Ep 9. The Mighty Erie Canal

In this episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, we follow the mighty Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany, exploring the unique and diverse culinary traditions of the towns and cities along its banks. From bone-in veal cutlets in Tonawanda to Syracuse salt potatoes, Zimmern takes viewers on a gastronomical journey through upstate New York.

Zimmern's first stop is Buffalo, known for its famous chicken wings. However, he sets out to explore what else the city has to offer. He visits a family-owned Italian bakery, where he tries a sponge cake known as a St. Joseph's day pastry. He also stops by a hot dog stand to taste a regional specialty known as a "red hot," which is a hot dog made with beef and pork and seasoned with spices like paprika and cumin.

Next, Zimmern heads to Tonawanda to try a unique dish known as bone-in veal cutlet. The dish is prepared with a bone-in veal chop that is breaded and fried, resulting in a tender and flavorful cut of meat. He also explores the city's Polish heritage and tries pierogies at a local bakery.

As Zimmern travels east on the Erie Canal, he stops in Syracuse to sample the city's famous salt potatoes. The dish originated with Irish immigrant workers who would boil small, unpeeled potatoes in brine and serve them with butter. Zimmern visits a local farm where he learns about the history of salt potatoes and tries them for himself.

In Utica, Zimmern tries a regional specialty known as Utica greens, which is a dish made with escarole, peppers, breadcrumbs, and cheese. He also visits a local bakery to try half-moon cookies, a popular treat in upstate New York that is made with both chocolate and vanilla icing.

Zimmern's final stop on the Erie Canal is in Albany, where he discovers the city's rich Dutch culinary heritage. He visits a traditional Dutch bakery to try stroopwafels, a chewy cookie made with caramel syrup. He also explores the city's history as a hub for the dairy industry and tries cheese from several local producers.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern also learns about the history and significance of the Erie Canal. Built in the early 19th century, the canal played a crucial role in the expansion of trade and industry in upstate New York and the western United States. Today, the canal is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering recreational activities like biking, boating, and fishing.

Overall, The Mighty Erie Canal episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern offers an entertaining and informative look at the diverse culinary traditions and history of upstate New York. From chicken wings to salt potatoes to half-moon cookies, viewers will be inspired to explore the rich food culture of this fascinating region.