CULINARY EXPLORER ANDREW ZIMMERN HAILS CABBIES AROUND THE WORLD FOR THE ULTIMATE "LOCALS ONLY" EXPERIENCES IN NEW SERIES "ANDREW ZIMMERN'S DRIVEN BY FOOD"

Series Premiere Kicks off in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, August 16 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT

NEW YORK (July 6, 2016) - Three-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, food writer and culinary explorer Andrew Zimmern believes the best way to explore a city is to get to know the locals and, in Travel Channel's new series, "Andrew Zimmern's Driven By Food," premiering Tuesday, August 16 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, the first local he usually meets is his cab driver. Hosted and executive produced by Zimmern, the new series turns to neighborhood drivers to set the itinerary. Never staying in the backseat for long, Zimmern and his new guide - whether it's a cab driver in the South, a shikara driver in Kashmir or a gondolier in Venice - take viewers on an entertaining behind-the-scenes, insider's adventure to check out off-the-grid dives, regional eats and local activities.

"Any time I travel, to a new destination or an old favorite, I always walk out of an airport and get in a car. Local drivers are the first people I converse with about where I am and what I want to do," says Zimmern. "And they in turn suggest what they think I should do. They are the true experts on their own culture - they know where to eat, what to see and how to play - and the recommendations they share are more authentic than what you'll find in any guidebook. Harness a little trust, go along for the ride and regardless of the city, you will have an unforgettable travel experience."

In the series premiere, Zimmern hits the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro to experience it like a real "carioca," tapping into three local cab drivers to get a true feel for this bustling, diverse metropolis. Zimmern experiences a beachside game of futevolei, the synchronized Olympic sport of rowing and samba lessons inside a changing favela with some of the city's best ocean views. Zimmern also stops at juice shops and sushi spots, treks to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue for an emotional experience, explores Rio's wild club scene and dines on some of the best Brazilian barbeque, seafood and meats.

Additional cities featured in the first season of "Andrew Zimmern's Driven By Food" include: Bangkok; Berlin; Chicago; Hyderabad, India; London; Medellin, Colombia and Nashville, Tenn.

VISIT TRAVELCHANNEL.COM FOR MORE ON 'ANDREW ZIMMERN'S DRIVEN BY FOOD'

Check out "Andrew Zimmern's Driven By Food" on TravelChannel.com for special show extras including behind-the-scenes photos and travel tips from Andrew Zimmern. Experience "Andrew Zimmern's Driven By Food" on Facebook and follow @TravelChannel and #DrivenByFood on Twitter and Instagram for more exclusive content, updates and special videos. Follow host Andrew Zimmern on Twitter: @andrewzimmern.

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