PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Georgia's official state fruit is the peach. Maine's official state treat is the whoopie pie. Now a Rhode Island lawmaker wants his state to make calamari the state's official appetizer.
The legislation filed this week by Rep. Joe McNamara would honor squid sauteed with pickled hot peppers. It's sometimes served with marinara sauce on the side and is considered a uniquely Rhode Island delicacy.
The Warwick Democrat says the smallest state has the largest squid fishing fleet in the Northeast and Rhode Island should be highlighting its successes at a time when it's tied with Nevada for the nation's worst unemployment rate.
He says Rhode Island-style squid can be found on menus from New Hampshire to California. TV personality Guy Fieri even features it in one of his restaurants.
