Ep 9. Kansas City: Snoots & Spleens

In the latest episode of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern travels to Kansas City to explore some of the unusual foods the city has to offer. In this particular episode, Zimmern delves into the world of offal, which are the less commonly consumed parts of an animal, such as intestines, spleens, and snouts.

In Kansas City, offal is a big part of the local cuisine, and Zimmern is excited to explore this unique culinary world. He starts his journey at a local barbecue joint, where he tries some of the city's most famous barbecue, including pork ribs and burnt ends. But it's the snoots and spleens that really capture his attention. He discovers that barbecue joints in Kansas City often serve up pig snouts and spleens, which are cooked until they are crispy and then served with an array of sauces and spices. Zimmern finds them to be surprisingly delicious, with the snouts being crispy and chewy, and the spleens being tender and flavorful.

From there, Zimmern heads to a butcher shop that specializes in offal, where he meets the owner who explains the different parts of the animal and how they are used in cooking. Zimmern is fascinated by the amount of care and attention that goes into selecting, preparing, and cooking offal, and he learns a lot about the different techniques and flavors that are used in the process.

Next up, Zimmern visits a local restaurant that specializes in Jamaican cuisine, where he tries some cooked cow and sheep intestines. The intestines are simmered in a flavorful broth, which makes them tender and savory. Zimmern is once again impressed by the skill and care that goes into preparing these unusual dishes, and he can't help but marvel at the rich flavors and textures of the offal.

Along the way, Zimmern also meets a variety of chefs and food experts who share their insights and experiences with offal. They talk about the history and culture of eating these parts of the animal, and they also offer tips on how to prepare them at home. Zimmern is struck by how passionate and knowledgeable these people are about their craft, and he feels privileged to be able to learn from them.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern also reflects on the importance of trying new foods and expanding one's culinary horizons. He talks about the role that food plays in connecting people and cultures, and he encourages viewers to be open-minded and adventurous when it comes to trying new dishes.

Overall, Kansas City: Snoots & Spleens is a fascinating and educational exploration of offal and the unique culinary traditions of Kansas City. Through his travels and interviews, Zimmern brings the world of offal to life, and he shows how these oft-overlooked parts of the animal can be transformed into delicious and satisfying dishes. Whether you're a foodie, a traveler, or just curious about the world of food, this episode is a must-watch.