FoodNation With Bobby Flay Season 1 Episode 7 Lexington, Kentucky

In season 1 episode 7 of FoodNation with Bobby Flay, the culinary explorer travels to Lexington, Kentucky to explore the local food culture and meet the people behind the unique dishes found in the area.

Bobby starts his journey by visiting Wallace Station, a popular deli that serves classic Kentucky dishes like hot browns and country ham. The owner of the deli, Ouita Michel, shares stories about her culinary upbringing in the southern state and how it influenced her cooking style. Bobby learns about the ingredients that make southern cuisine stand out, like sorghum molasses and burgoo, a traditional stew made with various meats and vegetables.

Next, Bobby visits the historic Keeneland horse racing track to learn about the Derby Day race and the food served during the event. He meets with executive chef Marc Therrien, who shares the traditions of Derby Day cuisine, including the famous Kentucky burgoo stew and the mint julep cocktail. Bobby gets a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation of the mint julep, which is made with bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint.

Bobby's next stop is at Middle Fork Kitchen bar, a restaurant that focuses on using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Chef Mark Jensen shows Bobby how to make a dish using bison meat, one of the native animals to the area. The dish is served with a side of roasted sweet potatoes and a smear of green goddess dressing. Bobby learns about the importance of sustainable farming and the impact it has on the environment and local economy.

After a busy day of exploring the local food scene, Bobby sits down to enjoy a meal at OBC Kitchen, a bourbon-themed restaurant that serves modern Kentucky cuisine. Chef de cuisine Tyler McNabb prepares a dish of smoked beef brisket with a mashup of pimento cheese and charred corn. Bobby is impressed with the unique flavor combinations in the dish and the use of local ingredients.

In the final segment of the episode, Bobby visits the Lexington Farmers Market to meet some of the local farmers and artisans. He tries honey sampled straight from the comb and learns about the different varieties of heirloom tomatoes. Bobby also visits a booth selling bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup, a unique product that he can't wait to take back home with him.

Overall, season 1 episode 7 of FoodNation with Bobby Flay highlights the unique food culture of Lexington, Kentucky and the people who work hard to make it thrive. Bobby's exploration of the local ingredients and traditions showcases the importance of preserving and celebrating regional culinary heritage.