Ep 2. The Great Food Frontier

In season 16 episode 2 of Bizarre Foods titled "The Great Food Frontier," host Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a culinary journey through the frontier towns of South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. This episode explores the unique flavors and ingredients found in the western United States, where the landscape and climate have influenced the cuisine.

Zimmern begins his journey in Deadwood, South Dakota, where he tries smoked trout and buffalo meatloaf at a local restaurant before heading out into the wilderness to hunt for himself. He learns from a local hunter about the importance of respecting the animals and the land, and tracks down a wild turkey for his dinner. He cleans and prepares the bird, and cooks it over an open flame using traditional Native American methods.

From there, Zimmern travels to the wide-open plains of Wyoming, where he meets a rancher who raises grass-fed cattle and bison. He helps herd the animals and learns about the sustainable practices used to maintain the land. He also gets a taste of the local cuisine, including bison chili and a cowboy-style breakfast.

Next, Zimmern ventures to the mountains of Montana, where he explores the gourmet food scene in the small town of Bozeman. He visits a farm-to-table restaurant that sources all of its ingredients locally and tries dishes like elk carpaccio and huckleberry jam. He also visits a craft brewery and samples unique beers made with local ingredients such as spruce tips and sour cherries.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern emphasizes the importance of preserving these unique food cultures and sustainable practices. He highlights the challenges faced by local farmers and ranchers and the importance of supporting small businesses that source their ingredients locally. He also showcases the innovation and creativity of chefs and food producers who are reimagining traditional dishes and creating new ones using local ingredients.

Overall, "The Great Food Frontier" offers a fascinating look at the cuisine and culture of the American West, highlighting the diversity and complexity of the region's food traditions. Whether it's hunting for wild game, raising grass-fed animals, or experimenting with local ingredients, the people of the Great Frontier are passionate about their food and committed to preserving their culinary heritage for future generations.