Ep 4. Battle of the Bulge

Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern is a popular food and travel show where host Andrew Zimmern travels the world to explore unique and adventurous cuisine. In season 20 episode 4, titled "Battle of the Bulge," Zimmern sets out to discover the culinary culture of the Ardennes region in Belgium.

The episode begins with a brief history lesson on the Ardennes, a heavily forested region that was the site of a major battle during World War II. Zimmern meets with locals to learn about the region's food traditions and how they have evolved over time.

Zimmern's first stop on his food journey is a cheese shop in the town of Herve. The shop specializes in a pungent cheese called Herve cheese, which is made from raw cow's milk and has a strong odor that can be off-putting to some. However, Zimmern is a cheese lover and happily samples the cheese with the shop owner.

Next, Zimmern heads to the town of Verviers to try a local specialty called babèche. Babèche is a type of meatloaf that is made with horse meat and a blend of spices. Zimmern is a bit hesitant to try it at first, but eventually takes a bite and declares it delicious.

From Verviers, Zimmern travels to Bastogne, a town that played a crucial role in the Battle of the Bulge. Zimmern meets with a local butcher who shows him how to make a traditional dish called boulette à la Liégeoise. Boulette is a meatball made with a blend of beef and pork, and is typically served with a sweet and sour sauce made from onions, vinegar, and sugar. Zimmern enjoys the dish and comments on how the sauce perfectly balances the richness of the meat.

Finally, Zimmern visits a brewery in the town of Chimay to sample some of the region's famous Trappist beers. The brewery has been making beer since 1862, and Zimmern is impressed by the variety of beers they produce. He tries several different varieties, including a strong dark ale and a lighter blonde ale.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional food cultures and supporting local farmers and producers. He highlights the unique flavors and ingredients of the Ardennes region and encourages viewers to be adventurous in their own culinary explorations.

Overall, "Battle of the Bulge" is a fascinating look at the food and culture of a lesser-known region of Belgium. Zimmern's enthusiasm and willingness to try new things make him a perfect guide for viewers who are interested in exploring unconventional cuisine.