Ep 7. From Meatballs to Lollipops

In the latest episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri takes viewers on a culinary journey from meatballs to lollipops. The episode features a variety of dishes from across the country, highlighting the creativity and unique flavors of American cuisine.

The first stop on the tour is a cozy Italian deli in New York City, where the focus is on traditional meatballs. But these are not your average meatballs - they're made with a mix of beef, pork, and veal, and stuffed with a delicious blend of cheese and herbs. And the sauce? It's a secret family recipe that's been passed down for generations. Guy digs in with enthusiasm, commenting on the tenderness and flavor of the meatballs, and praising the homemade sauce as the perfect complement.

Next up is a southern-style joint in Nashville that's known for its spin on classic comfort food. Here, Guy tries their signature dish: fried chicken and waffles. But this isn't your ordinary chicken and waffles - the chicken is brined overnight in buttermilk and spices for maximum flavor and tenderness, and the waffles are infused with bacon and cheddar cheese. The result is a sweet and salty combination that's both crunchy and fluffy - a true indulgence.

Moving on to the Midwest, Guy visits a family-owned restaurant in Kansas City that serves up some of the best BBQ in the region. But this isn't your typical BBQ joint - they specialize in burnt ends, a Kansas City delicacy that's made from the crispy, fatty ends of beef brisket. The burnt ends are slow-roasted for hours until they're tender and smoky, then served with a side of tangy BBQ sauce and pickles. Guy raves about the texture and flavor of the burnt ends, calling them "meat candy" and declaring that they're worth the trip to Kansas City alone.

The episode continues with a visit to a Hawaiian-inspired eatery in Portland that's known for its inventive seafood dishes. Guy tries their poke nachos, a playful twist on the classic pub snack. The nachos are made with crispy wontons, fresh poke (a Hawaiian dish made with diced raw fish), avocado, and a spicy sweet chili sauce. The combination of textures and flavors is a hit with Guy, who declares that the dish is "off the hook."

Finally, Guy visits a dessert shop in Austin that's famous for their unique take on lollipops. These aren't your average candy lollipops - they're made from a variety of unexpected ingredients, like jalapeno, bacon, and even beer. Guy samples a few of the flavors, including a spicy mango-lime jalapeno pop and a smoky bacon-maple pop, and declares them a "crazy fun" way to end the meal.

Overall, From Meatballs to Lollipops is a fun and flavorful episode that showcases the diversity and creativity of American cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for comfort food, BBQ, seafood, or sweet treats, this episode has something for everyone. So grab a napkin and join Guy on this delicious adventure!