Ep 8. Oakland

In season 2 episode 8 of The Zimmern List, host Andrew Zimmern heads to Oakland, California to explore the city's diverse food offerings. Known for its historical roots as a center for activism and cultural diversity, Oakland has become a hub for innovative cuisine and unique culinary experiences.

Zimmern kicks off his adventure in Oakland at The Dock at Linden Street, a popular spot for beer and BBQ. Here, he indulges in a hearty platter of smoked meat, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, paired with locally brewed beer. From there, Zimmern heads to Oeste Bar and Kitchen, a lively bar and restaurant known for its creative cocktails and Latin-inspired comfort food.

The next stop on Zimmern's food tour takes him to Nyum Bai, an acclaimed Cambodian restaurant serving up traditional dishes with a modern twist. Zimmern samples a variety of dishes, from the tangy green mango salad to the savory beef noodle soup. He also learns about the history and significance of Cambodian cuisine from owner and head chef Nite Yun.

Zimmern then visits The Cook and Her Farmer, a farm-to-table restaurant sourcing its ingredients from local farmers and ranchers. Here, he discovers the joys of simple, rustic cuisine with dishes like roasted chicken and grilled veggie sandwiches.

Continuing on his culinary journey, Zimmern makes a stop at Soba Ichi, a Japanese restaurant specializing in homemade soba noodles. He watches in awe as the chefs hand-roll the gluten-free noodles and prepares a variety of noodle dishes paired with house-made dipping sauces.

To cap off his visit to Oakland, Zimmern heads to Brown Sugar Kitchen, a soul food restaurant serving up Southern-style comfort food with a California twist. He samples dishes like chicken and waffles, buttermilk fried chicken and collard greens, all made with locally sourced ingredients and served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern showcases the exciting food landscape of Oakland, highlighting the city's diverse cultures and its thriving food scene. He also delves into the history and evolution of the city, exploring how it has become a leader in the culinary world.

Overall, season 2 episode 8 of The Zimmern List offers a tantalizing glimpse into the eclectic food scene of Oakland, showcasing the vibrant flavors and innovative techniques that make the city a must-visit destination for foodies.