Ep 8. Horse Conch & Hogfish

In season 12 episode 8 of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern travels to Florida to explore the culinary traditions of the Sunshine State. The episode is titled "Horse Conch & Hogfish," and it focuses on two unique ingredients that are featured in many local dishes.

The first half of the episode is dedicated to the horse conch, which is a large sea snail that is commonly found in the shallow waters off the coast of Florida. Zimmern meets with local fishermen who use specialized tools to extract the snails from their shells. He also visits a restaurant where the horse conch is served in a variety of ways, including ceviche and a deep-fried version that is similar to calamari.

Next, Zimmern turns his attention to hogfish, a type of reef fish that is prized for its firm texture and mild flavor. He joins a group of spearfishermen who hunt the hogfish in the shallow waters near the Florida Keys. He also visits a seafood market where the fish is sold whole, and he samples some of the local dishes that feature the hogfish as the main ingredient.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern also explores the cultural history of Florida, and how the cuisine has been shaped by the various cultures that have settled in the state over the years. He meets with members of the Seminole tribe and learns about their traditional cooking techniques, as well as their use of native ingredients like swamp cabbage and alligator meat.

In addition to the horse conch and hogfish, Zimmern also tries a variety of other local delicacies, including conch fritters, alligator jerky, and frog legs. He visits several restaurants that specialize in regional cuisine, and he meets with chefs who are experimenting with new and innovative ways to incorporate local ingredients into their dishes.

Overall, "Horse Conch & Hogfish" is an intriguing and informative episode of Bizarre Foods that offers a fascinating glimpse into the unique culinary traditions of Florida. Zimmern's enthusiasm and adventurous spirit are infectious, and viewers can't help but be inspired to try some of the local specialties for themselves. Whether you're a seafood lover or just a curious foodie, this episode is sure to delight and surprise.