Ep 4. Road Tripping Route 66

In Bizarre Foods season 17 episode 4, titled "Road Tripping Route 66," host Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a culinary journey down the historic Route 66, exploring the diverse flavors and unique dishes that can be found along this iconic American highway.

Starting in Chicago, Zimmern visits some classic eateries, including a hot dog stand that dates back to the 1930s and an Italian bakery that serves up the city's famous deep-dish pizza. He also samples some lesser-known foods, such as jalapeno poppers stuffed with cream cheese and topped with bacon bits.

As he heads south along the highway, Zimmern stops in St. Louis to try the city's famous toasted ravioli and a unique take on barbecued pork—a sandwich topped with crispy fried onions. In Kansas, he discovers the state's love for all things fried, from chicken-fried steak to breaded pork tenderloin.

In Oklahoma, Zimmern visits a classic diner that serves up a burger topped with a fried egg and hash browns. He also samples the state's famous fried onion burgers and a spicy version of chili that's made with chunks of beef and is so thick it's almost like a stew.

As he enters Texas, the flavors get even bolder, with Zimmern tasting everything from brisket and beef ribs to barbecued goat and even a bowl of chili made with venison and rattlesnake meat. He also visits a small town restaurant that serves up a unique dish called Frito pie, which is essentially a bowl of chili topped with a bag of Fritos chips.

Heading into New Mexico, Zimmern explores the state's rich culinary heritage, sampling everything from carne adovada (a slow-cooked pork stew) to green chile cheeseburgers. He also visits a roadside stand that serves up sopapillas—fried dough that's served with honey or filled with beans, cheese, or meat.

In Arizona, Zimmern tries some of the state's famous Mexican food, including carne asada and menudo (a tripe soup). He also discovers a unique twist on a classic dish—pizza topped with Sonoran hot dogs, which feature bacon-wrapped hot dogs topped with beans, onions, and jalapenos.

Finally, as he reaches the end of Route 66 in California, Zimmern celebrates with some iconic West Coast cuisine, including fish tacos and In-N-Out burgers. He also samples some Asian-inspired dishes, such as kimchi fries and a Vietnamese-inspired banh mi sandwich.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern not only explores the food of Route 66, but also the people and culture behind it, highlighting the diversity and richness of America's culinary traditions.