Ep 5. The Saint James Way in Spain

In Bizarre Foods season 20 episode 5, titled The Saint James Way in Spain, host Andrew Zimmern sets out on a culinary journey through northern Spain, tracing the ancient pilgrimage route known as the Saint James Way or the Camino de Santiago. The Camino de Santiago is a popular pilgrimage trail that thousands of people walk every year to reach the shrine of St. James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela.

Andrew starts his journey in the Basque Country, where he samples some of the region's most iconic dishes, including pintxos, a type of Basque tapas, and txuletón, a generous cut of Basque beef. He also learns about the Basque Country's unique culinary culture, which is closely tied to the region's history and traditions.

Next, Andrew travels to La Rioja, a region famous for its wine. He visits a traditional bodega or winery, where he learns about the winemaking process and samples some of the famous Rioja wines. He also tries some of the local delicacies, including chorizo sausage, goat's milk cheese, and bread with tomato.

As he continues along the Saint James Way, Andrew stops in Castilla y León, a region known for its rich history and stunning architecture. He explores the historic town of Burgos and visits the local market, where he tries some of the region's unique specialties, such as Morcilla de Burgos, a type of blood sausage, and lechazo, a roasted suckling lamb.

In Galicia, Andrew reaches the final stretch of the Saint James Way, where he visits the town of Santiago de Compostela and attends the famous Pilgrim's Mass. He also explores the local food scene, trying dishes such as pulpo a la gallega, or Galician-style octopus, and empanadas, a type of savory pastry filled with meat or seafood.

Throughout his journey, Andrew meets local chefs, winemakers, and farmers, who share their stories and insights into the region's culinary traditions. He also explores the stunning natural beauty of northern Spain, from the rugged coastline of the Basque Country to the rolling hills of Castilla y León and the lush forests of Galicia.

Overall, The Saint James Way in Spain is a fascinating exploration of the diverse and complex culinary traditions of northern Spain, as well as a celebration of the rich history and culture of the Saint James Way pilgrimage.