Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 8 Episode 1 Las Vegas

In the eighth season's first episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, the host explores the culinary landscape of Las Vegas. For the uninitiated, Las Vegas is most commonly known for its gaming scene and nightlife, however, Andrew sets out to uncover the lesser-known side of Vegas – its diverse and unique cuisine.

In a city where excess and extravagance are the norm, Andrew's first stop is at Joel Robuchon's flagship restaurant at the MGM Grand, which boasts a three Michelin-star rating. Here, the host indulges in the chef's signature dish, the truffle langoustine ravioli, and observes the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each plate.

Next, Andrew ventures into the heart of Downtown Vegas to get a taste of the city's more humble fare. He stops at the Naked City Pizza Shop, where he tries the shop's signature pizza with pepperoni, pickled jalapenos, and a jalapeno ranch dressing, which adds a refreshing and spicy twist to the classic pizza.

As he journeys through Las Vegas, Andrew also takes a glimpse into the city's vibrant and diverse cultural offerings. He visits a Basque restaurant that serves traditional Basque dishes like lamb stew and piperrada (a dish made of bell peppers and onions), highlighting the hidden pockets of ethnic cuisine that exist in the city.

Andrew also explores the world of offal cuisine, which is especially popular in Las Vegas. He visits a popular restaurant that serves traditional Chinese fare and indulges in some of the more exotic dishes like frog legs and pig's feet.

In addition to its offal cuisine, Las Vegas also boasts a thriving sushi scene. Andrew stops by a sushi joint where he is introduced to the world of Omakase, a Japanese culinary concept of entrusting the chef to decide the course of one's meal. The sushi chef serves up a variety of delicacies, from fatty tuna to squid sashimi, with each piece carefully crafted and unique in its own way.

The show also highlights the influence of Las Vegas's celebrity chefs on the city's cuisine. Andrew visits Mario Batali's restaurant, CarneVino, to try the restaurant's iconic dry-aged steaks. He also indulges in a dessert at the French patisserie, Payard, which is owned by renowned pastry chef Francois Payard.

As Andrew winds down his culinary excursion through Las Vegas, he reflects on the city's evolution from a mecca of low-quality buffets to its present-day culinary landscape that showcases diverse and exquisite cuisine. The show paints a picture of a city that has something to offer everyone, from the gourmet diner to the adventurous foodie.