TrueSouth Season 1 Episode 1 TrueSouth: Birmingham

TrueSouth is a television series that explores the deep and rich food culture of the American South. The first episode of the show is titled "TrueSouth: Birmingham." The episode kicks off with an intense and engaging look at the beautiful city of Birmingham, Alabama. The host, Johnathon Sawyer, takes the viewers on a food tour of this southern city, stopping at various restaurants and establishments, showcasing the local delicacies and the people behind them.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the host and his experiences of working with some of the most prominent southern chefs. From Cleveland, Ohio, Johnathan is a James Beard award-winning chef, who has traveled across the South to explore the culinary traditions of each region.

The first stop in the show is a visit to the farmer's market in Pepper Place, downtown Birmingham's biggest and busiest farmers' market. Sawyer interacts with some of the local farmers to understand the market's rich history, how it has evolved, and the produce that they bring to the market. The host then heads to the kitchen of Chris Hastings, the chef and owner of Hot and Hot Fish Club. Chris Hastings then takes Johnathan on a cooking journey of creating a delicious Southern take on Paella.

Next, the show takes us on a gastronomic tour of some of the city's most iconic institutions. The first of which is Dreamland BBQ, where the host explores the distinct and delicious flavors of Alabama-style BBQ. At Dreamland, Alabama barbecue takes center stage, and we enter their culinary world as they share their secrets on how they cook the perfect meat and the quintessential sides. At this establishment, from a rustic atmosphere to a relaxed vibe, everything is a necessary precursor to their mouth-watering slow-cooked ribs and BBQ sauce that has been a fancy of meat eaters for years.

From there, the episode takes us to a renowned fish market in Birmingham called the Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. The hosts explore the many seafood options that this establishment has to offer, making our taste buds tingle as we watch them prepare one of their signature dishes. This episode explores the seafood recipes that the restaurant has to offer that have deep routes in the local cuisines.

Later, Sawyer visits The Bright Star, a popular restaurant in Bessemer, Alabama. The Bright Star has been around since 1907, and it has a rich and deep history that is deeply rooted in Birmingham culture. At this institution, they share with us the secrets of preparing some of their iconic dishes, how they've managed to keep the tradition alive, and the challenges they face with the passing times.

Finally, the show ends with a visit to a local brewery where Jonathan explores the local beer culture, the work of local brewers and the importance of craft beer in Birmingham.

Overall, TrueSouth season 1 episode 1 is an excellent showcase of the culinary diversity that Birmingham has to offer. The show introduces the viewers to the city's rich history and culture, allowing us to take a peek at each establishment's history and the reasons they chose to make their dishes the way they did. Sawyer's in-depth knowledge of the South's food culture, combined with his passion for food, makes this a must-watch episode for food lovers everywhere.