Andrew Zimmern greets a fan during a break in filming in Kaimuki on Friday, Nov. 16. (Star-Advertiser photo by Jason Genegabus)
BY JASON GENEGABUS / jason@staradvertiser.com
Five years after his first visit to Hawaii, culinary adventurer Andrew Zimmern was back last weekend to film an upcoming episode of his new show, “Bizarre Foods America.”
Those who recognize Zimmern from his Travel Channel show might be surprised to learn he’s not only a two-time James Beard Award-winning television personality and chef, but also writes for magazines and newspapers, is the author of multiple books and leads the charge to educate and inspire online via his own food-centric website. He’s also a prolific user of social media, posting multiple updates via Twitter and Instagram while filming the upcoming episode of “Bizarre Foods.” (Click here, here, here or here for more examples.)
Zimmern between bites of his lunch in Kaimuki last week. (Star-Advertiser photo by Jason Genegabus)
We caught up with him on Friday, Nov. 16, in Kaimuki between stops at a crack seed manufacturer and shave ice stand. Over a lunch of Chinese take-out, Zimmern talked about his latest book, his new food truck, the fallout from Superstorm Sandy in New York and New Jersey, and the harsh criticism his buddy (and fellow television personality) Guy Fieri has received in response to the recent opening of his new Times Square restaurant.
“Bizarre Foods America” airs Mondays on the Travel Channel; no air date has been announced for the upcoming Hawaii episode.
Zimmern talks about his website, AndrewZimmern.com, and how he hopes it will help entertain and educate food-lovers on the Web:
While other chefs open restaurants, Zimmern went the food truck route, launching AZ Canteen earlier this year:
Zimmern’s latest book, “Andrew Zimmern’s Field Guide to Exceptionally Weird, Wild, and Wonderful Foods,” is his greatest accomplishment to date, he said:
These days, “Bizarre Foods” focuses on cuisine from around the United States; Zimmern describes what viewers can expect when new episodes return to Travel Channel next year:
He also talked about what it’s like getting “Bizarre” in Hawaii and how he deals with hometown viewers’ reactions to his food picks:
Fellow television personality Guy Fieri is having a rough time getting his new Time Square restaurant off the ground, and while Zimmern considers him a friend, he understands why critics are upset:
And finally, after a recent visit to areas affected by Superstorm Sandy, Zimmern reflects on how the storm will affect life in the area for a long time to come:
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“Grind Time” is always looking for the latest places to get your grub on. Email Jason Genegabus with restaurant, bar or any other food/drink-related item at jason@staradvertiser.com.