Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 17 Episode 2 The Southern BBQ Trail

In this episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, season 17 episode 2, the host travels down the Southern BBQ Trail to discover the unique flavors and techniques used in various cities of the south. Beginning in Memphis, Tennessee, Andrew visits a joint that boasts the only legitimate dry rub on ribs, according to locals. He also visits the city's oldest BBQ shop, serving up whole hog meat since the 1920s.

Next up on the trail takes Andrew to Nashville, Tennessee, where he discovers the importance of the wood used in smoking meats. He also visits a restaurant that uses different woods to create intense smoke flavor in their meats and incorporates unique ingredients such as ground brisket into their sauce. Andrew also samples a 'meat and three' platter which features a protein and three sides, a staple in most Southern eateries.

The journey then takes the host to Owensboro, Kentucky, where he learns about the difference between Western Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky BBQ styles. Owensboro is known for mutton, and Andrew visits a restaurant that has been serving it for over 100 years. Here he also finds a BBQ sauce that is more of a soup, and an unusual breakfast item made from leftover BBQ.

Next up on the trail is Lexington, North Carolina, where Andrew finds a BBQ tradition that is still practiced by locals in their backyards. He visits a pitmaster who has been cooking for over 50 years using the same pit and secret sauce recipe. He also learns about a unique side dish called 'red slaw,' made with a ketchup-based dressing.

The final destination on the BBQ Trail is Greenville, South Carolina. Here, Andrew finds an illusionary dish called 'barbecued spaghetti' which includes pulled pork cooked in a tomato sauce. He also visits a restaurant that has been drawing crowds for over 40 years with their vinegar-based BBQ sauce. Finally, Andrew tries a new twist on traditional BBQ with a Vietnamese style sandwich made with pork belly and traditional Vietnamese toppings.

Overall, this episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern explores the deep traditions and unique styles of BBQ found throughout the Southern United States. From dry rubs to mutton, vinegar-based sauces to 'meat and threes', viewers get a glimpse into the diverse and delicious world of Southern BBQ.