Ep 1. Hidden Los Angeles

In Bizarre Foods season 10 episode 1, titled "Hidden Los Angeles," host Andrew Zimmern explores the diverse and unexpected culinary delights in the lesser-known neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

Zimmern kicks off the episode in Boyle Heights, a historically Mexican-American community, where he tries tacos filled with beef lips and cow brains at Mariscos Jalisco food truck. He also visits El Tepeyac Cafe, where he samples the famous Manuel's Special burrito, consisting of three pounds of meat and beans.

Moving on to the more affluent neighborhood of Beverly Hills, Zimmern meets with a sushi chef who specializes in serving unique and uncommon seafood delicacies like giant clam and live scallops. He also visits a high-end restaurant that offers a 50-course tasting menu featuring various exotic ingredients such as sea urchin, brain, and jellyfish.

Zimmern then heads to the San Gabriel Valley, where he discovers the country's largest regional Chinese cuisine with dishes that can be challenging to find in any other parts of the U.S. He tries handmade dumplings at Mama's Lu Dumpling House, enjoys shellfish in hot pot at Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot, and feasts on chunks of steamed fish at Newport Seafood Restaurant.

In Inglewood, the host visits a soul food restaurant that is popular among LA locals since the 1950s. He indulges in fork-tender oxtails and fried catfish with collard greens and mac and cheese.

In addition to savoring the food, Zimmern also delves into the cultural significance of the meals and their representation in the LA community. He interviews the owners and chefs of each restaurant, who share insights into their family and cultural traditions and how their cuisine represents their countries and communities.

Overall, "Hidden Los Angeles" is a satisfying episode that offers an exploration of the various culinary traditions in LA's hidden gems. Zimmern's appreciation for the cuisine and cultural significance of the dishes he tries shines throughout the episode, making for an engaging and authentic viewing experience.