Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 13 Episode 1 Everything but the Squeal

In the thirteenth season premier of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, the adventurous host sets out on a culinary journey to discover the unique and exotic foods of one of Europe's top food destinations- Portugal. In the episode named, "Everything but the Squeal", Andrew takes viewers on a mouth-watering adventure filled with classic Portuguese cuisine, rich cultural knowledge, and plenty of unexpected surprises along the way.

The episode begins with Andrew experiencing a traditional Portuguese breakfast of freshly baked bread, creamy butter, and locally made jam. He then visits a local food market in Lisbon, where he samples various types of smoked and cured meats, including a flavorful blood sausage and a unique cured pork leg that is rubbed with a mix of garlic, salt, and paprika.

Next, Andrew is taken to a small coastal village where he learns about Portugal's seafood-rich culture. He meets with local fishermen who take him out on their boat to catch fresh octopus and then takes him to a nearby beach where they cook the seafood with a flame underneath the sand. Andrew gets to try it for himself and finds the octopus tender and flavorful.

Moving on, Andrew visits a hillside farm where he learns about the different breeds of animals that are raised in Portugal, including the black Iberian pig, which is used to make one of the country's most well-known delicacies- cured ham. Andrew witnesses the process of how this ham is made and even gets to sample some for himself.

The episode then takes a turn to focus on some of Portugal's more unique foods. Andrew visits a restaurant in Lisbon that specializes in offal dishes, which are made from parts of an animal that are not typically eaten. Here he tries dishes like rabbit liver pate, tripe stew, and pork intestines with rice. Though these dishes may sound unusual to some viewers, Andrew explains the cultural significance of these dishes and their importance to the Portuguese people.

Andrew's final stop in Portugal takes place in a small town in the Alentejo region, where he visits a local family who still harvests cork. The region is known for its cork trees, which are used to make the famous corks that are used for wine bottles worldwide. The family then prepares a traditional feast for Andrew and his team, which includes a roasted lamb and a pork dish called "Carne de Porco a Alentejana" which is made with clams.

Throughout the episode, Andrew's enthusiasm and curiosity are on full display as he learns about and tries new foods. His interactions with locals and chefs shed light on the unique cultural significance behind Portuguese cuisine. "Everything but the Squeal" is not only a feast for the eyes and taste buds, but it also showcases the important role that food plays in shaping a country's identity.