Florida - "Sunshine State"

Florida is a state in the southeast United States, bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the Straits of Florida. Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. The Miami metropolitan area is the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Tallahassee is the state capital.

Florida was the first part of the continental United States to be visited by Europeans. The earliest known European explorers came with the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León. De León spotted the peninsula on April 2, 1513, and he named the region La Florida ("flowery land").Today, Florida is distinguished by its large Cuban expatriate community and high population growth, as well as its increasing environmental concerns. Its economy relies mainly on tourism, agriculture, and transportation, which developed in the late 19th century. Florida is also known for its amusement parks, the production of oranges and the Kennedy Space Center, and as a popular destination for elderly retirees. Florida culture is a reflection of influences and multiple inheritance; Native American, European American, Hispanic, and African American heritages can be found in the architecture and cuisine.

As part of "Eat in All 50 States without leaving the Valley", Cuban cuisine was selected for the state of  Florida. Due to large Cuban community, this country's cuisine is very popular in this US state.  Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Native American Taino food, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines. Some Cuban recipes share spices and techniques with Spanish and African cooking, with some Caribbean influence in spice and flavor. As with many historic dishes, there was no "Aha" moment that marked the invention of the Cuban sandwich. Similar sandwiches existed in Cuba before they were brought to the States, but these variation exploded in popularity in Ybor City, a historic neighborhood in Tampa, which was a center of cigar manufacturing in late 19th century. Today's Cubano sandwich combines roasted pork, glazed ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and if you are in Tampa, add salami. There are also sometimes an layer of mayonnaise in the pressed, toasted sandwich that's expertly done at Cuban Foods Bakery and Restaurant in Phoenix, AZ. This locally owned restaurant is owned by a Cuban family. The food is very authentic and reasonably priced. The service is excellent and staff are friendly.