When I have time, I enjoying watching shows like Bizarre Foods and Booze Traveler, shows that involve experiencing the culture of other places. There are an uncountable amount of cultures and each culture has its own variances that branch out into areas that we, as Americans, would find odd. Andrew Zimmerman and Jack Maxwell, respective hosts of the shows mentioned beforehand, go through the these cultures and try to experience it in the fullest fashion, whether that means dancing at a local shindig or freshly defanged cobra, that is for their hosts to decide.
These shows take them all over the world. The episode I watched recently of Bizarre Foods featured Andrew Zimmerman hunting boar in Hawaii, and, after the skinning of the animal, proceeding to eat it among expert boar hunters that have been doing it for generations. In Booze Traveler, Jack Maxwell had just tried spit beer while in the Amazon. For those who have not seen the episode, spit beer is literally spit that is flavored with a certain root while chewing. Obviously, the best aspect of the show is not only the food or drink and is more so understanding from one point and then broaching it further over a shared meal or a round of, sometimes, beers.
Personally, I could not imagine doing the things that the hosts do, and yet they do and enjoy it. The shows are not shy upon what is shown, so long as it is a part of the culture. Some of the cultures shown seem more savage than other; however, the cultures are always respected on the show. Showing the butchering of animals is a common occurrence on both shows, especially those that are more rural, and I feel that this just showcases what the shows stand for, the showing of cultures to engender a global feel that the world is big and different but not to be feared. It further exemplifies this view in many ways. In one such way, Andrew Zimmerman openly shared the fact that the crew had to make amends with a certain gang in order to walk their "territory" while walking the streets in Rio; also, Jack Maxwell participated in the drinking games with self labeled anarchist in Istanbul.
The purpose of the shows is to give off an authentic view of the world and its cultures, and I think it does an amazing job. I would love to hear about your favorite episodes, or even some of the wackier places that you have been to. Thank you for reading about some of the cooler shows on television.
These shows take them all over the world. The episode I watched recently of Bizarre Foods featured Andrew Zimmerman hunting boar in Hawaii, and, after the skinning of the animal, proceeding to eat it among expert boar hunters that have been doing it for generations. In Booze Traveler, Jack Maxwell had just tried spit beer while in the Amazon. For those who have not seen the episode, spit beer is literally spit that is flavored with a certain root while chewing. Obviously, the best aspect of the show is not only the food or drink and is more so understanding from one point and then broaching it further over a shared meal or a round of, sometimes, beers.
Personally, I could not imagine doing the things that the hosts do, and yet they do and enjoy it. The shows are not shy upon what is shown, so long as it is a part of the culture. Some of the cultures shown seem more savage than other; however, the cultures are always respected on the show. Showing the butchering of animals is a common occurrence on both shows, especially those that are more rural, and I feel that this just showcases what the shows stand for, the showing of cultures to engender a global feel that the world is big and different but not to be feared. It further exemplifies this view in many ways. In one such way, Andrew Zimmerman openly shared the fact that the crew had to make amends with a certain gang in order to walk their "territory" while walking the streets in Rio; also, Jack Maxwell participated in the drinking games with self labeled anarchist in Istanbul. The purpose of the shows is to give off an authentic view of the world and its cultures, and I think it does an amazing job. I would love to hear about your favorite episodes, or even some of the wackier places that you have been to. Thank you for reading about some of the cooler shows on television.
Whenever I watch the cooking channel there is always a commercial for Bizarre Foods. I can hear Andrew Zimmerman saying "If it looks good, eat it!" In my head, especially while reading your post. I have not personally watched either of the shows you mentioned, but would consider watching them to live through them vicariously. I know that i'm not brave enough to try foods from other cultures authentically. Media works in strange ways. The fact that you can appreciate other culture's by experiencing this show just proves the realness these two represent. Thanks for sharing!
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