Ep 18. Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina is a city steeped in history and culture, and its cuisine reflects this rich heritage. In this episode of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, host Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a culinary journey through the Holy City, showcasing some of the most unique and delicious dishes Charleston has to offer.

The episode kicks off with a visit to a local oyster farm where Zimmern meets with an oyster farmer and learns about the importance of sustainable farming practices. Next, he heads to a renowned Charleston institution, Bowens Island Restaurant, for a taste of classic Charleston seafood fare. Zimmern samples deep-fried shrimp and deviled crab, both staples of Charleston's seafood scene, and chats with the restaurant's owner about the history of the establishment and its continued popularity.

Zimmern continues his exploration of Charleston's food scene with a visit to Bertha's Kitchen, a soul food restaurant that has been serving up delicious dishes for over 30 years. He tries the restaurant's famous lima beans and rice, and discusses the importance of traditional Southern cuisine with the owner and head chef.

Another stop on Zimmern's tour of Charleston is Martha Lou's Kitchen, a family-owned Southern food restaurant that has been serving up comfort food for over 30 years. Here, Zimmern tries the restaurant's fried chicken and okra gumbo, and talks with the owner about the importance of family and community in Southern cooking.

For a taste of the unexpected, Zimmern heads to Xiao Bao Biscuit, a Charleston restaurant that serves up an eclectic mix of Asian-inspired dishes. He tries the "chu fang fen," a dish made with rice noodles and pork belly, and discusses the inspiration behind the restaurant's unique menu.

Zimmern then heads to The Glass Onion, a farm-to-table restaurant that sources its ingredients from local farms and purveyors. He tries their pork belly banh mi sandwich, made with locally sourced pork and fresh ingredients, and talks with the chef about the importance of supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture.

The episode comes to a close with a visit to The Ordinary, a Charleston seafood restaurant that has been named one of the best restaurants in America by Bon Appétit magazine. Zimmern tries the restaurant's raw bar offerings, including oysters and clams, and discusses the history of Charleston's seafood industry with the restaurant's head chef.

Overall, Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations – Charleston showcases the unique blend of history, culture, and culinary excellence that make Charleston's food scene one of the most interesting and delicious in the country. From classic Lowcountry dishes to innovative fusion cuisine, this episode offers something for every food lover.