State Plate with Taylor Hicks Season 1 Episode 2 Illinois

In the second episode of State Plate with Taylor Hicks, the soulful singer and food lover travels to the heart of the Midwest to explore the gastronomic wonders of Illinois. From Chicago-style deep dish pizza to the famous Route 66 corn dog, this episode is packed with delicious regional specialties that will leave your taste buds tingling.

Hicks begins his journey in the Windy City, where he meets up with local food expert, Laura Lalewicz. Together, they explore the culinary scene in Chicago and discover some of the city's most beloved dishes. First up on the menu is the iconic deep dish pizza, a Chicago staple that has earned a place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Hicks visits the legendary Lou Malnati's Pizzeria to learn the art of making this mouthwatering dish from the experts themselves.

Next, Hicks ventures to the heart of downtown to visit the famous Billy Goat Tavern, where he tries their famous cheeseburger and learns about the history of this iconic Chicago hangout. From there, he heads to another local favorite, Portillo's, to sample their signature Italian beef sandwich and grab a bite of their famous chocolate cake shake.

Leaving the city behind, Hicks sets out on a road trip down Route 66, a historic highway that stretches from Chicago to California. Along the way, he stops at the Cozy Dog Drive-In, a cozy roadside joint known for its deliciously crispy corn dogs. Hicks chats with the owners and learns about the history of this iconic Route 66 establishment before sampling their mouthwatering corn dogs.

Continuing his journey through Illinois, Hicks makes his way to the town of Arthur, which is home to a vibrant Amish community. Here, he meets up with an Amish family to learn about their traditional way of life and try some of their homemade delicacies, such as apple butter and freshly baked bread.

Next, Hicks visits a farm in the small town of Grayville to learn about the state's rich agricultural heritage. Here, he takes a tour of the farm and learns about Illinois' role as a major producer of corn and soybeans. He also tries some of the farm's fresh produce, including juicy watermelon and succulent sweet corn.

Hicks' food journey through Illinois wouldn't be complete without a visit to a classic diner. He heads to the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield, where he meets the owner and tries their famous "loose meat" sandwich, a Midwest classic that is enjoyed by fans all over the country.

Finally, Hicks takes a trip to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, where he meets up with local vintners and learns about the region's growing wine industry. He tries some of the area's delicious wines, including a crisp white made from grapes grown in the heart of Illinois.

As always, Hicks brings his infectious energy and love of food to every stop on his journey, making for a fun and informative food tour that will inspire viewers to explore the culinary treasures of Illinois for themselves.