The influences on the Regional Cuisine can be broken down into several elements: it is the indigenous food and cooking methods used by the indigenous people of that region, mixed or assimilated ingredients and cooking methods brought by the immigrants to that region.  The United States has been richly rewarded for its melting pot approach to immigration by the unique dishes and flavors these factors have created.  Our gastronomic regions have similarities but their differences and unique approach to flavors are what is cherished here and now, around the world