Ep 4. Minnesota

In the second season of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern travels to the Midwest and visits Minnesota in episode 4. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Minnesota is famous for its agriculture and freshwater fishing. Andrew immerses himself in the local cuisine, sampling everything from traditional Nordic dishes to modern fusion cuisine.

Andrew starts his journey in Minneapolis, where he explores the vibrant food scene. He visits a local Scandinavian restaurant and tries traditional dishes like lutefisk, a type of dried fish soaked in lye, and lefse, a soft Norwegian flatbread. He also tries Swedish Meatballs and Red Cottage Pierogies. Next, he meets with local celebrity chef Alex Roberts, who takes him to a local farmers' market to sample farm-fresh produce and meats.

In the rural town of New Ulm, Andrew is introduced to a century-old family-owned brewery, which has been crafting German-style beer since 1860s. Here, Andrew samples unique and flavor-packed beers like Schell’s Zommerfest and the Hoppy Wheat.

Further down the Mississippi River, Andrew has an opportunity to witness the fishing tradition of Native American tribes. He visits a local fish market and tries various freshwater fish, including walleye, which is the state fish of Minnesota, and sauger, a yellow pike-like fish with a mild flavor.

Andrew then travels to Duluth, Minnesota, where he gets to explore the city's culinary scene. He visits a local restaurant that specializes in wild game, including bison, elk, and venison. The chef prepares a unique dish involving deconstructed bison carpaccio and elk loin topped with raspberry mustard sauce. Andrew also tries a Minnesota favorite: the Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger that is a must-have for meat lovers.

Finally, Andrew visits a small family-run bohemian-style farm in the outskirts of Minneapolis where he samples unique products made from flowers. He tries dandelion wine, elderflower jelly, and lilac jam, each of which have their unique aromas and flavors.

Throughout his journey in Minnesota, Andrew becomes immersed in the local food culture of the state. He discovers that Minnesota's cuisine is not just about traditional Scandinavian and German dishes, but also about the fusion of flavors and ingredients that are special to the region. With his inquisitive nature, Andrew tries some of Minnesota's unusual foods, which are truly unique and delicious.