Ep 7. The Blues Trail

Andrew Zimmern, the renowned culinary explorer and host of Bizarre Foods, returns in season 8 episode 7 with an epic food and music journey along the Mississippi Blues Trail. In this episode, Andrew embarks on a road trip from Memphis, TN, to Natchez, MS, in search of the soulful sounds and tastes of the deep south.

As Andrew and his team traverse the Mississippi Blues Trail, they explore the roots of this American music genre and the food that has evolved alongside it. From the iconic Beale Street to the infamous Robert Johnson's Crossroads, the journey winds down the river to uncover the heart and history of the blues.

At Memphis's famed Blues City Café, Andrew samples BBQ ribs, a southern classic that is cooked overnight in a smoker and slathered in tangy sauce. The tender, fall-off-the-bone meat is a true delight that has fed music legends like B.B. King and Elvis Presley. Next up is fried catfish at the local favorite, Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken. The golden, crispy fillets are coated in a spicy batter and served with sweet potato fries and cole slaw. With its perfect balance of heat and sweetness, it's no wonder this dish has become a staple in southern cuisine.

Continuing southward, Andrew stops by Oxford, MS, to visit Big Bad Breakfast, a restaurant known for its hearty comfort food. Here, he dives into a plate of biscuits and gravy, a breakfast classic that is essentially a savory gravy made from sausage or bacon grease and served over warm, flaky biscuits. The dish has its roots in the rural south and has become a staple of southern cooking.

Visiting Indianola, MS, Andrew drops by Club Ebony, where Robert Johnson and other music legends have played. From there, he heads to The Blue Biscuit, a funky restaurant that combines southern cooking with live blues music. Here, Andrew indulges in a plate of shrimp and grits, a combo that feels like a true southern comfort food. The cheesy, creamy grits are the perfect complement to the fresh, juicy shrimp, with a burst of flavor from the spicy sauce.

In Natchez, MS, the final destination on the trail, Andrew takes in the stunning river views from the balcony of historic Monmouth Mansion. Here, he enjoys a true southern classic: a mint julep. Made with bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint, this refreshing cocktail is a perfect way to round off the journey.

Throughout the episode, Andrew showcases the diverse cuisine and music that make up the Mississippi Blues Trail. As he meets with local chefs, musicians, and historians, he uncovers the unique stories and traditions that have shaped this region into a cultural hub of America. With its blend of food and music, this episode is a journey not to be missed.