Ep 1. Cowboy Life in Texas

Andrew Zimmern is back with another adventurous season of Bizarre Foods, exploring the world and tasting some of the most peculiar and exotic cuisines. In the first episode of season 18, we follow Andrew to Texas, where he experiences the cowboy life and cuisine.

Andrew starts his journey in Fort Worth, Texas, where he meets with a group of modern-day cowboys who still follow the traditional way of life. They take him to a cattle drive where they show him the ropes of being a cowboy, singing traditional cowboy songs, and cooking cowboy-style food. Andrew is surprised to find out that the cowboys cook on open flames and use only cast iron pans to prepare their meals.

As the sun sets, the cowboys gather around the campfire to enjoy a meal. Andrew joins in and savors his first bite of cowboy-style beef cooked on an open fire. The flavors of the beef, salt, and pepper surprise him, and he can't help but savor each bite with deep appreciation.

The next day, Andrew heads to the small town of Seymour, Texas. Here, he meets a group of locals who hunt wild hogs and use every part of the animal to make different delicacies. From the heart to liver and tongue, the locals use everything to make unique dishes that Andrew finds bizarre, yet delicious.

After sampling some of the local wild hog cuisines, Andrew is taken to a nearby ranch where he tries his luck at skeet shooting. Not one to shy away from adventure, Andrew takes up the challenge and shoots the clay pigeons with ease.

The ranchers then take him to their cattle auction house, where Andrew gets a glimpse of how the cattle business works. The auctioneer explains the process of bidding and selling, and Andrew watches in fascination as the cattle are sold to the highest bidder.

As the day draws to a close, Andrew heads back to the cowboy campsite to indulge in a hi-tea that comprises of cowboy-style biscuits and gravy, chili con carne, and cornbread, with sweet tea to wash it down. Andrew marvels at the simplicity yet deliciousness of the cowboy-style cuisine.

The next morning, Andrew visits a small farm, where he learns about the art of making honey from bees. The farmer takes him along to extract honey from the beehives. Andrew, donning his beekeeper suit, watches in awe as the farmer extracts honey in the traditional manner with a smoker.

After the honey extraction, Andrew is taken to the city of San Antonio, Texas, where he meets with a group of Tejano entrepreneurs. They show him how they have merged traditional Tex-Mex with contemporary cuisine to create unique and exotic dishes. He samples dishes like fried yucca root, Nopales, and chile rellenos, all infused with a modern twist.

After a day of exploring the city, Andrew ends his journey with a meal at one of the most famous San Antonio restaurants, Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery. He feasts on traditional Mexican cuisine which includes enchiladas, rice, beans, and tortillas.

With his journey coming to an end, Andrew reflects on the different experiences and flavors he has encountered in Texas. He states that the cowboy life in Texas taught him that traditional cuisine is not just about the food but also about the people, traditions, and lifestyle.

The first episode of season 18 of Bizarre Foods takes you on a journey through Texas, showcasing the cowboy life and its unique cuisine. Andrew Zimmern's immersive exploration will make you appreciate the simplicity and authenticity of cowboy-inspired food.