Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 18 Episode 8

Ep 8. Comfort and Soul

  • TV-G
  • November 25, 2013
  • 20 min

In the season 18 episode 8 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives named “Comfort and Soul,” host Guy Fieri travels across the United States to try some of the best comfort food and soulful dishes from various restaurants. In this episode, Fieri highlights the unique cultural influences that shape comfort food and the cultural origins of certain dishes.

The episode starts with Fieri visiting a restaurant in Oakland, California, that serves soul food with a Mexican twist. The menu features a combination of traditional soul food dishes, such as fried chicken and collard greens, with Mexican-inspired flavors, such as corn tortillas and salsa verde. Fieri chats with the chef to learn more about the origins of the restaurant and the inspiration behind the menu.

Next on the itinerary is a diner in Spokane, Washington, that has been serving classic comfort food for over 50 years. Fieri samples their famous meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and gravy, and learns about the history of the diner from the owner. The diner has a nostalgic vibe, with vintage decor and a jukebox that plays classic rock and roll tunes.

Moving on, Fieri heads to a restaurant in St. Louis, Missouri, that serves dishes inspired by the city’s famous barbecue scene. The restaurant’s menu includes a variety of smoked meats, such as brisket and ribs, as well as traditional sides like baked beans and coleslaw. Fieri talks with the owner about the history of St. Louis-style barbecue and the techniques used to create the restaurant’s signature dishes.

In New York City, Fieri visits a small restaurant in Harlem that specializes in soul food and Caribbean cuisine. The owner shares her family’s recipes for dishes like oxtail stew and jerk chicken, explaining the cultural significance of each ingredient and preparation method. Fieri also learns about the history of Harlem and its role in the development of African American culture.

The next stop is a diner in Scottsdale, Arizona, that puts a southwestern twist on classic comfort food dishes. Fieri tries their unique take on mac and cheese, which includes poblano peppers and chorizo, as well as their signature green chile burger. The owner tells Fieri about the challenges of running a diner in the desert and the importance of incorporating local ingredients into the menu.

Finally, the episode concludes with a visit to a restaurant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that combines classic soul food with Jewish deli fare. Fieri tries their famous matzo ball soup and collard green egg rolls, and learns about the history of the restaurant and the cultural influences that shape its menu.

Overall, Comfort and Soul showcases the diversity and creativity of American comfort food, highlighting the different cultural influences that have shaped these dishes over time. Fieri’s journey takes him from the Pacific coast to the east coast, sampling a range of flavors and styles that are sure to satisfy any craving for hearty, soulful cuisine.

Description
Watch Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives - Comfort and Soul (s18 e8) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Season 18 Episode 8, is available to watch and stream on Food Network. You can also buy, rent Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on demand at Max, Discovery+, Philo, Amazon, Food Network, Sling, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    November 25, 2013
  • Content Rating
    TV-G
  • Runtime
    20 min
  • Language
    English