Ep 17. Bogota

Bogota, the capital city of Colombia, is a hub of diverse dishes and cultural delicacies. In this episode, Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a food adventure across the colorful streets of Bogota to explore the city's culinary delights.

To start off the day, Andrew visits a local market, Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao, to get a taste of the city's fresh produce. Here, Andrew gets a glimpse of the variety of exotic fruits and vegetables that are unique to this region, such as tomatoes that taste like strawberries and multi-color potatoes. Andrew also tries out Chicha, a traditional indigenous corn-based drink that dates back to pre-Hispanic times.

Next, Andrew visits one of Bogota's oldest neighborhoods, La Candelaria, where he comes across unique street food like Arepas, which is a type of flatbread made with cornmeal, and Ajiaco, a hearty chicken soup made with Andean potatoes. He also samples delicious Colombian coffee, which is renowned for its rich and bold flavor, at one of the city's well-known coffee shops.

Later, Andrew visits one of the neighborhood's oldest and most traditional restaurants, Restaurante La Puerta Falsa, which is famous for its classic hot chocolate and empanadas. Andrew enjoys the empanadas filled with beef, potatoes, and spices, as well as the hot chocolate that has a unique recipe with a hint of cheese in it.

Andrew then heads to San Victorino, Bogota's central market, which is the go-to place for meat lovers. He tries out a variety of meat dishes, including Lechona, a stuffed roasted pig that is a staple in Colombian celebrations, and a variety of grilled meats like chorizo and chunchurria.

Later, Andrew makes his way to one of Bogota's high-end restaurants, El Cielo, known for its modern cuisine that showcases Colombian ingredients and heritage. Here, Andrew gets a chance to sample diverse and contemporary tasting menus that offer a truly unique experience. The meal includes dishes like the 'Landscape of Guaviare,' which is a dish featuring jungle-inspired ingredients such as roasted ants and yucca chips, and a delicate dessert that looks like a rosette flower with flavors of guava and white cheese.

Finally, Andrew ends his food adventure at one of Bogota's nightclubs, Andres Carne de Res, where he parties the night away while trying classic Colombian dishes like Beef Skewers (Espetada) and Lomo de Cerdo a la Criolla (Pork Loin in Creole Sauce). The night ends with some epic dancing and more Colombian drinks, showcasing the fun-loving and vibrant culture of the city.

Overall, the episode showcases Bogota as a must-visit destination for food lovers, with its unique blend of indigenous and modern cuisine influenced by Colombian culture and history.