Ep 1. Atlanta: Barbecue and Brunch

In Ginormous Food season 2 episode 1, viewers are taken on a culinary adventure through the bustling streets of Atlanta, Georgia, where the episode aptly dubbed "Barbecue and Brunch" showcases the city's rich and diverse food culture.

The episode starts with host Josh Denny making his way to the famous Fat Matt's Rib Shack, a local favorite that's been serving up mouth-watering barbecue since 1990. He gets a behind-the-scenes look at how the succulent ribs are prepared, smoked, and flavored with the signature sauces that keep customers coming back for more. Denny also learns about the restaurant's unique tradition of hosting live blues music performances, adding to the overall ambiance of the place.

Next on the itinerary is brunch, and Denny heads to The General Muir, an upscale restaurant that pays homage to classic Jewish delis with a modern twist. Here, he meets with Chef Todd Ginsberg, who introduces him to The General Muir's signature brunch dish: the towering pastrami hash. This ginormous dish is comprised of a generous helping of pastrami on top of a bed of crispy potatoes, topped with two poached eggs and hollandaise sauce that brings all the flavors together. Denny is amazed at the size of the dish and the intricate flavors it packs.

The episode then shifts its focus to the Buckhead Diner, where Denny meets with Chef Charles Schwab to sample their legendary Krispy Kreme bread pudding. Schwab takes Denny through the step-by-step process of how the dessert is made using the classic donut, milk, eggs, and other ingredients that result in a warm and gooey dessert that's a favorite of both locals and tourists alike.

For those with a sweet tooth, the next stop is the Sublime Doughnuts, where Denny gets to sample some of their most popular doughnuts, including a ginormous bacon, egg, and cheese doughnut sandwich, which is made of two glazed doughnuts with bacon, egg, and cheese in between. He also gets to try the strawberry n' creme doughnut, or as it's nicknamed, the "A-Town Mocha," which has hints of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in every bite.

No visit to Atlanta is complete without indulging in some comforting soul food, and the episode concludes with a visit to This Is It! BBQ & Seafood, a local legend that's been serving up hearty and delicious dishes to the community for decades. Here, Denny gets to try everything from fried chicken to catfish and collard greens, all cooked and seasoned to perfection. He also gets a chance to meet with the founder and owner of the restaurant, Shelley "Butch" Anthony, who shares the history and philosophy of This Is It! and how he's managed to stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape of the food industry.

Overall, Ginormous Food season 2 episode 1 serves as a delicious showcase of some of the best and most iconic foods that Atlanta has to offer. From traditional southern barbecue to modern brunch creations, viewers will get to experience the rich flavors and diverse food culture that truly makes Atlanta a destination for food lovers.