Johnston Rep Wants to Make Calamari 'Official' State Appetizer

As much as I love a big plate of calamari with peppers and marinara sauce, I must admit I cringed a little when I read this press release headline, "Calamari: RI’s 'official' state appetizer?"

It's true that Rhode Island-style calamari is on menus of restaurants far and wide, as Rep. Joseph M. McNamara recently learned when he visited New Hampshire. 

Rhode Island also has the largest squid-fishing fleet on the East Coast. With a take of nearly seven million pounds a year, Rhode Island accounts for about 54 percent of squid landings in the Northeast.

McNamara is now attempting to promote how crucial fishing, hospitality and tourism industries are to the Ocean State. In order to do this, the state representative has introduced legislation to declare calamari as the “official state appetizer.”

A Johnston representative is also co-sponsoring the bill. 

“Some much of what we hear or read about Rhode Island is negative,” said Rep. McNamara (D-Warwick, Cranston). “We need to start promoting the good and wonderful things about our state.

"And while squid may make some people squeamish, we should be boasting about the fact that Rhode Island is the east coast capital of squid, and that our style of preparing it is being used by chef across the country. Even Guy Fieri has a recipe for it.”

The legislation, 2013-H 5654, has been referred to the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare.

It is co-sponsored by Rep. Teresa Tanzi (D-Narragansett, South Kingstown), Rep. Donna M. Walsh (D-Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown, Westerly), Rep. Deborah Ruggiero (D-Jamestown, Middletown) and Rep. Gregory J. Costantino (D-Lincoln, Johnston, Smithfield).

But calamari? Should this be the Ocean State's official appetizer?

What about other foods Rhode Islanders are known for, such as dynamites, Doughboys, clam cakes or even Rhode Island chow-dah? 

What do you think? What would nominate to be Rhode Island's official appetizer? Tell us in the comment section below!