A rumination. What you call cultural fusion seems to me to be increased diversity. In a bit of irony, as restaurant offerings become more diverse, the classic USA coffee shop seems to be endangered. I loved Walter’s when it was a coffee shop. I especially liked the Dagwood burger.
We ate the other night at a spot I do view as true fusion, Loro. It is the pairing of Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole styles. The flavors of Franklin Texas barbecue and the Japanese genius displayed in Uchi are melded. Even the architecture blends the Texas barbecue joint and the beamed architecture of larger Japanese buildings. My other fusion favorite is Chi’lantro, blending Korean, Mexican, and a nod to barbecue.
