Ep 4. Southern Food

Food(ography) is a food-centric television series that explores the cultural significance of different cuisines. Hosted by Mo Rocca, the show takes viewers on a journey across the world to discover the history, traditions, and unique flavors of various foods.

In the fourth season's fourth episode titled 'Southern Food,' Rocca takes us on a mouth-watering tour of the culinary wonders of the American South. The episode delves into the rich heritage of Southern cuisine, revealing how the food is an amalgamation of African, European, and Native American influences.

Rocca kicks off the episode by exploring the roots of Southern food in the port city of Charleston, South Carolina. He meets up with local food historians and chefs who introduce him to dishes that form the backbone of Southern cooking. From classic shrimp and grits to okra soup and Carolina Gold rice, Rocca samples it all and discovers how these dishes have evolved over time.

Moving on, Rocca heads to Nashville, Tennessee, to explore the city's famous hot chicken. He meets up with some of the pioneers of the spicy dish and traces the history of how it originated. Rocca learns how the secret recipe was passed down through generations and finds out what makes this dish so unique.

Next up, Rocca heads to New Orleans to explore the city's culinary traditions and learn about the deep-rooted history of Creole cuisine. From gumbo to po'boys and beignets, Rocca discovers how the city's cuisine is deeply influenced by the African, French, and Spanish cultures that have shaped New Orleans through the centuries.

As the episode draws to a close, Rocca heads to the Mississippi Delta to explore the region's iconic soul food. He visits local farms and learns about the traditional ingredients used in soul food, such as collard greens, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. Rocca also talks to veteran chefs who are keeping the soul food tradition alive and discovers how this cuisine has become a symbol of African American culture.

The 'Southern Food' episode of Food(ography) is a fascinating exploration of the culinary traditions of the American South. With Rocca as our guide, we get a taste of the region's rich history and get to experience the unique blend of flavors that define Southern cooking. From classic comfort food to contemporary dishes, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves food and culture.