Ep 13. Spoiled Rotten

In season 8 episode 13 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, titled "Spoiled Rotten," our adventurous host travels to the beautiful and bustling city of Naples, Italy to explore the local cuisine and culture.

Known for its rich history and ancient ruins, Naples is also home to some of the most delicious and unique foods in the world. Andrew dives headfirst into the local culinary scene, determined to try everything the city has to offer.

First up, Andrew sets out to sample some of Naples' famous mozzarella cheese, which is made fresh daily from the milk of water buffalo found in the region. He visits a local farm where he watches the cheese-making process firsthand and learns about the care and attention that goes into producing this delicacy.

Next, Andrew heads to one of Naples' many pizzerias to try a true Neapolitan pizza. These pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning oven and are known for their pillowy, soft crust and fresh tomato sauce. Andrew enjoys a Margherita pizza, which is topped with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy who popularized the dish in the late 19th century.

From pizza, Andrew moves on to try another local favorite: pasta e patate, a hearty pasta dish made with potatoes and served in a savory tomato broth. He meets a local chef who has perfected the recipe, and learns about the history of the dish and its significance to the people of Naples.

Andrew's adventure doesn't stop there, as he moves on to try one of Naples' more unconventional foods: casu marzu, a type of cheese that is intentionally infested with live maggots. While this may seem unappetizing to some, the locals swear by its unique flavor and texture. Andrew isn't afraid to give it a try, but can he stomach it?

As the title of the episode suggests, Andrew also explores the world of spoiled foods. He visits a local butcher where he tries carne putrefatta, a type of meat that has been intentionally left to spoil. Despite the pungent odor, Andrew finds the meat surprisingly tender and flavorful.

Finally, Andrew ends his culinary tour of Naples with a visit to a local market where he samples a variety of street foods and drinks, including fried sardines, octopus salad, and limoncello. He even tries sfogliatella, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta cheese and orange zest, which he declares one of the best things he's ever eaten.

Overall, "Spoiled Rotten" is a fascinating exploration of the unique foods and culture of Naples. Andrew's willingness to try anything and everything makes for an entertaining and informative episode that is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.