Ep 5. Classic Comfort Food

The Best of Man v Food season 2 episode 5, Classic Comfort Food, showcases some of the most beloved and comforting dishes from around the country. Host Adam Richman travels to various regions to sample the cuisine and learn about the history and culture behind the dishes.

In Birmingham, Alabama, Adam tries a classic southern dish: chicken and waffles. He visits a local restaurant that has been serving up this comforting combination for over 80 years. The secret behind their delicious chicken lies in the special blend of spices used in the batter. Adam also learns about the dish's origins in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance and its evolution over time.

Next, Adam visits a diner in Buffalo, New York, to try their famous beef on weck sandwich. This sandwich features thin slices of beef piled high on a kimmelweck roll, which is topped with coarse salt and caraway seeds. The sandwich has been a staple of Buffalo's food scene for over 100 years, and Adam learns about its German roots and how the dish has become a symbol of the city's pride.

Adam then heads to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to sample their iconic sandwich, the Primanti Brothers sandwich. This sandwich is a meal in itself, with thick slices of pastrami, provolone cheese, French fries, and coleslaw piled high on hearty Italian bread. The sandwich was created in the 1930s and has become a Pittsburgh institution. Adam talks to the restaurant's owner about the sandwich's history and its enduring popularity.

In Nashville, Tennessee, Adam tries hot chicken, a local specialty that is made by marinating chicken in a spicy sauce and then frying it. He visits a local restaurant that has been serving hot chicken for over 70 years. Adam learns about the dish's origins in the African American community and its growing popularity across the country.

Finally, Adam heads to New York City to try a classic Jewish comfort food: matzo ball soup. He visits a restaurant in the Lower East Side that has been serving this dish for over 100 years. The soup features a flavorful broth, tender matzo balls, and carrots and celery. Adam talks to the restaurant's owner about the dish's history and how it has become a symbol of Jewish cuisine.

Throughout the episode, Adam not only indulges in these delicious dishes but also explores the stories and cultures behind them. The episode is sure to leave viewers feeling warm and nostalgic for their favorite comfort foods.