Ep 11. The Bronx

In Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern season 9 episode 11, titled The Bronx, Andrew Zimmern travels to the Bronx, New York to explore some of the unique culinary offerings in the area. This diverse borough has a rich food history, and Andrew is eager to taste everything it has to offer.

The episode begins with Andrew visiting a Dominican restaurant where he tries mangu, a mashed plantain dish that is a staple in Dominican cuisine. He also samples pescado con coco, a traditional fish dish made with coconut milk. Next, Andrew heads to an Italian deli to try their famous sausage and pepper sandwich. He's blown away by the flavor and texture of the sausage, which is made in-house.

Andrew takes a break from meat to try vegan Caribbean food at a pop-up restaurant. He meets the chef, who explains that she uses traditional ingredients and techniques to create flavorful plant-based dishes. Andrew tries a vegan version of ropa vieja, a shredded beef dish, and is amazed by how similar it tastes to the original.

The episode takes a turn as Andrew visits a restaurant that serves game meat. He tries some less common meats like ostrich, bison, and alligator, and is surprised by how delicious they are. He also tries some traditional Italian dishes made with rabbit and venison.

Andrew takes a walk through Little Italy and explores the history of Italian cuisine in the Bronx. He visits a cheese store, a pasta factory, and a bakery to see how some of the classic Italian dishes are made. He tries fresh mozzarella, homemade pasta, and cannoli, and learns about the cultural traditions associated with each food.

The final stop on Andrew's journey through the Bronx is a bodega that specializes in Puerto Rican food. He tries lechón, a roasted pork dish that is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and arroz con gandules, a rice dish made with pigeon peas. He also learns about the history of the bodega and how it has become an important part of the community.

Throughout the episode, Andrew meets chefs, restaurant owners, and food experts who share their passion for the culinary scene in the Bronx. He tries dishes that are steeped in tradition and others that are pushing the boundaries of what is considered "normal" food. The Bronx proves to be a melting pot of flavors and cultures, and Andrew is thrilled to have had the opportunity to taste it all.