Ep 4. Arizona

In season 5 episode 4 of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern heads to the sunny state of Arizona to explore the unique foods and culinary customs of the region. From the desert landscapes to the vibrant cities, Arizona is a melting pot of cultures and flavors that Andrew is eager to discover.

The episode begins with a trip to the Tohono O'odham Nation, where Andrew meets with the locals to learn about their traditional farming practices and the foods that they grow. He tries cactus fruit and mesquite bean, both of which are staples in the Tohono O'odham diet. Andrew is also introduced to tepary beans, an ancient crop that has been grown in the region for thousands of years.

Next, Andrew heads to Tucson, where he visits El Güero Canelo, a popular Mexican restaurant known for its Sonoran hot dogs. These hot dogs are wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeño sauce. Andrew also stops by a bakery that specializes in Mexican pastries, including conchas and empanadas.

In Phoenix, Andrew explores the city's vibrant food truck scene, trying dishes from all over the world. He visits a Korean-Mexican fusion truck, where he tries a bulgogi burrito, and a truck that serves up Venezuelan arepas.

One of the highlights of the episode is Andrew's visit to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Here, he meets with a chef who specializes in using Arizona's native plants in his dishes. Andrew tries nopales (cactus paddles) and saguaro fruit, both of which are used in the chef's creatively prepared dishes.

The episode also takes Andrew to a ranch in southern Arizona, where he learns about the region's cattle industry. He watches as cowboys round up cattle on horseback and helps prepare a cowboy breakfast, which includes biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, and cowboy coffee.

Finally, Andrew heads to the Navajo Nation, where he learns about Navajo tacos, a popular dish that consists of fry bread topped with ground beef, beans, lettuce, and cheese. He also tries mutton stew, a traditional Navajo dish that is made with sheep meat and vegetables.

Throughout the episode, Andrew is impressed by the diversity of Arizona's cuisine and the passion of the locals who create it. His adventures in the state leave him with a new appreciation for the region's unique foods and culinary traditions.