Ep 17. North Carolina

In episode 17 of Man v. Food with Adam Richman, the host travels to North Carolina to explore the state's iconic dishes and challenge his taste buds with some of the spiciest food in the region. The episode starts with Richman exploring the city of Raleigh, where he discovers some hidden gems and hears about the state's signature dish - the barbecue.

He then visits the legendary Clyde Cooper's Barbecue, which has been serving North Carolina-style barbecue for over 75 years. Richman indulges in the slow-cooked pork shoulder, smothered in a tangy vinegar-based sauce and served with their famous hush puppies. The foodie host also tries out the famed Pitmaster Challenge, where he has to eat 5 pounds of pork barbecue, along with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, and fried okra. The challenge is strictly timed, and Richman has only 45 minutes to complete it. Will he make it, or will he succumb to the Carolina heat?

Next, the show takes us to the city of Durham, where we discover the fiery side of North Carolina cuisine - the hot chicken. Richman visits Mama Dip's Kitchen, a family-run restaurant that has been satisfying locals' cravings for spicy chicken for over 40 years. He samples the restaurant's signature dish, the Hot Mama's Chicken, which is marinated in a spicy buttermilk batter and fried to crispy perfection. Richman also tries out the restaurant's spiciest dish - the Ultra Hot Chicken - which is not for the faint-hearted. Will Richman be able to handle the heat, or will he need a gallon of milk to cool down his taste buds?

The episode then moves to the coastal town of Wrightsville Beach, where we get a taste of North Carolina's seafood. Richman visits the family-owned Bridge Tender, where he tries out the Carolina Oyster and Shrimp Po' Boy. The sandwich is loaded with crispy fried shrimp and oysters, slathered in a remoulade sauce, and served on a toasted roll. The foodie host also gets to try out the restaurant's signature dish - the Fisherman's Platter - a seafood feast with fish, shrimp, oysters, and clam strips.

Lastly, the show takes us to Asheville, where we explore the city's vibrant food scene. Richman visits the Sunny Point Cafe, a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases the best of the region's produce. He indulges in their famous Huevos Rancheros, a hearty breakfast dish that combines eggs, black beans, and salsa on a bed of crispy tortillas. Richman also samples the cafe's sweet potato pancakes, which are a favorite among locals.

Overall, episode 17 of Man v. Food with Adam Richman serves up a delicious tour of North Carolina's cuisine, showcasing the region's diverse flavors and culinary traditions. From barbecue to hot chicken to seafood and farm-to-table fare, Richman explores the best of the state's food scene and takes on some of the spiciest challenges. With mouth-watering dishes and breathtaking locations, this episode is a must-watch for foodies and travel lovers alike.