Your favorite American foods

In the pocket
"Toasted ravoli in St. Louis, MO. I've never had one I didn't like. Meat filled or one of my personal favorite - spinach/artichoke - these are great food." -April, St. Louis, Mo.

Mein street
"The Chow Mein Sandwich. A Fall River, MA classic. It is simply a couple of ladles of Chinese chow mein, invariably beef, poured onto a hamburger type bun, and then plop the top of the bun on top. It makes a tremendous lunch and I have never seen it offered anywhere else." -Joe, Cranston, R.I.

Sticky situation
"Vermont Maple Syrup...on ANYTHING! There is NOTHING like the taste of REAL maple syrup!" -Pete, Springfield, Mass.

Chicago's other treat
"While the Hot Dog may be what Chicago is known for, I would argue that the Beef Sandwich is the real deal there. Twice cooked with herbs, spices and a lot of black pepper; Served on a slightly stale role that have been dunked in gravy; it is more an expression of Chicago than the Hot dog or even the deep-dish pizza could ever be." -Brad, Cincinnati, Ohio

Leftover heaven
"Philadelphia Scrapple There is no breakfast food like. From what I understand, it orginated in Philly - meat markets looking for something to do with the leftover scraps. They were grinded and mashed together and grilled. Breakfast just isn't complete without a piece of scrapple." -Ron, New Castle, Del.

Nothing fishy
"In Southern California, fish tacos are true beach food. Fish tacos reflect the marriage of two strong cultural influences in Southern California — the surfer culture and the cultural and culinary influence of Mexico, more specifically — Baja California. A fish taco is grilled or breaded fish (like Wahoo or Mahi Mahi), some shredded cabagge, some salsa or other sauce — all wrapped in a small corn tortilla. It is an amazing combination." -G. Gin, Costa Mesa, Calif.

Northern delights
"The Yooper pastie. Found primarily in the upper pennisula of Michigan, it can also be traced to the upper mitten of the state as well. It might be of French descent though, I'm not quite sure. There is no argument though as to whether or not it's delicious." -Joshua, Bay City, Mich.

Eggs-actly right
"Eggs Benedict from New York! Perfectly toasted English muffins, Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. My god man! How could you overlook the king of all egg dishes?" -Carol, New York, N.Y. [The history of eggs Benedict is in dispute, though both competing versions take place in New York. -Ed.]

Georgia on their mind
"Georgia Pecan Pie, come on pecans, molasses, what could be better? Southern fried chicken, need I say more? Brunswick stew, pork,chicken,and beef all in a gloopy thick scrumptous stew (its better on a hotdog than chili)." -Jack, Monroe, Ga.

"Hey, I live in south Georgia — what ever happened to good ole southern fried chicken, pork chops, okra, catfish and yummy peach cobbler and banana pudding. Don't know what you are missing!" -Gail, Nicholls, Ga.

Pies of their eyes
"Key Lime Pie (It should NOT have green food color.) 1. It is named after an American town. 2. It is universally liked and on many menus. 3. Many people like to make their own homemwde versions and take great pride in the recipe legacy. 4. The thought of eating a Key Lime pie will always bring a smile to your face. 5. You will always ask to have a bite of someone's Key Lime Pie if you have neglected to get a slice for yourself." -Bonnie, Pembroke Pines, Fla.

"Frito Pie — one of the best tasting dishes ever. Period. Fills you up and tastes best with some tabasco sauce, which itself should be nominated for an American culinary award." -Jon, Dallas, Texas

"Blackberry Pie from the Pacific Northwest (particulary Oregon). These are by far the best berries anywhere in the world and when I think of blackberries it makes my mouth water!!" -Susan, Chillicothe, Ohio

Some comments edited for length and clarity.