Ep 17. The Other Florida

In Bizarre Foods season 8 episode 17, titled "The Other Florida," host Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a journey through the lesser-known regions of Florida, exploring the unique and often unexpected cuisine found in these areas.

The episode begins with Zimmern visiting a farm in the Florida panhandle, where he tries a local delicacy known as "gopher tortoise." Though the consumption of this protected species is illegal, Zimmern is nonetheless able to test out a similar reptilian dish made with alligator meat.

From there, Zimmern travels to the small town of Plant City, where he tries out some of the area's signature strawberry-based dishes. He visits a strawberry farm and learns about the different varieties of the fruit grown there, before heading to a bakery that specializes in strawberry shortcake.

Next up on Zimmern's itinerary is a stop in the heart of Florida's cattle country, where he visits a ranch to try out some "cracker" cuisine. He samples various meats, including frog legs, bison, and rattlesnake, as well as a traditional cracker dish called "swamp cabbage," made from the heart of a cabbage palm.

Continuing on his meat-centric journey, Zimmern heads to the Florida Keys to explore the local seafood offerings. He learns about the region's history with sponge diving and tries out some dishes made with conch, a large sea snail that is a staple of the island's cuisine.

The episode concludes with Zimmern visiting a small community of Cuban immigrants in Miami, where he tries out some traditional Cuban dishes like lechón, a roasted pig dish, and Cuban-style coffee.

Through his travels, Zimmern showcases the diverse and unexpected flavors to be found throughout Florida, from panhandle delicacies to coastal seafood to international fare. "The Other Florida" is a must-watch for food enthusiasts and explorers alike.