Ep 13. Marseille

In episode 13 of season 3 of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, host Andrew Zimmern takes us on a culinary journey to the coastal city of Marseille, France. Marseille is known for its fresh seafood and vibrant food scene, and Zimmern wastes no time in diving into the local cuisine.

First, Zimmern heads to the Vieux-Port, the old port of Marseille, where he samples a variety of fresh seafood dishes. He tries bouillabaisse, a traditional fish soup made with local rockfish and served with a side of rouille (a garlic and saffron-flavored mayonnaise) and crusty bread. Zimmern also tries mussels cooked in white wine, garlic, and cream, and a local fish called Rouget, which is served with a side of ratatouille.

Next, Zimmern ventures to the central market of Marseille, the Marché des Capucins, to explore the different stalls and taste some of the local specialties. He samples pieds et paquets, a traditional dish made with lamb tripe, trotters, and herbs. He tries a traditional socca, a thin pancake made with chickpea flour and olive oil, and served hot and crispy. He also learns about the history of Marseille's oldest wine, Pastis, and how it's made.

Zimmern then heads to the neighborhood of Le Panier, which is known for its street art and its food. He explores the different restaurants and shops, tasting a variety of dishes along the way. He tries a savory sandwich made with panisse (a chickpea flour fritter) and split peas, called le pied bleu, and a sweet pastry called navettes, which are flavored with orange blossom water and shaped like boats.

Finally, Zimmern heads to the areas surrounding Marseille to discover some of the lesser-known specialties. He visits a farm where they produce goat cheese and tries a variety of cheeses, including a soft cheese called crottin de chèvre and a blue cheese called roquefort. He also learns about Marseille's tradition of making tapenade, a spread made with olives, capers, and anchovies, and tries it with a variety of breads.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern delves into the history and culture of Marseille, highlighting the different influences on its cuisine, including Italian, North African, and French. He showcases the pride the locals have for their food and the importance of fresh, high-quality ingredients in creating the unique dishes of Marseille. Overall, this episode of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations is a tantalizing journey through the flavors and traditions of this vibrant city.