When American food writer William Grimes launched an attack on the Cornish pasty he was biting off more than he could chew.

Not only has New Yorker Grimes' criticism of the pasty been lambasted in Cornwall - now his fellow countrymen are up in arms too.

British writer Terry Fisher, who lives and works in Auburn, California, has this week been talking to some of the locals who just love to lunch on a pasty. And they say Mr Grimes should stick to bagels and leave the pasty alone. Terry writes -

'Wagons are being circled in defense of the pasty in the Sierra foothills of the Californian gold country following an outbreak of hostilities.

Locals living in historic Grass Valley and Nevada City have joined their Cornish cousins in defending their culinary jewel in the crown against an attack, which they say "hits at the very heart of our heritage."

Fierce condemnation of the remarks came from many of them, ancestors of immigrant Cornish tin miners infuriated by the "insensitive" and "rude" comments about a popular and thriving industry that feeds and delights thousands of local and visitors all year long. One claimed that pasties were "as American as apple pie."

Grass Valley's "Queen of Pasties" is Marie Marshall, who at aged 80 still makes the daily rounds with her supply of homemade pasty delights. Widowed more that 30 years ago she and her five daughters began their pasty crusade in a century old former miners' building.

"We first had a general food store but pasties became so popular we went into the business full-time," said the 46-year-old daughter Carrie Locks.

"Demand for our pasties in a bigger than ever. We are all infuriated over the remark of the writer whose personal view is a criticism of our heritage.'

It was 150 years ago that thousands of Cornish tin miners joined the gold rush to northern Californian bringing with them their tin mining skills and expertise and ...the pasty.

Carrie said that the wholesome meal was part of the very fabric of the area and to them was "as American as apple pie," and Mr Grimes' remarks were very unfair to the industry and a hit at the heart of the gold country."

Joining her in attacking the pasty critic was Nevada City's Arlene Rice.

The 65-year-old, whose ancestors came from St. Blazey, Cornwall, followed in the pasty baking tradition using recipes from her mother and grandmother. She runs the Cousin Jack's pasty store and restaurant as well as a wholesale business, producing thousands of pasties monthly throughout the gold country. "Outside catering for homes and businesses is definitely on the increase, and people love the flavour," she remarked.

"I'm really disappointed at his comments which might prevent people from tasting this wonderful filling and nutritious meal," she said.

Cathy Whittlesey, executive manager of Nevada City's Chamber of Commerce said that gold mines and pasties are mentioned by many people in the same breath. Her own children take dozens of frozen pasties to college.

The attack on the pasty resulted in a challenge to Mr Grimes to come to the town "as our guest" and "feast on our local pasties, " said Cathy.

Local police love the pasties. Debbie Cogan, a police dispatcher who has relatives in the West Country described them as "yummy." echoing the comments of bartender Judy Grisson of the Mineshaft saloon.