Ep 1. Hidden Los Angeles
- TV-PG
- July 1, 2013
- 42 min
-
7.5 (10)
Andrew Zimmern, host of Bizarre Foods, takes on a culinary adventure in the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles in season 10 episode 1 titled "Hidden Los Angeles." Known for its diverse population and melting pot of cultures, Andrew explores the hidden gems of LA's food scene that are often overlooked by tourists.
Starting off in the bustling Koreatown neighborhood, Andrew samples some of the unique dishes served up at a traditional Korean barbecue joint. From there, he makes his way to Sari Sari Store, a Filipino-inspired restaurant that serves up an array of creative dishes with a Filipino twist. Here, Andrew tries his hand at making traditional pork sisig and discovers the Filipino culinary traditions that are deeply rooted in LA's food scene.
Next up, Andrew explores the bustling streets of Boyle Heights, a largely Latino neighborhood, where he stops by La Mascota Bakery to try their famous Conchas. These colorful sugar-coated Mexican pastries have been a staple in the neighborhood for over 60 years and are a must-try for anyone visiting LA. Continuing his journey through Boyle Heights, Andrew stops by El Mercadito, a massive indoor market packed with authentic Mexican food vendors that offer everything from handmade tortillas to exotic fruits.
Moving on from Boyle Heights, Andrew makes his way to the heart of downtown LA to explore the city's burgeoning food scene. Starting off at the famous Grand Central Market, Andrew samples some of the unique dishes offered by vendors that have been a mainstay of the market for over 100 years. From here Andrew heads to the Japanese neighborhood of Little Tokyo, where he tries his hand at making handmade udon noodles at Marugame Monzo. Truly embracing the culture, Andrew then takes part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the Chado Tea Room.
Andrew's culinary adventure continues as he heads to the Westside of the city, where he visits the Venice Beach boardwalk, which is full of food vendors offering everything from deep-fried Oreos to ceviche. Andrew takes in the unique atmosphere of this iconic beach while tasting some of the delicious treats on offer.
Finally, Andrew wraps up his journey in the South Bay area of LA where he discovers the local Filipino delicacy known as Balut. Balut is a fertilized duck egg that has been boiled and eaten straight from the shell, but it is not for the faint-hearted. Andrew tries the dish, which he admits is not for everyone, but he appreciates the cultural significance of the dish and its importance within the local Filipino community.
Overall, in "Hidden Los Angeles," Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a culinary adventure through the diverse neighborhoods and cultural communities that make up the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles. From traditional Korean barbecue to handmade udon noodles and bizarre Filipino delicacies, Andrew samples it all while uncovering the hidden culinary gems that are often overlooked by visitors.