See what Andrew eats this time as he works his way through Asia, Africa and the good ol' U.S. of A. New episodes of Bizarre Foods start Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 10PM ET/PT, only on the Travel Channel.
I just got back from a week in Japan and got a chance to eat my way across a country that is as passionate about food as any in the world. Simplicity and elegance are the hallmarks of Japanese food, and ingredient quality is very important to diners and cooks alike. Grilling is a simple task, and I suggest using a great cut of prime beef like dry aged sirloin strip steaks. Serve them with a dollop of the miso sauce and perch the beef on some quickly sautéed spinach and you will nearly duplicate one of my favorite ways to enjoy Japanese food, sitting in a robata in Tokyo, chowing down on a parade of grilled and roasted foods. Almost every chef in Japan has a version of this sauce in their repertoire, and I got this one from a chef in Kagashima many years ago. This sauce is achingly good and sophisticated, don't let the ease and utility of this recipe fool you, just be grateful that is so simple a child could make it. Because it is so versatile from a personality standpoint, you can make this dish in a few minutes for a weeknight dinner, or have it be the exclamation point for a weekend dinner party.
I figured it was time for me to jump on the “interesting, hobbies of yesteryear” bandwagon. My first idea was to start a Harlequin romance novel book club, but since those are more fun to read than they are to openly discuss, I went with Plan B: Canning.
Luckily, I was able to kick-start the practice of my new hobby a week ago with my friend, Dusti and her mother-in-law (and canning expert) Mary Ann, along with a motley crew of canning virgins. We didn’t know what we were in for. All we knew for sure is that we wanted pickles and we wanted them now… or in a month when they were ready.
Let me just tell you, canning is no cakewalk. It’s like a science fair for grown-ups, and although I did always like Bill Nye the Science Guy, it was never my forte. Only once in the six years that I entered the Lily Lake Elementary School Science Fair did I receive a ribbon that said more than “participant”. So admittedly, I was intimidated by the pickle-making process.
He was the man behind the food at Jennifer Lopez's Los Angeles eatery, Madre's. Now, Cuban Chef Rolando Gonzalez has struck out on his own with Casa Don Rolando. Gonzalez gives us the details on his new place, Cuban cuisine and what dish J.Lo can't live without.
I received this email last week from John Smith. Even I can't tell you where I come up with some of this stuff. Thanks for the great email, John! -AZ
Andrew - I love the show! I've collected all of your "superlatives" and thought you'd like to see them all in one place.
ZIMMERN SUPERLATIVES
Incredible, Remarkable, Stunning, Spectacular, Beautiful, Gorgeous, Delightful, Delicious, Marvelous, Wonderful, Fabulous, Tremendous, Fantastic, Terrific, Awesome, Amazing, Superb, Heavenly, Phenomenal, Out of Sight, Sweet and Elegant, Smells Like Heaven, Sweeter than Sugar, So Good, A Real Treat, Crazy Good, Unbelievable, Divinely Decadent, Stupendous, Incomparable, Perfection, Exquisite, Impressive, World Class, Exceptional, As Good As It Gets, Home Run, Incomparable, Super, Nutty, Woodsy, Gamey, Light, Briney, Smokey, Rich, Mineraly, Earthy, Livery, Irony, Intense, Tinny, Creamy, Fatty, Rich, Decadent, Salty, Crunchy, Sweet, Delicate, Texturely, Sugary, Meaty, Citrusy, Marries Well, Sweet Finish, Fresh, Tender, Luxurious, Paradise, Intense, Soft, Spongey, Gelatinous, Not for the Faint of Heart, Absolutely Frightening, Cool, Wow, Mild, Beefy, Flavorful, Glaze, Fresh, Lovely, Buttery, Flakey, Spicy, Big Flavored, Gritty, Visceral, Funky, Tasty, Strange, Gross, Perfectly Marbled, Intramuscular, Very Exciting, Very Tender, Great Texture, Slow Burn, Heat, Rare, Indulgent Experience, Unusual, Elaborate, Authentic, Salty, Crazy, Grand, Silky, Smooth, Oceanic, Elegant, Clean, Intricate, Eye Candy, Exotic, Uncommon, Neutral, Congealed, Swampy, Mild, Tart, Crunchy, Gritty, Sturdy, Floral, Long Finishing Note, Crumbly, Meaty, Rich, Deep, Fresh, Clean Cultured, Good Protein Source, Sweet, Succulent, Flavorful, Traditional, Aromatic, Slick, Outrageous, Experience, Special, Unforgettable, Crispy, Dynamite, Melts In Your Mouth, Mind-Boggeling, Enamored, Tasty, Tender, Smooth Finish, Vinegary, Ecstatic, Great Aroma, Wildness, Mother's Milk, Addictive, Tarty, Seafoody, Assertive Flavor, Homestyle, Traditional, A Study in Contrast, Swampy, Grassy, Greasy, Great Aroma, Comfort Food, Absolutely Horrifying, Absolutely Singular, Addictively Phenomenal, Slightly Assertive
ZIMMERN WISDOM
"The hands are the best tool in the kitchen."
"The quality of the meal is proportionate to effort that went into getting it."
"Is it everything you hoped it would be and then some?"
"The best meals are always the ones shared with friends and family."
"When looking for a place to eat, pick the one with the longest line."
"It's always tricky being the honored guest somewhere."