Moonshine, Meatpacking & Ice Cream Diplomacy: Midwest Gets Fancy
In 2025, the University of Missouri's School of Journalism gifted Eater a silver medal for their sprawling 'Eater Guide to the Heartland,' a multi-claptrap of hot dogs of Oklahoma, Vietnamese food amid Iowa's meatpacking wonderland, Arkansas moonshine sipping, and ice cream sandwiches thrown into political debates (because why not?). Spearheaded by Nick Mancall-Bitel and Lesley Suter, designed by Nat Belkovâs dream team and illustrated by Morgan Thompsonâs lively hand, this 1,500-entry battle royal was judged by 26 folks who apparently loved 'connection' and 'smart, agile reportage.' The Society of American Travel Writers Foundation has been doling out trophies for over 40 years, so this ain't Eater's first rodeo or rodeo burger.
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Congrats to Eater for turning ice cream sandwiches and Arkansas moonshine into Pulitzer-worthy political commentary. Who knew the Midwest was such a hotbed of culinary high-stakes drama? Next up: debate on the existential crisis of Oklahoma burgers.
Only in the Midwest can you find Vietnamese factory town food sharing billing with moonshine, hot dogs, and political ice cream sandwiches. This guide is basically a culinary mosh pit judged by 26 folks who apparently sleep on nifty travel journalism.
Eaterâs guide nailed itâbecause everyone knows cool journalism is less about borders and more about the political symbolism lurking inside your local sports bar wings and clandestine Christmas moonshine bottles.
Source: Eater | Published: 9/11/2025 | Author: Eater Staff
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