Spinach Pie, Clamcakes, and Pizza Strips

My friend Brea lives in Missouri. She's never been to Rhode Island. So when I first mentioned a 'spinach pie' in written conversation, she thought I meant spanakopita. Now, I do love spanakopita, especially at the Greek Festival every year, but no, the Rhode Island spinach pie is completely different. It's more of a calzone, stuffed with spinach, garlic, and sometimes black olives, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.Another thing my friends across the country might not understand is the Rhode Island clam cake, or clamcake. My friend Jeanette in Texas wasn't sure what I meant - after all, clams and cake? It's a fritter, but we don't call them clam fritters. They're clam cakes, and they're meant to be eaten (sometimes dunked) in chowder (the debate over red, white, or clear is for another post). Here's a recipe in case you want to try making them at home.Finally, the pizza strip. Everyone knows pizza - and everyone knows there are many varieties and toppings, right? But Rhode Island pizza? Sometimes called party pizza or bakery pizza, you can buy a box of it (sold at room temperature) at the supermarket or a single strip wrapped in plastic from your neighborhood convenience store. It's bread - focaccia or pizza dough with herbed tomato sauce or paste on top. That's it. Sometimes a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, but it's not necessary.So - what's your pleasure? And Rhode Islanders, past and present - where are your favorites?