In Bizarre Foods Atlanta, part of the Delicious Destinations series featuring Andrew Zimmern, the host and his crew visited numerous restaurants in the city, showcasing a variety of unique and delicious dishes. Here is a convenient list of all the addresses and dishes highlighted in this exciting exploration of Atlanta’s food scene.
ANDREW ZIMMERN ATLANTA DISH – Southern Fried Chicken
WHAT IS IT?
Southern fried chicken is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Southern cuisine. The secret lies in the preparation and cooking techniques. To achieve the authentic Southern taste, chefs use a skillet and fry the chicken in lard, resulting in a distinctive flavor. Seasoning is also a crucial element, as Southern cooks infuse their fried chicken with a special blend of spices and love. Before frying, the chicken is coated in a mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, white pepper, poultry seasoning, and salt. Deep frying in a pressure cooker is preferred for its capacity and quicker cooking time. This method creates a delectable golden crust that seals in the flavorful juices, resulting in a truly satisfying culinary experience.
WHERE IS IT?
Busy Bee Cafe
810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314, United States
Atlanta, United States
NOTES – DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS ATLANTA
Brining is the process of immersing meat in a seasoned saltwater solution. It serves to retain moisture during cooking and enhances tenderness, flavor, and juiciness. The chef incorporates a hint of paprika into the brine, allowing the meat to marinate for a duration of 12 hours.
ANDREW ZIMMERN ATLANTA DISH – Peach Cobbler
WHAT IS IT?
Peach cobbler begins with the chef utilizing canned peaches for consistency in the recipe. The combination of butter, sugar, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon imparts a delightful warmth to the cobbler, offering a traditional taste with a unique baking twist. The peaches are boiled without stirring for 45 minutes until tender, then gently broken apart. Flour is incorporated to form delectable clusters of chewy dumplings. To create the dough, a simple mixture of all-purpose flour, butter, and cold water is carefully crafted by hand. The peach mixture and dumplings are then poured into individual dishes and topped with a crust. After baking in the oven for 15 minutes, the cobbler emerges golden brown and irresistibly piping hot.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN ATLANTA: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON THE LAYOVER
WHERE IS IT?
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
1133 Huff Rd NW #D, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States
Atlanta, United States
NOTES – DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS ATLANTA
During 1571, peaches were introduced to Georgia’s barrier islands by Franciscan monks. Subsequently, Cherokee Indians brought these peaches to the mainland. By 1861, peach orchards began to emerge across the sandy soil that stretches along Georgia’s southern coast, renowned for being exceptionally fertile and conducive to producing some of the finest peaches in the country.
nately this restaurant has closed its doors
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ANDREW ZIMMERN ATLANTA DISH – Country Ham & Red Eye Gravy
WHAT IS IT?
Country ham and red eye gravy are prepared by pan-frying a thick slice of ham with a unique sauce. Unlike most starch-based gravies, this one is a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, complemented by the addition of strong black coffee. The marinade, which transforms into the gravy, consists of five main ingredients: soy sauce, red paprika, medium brown sugar, and a special sauce renowned in Atlanta. After marinating the ham in the coffee blend for 24 hours, each side is cooked for 2 minutes, resulting in a golden brown appearance with a caramelized crispy edge.
WHERE IS IT?
Silver Skillet
200 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States
Atlanta, United States
NOTES – DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS ATLANTA
The origin of red eye gravy is a subject of debate. According to legend, former US President Andrew Jackson requested breakfast ham with a gravy as red as his cook’s bloodshot eyes, caused by his drinking the night before. Others believe the name comes from the way the grease from the ham rises and forms a circular shape resembling a human eye’s pupil.
ANDREW ZIMMERN BIZARRE FOODS DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS ATLANTA DISH – Pimento Cheese
WHAT IS IT?
Pimento cheese is a creamy mixture of sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, pimento, and seasonings that can be generously spread on various dishes. It complements roast chicken, crackers, vegetables, grits, and stands out as a delicious sandwich filling. The process begins with homemade mayonnaise, crafted from genuine Georgian olive oil. Instead of pimentos, Hugh and Josh opt for roasted red peppers, which offer a milder taste and are available year-round. Grated Vermont white cheddar is combined with mustard, salt, and a housemade hot sauce, adjusted to the chef’s desired level of spiciness. Additional mayonnaise is added for a smooth consistency. Some of the finished cheese is packed in jars and topped with bacon marmalade, while the rest is used to enhance various cheese-based dishes, with the pimento cheese sandwich being the most popular choice. The sandwich features the pimento cheese spread between two slices of homemade grilled sourdough bread.
WHERE IS IT?
Empire State South
999 Peachtree St NE Suite #140, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
Atlanta, United States
NOTES – BIZARRE FOODS DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS ATLANTA
During the 1920s, Atlanta emerged as the leading producer of pimentos nationwide. Surrounded by an abundance of these peppers, Southerners sought creative ways to incorporate them beyond their traditional use in olives. This culinary experimentation gave rise to a beloved local dish that has since become a quintessential Southern delicacy, gaining popularity across the country.
Unfortunately, this restaurant has closed its doors.
BIZARRE FOODS DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS ATLANTA DISH – Fried Green Tomatoes
WHAT IS IT?
Fried green tomatoes, though long enjoyed in select corners of the country, were not widely popular until recently. Traditionally, green tomatoes were often pickled or allowed to ripen into red fruit. The process begins by removing the tomato core and carefully slicing them to achieve the ideal thickness. Achieving the right consistency is crucial—thin slices may become limp, while thick ones remain hard and rubbery. Double dipping is essential: each slice is coated in seasoned flour, then dipped into a creamy buttermilk bath for added richness and tanginess. Finally, the tomatoes are coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried in canola oil for approximately five minutes.
WHERE IS IT?
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States
Atlanta, United States
NOTES – BIZARRE FOODS DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS ATLANTA
During the 1940s, tea rooms became popular establishments in the South. Typically operated from homes, these small restaurants served as a means of support, particularly for women, including widows. In 1946, there were 16 tea rooms scattered around town, but today, one stands out among Atlantans: Mary Mac’s Tea Room.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN MACAU: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON NO RESERVATIONS
BIZARRE FOODS DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS ATLANTA DISH – Onion Rings
WHAT IS IT?
At The Varsity, onion rings are a popular choice, with hundreds of gallons of batter used on busy days. The secret to achieving their crispy and flaky crunch lies in the use of rice bran oil, known for its quality and higher cost compared to other oils.
WHERE IS IT?
The Varsity
61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States
Atlanta, United States
NOTES – BIZARRE FOODS DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS ATLANTA
The Varsity stands as America’s largest and lively drive-in, cherished by students and families alike. Renowned for its fast-food offerings, The Varsity prides itself on serving large quantities. On busy days, they prepare an impressive amount of food: 300 gallons of chili, 10,000 burgers, and 10,000 hot dogs, satisfying the appetites of up to 30,000 customers.
