Andrew Zimmern brought his brand of gonzo good cheer to the Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota this Tuesday. Zimmern made his way to the oncology unit to visit a few young fans, and his trademark patter (talk of grilled squirrels and various other not-too-palatable things) was an instant hit; kids perked up and smiled from ear to ear. Zimmern was comfortable and genuine as he chatted with kids about bizarre, delicious, and healthy foods.
In addition to physical visits, Zimmern was present in every kid’s room through the Children’s Hospital Star Studio program, where he talked food and proceeded to entertain viewers with a little game of “What’s That Smell?”
To share his curated menu with the hospital’s staff and patient families, Zimmern rolled in his food truck, AZ Canteen, for lunch. AZ Canteen, which debuted last summer, showcases versions of food that Zimmern discovered on his travels around the globe. While the selections are worldly, the ingredients are local: sausage and burger from Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, Pork from Fischer Family Farms, ice cream from Izzy’s Ice Cream, and artisan breads from New French Bakery, to mention a few.
Zimmern has served as a corporate and product spokesperson for several Minnesota-based corporations, including Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.
