Ep 10. Portland

In season 9 episode 10 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, the host travels to the Pacific Northwest city of Portland, Oregon. Known for its eclectic food scene, Andrew dives headfirst into the unique cuisine of the area.

The episode begins with Andrew visiting a local farmer's market where he samples a variety of farm-to-table dishes. He tries a vegetable-filled pozole, a Mexican soup traditionally made with pork, but in this case, the chef has substituted local mushrooms. He also tastes a unique chutney made with foraged elderberries, which give the spread a distinct tangy flavor.

Next, Andrew explores Portland's food cart culture. He visits a cart that specializes in Filipino cuisine and tries a traditional pork belly dish called lechon kawali. He also meets up with a chef who makes escargot in a cart by the name of Escargot-go. Andrew is amazed at how the snails are sourced locally and sustainably, and tries them in a traditional garlic butter sauce.

Continuing his exploration of the Portland cooking scene, Andrew visits a small eatery that uses goat to elevate whatever it touches. He samples a goat heart with blueberries, a sweet and sour dish that Andrew can't help but to indulge in. He tries a unique goat shoulder sandwich with pickled fennel that gives it a crisp and refreshing tang.

In addition to tasting unique dishes, Andrew also takes a closer look at the unique ingredients that make up much of Portland's cuisine. He visits a small, family-run seaweed farm, where he learns about the different varieties of the sea vegetable and how it is harvested. He even tries seaweed-infused beer, a truly unique beverage experience.

Andrew also explores Oregon's wine country, where he meets a winemaker producing wine with a local grape varietal, Tempranillo. He and Andrew enjoy the wine with a light meal showcasing the unique, earthy flavors of the region.

The episode concludes with Andrew trying moose stew, a dish that he has never tasted before. This unique stew is made with local ingredients, showcasing the flora and fauna of the region. In trying it, Andrew gains a newfound appreciation for the bounty of the northwest, and learns how Portland chefs continue to utilize it in innovative and delicious ways.

Overall, season 9 episode 10 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern offers a glimpse into the unique and innovative culinary culture of Portland, known for using local ingredients in new and creative ways, ensuring visitors and locals alike are never far from a new and interesting flavor.