Ep 1. Royals And The Red River City

In the season 3 premiere of Carnival Eats, host Noah Cappe travels to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where the city is celebrating both its 150th anniversary and the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The episode opens with a bird's eye view of the festivities, with Noah surveying the sprawling fairgrounds from a helicopter.

Noah's first stop is at the Red River Ex, one of Canada's largest fairs, where he meets up with local foodie Karlynn Johnston. Together, they sample some of the fair's classic treats, including mini donuts, corn dogs, and onion rings. Noah and Karlynn also try a new spin on poutine, the Canadian dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, with the addition of smoked brisket and coleslaw.

Next, Noah heads to the Street Food Alley, where he tries a trio of exotic dishes. He starts with uroko, a Japanese street food that consists of deep-fried balls of rice with squid tentacles protruding from the top. Noah admits he's a bit squeamish about squid, but finds the dish surprisingly tasty. Next, he samples churro ice cream sandwiches, a fusion of Mexican and American desserts that has become a staple in Winnipeg. Finally, he tries bannock tacos, a First Nations dish that features fry bread as the base for various fillings.

Noah then heads to the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition, a rodeo that has been held annually since 1964. He meets up with local chef Darcy Bequette, who shows him how to make perogies, a traditional Ukrainian dish that has become popular in Manitoba. They then head to the rodeo grounds, where Noah tries his hand at bull riding and barrel racing.

The highlight of the episode is Noah's visit with the Royals, Prince William and Kate Middleton, who are touring Canada to commemorate its 150th anniversary. Noah narrates as he meets the dignitaries and films the crowd's excitement from his vantage point. While the Royals don't sample any carnival eats on camera, Noah and Karlynn do get to take selfie with them after the tour.

The episode ends with Noah back at the Red River Ex, where he indulges in a few final bites of fair food. He tries a rainbow grilled cheese, a whimsical take on the classic sandwich that involves mixing food coloring into the cheese. He also revisits some of his favorites from earlier in the day, including uroko and poutine.

Overall, the season 3 premiere of Carnival Eats is a celebration of both Canadian culture and classic carnival fare. Noah's enthusiasm for trying new foods is infectious, and the episode is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a casual viewer, there's something to enjoy in this episode.