ContestsEvents

Florida: If You’re Wondering What Our Favorite Pasta Is, Here’s Your Answer

Various Pasta dishes, in many different varieties, shot from the top on a black background, Italian food flat lay

National Pasta Day is right around the corner (October 17). In celebration, Betway has compiled a report that highlights the most searched pasta dish in each state. In Florida, the most popular pasta is one to swirl around the fork.

Is there such a thing as "bad pasta?" Probably not. However, there are certain plates (or bowls) that when prepared right are easily a step above the rest. Pasta has the ability to be a feel-good meal wherever you choose to eat it. Whether you dig into pasta dinner Sunday nights, filled with family, friends, bread, and wine, or head out to your favorite Italian restaurant.

In order for Betway to compile their report, they analyzed Google search data in every state. The pasta types that had the highest search volume, then ranked highest on their corresponding list.

How Much Does America Love Pasta?

The short answer is a lot. "Lasagna is the most popular pasta dish in the U.S., followed by gnocchi carbonara, ragu, Bolognese, and Alfredo," Betway's report states. With the exception of Alfredo, all of those aforementioned pastas are tomato sauce-based. In addition, this report shows that pasta is most popular in the Northeast and Midwestern.

What Pasta Does Florida Prefer?

Linguine it is. This flattened, elliptical-shaped pasta is what produced the highest average search volume in the Sunshine State. It appears Floridians also have an appetite for ricotta-filled pasta. Tortellini and ravioli finished as the second and fourth most popular pasta in Florida, respectively. The least favorite pasta in Florida came out to be lasagna and macaroni and cheese.

Now that you are in the mood for a fresh plate of linguine, here are a few options. Florida Rentals recently detailed the seven best Italian restaurants in the state. Furthermore, Yelp has broken down the best Linguine in Florida as well.

Two Florida Restaurants Named Among The Best For French Fries

Do you want fries with that? Tasting Table recently published a list of restaurants with the best French Fries in the country and two New Florida establishments were named.

"From high-end steakhouses and neighborhood brasseries' to fast food restaurants and even grocery store freezer aisles, fried spuds can be found in just about every type of restaurant or shop across the country," Tasting Table explains. Their feature is specific to non-fast food restaurants.

French Fries are always a fan-favorite whether a side dish, an appetizer, or just a snack. They come in all shapes and sizes. Shoe strings crispy versions, thick-cut steak fries, seasoned curly fries, waffle fries, and even tater tots (are those considered fries, though?).

French Fry Fun Facts

In a 2019 story published by the Daily Meal, they discussed unique facts on French Fries in America. Two of the most fascinating have to do with McDonald's. "Approximately 7 percent of the potatoes grown in the U.S. meet the same fate: they become McDonald's french fries," they said. They later stated that this fast food chain sells one-third of the French Fries consumed in the United States.

French Fries are like music. They are a common bond, and they are subjective. What one person prefers may be completely different from another. Better yet, both choices are correct.

For example, Best Things Florida released their list of best French Fries in the Sunshine State. It is completely different from Tasting Table's. However, Tasting Table went and explored all corners of the country to crown their French Fry kings.

The two restaurants in Florida that were recognized for having some of the best French Fries in the country serve two very different styles. One of them is part of a restaurant that has expanded to other markets. The other is served in a restaurant where fries compliment BBQ.

Broken Shaker - Miami

Located on 2727 Indian Creek Dr. in Miami Beach, Broken Shaker has fries that are so good, they even get their own line item on the menu. These are Shawarma Fries, served with Harissa ketchup. You can order them on their own or have the fries paired with any of their burgers or sandwiches. Although Broken Shaker does also have restaurants in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Madrid, their menus show a some different takes on their hand-cut fries in certain markets. For example, Los Angeles has Carne Asada fries. New York and Miami both have the Shawarma recipe.

The Polite Pig

"In terms of meaty all-American food pairings, french fries go just as well with barbecue as they do with burgers," Tasting Table exclaims. The Polite Pig is located in Disney Springs. They describe their menu by saying, "Our menu is inspired by the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer, bringing new twists to local flavors and BBQ." They serve waffle fries with a polite rub. They can be selected as a side to any dish or in a giant platter to accompany your catering order. In addition, sweet potato tots are on the menu as well.

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.