Ep 16. Surf It Up

In this episode of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern heads to the Hawaiian Islands to explore the local cuisine and culture. The episode is titled "Surf It Up" and centers around the theme of seafood, and specifically, surfing.

Zimmern begins his journey on the island of Oahu, where he meets up with Hawaiian chef Mark Noguchi. Together, they head to the famous Waikiki Beach to catch some waves and sample some fresh seafood. Zimmern is excited to try poke, a traditional Hawaiian dish made with raw fish, sea salt, and kukui nut oil. Noguchi takes Zimmern to a local poke spot and they try a variety of different kinds of poke, including one made with hearts of palm.

Next, Zimmern and Noguchi head to a local fish market to check out some of the exotic and unusual seafood that's available on the island. They try octopus, which is a popular ingredient in Hawaiian cuisine, as well as some sea urchin, which Zimmern describes as having a "nutty" flavor.

The next stop on Zimmern's journey is the island of Maui, where he meets up with local surfer and chef Sheldon Simeon. Simeon takes Zimmern out for a surfing lesson and they catch some waves together. After their surfing adventure, they head to a local seafood market to pick up some fresh fish for dinner. Simeon shows Zimmern how to prepare the fish in the traditional Hawaiian style, using a charcoal grill and some special ingredients like ti leaves and banana leaves.

Finally, Zimmern heads to the Big Island of Hawaii to visit a local family who are experts in the art of fishing. They take Zimmern out on their boat and show him how they catch fish using traditional Hawaiian techniques. Zimmern is impressed by their skill and knowledge, and he gets to try some of the fish they catch.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern is struck by the strong connection between the Hawaiian people, the ocean, and the food they eat. He learns that Hawaiian cuisine is a reflection of the island's unique geography and history, and that it has been shaped by the many different cultures that have come to Hawaii over the years.

Overall, "Surf It Up" is a fascinating exploration of Hawaiian cuisine and culture. Zimmern's enthusiasm for trying new foods and learning about different cultures is infectious, and viewers will be drawn in by his sense of adventure and curiosity. Whether you're a fan of seafood or just interested in learning more about Hawaiian culture, this episode is a must-watch.