Ep 11. Milwaukee

Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Season 2 Episode 11 takes Andrew Zimmern to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Known for its breweries and cheese, the city also has a rich culinary history influenced by its diverse population.

Zimmern starts his journey at the Milwaukee Public Market, a popular destination featuring local vendors selling produce, meats, cheeses, and handmade pastries. Here, he tries Wisconsin's famous cheese curds, deep-fried balls of cheddar cheese that squeak in your mouth when you bite into them. He also samples kringles, Scandinavian pastries filled with fruit, nuts, and cream cheese.

Next, Zimmern heads to Kopp's Frozen Custard, a Milwaukee institution since 1950. He tries the signature flavor, butter pecan, and learns about the process of making frozen custard. The creamy dessert has more egg yolks and butterfat than regular ice cream, giving it a richer, denser texture.

Zimmern then visits Bunzel's Meat Market, a family-owned business that has been providing quality meats to the community since 1932. He tries their signature bratwurst, a Wisconsin staple made with pork and veal, served on a pretzel bun with mustard and sauerkraut. He also samples a popular local snack called "tiger meat," raw beef mixed with spices and served on crackers.

Moving on to Italian cuisine, Zimmern stops at Tenuta's Italian Deli, which has been in business since 1950. He tries the stuffed bread, a large loaf filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. He also samples the traditional Italian dessert, cannoli, filled with sweet ricotta cheese and chocolate chips.

Zimmern then heads to Glorioso's Italian Market, a family-owned business that has been serving the Milwaukee community since 1946. He tries the classic meatball sub, made with homemade meatballs, tomato sauce, and provolone cheese. He also samples a hot ham and capicola sandwich, served on a crusty Italian roll.

To experience Milwaukee's German heritage, Zimmern visits Kegel's Inn, a restaurant and bar established in 1924. He tries the pork schnitzel, a thin, breaded cutlet topped with gravy and served with spaetzle, a type of German noodle. He also samples the popular German beer, Hofbrau.

Lastly, Zimmern explores Milwaukee's Polish cuisine at Polonez Restaurant. He tries pierogi, boiled dumplings filled with mashed potatoes and cheese, and golabki, cabbage rolls filled with ground beef and rice. He also learns about the traditional Polish drink, krupnik, a honey liqueur served warm in the winter.

Overall, Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Season 2 Episode 11 showcases the diverse and delicious culinary scene of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From cheese curds to frozen custard, bratwurst to pierogi, the city offers a unique blend of flavors influenced by its cultural heritage.