Andrew and Rishia Zimmern | St. Anthony Park, St. Paul

He hops all over the globe eating bugs and bull testicles for the Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods. In between international trips, he keeps us posted on the local dining scene as our beloved food critic, writing reviews, and ranting and raving on his blog, Chow & Again. When he’s not on the road, on the air, or out to dinner, however, Andrew Zimmern lives a quiet life at home, which is far from bizarre.

While Andrew may man the grill, these days Rishia rules the kitchen. He says she makes the best turkey burgers in town.

Just about any down time is spent with his wife, Rishia, and their son, Noah. They live near Como Park in a woodsy house with a kitchen that is, says Andrew, “eminently forgettable.” There’s nothing glamorous about it and everything dates back to the seventies. “Many people have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars on kitchens they never use," he says. “We have done the opposite, investing nothing in something we use all the time.” Typically, the couple has dinner with Noah early, then takes a stroll to the nearby jungle gym. After a family bedtime story, Noah goes to bed and Andrew and Rishia settle in—she stitches and he dissects piles of magazines and newspapers—while they cue up the DVR for episodes of The Closer and Rescue Me. In the neighborhood, Abu Nader and Punch Pizza get once-a-week take-out treatment, as does Pho 79 in the winter when they crave soup like crazy.

On the Menu
Chef Andrew did most of the family cooking until about a year ago when Rishia took over. Among her specialties are pulled pork, lemon orzo salad, and chicken braised in tomatoes and shallots.

What’s in the Fridge?
Watermelon for Rishia, twelve types of mustard for Andrew, and popsicles and yogurt for Noah. They live off Yum’s granola and keep lots of pickles and Asian condiments on hand.

Can’t Live Without
Before you can say Miele Novotronics, the favored appliance in the Zimmern household is a small, simple Zojirushi hot-water machine for morning tea.