Ep 11. Melting Pot

Unwrapped 2.0 is a show about all the food we love to eat and the stories behind them. It gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how our favorite foods are made and how they became so iconic. In season 2 episode 11, titled ‘Melting Pot’, the show takes a look at some of the best foods that are a result of different cultures coming together.

The episode starts off with a trip to Miami, where host Alfonso Ribeiro explores a Cuban sandwich shop that is making some of the best sandwiches in town. He talks to the owners and learns about the history of the Cuban sandwich, which originated in Florida. The Cuban sandwich is a delicious blend of ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all served on Cuban bread. The shop also serves a delicious side of plantain chips, a popular snack in Latin American countries.

Next, Alfonso travels to Los Angeles to visit a Mexican food truck that is known for its fusion tacos. The truck is famous for its Korean BBQ tacos, which are a blend of Korean BBQ and traditional Mexican flavors. The owner explains that the idea came to him after trying Korean BBQ for the first time and falling in love with it. The fusion tacos are a hit and have become one of their most popular items on the menu.

The episode then takes us to New York City, where Alfonso visits a Jewish deli that is famous for its matzo ball soup. The soup is a classic Jewish dish, but the deli has given it a twist by adding some Chinese flavors to it. The matzo balls are flavored with ginger and served in a chicken broth that is seasoned with soy sauce. The result is a delicious and unique blend of flavors.

Alfonso then heads to San Francisco to try some Filipino cuisine. He visits a restaurant that serves a dish called adobo, which is a traditional Filipino stew made with chicken or pork. The dish is a result of Spanish and Filipino influences and is served with rice and pickled vegetables. Alfonso also tries some lumpia, a Filipino version of spring rolls, which are stuffed with ground pork and vegetables.

The final stop on the episode takes us to Hawaii, where Alfonso tries some Hawaiian-style poke. Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is made with raw fish, rice, and vegetables. The dish has become increasingly popular in the mainland United States in recent years, and the episode explores the origins and different variations of poke. Alfonso visits a poke restaurant that serves a unique style of poke that is flavored with soy sauce and sesame oil, a nod to the Japanese influence in Hawaii.

‘Melting Pot’ is a fascinating episode that explores the different foods that have become an integral part of American cuisine as a result of different cultures coming together. The episode showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the chefs and food entrepreneurs who are blending different flavors and cuisines to create something truly unique and delicious. The episode is a celebration of the diversity and richness of American cuisine.