Sourcing
California cuisine is all about freshness, seasonality, and clean, bold flavors. It takes the diversity of American food and infuses it with our state’s agricultural abundance. At M on High, we fully embrace this. We’re fortunate to be in a place where local produce, meat, and seafood are always in season. From heirloom tomatoes to avocados, from local cheeses to responsibly raised proteins—we source with purpose.
We also draw inspiration from our local landscape. California cuisine is bright, casual, vibrant, and welcoming—just like our space. Whether you’re dining inside under our open ceiling or enjoying the sunshine on our patio, we bring that fresh California energy to your plate.
American Cuisine for Every Occasion
American food has always been adaptable. It works just as well for a relaxed family dinner as it does for a special night out. That’s why it fits our style at M on High so naturally. Our menu is designed to celebrate both the everyday and the extraordinary—whether you’re grabbing a cocktail and sliders with friends, or celebrating a milestone with a multi-course dinner.
Casual fine-dining doesn’t mean stuffy or formal. It means quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a warm, elevated experience—without the pretension. That’s what American cuisine has grown into: expressive, inclusive, and perfect for gathering people around a table.
From local comfort food to globally inspired flavors, American cuisine is a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. For us at M on High, it’s a daily inspiration to cook with heart and welcome everyone like family. Join us at M on High to experience American classics reimagined with fresh, local California flair.
