Food Paradise Season 7 Episode 5 Southern Comfort Food

In season 7 episode 5 of Food Paradise, viewers are taken on a culinary journey through the American south to explore the region's beloved comfort food. From classic southern fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese and savory gumbo, this episode celebrates the flavors and traditions of southern cuisine.

The episode begins in Houston, Texas, where viewers are introduced to a juicy and tender dish -- brisket. At Killen's BBQ, this beloved southern staple is cooked low and slow for 18 hours over wood and is so tender that it practically melts in your mouth. While some may think that barbecue is only a summer dish, Killen's BBQ proves that it can be enjoyed year-round.

Next up is one of the most iconic southern dishes -- fried chicken. But this isn't your average fast food chain chicken. At Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken in Memphis, Tennessee, each piece of chicken is coated in a secret blend of spices and batter, then fried to perfection to create a crispy, flavorful outer layer and juicy, succulent meat inside. This is not a meal to be eaten with utensils; it's finger-licking good.

After indulging in some hearty meats, the episode takes a turn towards the sweeter side of southern cuisine with a stop in Asheville, North Carolina. At Biscuit Head, viewers are introduced to a southern breakfast staple -- biscuits and gravy. But these biscuits are far from ordinary; they are towering, fluffy, and loaded with toppings like fried chicken, collard greens, and pimento cheese. And the gravy? It's creamy, rich, and full of flavor thanks to a blend of sausage and spices.

Back to savory dishes, viewers are taken to Charleston, South Carolina, where they discover Hometown BBQ's take on the southern classic, gumbo. This traditional Louisiana dish, which originated in the 18th century, is a hearty stew filled with seafood, andouille sausage, chicken, and rice. Hometown BBQ's version is perfectly spiced, with a depth of flavor that keeps diners coming back for more.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers are treated to something truly indulgent: mac and cheese. But not just any mac and cheese; this version is from The 4 Way Grill in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and it's unlike any mac and cheese you've ever tasted. Served over a bed of cornbread, this dish is topped with a blend of cheeses, bacon, and jalapenos that add heat and smokiness to the creamy pasta.

Overall, Southern Comfort Food is a drool-worthy episode that showcases the best of southern cuisine. From savory brisket to sweet biscuits, seafood gumbo to indulgent mac and cheese, this episode will leave viewers craving a taste of the south.