Ep 7. Cali Cookout

The episode Cali Cookout of Man, Fire, Food season 8 showcases the best of outdoor cooking with Californian cuisine which is renowned for its fresh and healthy ingredients. Host Roger Mooking travels through California to explore the unique cooking styles and dishes that incorporate the state's diverse regional flavors.

The episode begins with Roger Mooking visiting a Southern California farm where he harvests seasonal vegetables, fruits, and cuts of meat. He then prepares a feast over an open fire in the farm's outdoor kitchen, using freshly picked ingredients and traditional Californian techniques.

Next, Roger travels north to meet a local winegrower who produces some of the finest wines in California. The winery not only produces some of the best wines but also hosts vineyard dinners where guests can enjoy locally sourced ingredients that are cooked to perfection using fire.

Then Roger heads to the Central Coast where he learns how to prepare Santa Maria-style barbecue, a method exclusively adopted by Californians. This technique of seasoning the meat with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder and cooking it over Santa Maria Valley's red oak creates a smoky and delicious flavor.

In the next segment, Roger explores California's vibrant food truck culture and meets Chef Wes Lieberher who owns a food truck that serves delicious tacos. Chef Wes not only prepares tacos with unique ingredients but also shares his secrets for making the perfect tortillas.

Further, the episode takes us to a Californian beach where Roger catches some of the freshest seafood and prepares a scrumptious fish grill. He uses a variety of sauces to season and bring out the flavor of the seafood.

The episode concludes with Roger Mooking visiting a sustainable farm in Northern California where the farmers use innovative techniques to grow crops and raise livestock without harming the environment. Roger then prepares a rural feast using locally sourced and freshly harvested ingredients, cooked with fire.

In this episode, Man, Fire, Food season 8 has showcased how Californian cuisine is influenced by diverse cultures and traditions. From farming and seafood to barbeque and food trucks, California has a unique food culture that is celebrated through fire cooking. The episode is an excellent source of inspiration for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want to explore Californian flavors and techniques.