Photo Project: Justin Iwata

Amongst the McDonalds, Burger Kings, and Del Tacos that litter every corner of our streets exists a palatable euphoria. Rather than serving a standardized menu, privately owned, hole in the wall, restaurants provide a dining experience that is as unique as it is exhilarating. These restaurants pride themselves on delicious, quality food that cannot be identified by a million dollar commercial or an obnoxious jingle. Rather these restaurants, often ethnic in origin, bring authentic flavors and an excitement to the dining table that cannot be replicated or reproduced by production lines.
Moreover, these restaurants provide unique insight into their communities. Many restaurants have survived for years soley on their reputations and on the patronage of the local population lucky enough to know about their existence. Unfortunately, most consumers overlook these taste Meccas due to their lack of publicity. Social change is always difficult, and more often than not the hardest part is to find a good starting point. I believe that this starting point can be found over a plate of great food. At these restaurants patrons can sit, eat, and enjoy while immersing themselves and taking in foreign cultures.
To narrow the parameters of my project, I will focus only on those restaurants that are 5 years and older and are no more than 15 miles driving distance from USC.

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