Ep 5. San Francisco

The Zimmern List is a culinary travel show where host Andrew Zimmern explores different cities across America to discover the best and most unique food experiences each location has to offer. In season 1 episode 5, Zimmern visits the vibrant city of San Francisco, known for its diverse culinary scene and stunning views.

The episode begins with Zimmern heading to Fisherman's Wharf, a popular tourist destination that boasts some of the best seafood in the city. He tries the famous clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl, a San Francisco staple that has been around for over 150 years. Zimmern also visits the Boudin Bakery, which has been baking sourdough bread since 1849. He learns about the unique process that goes into making the tangy bread and even gets to make his own loaf.

Next, Zimmern heads to the Mission District, which is known for its Mexican cuisine. He visits La Taqueria, a restaurant that has been around since 1973 and is famous for its tacos. Zimmern tries the carnitas and al pastor tacos, which are made with slow-cooked meat and topped with fresh cilantro and onion. He also samples the chile relleno, a dish made with a stuffed poblano pepper covered in egg batter and fried.

After indulging in some Mexican food, Zimmern heads to The Slanted Door, a high-end Vietnamese restaurant situated in the Ferry Building. He meets with chef and owner Charles Phan, who shows him how to make the perfect spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, and herbs. Zimmern also tries other dishes on the menu, like the shaking beef and the crispy imperial rolls.

Next, Zimmern takes a ferry to Alcatraz Island, a former maximum-security prison located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. After exploring the abandoned prison, he heads to the island's cafe and tries the infamous Alcatraz sandwich. The sandwich, which is made with turkey, bacon, and avocado, is named after the island but has no real connection to the prison.

Zimmern then heads to the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, which is known for its hippie culture and vibrant street art. He visits the Grateful Dead House, where the famous band lived in the late 1960s. He also stops by the Alembic, a bar that specializes in craft cocktails and bar bites. Zimmern tries the housemade charcuterie and the famous Alembic Burger, which is made with grass-fed beef and topped with caramelized onions, bacon, and blue cheese.

Finally, Zimmern heads to Chinatown, one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in the United States. He visits Z&Y Restaurant, which is known for its Sichuan cuisine. He tries the spicy fish fillet, which is made with tender fish pieces cooked in a fiery sauce. He also samples the dan dan noodles, a dish made with noodles, ground pork, and a spicy sauce.

Overall, season 1 episode 5 of The Zimmern List is a mouthwatering journey through San Francisco's diverse and flavorful culinary scene. From seafood to Mexican food to Vietnamese cuisine, Zimmern discovers a wide range of dishes that are sure to satisfy any foodie's appetite.