golfkat Travel Blog

Since travel is restricted, with stay at home orders and lock downs, past trips to our fifty states become more fragrantly nostalgic and memorable.  And the unique food from each state stands out even more.  Here are some from my visits to all fifty.

Alaska   I just had to try reindeer sausage on my first trip there.  Of course, the seafood is also quite plentiful and fresh.
Arizona   I love the chile relleno, as well as the corn chowder, and pork cheeks at Elote.
Colorado   If you have never tried rattlesnake, this is the place.
Delaware   I am not a big fan, but everyone insisted I try the scrapple.
Florida   When in Florida, stone crabs are a must have dinner, with Key lime pie.  Cuban sandwiches are good too!
Georgia   My friends there always tout the bbq, but I prefer the chicken, biscuits and gravy at Merry Mac’s Tea Room.
Hawaii   My favorite waffle dogs are gone, but Leonard’s malasatas are really tasty.  Spam musubi is also ichiban.
Illinois   You must have the Italian beef at Portillo’s (also available now in AZ).  Forget deep dish!
Indiana   The barbecued turkey leg at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the best.
Kansas   Barbecue is king here, so the brisket and rib plate at Arthur Bryant’s is the one.
Kentucky   Everyone agrees, the hot brown is the real deal.  Anything made with bourbon also.
Louisiana   I love the beignets from Cafe’ du Monde, with Po Boys, gumbo, and etouffee’ a close second. And bananas Foster.
Maine   I had a lobster roll every day while there.
Maryland   Dirty Pat says crab cakes are the best, I agree.
Massachusetts   It was JFK’s favorite, the clam chowder from Union Oyster House.
Michigan   The rather unique beef pastie is the preferred pastime.  It was my 50th state!
Missouri   You must go to The Hill, and have the toasted ravioli at Cunetto’s.
Montana   Once you try the bison burger, you will prefer it over a regular hamburger.
Nevada   The iconic shrimp cocktail from the Golden Gate in downtown Vegas is a meal in itself.
North Carolina   The chopped pork sandwich is uniquely Carolina.  Just ask my professors at UNC.
Ohio   Never will I forget the fried mush!
Oregon   I still love the Crab Louie at Jake’s in Portland.
Pennsylvania   My introduction to the Philly cheesesteak was love at first bite.
South Carolina   Until you try it, shrimp and grits do not sound good, but wow!
Tennessee   Their hot chicken might be too hot for you wimps!
Texas   The only place to have barbecue is the Salt Lick, outside of Austin, for their brisket.
Utah   Not one of my favorites, but the pastrami burger is quite filling.  I prefer Nielsen’s frozen custard.
Washington   Many choices, but my fav are the Fanny Bay oysters, small and sweet.
Washington DC   The flash fried flounder at Ten Penh is my favorite fish of all time!

Until we can travel again, we have tried to either recreate or mail order some of these items.  I have ordered Maine lobster so far.  But many of these items cannot be made at home, at least by me!

If I left off your state, please send a suggestion.