Season 1, Episode 17

US Files - Volume 5

We've compiled the best of Anthony Bourdain's US trips in The US Files - Volume 5, in which he further explores Missouri and Michigan. In West Plains, MO, Tony meets up with author and Ozark native, Daniel Woodrell, to go fishing for sucker fish, known for sucking on the bottom of rivers and streams. Before they start, they chow down on yesterday's catch: deep-fried suckers with fried potatoes, red onions, and hush puppies on the side. Night falls and it's time to start fishing. As Tony tries to get the hang of it, disaster strikes. Daniel falls and breaks his shoulder. The next night, Tony is invited on a raccoon hunt. This tradition is more about the dogs than the prey, as the men compete to see whose hound is the best. Afterwards, they enjoy a meal of roasted raccoon, potatoes, baked beans, and cornbread. One of the men honors Tony with a thoughtful gift of raccoon penis bone. The next day, his new friend Alan brings Tony to a duck hunt. Alan regales Tony with hunting stories before shooting a few ducks down. After learning that Alan doesn't like duck meat, Tony makes it his mission to change his mind by cooking him duck breast. Tony and his friend Zamir visit Detroit, MI, and are introduced to John, a laid-off steel worker. John takes them to Polonia, a restaurant in the Polish section of town, for a Polish feast. They then meet up with Rashid, a man who coincidentally was evacuated from Beirut on the same boat as Tony and the crew during the 2006 war. They enjoy good conversation over a typical Middle Eastern meal of hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, and more. After that, it's time for a game of Featherbowling, a game very similar to Bocce and a favorite pastime in Detroit. Finally, Tony visits chef Brian Polcyn in Ann Arbor, MI, for a lesson on charcuterie, and of course a taste.

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