Ep 1. Tuscany

Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations season 9 episode 1 takes viewers on a culinary journey to the heart of Italy's Tuscany region. Host Andrew Zimmern explores the rich history and tradition of Tuscan cuisine, dating back to the days of the Etruscan civilization.

From the city of Florence to the rolling hills of Chianti, Zimmern samples some of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Tuscan cuisine. He starts his journey with a visit to a local farmer's market, where he samples fresh prosciutto, pecorino cheese, and other locally grown produce. He then meets with a local winemaker to learn about the history of winemaking in Tuscany and samples some of the region's best wines.

Next, Zimmern visits the town of Lucca, where he tries his hand at making traditional Tuscan pasta dishes like pappardelle and pici. He also visits a local bakery to see how Tuscan bread is made and tries some of the region's most famous pastries.

In Siena, Zimmern learns about the city's famous Palio horse race and tries some of the local specialties like panforte, a traditional Tuscan cake made with nuts and fruit. He also visits a local butcher to learn about the different cuts of meat used in Tuscan cuisine and tries some of the famous bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick cut of steak cooked over open flames.

Zimmern's final stop is in the town of San Gimignano, where he meets with a local farmer who specializes in making saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world. He also tries some of the town's famous gelato and learns about the history of gelato making in Tuscany.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern not only tries some of the most delicious and unique dishes in Tuscan cuisine, but he also learns about the history and tradition behind these foods. From the ancient Etruscans to the modern-day chefs and food artisans, Tuscan cuisine embodies centuries of culinary history and tradition, making it a truly unique and special destination for food lovers.