Ep 4. Philadelphia

No Passport Required is a culinary travel show that explores diverse neighborhoods across various cities in America and celebrates the culinary traditions and cultures of immigrant communities residing there. In season two, episode four, viewers are taken on a journey to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - a city famous for its cheese steaks, soft pretzels, and love for all things culinary.

The episode starts by introducing host Marcus Samuelsson, who is a world-renowned chef and restaurateur. Marcus is excited to show the viewers the vibrant and diverse culinary scene of Philadelphia, a city that is home to numerous immigrant communities who have made their own unique contributions to the food culture of the city.

The episode takes the viewers on a tour of Philadelphia, starting with the Italian Market, which is the oldest and largest open-air market in America. Here, Marcus meets with Francis Cratil-Cretarola, an Italian-American chef and co-owner of Le Virtu restaurant, who shows him around the market and introduces him to some of the Italian delicacies on offer, such as prosciutto, mortadella, and fresh pasta. Marcus and Francis then head back to Le Virtu, where they prepare a traditional Abruzzese dish - a hearty lamb ragù with homemade fettuccine.

Next stop on the tour is South Philly Barbacoa, a restaurant that serves traditional Mexican cuisine, particularly barbacoa - a slow-cooked meat dish that is typically made with goat, lamb or beef. Here, Marcus meets with the owners, Cristina Martinez and Benjamin Miller, who are known for their skills in cooking barbacoa in the ancient style - underground. Marcus helps out in the kitchen, learning the art of making tortillas by hand and preparing a variety of barbacoa dishes, including chivo consomme and beef tongue tacos.

Moving on, Marcus visits the Cambodian community in South Philadelphia, where he meets with Nok Suntaranon, the owner of Baan Thai, a restaurant that serves authentic Thai cuisine. Nok takes Marcus to a local Asian supermarket, where they explore the unique ingredients used in Cambodian and Thai cooking. Back in the kitchen at Baan Thai, they prepare a spicy papaya salad and a flavorful Khmer-style crab curry.

The episode ends with Marcus making a trip to Kensington, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, where he visits the Roots Cafe, a restaurant that is part of the Eat Cafe project, which offers affordable meals to those in need. Here, Marcus meets with Executive Chef Bill Zimmerman, who talks about how he creates healthy and delicious meals on a limited budget. Marcus and Bill work together to create a delicious vegetable soup using ingredients sourced locally and donated by the community.

Throughout the episode, Marcus provides insightful commentary on the history and culture of Philadelphia, highlighting the unique contributions of each immigrant community to the city's culinary landscape. The show celebrates the diversity of America's food culture and the importance of preserving immigrant traditions in American cuisine.

Overall, No Passport Required season two, episode four is a celebration of Philadelphia's vibrant immigrant communities and their contributions to the city's culinary scene. It is a must-see for anyone interested in food, culture, and the immigrant experience in America.