American food stars: Missouri, Kentucky and Louisiana

Missouri definitely deserves a place as one of America's food destinations thanks to its speciality - barbecuing. It is impossible to resist the unique taste of smoked meat in Kansas City, as it is seasoned with a variety of sauces to suit every taste. Must-visits in town are Jack Stack Barbecue - where the speciality is their famous lamb chop cooked in a brick oven. You should also stop in St. Louis for fried ravioli, and to visit the historic Anheuser-Busch brewery, where they have plenty of different types of beer available. And on March 24 and 25, there is the St. Louis' Annual Stout and Oyster Festival, a two-day event where the strong flavours of oysters meet those of high fermentation beer next to the majestic Gateway Arch.

The rural spirit of the South appears best in Kentucky’s simple cuisine, where typical dishes go along a good glass of bourbon. To discover the state properly, follow the Kentucky Culinary Trail where you will be able to try Kentucky’s famous fried chicken and Bourbon Balls.You should also try Hot Brown, the famous sandwich created in the Brown Hotel in Louisville in the 1920s to feed guests at their wild nightly parties. But it is not just about food, Kentucky is also the capital of bourbon, so you should hop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which takes tourists on a journey across the state, stopping in Bardstown, Lexington and Louisville. In Louisville, you can order a Mint Juleps, the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby, the famous horse race that attracts every year thousands of people to the city.

In sparkling and colourful New Orleans, where gastronomy combines different cultures, travellers can experience the unique flavours of Creole and Cajun cuisine. It is an overwhelming sensory experience that begins in the French District, where you can dive into the smells of the old market or lose yourself in the tiny streets. Then have a break at the famous Café du Monde, the historic coffee shop where you can try beignets, the city’s iconic sweets. Discover New Orleans’ culinary secrets with Creole and Cajun cooking lessons, and try to make typical dishes with expert chefs. Finally, don't miss annual food festivals: in March, you’ll be able to attend New Orleans'** Wine and Food Experience**, which brings together the city's best chefs in a celebration of local culinary culture. And during the summer, the COOLinary puts on several events, including Restaurant Week, a week where you can try the specialties of the best restaurants at discounted prices.