"The World on a Plate" is the story of how immigrant families have changed and influenced American food and created a uniquely American culinary pastiche. Joel Denker, a long-time food and travel writer and a scholar of American folklore, conducted fascinating interviews with a range of ethnic-food merchants in crafting a history of America's colourful food makers - the grocers, vendors, manufacturers, importers, restaurateurs - and the products they have given us.