Ep 9. Swine and Dine

In the fourteenth season of Food Paradise, the ninth episode is titled "Swine and Dine". This particular episode takes viewers on a culinary journey focused on one of the most flavorful meats to ever grace our plates - pork.

The episode begins with the show's host, Mason Pettit, giving the viewers an introduction to the episode's theme, followed by a brief history of pork as a staple food in many cultures around the world. The episode then delves into various restaurants across America, serving up flavorful pork dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences.

The first restaurant featured is in Kansas City, Missouri, and is highlighted for its barbeque pork ribs that have been slow-cooked for over six hours to give them a smoky, sweet flavor that falls right off the bone. The ribs are served with a side of coleslaw and a variety of sauces to choose from.

The next stop is in New York City, where viewers are taken to a restaurant that specializes in serving pork chops that are almost the size of a tomahawk steak. Cooked to perfection, the succulent pork is served with a side of crispy roasted potatoes and a salad that perfectly balances out the dish's richness.

Another restaurant featured on the episode includes a small barbecue joint in Dallas, Texas, that serves up pork belly that melts in the mouth and is marinated with an array of spices that give it a unique flavor profile. The pork belly is roasted for several hours before being cut into bite-sized pieces and served alongside a variety of sides.

Viewers are then taken to a restaurant in Portland, Maine, where pork shoulder is the star of the show. The restaurant's pork shoulder is cooked in a wood-fired oven until it forms a crusty exterior, while the inside remains tender and succulent. It is served with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy, giving the dish a home-style feel.

The episode takes a turn at this point and showcases a restaurant in San Francisco that serves up crispy pork belly tacos, which adds a twist to the typical way of serving pork. The pork belly is slow-cooked until it's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The tangy salsa and fresh lime juice complement the pork's saltiness perfectly, providing a well-rounded flavor to the dish.

The final restaurant featured on the episode is in Louisville, Kentucky, serving up pork shoulder steaks. The pork is smoked for a lengthy period, and the pork shoulder steaks are carved, creating a variety of portions for everyone to enjoy. The steaks are served with macaroni and cheese, giving the dish a real comfort food feel.

Throughout the episode, the show's host also gives viewers some behind-the-scenes information such as how the chefs came up with the dishes and how the pork is sourced and cooked so that viewers can get an idea of the effort, time, and skill that go into preparing these dishes.

"Swine and Dine" showcases a variety of pork dishes from different states in America that are sure to tantalize taste buds and make pork lovers out of all who watch it. With the show's expertly filmed culinary delights and entertaining commentary, viewers are in for a ride.