Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 18 Episode 9 The Mighty Erie Canal

Andrew Zimmern travels along the historic Erie Canal, exploring and discovering new and unusual food along the way in season 18 episode 9 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. Throughout the episode, Zimmern immerses himself in the culture and history of the canal, learning about the importance it played in the development of America's economy and its impact on the food industry throughout the centuries.

The show kicks off with Zimmern visiting Lockport, a canal town that showcases the engineering marvel of the canal. Zimmern delves into the agricultural bounty of the Niagara Frontier region, where he tries dishes such as tender pork and leek dim sum, the iconic buffalo chicken wing, and a unique cold water fish known as cisco.

As Zimmern continues to make his way down the canal, he stops in Rochester to try a popular ethnic dish - the Garbage Plate. This local favorite consists of a heap of macaroni salad, home fries, baked beans, and meat, all smothered in hot sauce and onions. Zimmern also tries a twist on a classic garbage plate, made with vegan ingredients.

Next, Zimmern travels to Syracuse to learn about the history of salt mining in the region. He visits a 200-year-old salt mine and witnesses how the salt is harvested and transformed into different food products. He also samples some unique products such as smoked butter, which is made by smoking normal butter over salt blocks from the mine, and salt potatoes, a regional dish made with small, boiled potatoes and lots of salt.

As the journey continues, Zimmern arrives in Little Falls, where he experiences a taste of the Mohawk Valley's rich Italian heritage. Here, he tries traditional Italian dishes such as chicken riggies, a pasta dish with a spicy tomato cream sauce, and tomato pie, a savory pie made with herbs, garlic, and fresh tomatoes.

Lastly, Zimmern visits Schenectady, where he learns about the Dutch and German influences in the region's cuisine. Here, he samples a classic Dutch dish called Pigs in a Blanket, made with a sausage wrapped in a puff pastry. He also tries a beef and beet sausage, a popular German dish, and a dish called the "Jewish Roast Beef," a unique take on the traditional Jewish cuisine that originated in the area.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern showcases the diverse food culture surrounding the Erie Canal, highlighting how the history and traditions of the region still influence the cuisine of today. The episode provides an insightful and entertaining look at the influence of the Erie Canal on the American food industry and its importance in the development of the country.