FoodNation With Bobby Flay Season 2 Episode 8 Detroit
- July 21, 2006
- 22 min
In season 2 episode 8 of FoodNation With Bobby Flay, the celebrity chef ventures to the iconic city of Detroit to explore its rich culinary history and discover the innovative food scene that's been flourishing in recent years.
Bobby starts off his tour by visiting longstanding institutions like Buddy's Pizza, where he learns about the city's signature style of pizza -- the Detroit-style pie -- and tries his hand at making one from scratch. He then meets with a group of local chefs who are using their culinary skills to revitalize Detroit's neighborhoods, such as opening up eateries in abandoned buildings and getting involved in community outreach programs.
One such chef is Maxcel Hardy, who runs the nonprofit organization "One Chef Can 86 Hunger" and operates a food truck called "COOP," which serves up soul food with a modern twist. Bobby joins Maxcel on the truck and helps whip up some of their most popular dishes, like fried catfish and chicken and waffles.
Another chef Bobby meets is James Rigato, whose restaurant Mabel Gray has received national acclaim for its inventive farm-to-table cuisine. Bobby samples some of James' dishes, such as roasted duck with sour cherries and charred broccoli, and learns about the challenges of sourcing local ingredients in a region with such a harsh climate and limited access to fresh produce.
Bobby also pays a visit to Eastern Market, the largest open-air market in the country, where he gets a taste of the diverse foods and cultures that make up Detroit's melting pot. He tries Middle Eastern specialties like shawarma and falafel, as well as American classics like corn dogs and ice cream.
Throughout his journey, Bobby discovers the resilience and creativity of Detroit's food community, and how it represents the city's spirit of perseverance in the face of challenges. He leaves with a newfound appreciation for the city's history and culture, and a full belly of delicious food.
FoodNation With Bobby Flay season 2 episode 8 is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Detroit's food scene, and a celebration of the chefs and residents who are shaping its future.