Ep 7. Halloween Special

In this special Halloween episode of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern travels across America to explore the spookiest and most unusual culinary traditions and dishes that are perfect for the Halloween season. He visits cities like Salem, Massachusetts, known for its witch trials and spooky history, to try out some of the most unusual dishes in the area.

The first stop on the journey takes Andrew to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he tries a popular Halloween dish called "southern fried bat wings." These are not actual bat wings, but rather chicken wings that are painted black and served with a side of spicy sauce. While the wings are a little tough and hard to eat, Andrew is impressed with the creativity of turning a normal dish into a spooky treat.

The next stop on the journey takes Andrew to Salem, where he explores the rich history of witchcraft and Halloween in the area. He meets with a local historian who tells him about the infamous witch trials of the late 1600s and how this dark chapter of American history has influenced the local food scene. Andrew tries a few dishes including a seafood chowder that is big on flavor and tradition.

Continuing his tour of America's spooky foods, Andrew visits Sleepy Hollow, New York, famous for its headless horseman legend. Here, he tries a classic Halloween treat, caramel apples. While the caramel is sweet and gooey, the green apple underneath provides a nice tartness that balances out the flavors perfectly.

Next stop on the food tour is the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, known for its maze-like architecture and ghostly encounters. During his visit, Andrew tries "ghost pepper tacos," named after the spicy ghost pepper that is mixed into the dish. Andrew finds the taco to be incredibly spicy but acknowledges that this unique dish takes the Halloween theme to a whole new level.

Andrew's last stop on the Halloween food tour takes him to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, where he tries a dish traditionally eaten in the region during Halloween. The dish is called "rocky mountain oysters," which are bull testicles that are fried and served with a side of hot sauce. Andrew finds the oysters to be chewy and not very appealing but agrees that it is an acquired taste that has been enjoyed in the area for generations.

Throughout the episode, Andrew also takes a closer look at some of the traditions and superstitions that have been associated with Halloween throughout American history. He meets with voodoo practitioners in New Orleans and learns about the rituals and beliefs that have been passed down for generations. The Halloween Special also features interviews with local historians and experts who provide insight into the cultural significance of different Halloween foods and traditions.

In conclusion, the Halloween Special of Bizarre Foods is a thrilling and spooky journey through some of America's most unusual food traditions and dishes. Andrew Zimmern's humor and enthusiasm make this episode a joy to watch, and the insights into the cultural significance of various foods and practices will appeal to fans of American history and culture. Whether you are a foodie looking for new and exciting recipes to try out or a fan of all things spooky, the Halloween Special of Bizarre Foods is a must-see.