Ep 3. Old Standards, New Styles

In the third episode of season 20 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri takes viewers on a journey to explore some classic American dishes with a modern twist. Titled "Old Standards, New Styles," this episode features three diners that have put their own spin on traditional fare. Each restaurant offers its own unique blend of flavors, presentation, and atmosphere, creating a memorable dining experience.

The first stop is in Chicago, where Fieri visits a restaurant that has been serving classic Italian beef sandwiches since 1938. At Al's Beef, the focus is on the sandwich, which consists of thinly sliced roast beef cooked in its own juices, served on a soft roll, and topped with peppers or giardiniera. But Al's Beef is not just about tradition; they have introduced new variations on the old favorite, like the BBQ beef sandwich and the "Little Al," a miniature Italian beef sandwich that is perfect for a snack or for those with a smaller appetite.

Next, Fieri travels to Kansas City to visit a diner that is putting a new spin on southern comfort food. At Urban Cafe, owner Chef Robert Nichols and his team create dishes that are both familiar and innovative, blending southern classics with global flavors. The result is a menu that features dishes like Korean BBQ pork belly sliders and chicken and waffles with a twist. Fieri tries the chicken-fried steak benedict, which combines two classic dishes into one, with a buttermilk biscuit, crispy chicken-fried steak, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.

The final stop is in Portland, Oregon, where Fieri visits a restaurant that offers classic American dishes with a modern twist. At Fried Egg I'm In Love, the focus is on the humble egg, which is transformed into a variety of dishes with creative names like the "Burr-Benny" (burracho beans, avocado, and a poached egg on toast) and the "Smells Like Protein Spirit" (bacon, pesto, and a fried egg on an English muffin). Fieri tries the "Yolko Ono," a fried egg sandwich with a parmesan-crusted sourdough bread, a pesto aioli, and bacon.

Throughout the episode, Fieri not only tries the food but also chats with the owners and chefs of the restaurants, learning about their unique approaches to cooking and why they are so passionate about it. He also highlights the local neighborhoods and communities where the restaurants are located, stressing the importance of supporting small businesses.

Overall, "Old Standards, New Styles" is a fun and engaging episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives that showcases the creativity and innovation of American cuisine. Whether you're a fan of classic dishes or enjoy trying new flavor combinations, this episode is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more.