Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Season 4 Episode 4 Rome

Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations is a show about traveling around the world and exploring different cultures, cuisines, and food traditions. In season 4, episode 4, host Andrew Zimmern takes us to the ancient city of Rome, Italy.

Rome is a city that is globally renowned for its history and culture, and its cuisine is no exception. Andrew starts his food journey by exploring the streets of Trastevere, a neighborhood that preserves its medieval architecture and traditions. He visits a local bakery where he tastes delicious sweets like cannoli and maritozzi, and he also indulges in a Roman pizza or "pinsa" topped with fresh ingredients like buffalo mozzarella, ricotta, and truffle.

Andrew also delves into the culinary history of Rome, visiting a cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) expert who explains the origin and variations of this classic pasta dish. He also discovers the secrets of making supplì, a staple street food made of fried rice balls filled with ragù and mozzarella cheese.

Next, Andrew takes us to Testaccio, a historic working-class neighborhood where he samples some of the best offal dishes in the city, such as tripe, brain, and tongue, which are cooked to perfection by the local butchers and chefs. He also visits a local market where he tries artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal vegetables that inspire him to create a traditional Italian salad called insalata di puntarelle.

Furthermore, Andrew explores the Jewish Quarter, a lively and vibrant area where he discovers the influence of Jewish cuisine on Roman food culture. He meets a local baker who teaches him how to make the traditional Jewish pastry called pizza ebraica, a sweet and nutty treat that has been enjoyed by the community for centuries.

Along with the Jewish heritage, Andrew also explores the influence of ancient Rome on modern Italian cuisine by visiting the famous restaurant Ristorante del Roscioli, where he tastes the most exclusive and authentic cured meats, cheeses, and wines in the city. He also tries some innovative dishes that blend ancient and modern recipes, such as artichokes with honey and mint, culatello with burrata and black truffle, and a carbonara made with traditional guanciale and fresh pasta.

Finally, Andrew concludes his food journey in Rome by visiting the Vatican and trying some of the most iconic sweets from the Vatican City, such as amaretti, torrone, and the legendary "Poisonous Dessert" or "Zuppa Inglese," a decadent and boozy cake made with sponge cake, pastry cream and rum.

Throughout the episode, Andrew showcases the diverse and rich food culture of Rome, highlighting the traditions, ingredients, and techniques that make this city a heaven for foodies around the world. He also shares his personal insights and opinions on the dishes he tries, demonstrating his passion and curiosity for discovering delicious destinations.