Ep 4. Atomic

Unwrapped season 9 episode 4, titled "Atomic," takes viewers on a journey to explore some unique and unexpected food items that all share a common theme: they pack a punch of intense flavor and heat. Host Marc Summers introduces viewers to these fiery foods and the unique ways they are prepared and consumed.

The episode starts with a visit to a spicy food festival in New York City, where Marc meets with vendors who are showcasing their hottest and most daring items. He tries dishes like a habanero pepper filled with macaroni and cheese, a Korean-style spicy fried chicken sandwich, and a pizza topped with three types of hot sauce. Marc also meets a competitive eater who demonstrates her impressive ability to eat a tray of super spicy chicken wings in record time.

Next, Marc travels to Nashville, Tennessee to see how atomic hot chicken is made. The dish originated in a small family-owned restaurant in the city and has since become a staple of Southern cuisine. Marc visits several establishments that specialize in hot chicken, including Hattie B's, where he learns the secrets behind their famous recipe. He also talks to locals who share their love for this fiery dish and how they handle the heat.

In the third segment of the episode, Marc visits a hot sauce factory in Louisiana. He meets the owner and learns about the process of making hot sauce from peppers grown on their own farm. Marc tries different varieties of hot sauce and learns about the different types of peppers used to create the various flavors.

Finally, the episode concludes with a trip to a famous Chicago restaurant where they serve an atomic-sized burger. The burger weighs over three pounds and is topped with some of the spiciest peppers in the world, including the Carolina Reaper, which holds the title for being the hottest pepper known to man. Marc meets with the chef who created the burger and watches as it's prepared. He also talks to customers who have attempted to finish the burger and learns about the fiery aftermath.

Throughout the episode, Marc emphasizes the importance of handling hot and spicy foods with caution and recommends starting slow when trying new spicy items. He also emphasizes the cultural significance and history behind these dishes, showing viewers how spicy food has become a part of different regions and cooking traditions.

Overall, Unwrapped season 9 episode 4 "Atomic" provides a fun and educational look into the world of spicy food. From hot chicken to hot sauce and everything in between, viewers will learn about the unique ways that people enjoy and savor heat in their food.