Ep 14. Bay Area

The Best Thing I Ever Ate season 7 episode 14, titled "Bay Area," is a mouthwatering journey through the culinary delights of San Francisco and its neighboring cities. Hosts and renowned chefs like Alton Brown, Alex Guarnaschelli, and Michael Symon showcase their favorite dishes from the Bay Area's diverse culinary scene.

The episode kicks off with a trip to San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, where Alton Brown indulges in one of the most classic dishes of the area - clam chowder. He visits a local eatery that has been serving up piping hot bowls of creamy chowder for over 60 years. Brown raves about the perfect balance of briny clams, smoky bacon, savory vegetables, and velvety cream that make this chowder the best he's ever had.

Next, Alex Guarnaschelli takes us to the Mission district in San Francisco to sample some mouthwatering tacos. She visits a taqueria that serves up tacos al pastor, which are made with marinated pork that is slow-cooked on a spit and then shaved off to order. The sweet and smoky flavor of the pork, along with the crunchy texture from the pineapple and cilantro, make these tacos a standout dish in the Bay Area.

Moving on to Oakland, Chef Michael Symon takes us to a tiny Ethiopian restaurant that serves up one of his favorite comfort foods - doro wat. This flavorful stew is made with chicken that is simmered with berbere spice, onions, and a blend of other aromatic ingredients, resulting in a rich and complex dish that is best eaten with injera bread.

In addition to these iconic dishes, the episode also features some lesser-known gems from the Bay Area's food scene. Traci Des Jardins takes us to a bakery in San Francisco that makes the most delicious croissants she's ever had, with a perfect flaky texture and buttery flavor. Michael Voltaggio introduces us to an unusual but crave-worthy snack - fried chicken skin coated in a blend of spices and served with hot sauce.

The episode also highlights the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the Bay Area's food scene. Chef Chris Cosentino takes us to a Filipino restaurant in San Francisco to sample their specialty dish - sisig. This flavorful and spicy pork dish, which is made with a variety of offal parts, showcases the unique flavors and textures found in Filipino cuisine.

From classic clam chowder to innovative fried chicken skin, The Best Thing I Ever Ate season 7 episode 14 "Bay Area" is a tantalizing exploration of the diverse culinary scene in San Francisco and Oakland. With insights from top chefs and their favorite dishes, this episode will leave viewers craving a taste of the Bay Area's culinary delights.