Ep 1. The Paul Bunyan Trail

The Paul Bunyan Trail is the first episode of the nineteenth season of Bizarre Foods. The show is hosted by Andrew Zimmern, who travels the world to explore different cuisines and cultures. In this episode, Zimmern takes a trip to Minnesota to explore the Paul Bunyan Trail, which is a scenic bike trail that stretches for over 100 miles.

The episode begins with Zimmern traveling to Bemidji, Minnesota, which is known for its giant Paul Bunyan statue. Zimmern meets up with a local chef, who takes him to a restaurant that serves up some of the best walleye in the area. Walleye is a popular fish in Minnesota, and Zimmern gets to taste it prepared in a variety of ways, including sautéed with bacon and wild rice.

Next, Zimmern hits the bike trail and starts his journey through the scenic forests and lakeside towns of northern Minnesota. Along the way, he samples some of the local specialties, including wild rice soup, smoked whitefish, and pickled northern pike.

Zimmern also meets up with the owner of a small dairy farm, who produces artisanal cheeses from her cows. Zimmern gets to taste her homemade blue cheese and learns about the process of cheesemaking.

As he makes his way along the bike trail, Zimmern gets a taste of the area's Scandinavian heritage. He visits a bakery that specializes in traditional Norwegian pastries, including krumkake and lefse. He also tries lutefisk, a traditional Scandinavian dish made from dried and salted whitefish that has been soaked in lye.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern also learns about the history of the Paul Bunyan Trail and the communities that surround it. He meets with local historians and museum curators to learn about the logging industry that once dominated the area, and he gets to see some of the old logging equipment that is on display.

The episode concludes with Zimmern reaching the end of the Paul Bunyan Trail, where he meets up with a group of locals who are hosting a traditional fish fry. Zimmern gets to taste a variety of fish dishes, including walleye, northern pike, and crappie, all prepared in different ways.

Overall, the Paul Bunyan Trail episode of Bizarre Foods offers a fascinating look at the food, culture, and history of northern Minnesota. Through his travels and tastings, Zimmern showcases the unique flavors and traditions of the area, and provides viewers with a glimpse into the lives of the people who call it home.