Why does the Half-Smoke possess a stronger geographic tether than D.C. Crab cakes?
Answer
It originated solely within the District limits
The Half-Smoke is championed as the definitive D.C. dish because its creation and evolution are intrinsically linked specifically to the District of Columbia, granting it an unmatched geographic tether. In contrast, while D.C. citizens celebrate high-quality crab cakes due to proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, this item is considered a regional specialty of the greater Bay area rather than a dish that was uniquely born within the District boundaries. The Half-Smoke's specific blend of meats, mandated preparation style, and cultural anchoring in neighborhoods like U Street give it an authenticity and singular origin story that generalized regional seafood cannot claim.
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