Ep 6. The Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway is the sixth episode in the seventeenth season of the popular food and travel show, Bizarre Foods. Andrew Zimmern, the host and creator of the show, takes viewers on a culinary adventure along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Throughout the episode, he explores the diverse cuisine of this region, which features an array of seafood, meat, and produce.

Zimmern starts his journey in San Francisco, where he visits a local market, which is home to a variety of seafood vendors. He is amazed by the abundant supply of fresh fish, oysters, and crabs. This also provides Zimmern with an opportunity to interact with the locals and understand more about their lifestyle and food culture. He then heads to a nearby restaurant, where he samples some of the city's renowned seafood dishes, such as clam chowder, smoked salmon, and Dungeness crab.

Next, Zimmern hits the road and drives down towards Santa Cruz, where he explores the food scene and culture of this coastal community. He visits a farm that produces some of the finest organic vegetables and fruits along with livestock such as goats and cattle to understand how the green footprint is embedded in the food culture of Santa Cruz. Along with this, he also tries several exotic dishes that feature ingredients like cactus fruit and clarified butter milk. Following this, he pays a visit to a bakery that is popular for its locally sourced bread and unique varieties of pies.

As Zimmern continues his journey, he discovers that the Pacific Coast Highway is not just about seafood and produce. He travels to San Luis Obispo, where he samples some unique meats such as elk, wild boar, and bison. The meat is not just fresh but is also prepared in ways that reflect the region's culinary diversity. Besides, Zimmern also visits a winery, which produces some of the finest and rarest wine varieties in California. He is impressed by the way the winery's owner oversees every aspect of the production and takes pride in keeping the wines' artistry top-notch.

Finally, Zimmern heads south to Los Angeles, where he explores the city's diverse food culture that is influenced by different communities and cultures. He visits the city's oldest Mexican restaurant and tries some of the most authentic Mexican dishes such as oxtail tacos and goat leg stew. Following this, he heads to a traditional Japanese restaurant and tries out some unique Japanese dishes such as octopus balls and soy sauce ice cream. Zimmern also explores the Chinese food scene in Los Angeles, which is known for its diverse and exotic dishes. He visits a dim sum restaurant, which serves several unique dishes such as steamed buns stuffed with sweet custard and golden syrup.

In conclusion, The Pacific Coast Highway episode takes viewers on a remarkable culinary journey that showcases the diversity and richness of the Pacific coastal region's food culture. Andrew Zimmern's exploration of California's different cities and towns provides viewers with an opportunity to experience the bounty of the Pacific seafood, exceptional produce, meats, and wines. It also celebrates the melting pot that is Los Angeles, a city that is the metropolis of diversity and cultural acceptance in America. With its stunning scenery and amazing food, this episode is a must-watch for any food lover and travel enthusiast.