Bizarre Foods Season 2 Episode 15 Birmingham: The New South
- July 30, 2013
- 42 min
In the season 2 episode 15 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, the host visits Birmingham, Alabama to explore how the city has become the hub for the New South. Known for its rich history in civil rights and steel production, Andrew sets out to discover the new and upcoming cuisine that reflects the city's current revival.
Andrew begins his journey by heading to the James Beard Award-winning Highlands Bar and Grill. Here, he meets Chef Frank Stitt, who helped transform Birmingham's culinary scene. Andrew and Chef Stitt cook up a classic Southern meal, featuring a roasted chicken dish with a side of turnip greens. Andrew then heads to a local BBQ favorite, Dreamland, to try the city's famous smoked ribs.
Next, Andrew visits Foodhall, a newly opened food hall that offers a variety of Southern dishes. Here, he tries the Vietnam Pho and Korean Fried chicken, two unexpected dishes that have become popular in Birmingham's culinary scene. The host then heads to the Pepper Place Market to experience the local farmers' market, where he samples some of the freshest produce in town.
Later, Andrew explores the city's history by visiting the Alabama Civil Rights Museum. Here, he learns about Birmingham's role in the Civil Rights Movement and the impact it had on modern-day Birmingham. The host then meets up with a local pastor who takes him to a soul food restaurant, Niki's West, to try some traditional Southern dishes.
Finally, Andrew ventures to a local brewery, Avondale Brewing Company, to taste some of Birmingham's up and coming craft beers. Here, he meets the brewery's owner, whose family has been brewing beer for generations and learns about the company's unique brewing techniques.
Throughout the episode, Andrew discovers how Birmingham has transformed into a bustling city with a thriving culinary scene. He uncovers how the modernization of Southern cuisine complements the city's rich history and culture, making Birmingham a must-visit destination for foodies and history enthusiasts alike.
