Ep 7. Louisville: Bourbon and Burgoo

In this episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, the host travels to Louisville, Kentucky to explore the city's famous cuisine and culture. From bourbon to burgoo, Andrew dives into the unique flavors and traditions of this southern city.

Andrew begins his journey at Old Forester Distillery, where he learns about the history of bourbon and samples some of the rarest and most expensive bottles in the world. He also visits a local cooperage to see how barrels are made and to taste the difference between a new and an aged barrel.

Next, Andrew heads to the Kentucky State Fair to try some of the region's most beloved foods, including burgoo, a meat stew that is a staple at fairs and festivals throughout Kentucky. He also samples some fried chicken, a dish that was created in Louisville and is now a national favorite.

For a more upscale experience, Andrew visits the Seelbach Hotel, a historic hotel that has been hosting guests since 1905. Here, he tries their famous Hot Brown, a sandwich made with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce that was invented at the hotel in the 1920s.

Andrew also explores the city's Vietnamese cuisine, which has a long history in Louisville. He visits Cafe Thuy Van, a family-owned restaurant that has been serving traditional Vietnamese dishes for over 30 years. He tries banh mi sandwiches, pho, and other delicious dishes that showcase the flavors of Vietnam.

Finally, Andrew ends his journey at the iconic Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Here, he learns about the history and traditions of the derby and samples some of the food and drinks that are served during the race.

Throughout the episode, Andrew meets passionate chefs, foodies, and locals who are proud of their city and its unique culinary traditions. He also explores the cultural significance of food in Kentucky and how it has shaped the region's history and identity.