The 2012 Reading Road Trip is hosted by Like These Books and Icey Books as a way to showcase the fabulous books and authors that come out of the great USA and Canada! Each participating blog is assigned a state (or Canada) and will be hosting a giveaway of a book or books by an author of their state, or a book about their assigned state. Fun, right?
I picked New Jersey and my original post was an entire rant on how MTV's Jersey Shore is not a true representation of our culture, but I'm guessing most of you know that. Did you know, though, that if you're a local, you go to the beach? Tourists (bennys) go to the shore.
Anyway, instead of ranting about what I hate about NJ, let me tell you the number one reason I will probably never leave this state. Yes, we have gorgeous beaches, miles of beautiful boardwalks, and plenty of historic landmarks. But the reason I will probably be tethered to NJ for the rest of my life can be summed up in two words: PORK. ROLL. Also known as Taylor Ham. I cannot even begin to describe its goodness--you can learn more about it at Wikipedia, although I would never compare it to Spam. It's like a hot dog in that it's a combination of stuff that you would probably be better off not thinking about, but it's so, so good. There is nothing like pork roll, egg and cheese on a hard roll to make everything right in the world. And for some inexplicable reason it's only made in the NJ area. Sure, with the Internet you could probably get it shipped to Anywhere, USA, but there is just nothing like eating a pork roll sandwich in a NJ diner.
Is there a regional delicacy in your area that you can't live without (I'm using the word delicacy very loosely here, I know!)?
Onto the giveaway! One lucky winner will win two SIGNED books by NJ authors--a hardcover copy of She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott and a paperback copy of Popular by Alissa Grosso! You can click on each title to learn more about the books at their respective Goodreads pages.
Contest is open to US residents age 13 and up. Simply fill out the Rafflecopter to enter. You don't have to be a follower but you can get extra points for doing so! Contest closes on August 1.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'm stop number four on the Reading Road Trip, so be sure to check out all the other stops and follow along!
Enjoy your reading and good luck!
Christi
If you're ever in the Florida panhandle you need to track down some Tupelo Honey! It is amazing honey, only made here in FL. The bees eat the Tupelo gum tree blossoms, and that pollen makes the sweetest honey!
ReplyDeleteI don't know any treats..i'm sure there are some, but i can only think of a food...our Philly's chessesteaks:)
ReplyDelete-JennyC
I live in HAwaii--so I guess macadamia nuts and shave ice? and hula dancers?
ReplyDeleteLilian @ A Novel Toybox
I would like to second the pork roll love and raise you a slice of scrapple.
ReplyDeleteI really love Frosted Oranges from The Varsity. Its a fast food place you can only get in Georgia.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Jersey girl and I have NJ's best bagel shop for about 5 years in a row within a 2 minute drive from my house. That's my personal special treat. lol
ReplyDelete@Lili--where are these fantastic bagels located? We have decent bagels here, but it's a 15 minute drive to get there...
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I don't know... Utah has funeral potatoes, INative American fry bread that's called a scone for some reason (WTFudge?) that is usually served with honey butter, and fry sauce (Basically a mix of mayo, ketchup and mustard).
ReplyDeleteA treat that's only available in my area is AMAZING frozen yogurt at yogurt square in Lincoln Square, Chicago. More generally, Chicago style pizza is always a must :)
ReplyDeleteHonestly where I live there is nothing special that goes on. No I'm serious nothing where I live it shouldn't even be called a town, it's much smaller than that(thank goodness for reading)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if they're only in Washington, but I know they're definitely not all over the country: Burgerville. They're just a regular fast-food burger place except they focus on sustainable packages and do seasonal foods. Plus, they have some fantastic vegetarian burgers!
ReplyDeleteIn Philly, the best cheese steaks are made everyday...
ReplyDeleteThe Wisconsin state fair is known for their Creme Puffs!
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing really from my immediate area unless you count the deep-fried Twinkies from the Burger Barn...but it got shut down a few months ago. Maybe cheese in general, since "Real California Cheese, it's THE Cheese." LoL
ReplyDeleteWell- I'm from Idaho which is famous for it's potatos but I live in cattle country. On ranches the new calves have to be branded once a year-at these branding the cowboys and cowgirls eat rocky mountain oysters-which are cow balls cooked over a camp fire. I have never had one myself-but to each his own. lol
ReplyDeleteThe south has sweet tea? I have no idea!
ReplyDeleteAhh, you are a true New Jerseyan, like me. The Taylor ham is practically like tradition in my house. Can't live without it ;) Good choices for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHere in Chicago we have some of the best deep dish pizza and popcorn. :]
ReplyDeleteThe popcorn i'm talking about is Garrett's popcorn. :]
Thanks for the wonderful chance to win!
xo stephanie
Well, the Civil War ended around where I live. Is that any good? :p
ReplyDeleteOoh, the best thing available only here is Cougar Gold Cheese. So scumptious! WSU in Pullman WA if you're ever in the area, or you can have it shipped.
ReplyDelete