9. Red Velvet Cake
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel is responsible for the invention of more than one classic American dish: Red Velvet Cake also has its origins at this famous hotel, which started making the cake in the 1920’s. One fan of the dessert requested the recipe from the Waldorf and was charged around $300 for it.
Angry and unaware that she would have to pay for her request, the cake-lover exacted her revenge on the hotel by sharing the recipe with hundreds of people. The Waldorf, as a result, lost its exclusive Red Velvet Cake recipe.