The culinary scene in Virginia is experiencing a wave of innovation and growth and was recently dubbed one of the top wine and food destinations in the country. Restaurants across the state are serving up local ingredients with creativity and flair. Bountiful seafood from the Chesapeake Bay, award winning local wines and traditional southern-style comfort foods are just a few of the specialties the dining scene in Virginia has to offer. It's regional cuisine at it best.

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A Look At Regional Food: Virginia

Back in the early seventeenth century, Native Americans shared their technique for smoking venison with the Jamestown colonists. The colonists soon applied these newly learned skills to the preservation of meat from the razorback hog, a species that was plentiful in the area.

Over the years, theses techniques were perfected to produce the Virginia-style country hams we're familiar with today. The meat for Virginia ham is taken from the hind leg of the pig and salt-cured for less than six months. Some are smoked, some are not. The most famous of Virginia hams is the Smithfield Ham, which according to law, must be cured within Smithfield town limits.

Virginia ham has a distinctive flavor that makes it a popular choice for everyday meals and holiday celebrations.