Ep 15. Ultimate Turkey Fest

In episode 15 of season 23 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, titled "Ultimate Turkey Fest," host Guy Fieri takes viewers on a culinary adventure showcasing the best turkey dishes around the country. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Guy is on a mission to find the ultimate turkey feast.

The first stop on Guy's turkey tour is in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he visits a local diner that serves up a juicy turkey burger. The owner, who is originally from Turkey, shares his family recipe for the burger patty which is made with fresh herbs and spices, and comes topped with a tangy cranberry chutney. Guy can't resist ordering a side of sweet potato fries to go with it.

Next, Guy heads to Salt Lake City, Utah, to check out a neighborhood joint that specializes in smoked turkey. The turkey is slow-cooked to perfection in a giant smoker outside the restaurant, and is served in a variety of ways, including in tacos, nachos, and sandwiches. The owner, a former professional skateboarder, shows Guy how he expertly shreds the turkey meat, as well as his secret sauce recipe.

Guy then heads to Birmingham, Alabama, to visit a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up traditional Southern dishes for over 50 years. The star of the restaurant's menu is their famous turkey and dressing, which has been passed down through generations. The turkey is slow roasted and served alongside homemade dressing, giblet gravy, and cranberry sauce. Guy can't resist trying a slice of pecan pie for dessert.

In Austin, Texas, Guy visits a food truck that serves up creative twists on traditional Thanksgiving dishes. The turkey leg is the star of their menu, which is cooked sous vide to ensure that it remains juicy and tender. The turkey leg is then coated in a spicy rub and served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and traditional fixings, including green beans and stuffing. The food truck owner, who started her business after losing her job during the pandemic, shares her inspiring story with Guy.

The final stop on Guy's turkey tour takes him to New York City, where he visits a restaurant that serves up a unique take on the classic turkey sandwich. The sandwich comes piled high with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy, all sandwiched between two waffles. Guy can't resist trying a side of sweet potato tots to go with it.

Throughout the episode, Guy discovers that there is much more to the humble turkey than just being the star of the Thanksgiving table. From juicy burgers to succulent smoked meats, there are endless ways to enjoy turkey, and these restaurants are serving up some of the best dishes around.