Ep 3. Montevideo

In Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations season 9 episode 3, host Andrew Zimmern travels to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, to explore the unique and delicious cuisine that the city has to offer. Throughout the episode, Zimmern visits various local hotspots to discover the history and flavors behind traditional dishes that are beloved by locals.

One of the first stops on Zimmern's itinerary is a restaurant that specializes in Uruguayan barbecue, known as asado. Here, he learns about the traditional method of cooking meat over an open flame and tries a variety of different cuts, including beef ribs and sweetbreads. He also tastes chimichurri, a popular sauce made from parsley, garlic, and olive oil, that is often served with meat.

Another iconic dish that Zimmern discovers in Montevideo is chivito, a sandwich that is considered the national dish of Uruguay. The sandwich features steak, bacon, ham, lettuce, tomato, and mozzarella cheese, all stacked between two slices of bread. It's often served with a fried egg on top, and can be customized with additional toppings like olives or peppers.

For seafood lovers, Montevideo is also home to a bustling fishing port where fresh catches of the day can be found. Zimmern visits a restaurant that specializes in fish and seafood, where he samples dishes like grilled octopus and paella. He also tries a unique dish called chipá, a type of bread made from yucca flour and cheese that is popular in the neighboring country of Paraguay.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern also delves into the history and culture of Montevideo, visiting landmarks like the Palacio Salvo and Plaza Independencia. He speaks with locals about their favorite restaurants and dishes, and learns about the impact that Uruguayan immigration has had on the city's culinary landscape. With its unique blend of European, African, and indigenous influences, Montevideo proves to be a fascinating and delicious destination for food lovers.