Eat in All 50 States Without Leaving the Valley of the Sun: Missouri

Missouri is landlocked and borders eight different states. Missouri is bounded by Iowa on the north; by Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee across the Mississippi River on the east; on the south by Arkansas; and by Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska (the last across the Missouri River) on the west. The two largest rivers are the Mississippi (which defines the eastern boundary of the state) and the Missouri River (which flows from west to east through the state) essentially connecting the two largest metros of Kansas City and St. Louis. Jackson City is the capital of the state.

Although it is usually today considered part of the Midwest, Missouri was historically considered by many to be a border state, chiefly because of the settlement of migrants from the South and its status as a slave state before the Civil War, balanced by the influence of the St. Louis. The counties along Missouri River in the center of the state, were settled by Southern migrants who held the greatest concentration of slaves.

The state of Missouri annually receives an average of of 16,695,000 visitors to its national parks and other recreational areas totaling 202,000 acres, giving it $7.41 million in annual revenues, 26.6% of its operating expenditures.

While much of the state's history is tied to the mighty rivers that flow through it, the "Show Me State" got its nickname because of the devotion of its people to simple common sense. In 1899, Rep. Willard D. Vandiver said, "Frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I'm from Missouri. You've got to show me."

In Missouri, much of the cuisine is influenced by that of the Ozarks (also referred to as the Ozark Mountains, Ozarks Mountain Country). Barbecue, both pork and beef, is popular in both St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as in much of the southern half of the state.

St. Louis-style pizza is a distinct type of pizza popular in the city of St. Louis, Missouri and surrounding areas. The definitive characteristics of St. Louis-style pizza are a very thin crust made without yeast, the common (but not mandatory) use of Provel white processed cheese, and pizzas cut into squares or rectangles instead of wedge. Prove cheese is a trademark for three cheeses fused to form one (provolone, Swiss, and white Cheddar).

Here is a surprising fact, some may claim Toasted Ravioli was originated in Sicily, where fried ravioli containing a sweet filling is a traditional Christmas time dish. However, most accounts of the first toasted ravioli can be traced to the Italian neighborhood, known as "The Hill", of St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States.

For a taste of Missouri cuisine, one can try Frasher's Smokehouse in the heart of Phoenix, AZ. Privately owned and operated by George Frasher. The Frasher's Smokehouse serves seven different types of smoked meats including pulled pork, ribs, and trip-tip. The St Louis pizza is not on the menu, but if the pizza dough is available George and his staff provide the best St Louise style pizza in Arizona. While dining there, definitely try the delicious Toasted Ravioli, the St Louis's creation. The service and the whole experience in this restaurant are indeed impeccable.