Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Season 8 Episode 19 Alsace

In season 8 episode 19 of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, host Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a culinary journey to the region of Alsace. Located in northeastern France, this small but mighty area boasts a unique blend of French and German cuisine due to its history of changing hands between the two countries.

First, Zimmern visits Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, to sample one of its most famous dishes: choucroute garnie. This hearty dish consists of sauerkraut, sausage, and potatoes, and is typically served with mustard and a glass of beer. However, Zimmern discovers that the dish is much more complex than it appears, with each ingredient bringing its own distinct flavor to the table.

Next, Zimmern travels to Colmar, a picturesque town known for its charming architecture and delicious pastries. Here, he meets with a local baker to learn about the art of making kougelhopf, a sweet bread typically enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. Zimmern helps the baker prepare the dough and watches as it rises in a traditional kougelhopf mold. The finished product is a golden brown, beautifully shaped loaf that Zimmern can't wait to sink his teeth into.

Moving on to the town of Obernai, Zimmern visits a local brewery to sample some of Alsace's famous beer. These beers are often flavored with local ingredients, such as juniper berries and spruce tips, and are brewed using traditional methods. Zimmern notes that the beer pairs perfectly with Alsace's hearty cuisine, and he enjoys sipping on a cold glass as he takes in the brewery's beautiful surroundings.

Finally, Zimmern heads to the town of Riquewihr, where he meets with a local winemaker to learn about Alsace's famous white wines. These wines are made from grapes grown in the region's fertile soils, which are enriched by the nearby Vosges Mountains. Zimmern tries several different varieties, noting their unique flavors and aromas, and even helps harvest grapes from the vineyard.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern emphasizes the importance of honoring and preserving the unique traditions and flavors of Alsace. He meets with locals who are passionate about their cuisine and proud of their heritage, and concludes that the region's blend of French and German influences has resulted in some truly delicious dishes.

Fans of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations won't want to miss this episode, which showcases the rich culinary traditions of one of France's most underrated regions. From sauerkraut to pastries to beer and wine, Alsace has something to offer every foodie.