North Carolina - "The Tar Heel State"

North Carolina is a state in the Southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west, Virginia to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. North Carolina is known as the Tar Heel State and the Old North State and is composed of 100 counties. North Carolina's capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte. The climate of the coastal plains is strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the state falls in the humid subtropical climate zone. North Carolina features many unique foods, drinks and places to enjoy them, however the winner of all is American barbeque, it particular pulled pork of North Carolina. Barbecue means different things to different people in different parts of the country. In North Carolina it means pork, or more precisely smoked pork shoulder, that has been grilled using the indirect method until it's fall-off-the-bone tender, then pulled into meaty shreds with fingers or a fork. What distinguishes the pulled pork of the NC is the cider vinegar based, chile flakes, sugar and black pepper, which makes a tart and spicy sauce for the pulled pork. One can have a taste of this style of pulled pork in Tom's Thumb Fresh Market in Scottsdale, AZ. This is a premium car wash, gas station and auto detailing while one wants to indulge in the best barbeque in town. There’s something for everyone in Tom’s. As if they had the best barbeque in town in town is not enough, they have got seasonal gifts and decorations galore, pastry case filled with desserts that are ideal for holiday and family gatherings, and of course there are plenty of fresh brewed coffee for our morning commuters. In the evenings there are wine and beer tastings. A very unique combination of gas station, car wash, super market, deli and restaurant.

Hawaii - "Aloha State"

Hawaii is the 50th and most recent U.S. state to join the United States, having gained admission to the United States on August 21, 1959. Hawaii is the only U.S. state located in Oceania and the only one made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean. Hawaii's diverse natural scenery, warm tropical climate, abundance of public beaches, oceanic surroundings, and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike. Due to its central location in the Pacific as well as labor migration in the 19th century, Hawaii is strongly influenced by North American and Asian cultures in addition to its own indigenous Hawaiian culture. Hawaii has over a million permanent residents, along with many visitors and U.S. military personnel. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu. The state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii is the most isolated population center on the face of the earth. As part of Journey of Eat in All 50 States without Leaving AZ, we went to Aloha Kitchen in Mesa, AZ for an authentic experience of Hawaiian dish on Saturday, April 25th, 2015. Aloha Kitchen was established in 1986 at its present location. Owned and operated by Ray and Lynn Tso, they have lovingly created a home away from home for former islanders. Food has always been part of the Hawaiian culture, so Ray and Lynn has created great tasting dishes from the Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean cultures that is so much a part of Hawaii. They draw their inspiration of these dishes from many generations of family and friends sharing their best recipes. Choosing only the best ingredients, they create a quality meal for you to enjoy. Visit Aloha Kitchen and enjoy a taste of Hawaii! Two scoops of rice, one scoop of creamy mac salad and your choice of meat such as chicken teriyaki, an authentic Pork Laulau or Kalua Pig with cabbage you have an Aloha State's iconic plate lunch, served as roadside diners from Kona to Kauai. Like Hawaii itself, the dish itself is a product of cultural fusion, Asian flavors meet American portions. And while Aloha Kitchen can't bring the Pacific surf to the desert, a chicken Katsu plate which consists of a breaded chicken cutlet, deep fried, served on a bed of cabbage with tangy cutlet sauce or shredded Kalua pork may be the next best thing representing Aloha State.