Food in NY

For homework, students were asked to write in their journals, describing their experiences in New York.  Here is what Giulia Bartalucci observed:

If you ask me what is the first thought that passes through my mind about American food, it's easy: JUNK FOOD.  

Try to think of a typical American food.   You find what?  Hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches...  Of course, the American types are very good, but they aren't "special meals": you can find them all around the world!

It's funny that in New York you can choose from a lot of ethnic restaurants, like Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Greek, or Irish food without finding typical American restaurants.  I'll explain better; yes, you can find them and you have a lot of variety: McDonald's, Subway, Wendy's, KFC, steakhouses, and hundreds of different names, but with the same food.

I think this is a bad thing because one of the essential points that defines a country is food.  Every nation has its flag, history, government, money, customs, traditions, attractions, national sports... and food!

Not only "something you have to eat to feed yourself", but a real culture: relish what you are eating, discern different ingredients and spices, have a relaxing moment, enjoy the meal with family or friends while you are talking with them around a table and not on the sofa, in front of the TV, or in 10 minutes in a fast food restaurant.  I think if American people learn just a little part of the food culture, they'll enjoy their lives very much!

So, what do you think?  Do you agree that Americans need to have more of a "food culture", as Giulia says?  Or perhaps you've had a different experience.  Can you recommend any great all-American dishes?