Ep 12. Detroit

In season 2, episode 12 of The Zimmern List, host Andrew Zimmern heads to Detroit to explore the city's flourishing food scene and taste its unique culinary offerings. Detroit is a city that has been through tough times, but its resilience and creativity are reflected in its food.

Zimmern begins his journey at Mudgie's Deli, a local favorite known for its sandwiches and craft beer selection. He tries the 'Biggest Little City' sandwich with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. Next, he visits Sister Pie, a bakery that specializes in seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Zimmern samples their spiced pear pie and buttermilk pumpkin pie and chats with the owner about the importance of community and supporting local farmers.

At Flowers of Vietnam, a Vietnamese restaurant tucked away in a nondescript strip mall, Zimmern tries their famous pho with beef bone marrow and shaved beef. He also tastes the oxtail stew with carrots, onions, and tomatoes, a comforting and hearty dish perfect for the colder months. Zimmern learns from Chef George Azar about how he sources ingredients and the restaurant's focus on using sustainable practices in their kitchen.

The next stop on Zimmern's Detroit tour is Supino Pizzeria, a small storefront in Eastern Market that serves some of the best pizza in the city. Zimmern tries the "La Quattro Formaggi" pizza with mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and parmesan, and learns about the history of Eastern Market, one of the oldest farmers markets in the country.

For some classic Detroit fare, Zimmern visits Lafayette Coney Island, a hot dog stand that has been open since 1917. He tries their famous Coney dog, topped with chili, mustard, and onions, and talks with the owner about the history of the restaurant and its place in Detroit's culinary culture.

Zimmern ends his Detroit food journey at Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles, a beloved restaurant that serves Southern-style comfort food with a Detroit twist. Zimmern tries the chicken and waffles with honey butter and syrup and talks with the owner about the restaurant's mission to create a welcoming space that brings people together.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and using food as a way to bring communities together. Detroit's food scene is a reflection of its past struggles and its current reinvention, and Zimmern's exploration of the city's culinary offerings is a testament to the city's creativity and resilience.