Ep 2. The All American Weiner

In episode 2 of Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi, titled "The All American Weiner," Padma takes a deep dive into the history and culture of one of America's favorite foods - the hot dog. She travels to various cities across the country, from New York to Los Angeles, to explore the different ways hot dogs are prepared and consumed by different cultures in America.

First, Padma visits Gray’s Papaya in New York City, an iconic hot dog stand that has been serving up tasty dogs since 1973. She interviews the current owner and learns about the history of the establishment and its importance to the city's hot dog culture. Next, she travels to Coney Island, the birthplace of the hot dog, to taste a classic Coney Island dog at Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs. She also meets with the president of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council to discuss the cultural significance of hot dogs in America.

Moving on to Chicago, Padma visits Portillo's, a hot dog restaurant that is beloved by locals. She tries the classic Chicago-style hot dog with all the toppings - yellow mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, and sport peppers - and learns about the history behind the unique combination of flavors. In Atlanta, Padma explores the city's hot dog scene and visits The Varsity, a fast food restaurant chain known for its hot dogs and burgers. She interviews the owner and learns about the history of the establishment, which has been a staple of Atlanta since 1928.

Padma also travels to Tucson, Arizona to taste a Sonoran-style hot dog, a popular dish in the Southwest. She visits El Guero Canelo, a family-owned restaurant that specializes in this type of hot dog. She learns about the unique toppings, which include beans, bacon, onions, and salsa, and tries one for herself. Finally, Padma heads to Los Angeles to explore the city's famous food truck culture and try some of the creative hot dog dishes that are being served up. She visits a food truck called Let’s Be Frank and tries their grass-fed beef hot dogs with unique toppings such as kimchi and jalapeno relish.

Throughout the episode, Padma not only learns about the history and culture of hot dogs in America, but also how different cultures have adapted the classic American dish to their own tastes and traditions. Through her travels and tastings, she discovers that the hot dog is more than just a simple snack - it's a symbol of America's diverse culinary landscape.