Ep 29. Blast from the Past

As food lovers know, one of the great joys of eating is experiencing meals that transport us back to our childhoods. In Season 13, Episode 29 of Food Paradise, appropriately titled "Blast from the Past," viewers are treated to a culinary trip down memory lane as they discover some of America's tastiest and most nostalgic dishes.

The episode begins with a journey to Minneapolis, where the team seeks out the Juicy Lucy, a beloved regional dish that involves stuffing a hamburger patty with molten cheese. At Matt's Bar, the crew discovers not only the history behind the dish but also why it has a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans. They visit several other Minneapolis restaurants to sample other versions of the Juicy Lucy and to see how this iconic sandwich has evolved over the years.

Next, the Food Paradise team heads to Louisiana to explore the world of po' boys. These classic sandwiches filled with seafood, sausage, or other meats can trace their roots back to the Great Depression, when they were a hearty and affordable meal for working-class families. Even today, purveyors like Parkway Bakery & Tavern in New Orleans are carrying on the tradition, oozing fillings like crispy fried shrimp from soft, crusty bread rolls.

Moving on from po' boys, viewers are taken to Syracuse, New York, where they explore the history of a 19th-century cookie recipe that has lasted the generations: Halfmoon Cookies. Although the recipe has evolved over the years, the main elements remain the same: rich chocolate frosting on one half and fluffy white frosting on the other. The episode discovers how the cookie became so popular in Upstate New York and samples some of the best versions available today.

The journey continues as the team explores the world of barbecue, visiting The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, Texas, to taste the legendary beef brisket that has been slow-smoked to perfection for over 50 years. The episode then heads to Idaho to savor a spud-centric dish that will make you forget all your diet restrictions: the humble tater tot. Fans of these little potato nuggets will be thrilled to discover a place like Iowa's Kookie Kokonut, where they're taken to the next level with flavors like jalapeno and bacon.

Finally, the episode closes out with a visit to the Pacific Northwest to try a sandwich that has been drawing crowds since the 1940s: the Seattle-style hot dog. Featuring cream cheese, grilled onions, and mustard, this local twist on the classic dog can be found at joints like Joe's Gourmet Grilled Dogs. Not only is it a delicious example of regional cuisine, but it's also a perfect way to end the episode with a sense of satisfaction and nostalgia.

Overall, "Blast from the Past" is an enjoyable and nostalgic episode that celebrates the dishes that have become iconic in different parts of America. From the Juicy Lucy to the tater tot, viewers will enjoy seeing how these dishes have evolved over the years while staying true to their roots. Plus, with its diverse range of foods and locations, the episode has something for everyone to enjoy.