Ep 5. Southern Fried

In Food Tech season 1 episode 5, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the delicious and historic world of Southern fried cuisine in America. From crispy fried chicken to flaky catfish, this episode dives deep into the art of frying and the Southern culinary tradition that has brought this food form to the top.

The host of the show, Bobby Bognar, visits various eateries in the Southern United States to understand the history and technology behind the classic Southern fried dishes. He starts his journey in Nashville, where he visits Hattie B's Hot Chicken, a restaurant that serves one of the best hot and spicy Southern fried chicken. Bognar talks to the owner and head chef of the restaurant to discover the perfect blend of spices and methods used to prepare their signature dish. He even gets to taste the fried chicken himself and shares his experience with the viewers of the show.

The next stop on Bognar's itinerary is St. Louis, Missouri. There he visits a restaurant that is famous for frying their catfish. Bognar explores the secret behind their crispy catfish that has been delighting customers for years. He learns about the special seasoning that the restaurant uses and how the method of frying is different from other Southern fried recipes.

Bognar's adventure continues to Paris, Tennessee, where he visits the world-famous Bell's Drive-In. This eatery has been serving Southern fried delicacies since 1958. Bognar gets to discover the history of this restaurant and how they have been able to maintain their quality for more than six decades. He tries their deep-fried coconut cream pie, which is one of their most popular and unique dishes.

In the next segment, Bognar travels to the University of Mississippi, where he visits the Southern Foodways Alliance. The Alliance is an organization that is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Southern food. Bognar gets to learn about the origins of Southern cooking and how it has evolved over time. He also discovers how the Alliance supports the Southern food industry and educates people about real Southern cuisine.

The final destination on Bognar's journey is Panama City Beach, Florida, where he visits an annual event called the "Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally." In this event, he discovers a unique Southern fried dish, deep-fried Oreos. Bognar talks to the vendor that is serving this unique dessert to understand how to make it and why it has become so popular in the event.

Throughout the episode, Bognar provides viewers with interesting insights into the history and technology of Southern fried cuisine. He uncovers the secrets behind the perfect blend of spices, batter, and methods of frying that have made these dishes so beloved in the Southern United States. The show also explores the cultural significance of Southern cooking and how it has played a crucial role in shaping American cuisine.

Overall, Food Tech season 1 episode 5 is a delightful and mouth-watering adventure that showcases the magic of Southern fried cuisine. Whether you are a food lover or just curious about Southern food, this episode is sure to leave you hungry for more.