Do you know that Rhode Island is the only state in the US that has an official appetizer? Yes, appetizer! The Ocean State designated that great Italian American restaurant favorite, calamari, as its state appetizer on June 27, 2014, when Governor Lincoln Chaffee signed a bill that was passed by the state legislature.
The bill was sponsored by lawmakers who wanted to promote the state’s food and tourism industries, as well as honor the hard work of the fishermen who catch squid every day. The bill also got some national attention in 2020, when Rhode Island showcased its calamari during the Democratic National Convention. The state party chairman Joseph McNamara called Rhode Island the “calamari comeback state” and praised its resilience and diversity.
Calamari, or fried squid, is a popular dish in Rhode Island as in most other states, especially those with an Italian American immigrant presence—whether that be present or just as a historical memory—but it’s particularly appropriate in Rhode Island, which is known as the Ocean State, where there is still a thriving fishing industry. The state boasts 400 miles of coastline and produces more squid than any other state in the country, and exports it all over the world.
Rhode Island is also the state with the highest percentage of Italian Americans in relation to its total population, with 15.5% of its residents claiming Italian ancestry. This is followed by Connecticut with 16.1% and New Jersey with 14.6%. The Italian American community in Rhode Island dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when many immigrants from Italy settled in the state, especially in Providence and its surrounding towns. They brought with them their culture, language, cuisine, religion and traditions.
The Island Institute says Rhode Island, the country’s smallest state, has the eastern seaboard’s largest squid-fishing fleet. According to Rhode Island Government, this makes sense because the state is known as The Ocean State due to its impressive coastline.
The Providence Journal claims that Cornell University researchers found more pounds of squid are brought to shore in Rhode Island than any other seafood, making it “the squid capital of the world.” According to Rhode Island Monthly, nearly 20.5 million pounds of squid were caught in 2020.
So, what is the difference between traditional and Rhode Island calamari? Rhode Island-style calamari is deep-fried squid, but then tossed in butter, garlic, and hot peppers. It’s typically served with lemon wedges and sometimes with marinara sauce.
Rhode Island is proud of its culinary heritage and its unique state appetizer, which reflects its history and culture.
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