Ep 2. All Things New York

In season 19, episode 2 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri takes viewers on a culinary tour of New York City, exploring some of the city's most unique and beloved restaurants. In this episode, titled "All Things New York," Fieri showcases the diverse and dynamic flavors that make New York a mecca for foodies from around the world.

The episode kicks off with a visit to Casa Enrique in Long Island City, Queens, where Fieri meets with the restaurant's owner, Cosme Aguilar, to explore the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine. Aguilar shows Fieri how to make his signature dish, chile relleno de picadillo, a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with ground beef, raisins, and almonds, then topped with a savory tomato sauce. Fieri also samples other popular dishes from the restaurant's menu, including enchiladas verdes and chicken mole, all while savoring the vibrant flavors and spices that define Mexican cuisine.

Next, Fieri journeys to the Lower East Side to explore a Jewish deli that has been a New York institution for over a century. Katz's Delicatessen is famous for its towering stacks of pastrami and corned beef, piled high between slices of freshly baked rye bread. Fieri samples Katz's classic sandwich, as well as their matzo ball soup and potato latkes, all of which evoke a sense of nostalgia for the classic flavors of New York's cultural melting pot.

Moving on to Brooklyn, Fieri stops by Di Fara Pizza, a family-owned pizzeria that has been serving up some of the city's best pies for over 50 years. Owner Domenico DeMarco shows Fieri his process for making each pizza by hand, including the carefully crafted tomato sauce, housemade mozzarella cheese, and generous toppings of fresh basil and pepperoni. Fieri bites into a slice of Di Fara's famous square pie, savoring the crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings, all layered with the rich flavors of the homemade tomato sauce.

Fieri's next stop takes him to Little Alley Steak, a Chinese-owned steakhouse in Flushing, Queens. Here, Fieri meets chef Peter Luger, who tells the story of how his father came to America and started the restaurant, which has since become a staple of the New York dining scene. Fieri tries Little Alley's signature dry-aged bone-in ribeye, cooked to perfection and served with a side of creamed spinach and crispy onion rings. Luger explains how the restaurant's unique blend of Chinese and American influences creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and unexpected.

The episode wraps up with a trip to Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Owner Donna Siafakas shows Fieri around the bakery, where they make their famous donuts from scratch every day. Fieri tries a variety of flavors, from classic glazed to unique options like red velvet and peanut butter and jelly. As he savors the sweet treats, Fieri marvels at the creativity and ingenuity of New York's culinary scene, which is always evolving and reinventing itself.

Overall, "All Things New York" offers a mouthwatering showcase of the flavors, cultures, and traditions that make New York City a food lover's paradise. From classic deli sandwiches to authentic Mexican dishes to innovative pastry creations, this episode celebrates the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of one of the most iconic cities in the world.