You obviously haven't been to the southern portion of the country. Louisiana - Cajun country near Lafeyette, Creole in New Orleans, has a strong food culture. It is a sin down here not to be able to make your own roux.
I have been and the food is great but I think its thanks to French and Caribbean influences. Quebec also has good food for the same reason, but mainstream America does not.
Cajun food is unique to the region as it was developed when Acadian immigrants fled Canada while incorporating the cultures of the region at the time. If anything it is quintessentially American.