FoodNation With Bobby Flay Season 6 Episode 5 Louisiana Plantation Country
- August 25, 2006
- 21 min
FoodNation With Bobby Flay is a food and travel show hosted by celebrity chef Bobby Flay. In season 6 episode 5, titled "Louisiana Plantation Country," Bobby Flay takes viewers on a culinary journey through the heart of Louisiana where he explores the rich history and unique flavors of the state's Plantation Country.
The episode begins with Bobby Flay visiting one of Louisiana's oldest sugar cane plantations, St. Joseph Plantation, where he meets with the owners and learns about the history of the plantation and the importance of sugar cane in Louisiana's economy. He even gets the chance to do some sugarcane harvesting of his own.
Bobby then visits Cafe Sydnie Mae, a family-owned and operated restaurant that specializes in traditional Southern comfort food. Here, he samples some of the restaurant's popular dishes, including gumbo, fried catfish, and bread pudding. He also learns about the restaurant's commitment to sourcing locally grown ingredients.
Next, Bobby visits Laura Plantation, a historic Creole plantation that has been preserved over the years. He learns about the plantation's past and the lives of the people who lived and worked there, including the enslaved population. He also gets the opportunity to taste some of the authentic Creole dishes that were served to the plantation's residents, including gumbo z'herbes, which is made with a variety of greens and served over rice.
Bobby then visits the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, where he meets with the head chef of the property's restaurant, Latil's Landing. Here, he discovers some of the unique blend of flavors that make Louisiana's cuisine so distinct, such as crawfish and tasso (a type of cured pork) beignets and duck confit with foie gras. He also learns about the importance of utilizing local ingredients and preserving the traditional culinary techniques of the region.
The final stop on Bobby's culinary tour of Louisiana Plantation Country is the Whitney Plantation, which is dedicated to preserving the history of slavery in the South. Here, he learns about the harsh realities of plantation life for enslaved people and the culinary contributions that they made to Southern cuisine. He also has the chance to taste some of the dishes that were prepared by enslaved cooks, including pickled okra and red beans and rice.
Overall, "Louisiana Plantation Country" is an eye-opening episode that explores the intersection of history, culture, and cuisine in one of America's most unique regions. Viewers will be treated to an array of mouth-watering dishes, as well as a glimpse into Louisiana's rich and complex past.