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Distinguished Speaker Series: Flavor of the Peninsula | The History and Cultural Significance of Food in Florida with Dr. Cori ConvertitoThis lecture explores the rich and diverse culinary history of Florida, a state whose food culture is as vibrant and varied as its landscapes. From the ancient foodways of Indigenous peoples to the dynamic fusion of Caribbean, Latin American, Southern, and global influences, Florida’s cuisine reflects centuries of migration, trade, and cultural exchange.
Attendees will trace Florida’s culinary evolution: from the smoked fish and corn of early Native American diets to the citrus groves and sugarcane fields introduced by the Spanish, and from Southern staples in the Panhandle to the spicy, tropical flavors of Miami and the Keys. The lecture will also examine how African, Cuban, Bahamian, Haitian, and other immigrant communities have shaped Florida’s food identity through ingredients, techniques, and traditions.
More than just a history of ingredients and recipes, this talk will consider the broader cultural and social significance of Florida’s food: how it reflects community identity, tells stories of adaptation and resilience, and continues to evolve as new cultures arrive and mix. Signature dishes like Key Lime Pie, Conch Fritters, and the Cuban Sandwich will serve as flavorful entry points into deeper conversations about belonging, memory, and place.
Whether you’re a food lover, historian, or cultural enthusiast, this lecture offers a deliciously insightful journey into the kitchens, streets, and dining rooms of Florida’s past and present.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040-6512, United States
Tickets
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