Ep 1. Portland, Maine

The Zimmern List is a food and travel show hosted by Andrew Zimmern, a James Beard Award-winning TV personality and chef who is known for his adventurous palate and love of exploring culinary traditions from all over the world. In this first episode of the show's first season, Zimmern takes us to Portland, Maine, a small coastal city known for its seafood, craft beer, and vibrant food scene.

The episode starts with Zimmern arriving in Portland and giving us a brief introduction to the city and its culinary history. He tells us that Portland has been a fishing town for centuries, and that its proximity to the ocean and rich fishing grounds have helped shape its unique food culture. He also explains that Portland is home to a large number of craft breweries and distilleries, which have gained national recognition in recent years.

Zimmern's first stop is at a local restaurant called Eventide Oyster Co., which is known for its fresh oysters and innovative seafood dishes. He sits down with the executive chef, who explains the importance of using local, sustainable ingredients in his cooking. Zimmern tries several dishes, including the famous lobster roll, which he describes as "the perfect sandwich". He also samples a dish made with smoked mussels, which he says is "like eating the ocean in a bowl".

Next, Zimmern visits a local distillery called New England Distilling, where he tries some of their signature spirits and learns about their distilling process. He tries a gin made with local botanicals, which he says is "bright and herbaceous". He also samples a whiskey that has been aged in barrels made from Maine-grown oak, which he describes as "rich and complex".

Zimmern then heads to a local seafood market called Harbor Fish Market, which has been in business for over half a century. He meets with the owner, who tells him about the challenges of running a seafood business in an ever-changing industry. Zimmern tries several types of fresh fish, including haddock and cod, and learns about the different ways they can be prepared.

The final stop on Zimmern's tour of Portland is at a local brewery called Allagash Brewing Company, which is known for its Belgian-style beers. He meets with the head brewer, who shows him around the brewery and explains the intricacies of the brewing process. Zimmern tries several beers, including a sour beer and a beer aged in oak barrels, and is impressed by their complex flavors.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern emphasizes the importance of using local, sustainable ingredients and supporting small businesses. He also highlights the role that food plays in bringing together communities and preserving cultural traditions. Overall, the episode is a fascinating exploration of Portland's unique food culture and the people who are keeping it alive.