Ep 5. Austin, Texas and Ottawa, Ontario

The Illegal Eater is a deliciously intriguing food show that takes viewers deep inside some of the most illicit culinary shops and establishments in North America. Hosted by food writer and chef Steven Alvarez, this edgy series uncovers the secret culinary cultures and hidden food scenes that exist just under the surface of our mainstream cities.

In season 1, episode 5, Steven travels to two of North America's most unique and vibrant cities, Austin, Texas and Ottawa, Ontario. With its funky mix of Southern charm, hipster vibes, and Tex-Mex cuisine, Austin is a foodie paradise that's always cutting edge. Meanwhile, Ottawa offers a more refined, classic Canadian cuisine that's steeped in tradition and history. Steven will explore both cities and demonstrate how each one offers a unique perspective on the traditional dishes and outlawed foods he's seeking.

As the episode begins, Steven takes a stroll through Austin's famous food truck scene. From classic burgers to fusion BBQ, the trucks are a hub for experimentation and pushing boundaries. Along the way, he meets a bevy of local foodies and chefs who introduce him to the best illegal eats in town. The first stop is a specialty butcher who is famous for his exotic meats. Steven samples everything from alligator sausage to kangaroo burgers, all of which are completely legal in Texas. He also explores the growing trend of vegan barbecue, sampling a jackfruit sandwich that's just as flavorful as its meaty counterpart.

Next, it's off to Ottawa, where Steven is joined by local food writer and historian Helen Pringle. They take a tour through the city's oldest market, which dates back to the 19th century. Here, they discover the forbidden foods that have been part of Ottawa's culinary culture for generations. First, they try a French-Canadian meat pie called tourtière that's been banned in some provinces due to its use of wild game. Next, they sneak a bite of the famous Beavertails, a pastry that's topped with everything from Nutella to pulled pork. The name itself hints at a seemingly illegal ingredient, but it's all in good fun.

As the show moves back to Austin, Steven visits a craft brewery that's using illegal ingredients in their beer. He samples a jalapeño-infused wheat beer and meets the brewer who tells him about the risk involved. Steven then heads to a pop-up restaurant operating out of an old shipping container. The chef is known for incorporating insects into her dishes. Steven tries a cricket taco and is surprised by how tasty it is.

Finally, Steven heads back to Ottawa to explore the illegal island of gourmet delicacies. Helen takes him on a paddling adventure to the island, where they explore its vast natural beauty and unique foods. Here they stumble upon what is known as the "baloney society," which is a group of elderly men who gather to eat the banned meat called 'liver kauf.' As they enjoy the legendary dish, Steven reflects on the value and importance of these hidden culinary scenes and the people who keep them alive.

Overall, episode 5 of The Illegal Eater offers a fascinating look at two very different cities and the cultures they have created around illegal eats. Steven's enthusiasm and curiosity make him the perfect guide on this culinary journey of discovery, as he unveils the hidden world of illegal food, with humor, style, and taste.