Travel Channel’s new original food-centric road trip series Man Finds Food is set to premiere on July 2, 2014 at 9pm ET/PT. The series will find Adam Richman on the road searching for “unique, surprising, and delicious hidden food treasures.”
The 13-episode season one will showcase off-the-grid eateries.
“Every city has culinary gems that are held sacred by the locals and sought out by tourists,” explained Richman. “But right below the surface – all across the country – is an awesome, delicious, secret dining-world of hidden restaurants and off-the-menu dishes only available to those in-the-know. In Man Finds Food, my crew and I seek out the tasty treasures of this secret dining universe, and share how and where to get some of these magnificent mystery meals. And we do so while meeting, greeting and eating with some of the coolest, most interesting people across the nation.”
Season one’s first episode stops in LA include:
— The Escondite, which lies behind a hidden door, is a dive bar located on the edge of Skid Row and Little Tokyo (Skidrokio). Amongst the many burger creations is the off-menu breakfast sandwich known as Godzilla Destroys Skidrokio. Richman heads to the kitchen to watch Chef Brian Traynam in action and see if he will share the secret to his amazing dish.
— Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese is Melrose’s cheesiest gem. Chef Eric Greenspan dishes out only the best in grilled cheese including The Champ. While this sandwich might be a local legend, Richman has inside knowledge about a new off-menu challenger: The Inside Out.
— Cha Cha Chili is an Asian/Mexican fusion restaurant eight miles north of Los Angeles in the Chinese business district of Alhambra. Here, Richman uncovers a secret burrito known as the Lomo Burrito, which is a Peruvian-Korean-Mexican experiment chock full of secrets that the foodie host tries to uncover from Chef Gavin Cha.
— Jitlada is an unassuming Thai eatery in East Hollywood. While its strip mall exterior may deter some, this local-favorite’s menu boasts 348 traditional Thai items. Richman, however, is looking for the one dish that is missing from the menu: the Jazz Burger. Chef Jazz Singsanong takes him through the makings of this spicy burger.
The second episode features Chicago eateries:
— Scofflaw is a prohibition-era-inspired hideout known for its rather unique menu. While any dish is a winning pick, there is one so secret you not only need to order it by name, but you must also be one of the first five to say it! After learning that only five Guapichosa sandwiches are offered each day, the foodie host hustles to the kitchen to reserve one from Chef Mickey Neely.
— Phil’s Last Stand is a hot dog joint in the Ukrainian Village. Richman gets an inside look from Chef Bob Corbett on an off-menu Fried Shrimp Po-Boy, learning about this secret NOLA staple with its Midwestern twist.
— A Tavola is an Italian restaurant with the appearance of a residential house in West Town. After finally locating this unassuming dining establishment, Chef Dan Bocik lets Richman in on an off-menu dish known as the Italian Meat & Potatoes – a three-pound rib eye served alongside a generous portion of house-made gnocchi.
— La Sirena Clandestina is a South American dive in the Fulton Market District. While there, Richman gets a taste of the off-menu Size Me Up – a hodgepodge of meats specially selected by Chef John Manion. Richman’s personal platter consists of short rib, skirt steak, sweetbreads, linguica sausage, and chicken hearts – all grilled to perfection.
