Ep 47. Boardwalk Bites

Boardwalks have always been a popular destination for vacationers and food lovers alike, offering a variety of tasty treats that can be enjoyed while taking in the sights and sounds of the ocean. In this episode of Food Paradise, we take a trip to some of the most famous boardwalks across the United States to explore the unique and delicious bites that can be found there.

The episode kicks off in Ocean City, Maryland, where we head to the iconic Thrasher's French Fries stand. Opened in 1929, Thrasher's has been a staple of the Ocean City boardwalk for almost a century, serving up hot, crispy, distinctly seasoned fries. We meet up with the current owner, who shares the secret recipe for their simple yet addictive seasoning blend. We also learn why Thrasher's fries are best enjoyed in their original paper cone on the boardwalk, with a side of vinegar.

Next, we head down the coast to Virginia Beach, where we visit Dough Boy's Pizza. This popular pizza joint, located right on the boardwalk, is known for its signature "Dough Boy" pie: a thin-crust pizza covered in a layer of mozzarella cheese and topped with a blend of savory spices, fresh basil, and sliced tomatoes. We chat with the owner, who tells us about the history and inspiration behind the Dough Boy pizza and explains why it has become a Virginia Beach must-try.

Moving over to the West Coast, we visit Santa Cruz in California to check out the offerings at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Here, we discover that corn dogs are a must-try. The boardwalk has several concession stands that serve up these tasty treats, but we head to the Original Corn Dog Stand for the classic version. We learn about the process of making these deep-fried, batter-coated hot dogs on a stick and why they have been a favorite among boardwalk-goers for decades.

Heading back east, we make a pit stop at the Jersey Shore to try some classic boardwalk fare. At Martell's Tiki Bar, we sample the Lobster Roll, which is made with fresh, locally caught lobster and served on a soft and buttery New England-style roll. The owner tells us about the high demand for this dish during summertime and highlights the importance of using only high-quality ingredients to elevate the flavor.

Our last stop takes us to Venice Beach in Los Angeles, where we check out the selection of tacos at Tocaya Organica. This modern taqueria offers a variety of plant-based and meat-based tacos, with unique flavor combinations like the "Venice" taco made with seared ahi tuna and mango salsa. The owner shares her philosophy of using fresh, organic ingredients to create healthy yet flavorful dishes.

Throughout the episode, we also get a glimpse of the vibrant boardwalk culture, with its carnival games, street performers, and buskers providing a lively backdrop to the food scene. We also hear from local boardwalk enthusiasts who share their favorite memories and food recommendations.

This episode of Food Paradise captures the spirit of the boardwalks across America, showcasing the unique and delicious bites that they have to offer. Whether you're a seasoned boardwalk-goer or hoping to experience the excitement for the first time, Boardwalk Bites is sure to make your taste buds tingle.