Hi Andrew! I'm looking forward to your visit to Raleigh NC this week. I'm work with the area's NBC affiliate (NBC 17) and love to feature the smartest choices in Raleigh-area food, entertainment. etc. on my NBC 17 blog, "Smart in the City." I may be skinny, but I can put away almost as much good eats as you can so I look forward to challenging myself (and maybe even you...) to a heaping plate of BBQ at The Pit Restaurant on Wednesday!

Hey Andrew just wanted to say that when I had cancer last year Bizarre Foods was one of my favorite shows while I was having chemo and being nauseous all the time. Now that I am done with all that I wish I could go with you during a filming of a show because after chemo and 3 surgery's food sickness would be a pleasure especially with you laughing at my demise.
Thanks David.

Hi Andrew!

Fisrt of all, I love the show and watch every chance I get! I especially loved the Ecuador show and recently made a trip there myself! Sadly, No guinea pig...
My question for you is sort of unique. I am part of a volunteer organization called SVOSH (students volunteering Optometric Services for Humanity) our goal is to stop world blindness by the year 2020. Very lofty goal I know, but we and several other chapters are working hard to make this possible. This year, my group and I are going to Honduras and what we usually do after seeing about 3000 people in four days, we take another day or two off in the country just to look around.

My question for you is this... Would it be possible to somehow enjoy a bizarre meal with you during our trip? It would please us to no end, and We'd love to let you see what we do first hand.

If not, I understand the constraints of production and filming, and thank you for the time!

Hi Andrew, i love your show!! but i cant help by wondering why you've visited so many southamerican countries except for Peru, when i was there i simply FELL IN LOVE WITH THE PEOPLE AND THE FOOD!!!!! Are you planning to visit there any time soon???
Thanks, Vanessa

I love your disgustingly interesting show and your bravery and willingness to try and eat anything. The only thing that really makes me turn my head AND plug my ears is watching/hearing you smack the food as you eat it. I thought at first it was because you're chewing and describing the food at the same time but then I watched Man v Food and if Adam can chew and talk without smacking his food- why can't you? Maybe you're not aware if it but if no one tells you, how will you know? Other than that...You're doing a very brave and great thing for us by sharing the word's cultures with us and sharing theirs with the world. God Bless!

Andrew, what was the name of the grain that the Ethiopians were supstituting for popcorn?

Thank You
Fred

Dear Andrew,

I am such a HUGE fan of your show. Has the idea ever came up of you possibly bringing a fan along with you to do one of your shows? I would be EXTREMELY INTERESTED!! To have such a cultural experience in trying new foods would be a absoultley amazing-tastebud-explosion of an experience! I watch the show, and keep telling myself, "Mann....I could so try everything you have! I am up for new challenges in trying different foods!" I have so much interest in trying new foods from all different cultures, but they are rare to find here in Wisconsin. Can you give me any resorces as how to get bizzare foods to make here at home to try that are inexpensive?

Hi Andrew,
Love all your shows. Just rewatched part of your Minnesota show.
My family is part of the second wave of Norwegian immigration to the US which began around 1900 and consisted primarily of non-farming people. We settled in NYC, mostly in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and from there ended up on Long Island, in NJ and Pa.
Anyway, on Lutefisk - I remember my mother making it but it was served not with plain melted butter but with plenty of yellow onions sauteed in that butter.
And on Pigs feet, we (me too) add salt, whole peppercors (white or black) number and type to your taste and whole allspice berries, also to your taste. I leave them in the resulting gelatin but my Dad used to change out that out. Racoons love them!
GMT

Andrew, Why are there so few shows? I would like to see more new shows. I miss you on Tuesday night

In America they have Inspections, and certain Laws that we have to go by for our food to be safe for our consumption and I was always told be carefull if I go over seas or in Mexico or Canada cause these countries don't have the strict rules and regulations like the United States and the food over there could end up killing you. When you go abroad do you ever think about certian foods killing you.

Andrew, I watch your show all of the time and I was wondering if you have ever been to Korea or plan to go to Korea and explore there? My mother is from Korea, but I have never been and would love if you did a show where I can atleast see where she is from and her life before coming to the U.S....

I've just returned from 3 weeks traveling through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Stopped in Highway 4 in Hanoi's Old Quarter for the Gecko-Seahorse rice wine. (The plain rice wine is WAY too much like jet fuel so the gecko didn't register.)
I tried deep fried tarantulas, had roasted crickets, and on Khaosan Road in Bangkok, I had MONSTER grasshoppers! They were all very good and I probably wouldn't have tried any of it if not for the introduction to these things through the show. Thank you for (at least trying to) opening the minds of those of us who are willing to accept and try the foods of other cultures.

Is there a company that does a "Bizarre Foods"-like culinary tour?? I'd love to try a lot of the foods that you have had around the world. Intrepid Travel introduced me to SE Asia and I will definitely return, but I'm hoping to find a like minded group of folks who are willing to experience the world through their tastebuds!

Thank you for showing us the world.

Hi, Andrew,

Thank you so much for exploring the world and showing us the beauty and flavours all the different countries and regions have to offer. When are you planning to visit Bangladesh? There is an incredibly unusual sweet called "monda" which is made only in Mymensingh in Bangladesh. Bengali cuisine includes a wonderful dish made from the seeds of the Jackfruit. In Dhaka, there is a placed called "New Market" that has many open air foods stalls that I know you like. Also, there are many kinds of dried fish dishes made on the shores of Bangladesh. There is a wonderful beach area called Cox's Bazaar where there are many open air food places where you can get fried meats and dishes made from goat kidneys and mutton brains and things like that. Hope to see you visit Bangladesh! We would love to have you, and welcome you with open arms and full cooking pots!!!

I need to know what Andrew Z's wristwatch company?? That red strap watch that he wears on the show - from what company is that??? I love that watch...

Please email me - exit2k@yahoo.com (Subject: wristwatch)
THANK YOU!!

When you go abroad and eat the food from other countries are there certain foods you cannot eat that the locals do cause it would either make you deathly sick or kill you

Hi, have you tried the dish called Three-squeaks?

Hi Andrew, I love bizarrre foods and have never missed an episode! I recently (2/7/09) made the 4 hour trip to NYC to see you at the travel show. I was however very dissapointed because there was never a time of your arrival at the travel show on the website. Unfortunatly you were not due to arrive until 4 pm. I had to be on the road by 2pm. I nearly cried, you were the whole reason for my trip. Sorry I missed you, and I hope to have another opportunity to meet "the man." I wish you well in your travels, keep eating and i'll keep watching!

quote:

New

Why do you stick your tongue out when you put food in your mouth? It's disgusting!

Question for Andrew - We just know you ate it! :-)

First, the obligatory salutations:
Hello Andrew, we love you and your show. Very fun and informative. You really show that the people, food and culture are the most important benefits of travel, not the sights and attractions.

When you were in the Philippines we couldn't help but notice you avoided a delicious bizarre cultural culinary icon... dog. No party in the Philippines is complete without palutan. Palutan is usually made with aso (dog) or sometimes kalding (goat). Mmmm... MASARAP !!! (delicious)

We did a search and saw your posts about eating dog:
chefaz 4-5-07 - "I have to say, I'm not planning on eating any dog or cat soon."
chefaz 7-9-07 - "The only thing that we ever talked about never ever doing was dog. We came across a lot of oppurtunities to try dog meat in Vietname, but we made a very conscious decision not to try it or film it."

We know that you, as a well travelled adventure eater, must have eaten dog meat somewhere. Not for the show. Not on camera. It is so common in many of the countries you've been to and you are so good about eating the locals' favorites, that we are unable to believe that you have not enjoyed canine cuisine. We know that Americans love for pets make this a touchy subject. We Americans eat things that other cultures find disgusting or abhorrent. Please don't let our cultural fears or prejudices stop you from showing viewers any interesting or "bizarre" cuisine or culture. Your producers need to let you be honest and real. For those people that are uncomfortable respecting other cultures and cuisines... why are they watching Travel Channel?

We know you loved the aso palutan. :-)
C'mon Andrew, please give us a sign... a wink, a nod, maybe a wag of the tail. :-)

Thank you and keep doing what you're doing.

PS - We love to travel off the beaten path and have eaten dog, spiders, crickets, beetles, silkworms, ants, snake, balut, frog, alligator, duck tongues, chicken feet and durian.

PSS - Keep smackin' your lips. Ignore all the @n@l retentive crybabies. Enjoy everything with gusto. Eat life or it will eat you.

first of all i love the show. i saw the show where andrew had popped sorghum, and i wanted to try it. i love popcorn. i found where to buy it online and it was 2.00 so i bought some and it was awesome. i will never eat popcorn again, there are no skins to choke on. try it the website is www.insanegrains.synthasite.com i was very impressed and think andrew would love it.

Andrew,
My name is Michael and I will be graduating from college in June. I recently studied in Vietnam for four months and absolutely loved the food culture there. I recently received a fellowship to study next year in Cape Town, South Africa. Are you planning on doing a show there anytime soon. I will be there from July 2009 to May 2009 and would love to see an episode to get an idea of the food. Obviously I would love to be on the show as well! But, I will take it one step at a time.

Thanks
Michael E.

Do you plan to do more "Bizarre Worlds" shows or was Turkey the only one? We want more! Please consider starting a new series. --Max

I saw the Japan show, and I was thrilled to see you try funazushi, something I had never tried and always feared. I was happy to see that it is as horrible as it sounds.

One thing about the show, though, was that you said Nagahama is the only funazushi-producing town in the world. As a previous employee in Shiga Prefecture and a regular visitor to Lake Biwa's beaches, I have heard that funazushi is not only made in Nagahama, but is also made on the small island in the middle of Lake Biwa, Okinoshima. Is that true?

Even if true, both Okinoshima and Nagahama are within Shiga Prefecture, the only funazushi-producing prefecture, so you would have been partially correct, at least.

Hi Andrew,

I understand your concern about not eating cat or dog on the show, and I understand that these foods are traditional staples in many countries. It sucks, but that's the way it is. However, at your imperial dinner in China, you were served shark's fin soup. You mentioned it was "controversial", but you never explained why.

National Geographic estimated that 100 million sharks are killed per year as a result of "finning". Basically, they are taken from the ocean, relieved of their fins, then tossed back to sea to suffocate or be eaten by other creatures. I don't care if this is a traditional food, it's absolutely barbaric and it is a critical danger to the oceans. If we lose the ocean's top predators, there will be long term damage. Since 1980, the world’s shark population has been cut in almost half. The hammerhead shark population is down 90%. Shark’s fin soup may be responsible for putting 4 shark species on the endangered species list.

In addition, there is no nutritional value and little flavor in a shark's fin-it is simply a tool for affluent Chinese to flash their status around. Shark’s fin soup is also used to seal business deals. However, Honk Kong University and Disneyland Hong Kong have wised up and removed shark's fin soup from their menus

You had the perfect opportunity to tell people this on your program, but you didn't. If you are going to exploit all these bizarre foods, at least give the animals the respect of explaining how their body parts got on your plate and what sort of environmental impact it has. To simply consume an environmental nightmare like shark’s fin soup and not give any thought to where it came from is an unimaginably selfish act.

If you are going to commercialize shark’s fin soup for your occidental audiences, it’s time you stop being a hypocrite and start eating cat and dog on TV. At least there’s no danger of those animals going anywhere.

I am disgusted with the Travel Channel right now.

You ve been a chef for quite a long time now, eating all kinds of different varities of foods froom regular burgers to fried scorpions. So I was wondering from your opinion of all da foods youve eaten so far what foods would americans agree to eat? You know like most people are familiar with sushi...and are good terms with the food. So wuts the next thing you figure. Also any tips on wut bizzare food 2 eat after skool instead of going to bk or tacobell. By the way, my old man can eat or drink anything bizzare as well, even durian

so im curious you eat anything and everything...so how do you stomach it? Do you get certain shots or do rituals before eating these unique assortment of foods? Have you ever gotten brutally ill from trying these exotic entrees?

Hi Andrew,

Please tell me the brand name and model of your watch with the red band. I am a watch collector and have been admiring your watch.

I am a Filipino and you wore the same watch when you went to the Philippines. Good job on that show.

Thanks.


El Rey

i'm not going to ask you anything...i believe you are a gluttonous excuse for a man. you should consider what you're doing ~ you are condoning how these "cultures" treat their animals. that's not the impression i'd like to leave in these countries, allowing them to abuse their "food". instead, you should be educating them how to respect. it's no wonder God allows them to live in poverty and turmoil. i'm not surprised at all and shame on you for indulging in their sicknesses.

Hey Andrew, i was just wondering if you could come to South Carolina and do a show?

2nd biggest fan

Dear Andrew,

Last nights episode "Surf It Up" was fun and inspirational. The topic of "mole crabs" aka "sacadia crabs" aka "sand crabs" from Thialand looked very appetizing, to say the least- Is it possible to eat Southern California's "sacadia crabs" too? (aka mole crabs, sand crabs?)
I looked online to see if its safe- however, an eco-website expalined that these types of crabs carry micro-parasites which can sometimes kill the small predators that hunt them, even make humans extremely sick because our coastal waters are less clean... ect. They're also known to carry harmful worms. Is this true? Are they ediable in SoCal?
Please mail me your best answer, I would like to prep and eat them deep fried as you did if they are safe to consume.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Crabb
Newport Beach, Ca

Hi, I saw your show from the Island of PooKet(?) on eating Sea Cadies/Mole Crabs. I have caught mole crabs for years here on the East Coast of Florida. Never thought of eating them but,why not. Seeing them on your show, I am reasonable sure they are ther same mole crab. Question 1) Can I eat this US varity.2) You indicated that the crabs were washed and legs removed. Did they also remove the shell back prior to the cooking process . Thanks

Hi Andrew.

Well i'm only a recent fan but I love your show! I don't watch ver many food shows but needless to say your show totally fascinates me. It even better when I watch it with my mom and I see her cringe when you bite into something raw. that's always a great perk.

Well i just wanted to ask you if you should ever be in the Chicago area again you should stop by my small town. We have a family recipe that that no one knows about...scout's honor. It may not be as unsusal as some the foods you may of tried but it is new and you would be the first one outside of our family circle to have tried it.

Well I'm just throwing it all there but I also want to thank you and your iron stomach for bring us a taste of so many cultures. I wish you continued success with your show ^_^

HI ANDREW ZIMMERMAN,

MY FAMILY AND I LOVESSSSSSS YOUR SHOW. YOU ARE VERY BRAVE AT TIMES WITH SOME OF THE FOODS YOU EAT. MY FAMILY IS FROM ST.LUCIA IN THE WEST INDIES. I WOULD IF YOU GO THERE AND TRY THE FOODS. IT WILL BE LOTS OF FUN.

-JEMSTONE-

I love to eat insects. The only problem is finding a place that serves them does anyone know of one in the NYC area?

hey Andrew my girlfriend and I were wondering is there anything you wouldnt eat?

I'm a senior in high school and I'm 18 years old. I love your show,(though sometimes I say "man I cant beleive he ate that"). I was wondering are you going back to Japan any time soon? I'm going to major in Japanese lanuage and culture in collage and I love to learn about the different foods and culture there. If you go again take me with you. (just kidding!) But I have to say the Japanese to me seem to top it all with bizarre foods like that crazy ice cream you tried. Keep up the good work

I have a relatively serious question for Andrew.

I am a big fan of the show so please don't take this as too critical. I love the fact that you are willing to eat anything but much of what you eat comes from animals that are threatened species or inhumanely killed. I am no PETA person, but for example, Shark Fin Soup is often made by pulling the sharks from the ocean, cutting off their fins, and throwing them back in while wasting all of the meat. They are overfished so it is somewhat irresponsible to "promote" such a food.

Again, this hasn't stopped me from watching the show or caused me to lose respect for you, but I want to know how you feel about this issue.

p.s. Durian isn't THAT bad. Yes its horrible but man, I can't believe I can stomach something more than you!

HI ANDREW I JUST WANT TO ASK ,WHEN YOU GO TO PHILIPPINES DID YOU EAT DOG?

Hello, Andrew Zimmern! I just created a new topic before I came across this discussion, so this is a repeat question:

I've seen you in a few sushi bars, but have never seen you eat natto (the stinky fermented beans). Is it because it's familiar to Americans? Also, if you have tried it, do you like it?

Your show is interesting and hilarious. I especially like the Moroccan episode where you slapped your head while eating the rotten meat. You're too funny!

Hey Andrew! Love the show!! I was just wondering if you ever considered doing a show in my territory, the dead centor of Amish country, Lancaster Pennsylvania. There are tons of crazy foods and combinations here. It might be interesting for people to see the food of the Pennsylvania dutch and to get rid of some of the misconceptions. I love living here, and I want the world to know how great this place is, and how awesome the food is! THANKS!!!

On your Japan show I seen what appeared to be a smoothed red skin fruit with white flesh and tiny black seeds going thru it. It was right before the sea cucumber thing. I'm really curious as to what that was I keep seein it on different shows yet haven't heard anyone say what it was. Thanks

Hi Andrew,

I don't have a question for you now but I just wanted to thank you for visiting my beloved native country of Bolivia. I'm originally from La Paz but I've lived basically my entire life in Queens, NY and travel back home as much as I can to visit family and friends. And I must say, you taught me (and even my parents) some things about our culture and people we never even knew! My parents and I loved the show very much and can't wait to see it air again. I Wish I could've been there when you were filming the show because I have to admit that I was a bit jealous of the fact that you visited some great places and the many different kinds of foods you enjoyed. We were so glad that you enjoyed everything you ate and visited down there because we truly have awesome food and as you know we are very rich in culture. Cheers to you and always know that you are welcomed back with open arms any time.


Best regards,
Rodrigo Cardenas


P.S: Glad to know that you enjoyed Cholita wrestling!

When are the new shows coming? I really have overdosed on the same old shows. Also, just a word of encouragement; keep up the good work of introducing your audience to different cultures and their foods. I am not adventurous when it comes to food, but I like that you are and apparently so are a lot of other people according to their posts.

I know one of your FAVORITE meals is bull testicles...did you know about THIS event??

Diners can 'have a ball' at testicle festival
Calif. volunteers to fry up 400 pounds of private parts of bulls for annual Testicle Festival

Associated Press
Last updated: 10:05 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2009

OAKDALE, Calif. -- The fundraising idea may seem a little nuts, but Oakdale's annual Testicle Festival is always a big hit. On Monday, volunteers with the town's Rotary Club plan to fry up 400 pounds of the private parts of bulls and serve them to diners who pay $50 apiece for the sit-down meal.

The event, whose proceeds also benefit the Oakland Cowboy Museum, has drawn an average of 450 people and last year raised $28,000.

It's common practice on cattle ranches for young male bovines to be castrated into steers, which after the initial loss, eventually makes them more docile and easier to handle. Fans of the delicacy, also referred to as "mountain oysters," come from around the state.

According to Rotarians, everyone who buys a ticket is guaranteed to "have a ball."

------

Information from: The Modesto Bee, http://www.modbee.com

Okay, I have a question...

I'm going to S. Korea as an exchange student for a year starting in August... Your S. Korea episode came just in time, and I'm excited to see it!

Would you do a show about the Hmong culture? I put my show idea on the message board, but I thought I'd tell you on this topic as well. Some foods they eat are: cow poop soup, pig brain soup, fried fish egg sacks, raw meat and tripe salad, fungus salad, chicken heads, squirrel, blood soup, goat soup, BBQ pigeon, and many many more dishes that would be very entertaining to watch. what do you think about a show about that? also, how do you pick your tour guides for the show?

I was wondering what is the name of the place you visited with the ancient whistling language? I thought it was so cool

Hey Andrew, My name's Brock. I'm 13 YRS. old, and i really like your show. I live in Corpus Christi Texas, and I would love to try some of that wacky food, and maybe meet you sometime???

hi andrew,
i caught the episode that featured liver mush. i'm from philly and we have scrapple. it seems that liver mush maybe like our scrapple but i'm not sure. i'm wondering if you've had scrapple and is it like liver mush? thanks p.s. i love your show!

Andrew..Thank you for having such an educational and entertaining show. Your show is one of my son's (9 yr. old) favorite shows. He is an adventourous eater and loves to travel. He is absolutely mesmerized by your show. He has tried rocky mountain oysters, guinnie pig, buffalo, yack etc...Thank you for being a good role model and keep making adventurous and interesting shows.