Ep 8. Greetings From L.A.

Unwrapped is a show that takes a closer look at some of America's favorite foods, delving into the stories behind the snacks and examining how they're made. In season 9 episode 8, we're greeted with a glimpse into the world of Los Angeles snacks and the various cultural influences that have shaped them.

The episode opens with a visit to the famed Philippe the Original, a sandwich shop that's been serving up French bread sandwiches in downtown LA since 1908. Host Marc Summers discovers the history behind the iconic "French dip" sandwich, which is said to have been invented at Philippe's during a happy accident involving a dropped bread roll and a hot roasting pan.

Next up is a visit to a local tortilla factory, where Summers gets a firsthand look at how traditional corn tortillas are made. He learns about the importance of nixtamalization, a process that involves soaking corn in an alkaline solution to release the nutrients and make it more digestible. The end result is a fresh, flavorful tortilla that's key to many Mexican dishes.

The episode then turns its attention to sweets, with a visit to the headquarters of See's Candies. See's has been a Californian institution since the 1920s, known for their high-quality chocolates and famous lollipop sticks. Summers talks with the company's CEO about the philosophy of keeping production local and the attention to detail that goes into each piece of candy.

No trip to LA would be complete without a visit to one of its many food trucks, and Unwrapped delivers with a stop at the Kogi BBQ truck. Kogi has been at the forefront of the food truck craze, serving up Korean-Mexican fusion dishes like kimchi quesadillas and Korean short rib tacos. Summers chats with founder Roy Choi about the inspiration behind Kogi's food and the challenges of running a mobile kitchen.

The episode also explores LA's love of snack chips, with a visit to the headquarters of Popchips. Popchips is a healthier take on the potato chip, made with a unique baking process that results in a lighter, crispier chip. Summers sits down with the company's CEO to learn about the origins of the brand and the science behind the baking process.

Finally, the episode takes a trip to a unique LA institution: the tamale stand. Tamales have long been a staple of Mexican cuisine, and LA has its fair share of stands offering up handmade versions. Summers talks with the owners of a local tamale stand about the art of making a perfect tamale, from choosing the right masa to wrapping it up in a corn husk.

Overall, Unwrapped season 9 episode 8 is a delicious exploration of LA's diverse snack scene. From traditional Mexican dishes to modern fusion to healthy snack alternatives, there's something for everyone in this sprawling city. The episode showcases the stories behind the foods we love and the passion of the people who make them, making for a fascinating and mouth-watering journey.