Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Season 5 Episode 9 Portland, Me

In the ninth episode of the fifth season of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, the focus is on Portland, Maine, a city known for its coastal charm, lively food scene, and historic architecture. Host Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a culinary journey through the city, exploring its unique and diverse food offerings.

The episode begins with a visit to the iconic Portland Lobster Company, where diners can enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the picturesque harbor. Zimmern speaks to the owner about the importance of sustainability and supporting local fishermen, before indulging in some of the restaurant's signature dishes, including a classic lobster roll and steamed clams.

Next, Zimmern heads to the historic Old Port district, where he samples traditional French Canadian comfort food at Duckfat. The restaurant is known for its crispy fries cooked in duck fat, as well as its rich poutine topped with gravy and cheese curds. Zimmern also tries the restaurant's decadent duck confit panini, which is served on fresh house-made bread.

Moving on to the East End of Portland, Zimmern visits the charming Rosemont Bakery, which offers a wide variety of locally-sourced baked goods, including artisanal breads, pastries, and cakes. The owner talks about the importance of using high-quality ingredients and supporting local farmers, while Zimmern tries a variety of sweet treats, including sticky buns, macarons, and fruit tarts.

Zimmern then heads to Central Provisions, a small plates restaurant in the heart of the city that offers a modern take on classic New England cuisine. The chef-owner discusses the importance of using traditional ingredients in new and innovative ways, while Zimmern samples a variety of dishes, including fresh oysters, smoked bluefish dip, and a unique beet and goat cheese salad.

The episode also features a visit to Harbor Fish Market, a family-owned seafood market that has been a staple of the Portland community for over 50 years. Zimmern explores the vast selection of fresh seafood, from locally caught fish to exotic species from around the world, before trying some of the market's famous lobster bisque and fried clams.

Finally, Zimmern travels to the outskirts of Portland to visit Standard Baking Company, a traditional bakery that specializes in artisanal breads made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. The owner discusses the importance of using traditional bread-making techniques, while Zimmern tries a variety of fresh-baked breads, including sourdough, baguette, and whole-grain loaves.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern highlights the unique and diverse food offerings of Portland, as well as the city's commitment to sustainability, supporting local farmers and fishermen, and preserving traditional culinary techniques. With its picturesque coastal views and bustling food scene, Portland is truly a destination for food lovers from around the world.