Ep 19. Louisville

Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations takes viewers on a culinary journey to the vibrant city of Louisville, Kentucky. Host Andrew Zimmern explores the unique regional cuisine that has made this city a culinary hotspot.

The episode begins by showcasing Louisville's most famous dish - the Hot Brown. Andrew visits the Brown Hotel, where this iconic sandwich was first created. He watches as the chefs prepare the dish, which includes a thick slice of turkey, bacon, Mornay sauce, and Parmesan cheese, all topped with a crispy piece of bread.

Next, Andrew dives into the city's thriving bourbon scene. He visits the Old Forester Distillery to see how this beloved beverage is made and learns about the history of bourbon in the region. He then visits the Silver Dollar bar, where he tastes a variety of bourbon cocktails and learns about the different flavor profiles of this complex drink.

Andrew also samples another Louisville favorite - the fried chicken. He visits Roy's Bar-B-Q, a local institution that has been serving up crispy, juicy fried chicken for over 30 years. Andrew watches as the cooks season and fry the chicken to perfection and then digs in to experience the mouth-watering flavors.

One of the highlights of the episode is Andrew's visit to the Louisville Mega Cavern, a massive underground space that offers unique growing conditions for mushrooms. Andrew meets with the owners of the facility and learns about the process of growing mushrooms in this unconventional environment. He then tries a dish made with these fresh, locally grown mushrooms at the Mayan Cafe.

Andrew also explores the multicultural influences on Louisville's cuisine, including the city's large Vietnamese population. He visits the Pho Ba Luu restaurant to try a traditional bowl of pho and learns about the ingredients and flavors that go into this popular dish.

Finally, Andrew visits the Comfy Cow ice cream shop to indulge in some sweet treats. He tries a variety of flavors, including bourbon ball and mint chocolate chip, and learns about the process of creating artisanal ice cream.

Throughout the episode, Andrew showcases the diverse and delicious cuisine that makes Louisville such a unique culinary destination. From classic dishes like the Hot Brown and fried chicken to innovative uses of locally grown ingredients, this city is truly a food lover's paradise.