Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 6 Episode 22 Montreal

In season 6 episode 22 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, the host travels to Montreal, Canada to explore the unique and diverse food scene. As the episode opens, Zimmern explains that Montreal is a city that has a rich history of immigration, and the culinary landscape reflects this beautifully. Zimmern sets out to explore some of the city's most iconic dishes as he visits restaurants, local markets, and food trucks.

The episode starts with Zimmern sampling the classic Montreal dish - smoked meat sandwich- at the famous Schwartz's. This traditional Jewish deli has been in operation since 1928 and is known for its delicious, hand-carved smoked meat sandwiches, which Zimmern finds to be succulent and juicy. He also has the chance to speak with one of the owners, who shares the recipe and secrets behind the unique flavor of the smoked meat.

Next, Zimmern visits a market where he encounters a wide range of food from different cultures sold side by side. Here, he tries some halal boudin, a spicy North African sausage typically served during Ramadan. He also samples Jamaican patties, a flaky pastry filled with savory meat. Zimmern is impressed by the authenticity and quality of the food, and notes that Montreal truly is a melting pot of international cuisine.

Zimmern then heads to a restaurant that specializes in Quebec's provincial dish, poutine. He learns that poutine is a dish made of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds, and is typically eaten as a late-night snack. The version he samples incorporates local ingredients like duck confit and foie gras, making for a luxurious twist on the classic dish.

At the Jean-Talon Market, Zimmern discovers fresh produce and cheeses. He visits one of the market's most famous shops, Fromagerie Hamel, and tries a variety of Quebec cheeses, including a raw milk cheddar. He speaks with the cheesemonger about the importance of sourcing local products and supporting Quebec's dairy industry.

The episode continues with Zimmern venturing to a food truck that specializes in an unlikely combination - ice cream and smoked meat. The owner explains that he smokes the meat for 16 hours before adding it to the ice cream base. Zimmern is skeptical at first, but finds that the flavors complement each other surprisingly well. The dish is a blend of savory and sweet and unique to Montreal.

For dinner, Zimmern meets with a chef who creates contemporary cuisine using the ingredients of Quebec's boreal forest. They discuss the sustainable model of sourcing ingredients and preserving the balance of nature. Zimmern samples dishes that showcase the unique flavors of the region, such as a wild mushrooms and spruce tip soup and Lac St-Jean blueberries with foie gras.

The episode ends with Zimmern reflecting on his experience in Montreal, noting that the city's food scene has a vibrant diversity that cannot be found elsewhere. He urges viewers to explore the world of food and cultures in their own cities, as there is always something new and exciting to discover.

Overall, season 6 episode 22 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern titled "Montreal" showcases the rich and eclectic food scene of the city. From classic meat sandwiches to fusion foods, Zimmern unveils the city's unique culinary side and leaves viewers with an appreciation for the cultural mosaic that is Montreal.