Bizarre Foods America Season 8 Episode 4 New Mexico
- TVPG
- July 30, 2012
- 42 min
-
6.6 (15)
In Bizarre Foods America season 8 episode 4, host Andrew Zimmern travels to New Mexico to explore the unique and diverse cuisine of the state. Throughout the episode, he visits different regions and meets with locals to learn about the traditional dishes and food cultures that make the state so special.
Zimmern kicks off his journey in the capital city of Santa Fe, where he tries a local staple dish called Christmas-style enchiladas. Made with red and green chile sauces, these enchiladas are a festive representation of the state's multicultural heritage. After exploring the local farmer's market and sampling various fresh produce, Zimmern ventures to a restaurant that specializes in preparing wild game. Here, he tries elk heart and other unusual meats that are unique to the region.
Continuing his exploration of New Mexico's food scene, Zimmern visits the Hatch Valley, which is famous for its chile peppers. He learns about the history and significance of the Hatch chile and how it has become a vital component of the state's cuisine. While in the valley, Zimmern visits a farm that grows these chiles and sees how they are harvested and processed for consumption.
Zimmern then heads to the Navajo Nation reservation, where he samples traditional Navajo dishes such as frybread, blue corn mush, and mutton stew. He learns about the importance of food in Navajo culture and how the tribe has adapted traditional dishes to modern tastes. Next, Zimmern visits a local beekeeper and tries a unique honey made from the nectar of wildflowers.
In the final leg of his journey, Zimmern travels to Albuquerque, where he visits a restaurant that serves contemporary cuisine inspired by the state's Hispanic and Native American cultures. He tries dishes such as bison carpaccio and green chile gnocchi and speaks with the chef about the significance of fusing traditional flavors with modern techniques.
Overall, Bizarre Foods America season 8 episode 4 provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse and vibrant food culture of New Mexico. Zimmern's journey takes him from the capital city to rural communities and reservation lands, showcasing the unique dishes and ingredients that define the state's cuisine. Through his conversations with locals and visits to farms and restaurants, Zimmern highlights the importance of food in New Mexico's history, culture, and identity.