Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 2009 Episode 21 Comfort Cookin'

As the title suggests, this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is all about Comfort Cookin'. Host Guy Fieri travels across the country, visiting family-owned restaurants and roadside diners that specialize in classic, homestyle comfort food.

First up on the tour is a cozy cafe in Iowa that serves up hearty breakfast dishes all day long. The star of the menu is their famous breakfast burrito, packed with eggs, potatoes, sausage, cheese, and plenty of hot sauce. Guy also tries a plate of fluffy pancakes, as well as a savory bowl of biscuits and gravy that brings him back to his Southern roots.

Next, Guy heads to a barbecue joint in Kansas that's been serving up slow-cooked meats for over 30 years. The pitmaster shows off his smoking techniques, using a mix of hickory and applewood to flavor their juicy ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Guy can't resist digging into a plate of their signature burnt ends, which are crispy, flavorful chunks of caramelized meat.

In Minnesota, Guy visits a family-owned deli that's been making their famous hot dogs for over 80 years. The deli's owner gives Guy a behind-the-scenes tour of their kitchen, where they grind and blend their own spices for the secret recipe that's made them a local favorite. Guy also tries a traditional Reuben sandwich, stuffed with pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.

In North Carolina, Guy discovers a cozy diner that's been serving up classic Southern dishes for over 50 years. The diner's owner shares her recipe for fried chicken, which involves a buttermilk brine and a special blend of spice rubs. Guy also tries a plate of collard greens, slow-cooked in bacon and onions for hours to bring out their deep, rich flavor.

Finally, Guy wraps up his journey in Hawaii, where he visits a roadside hole-in-the-wall that's famous for their poke bowls. The dish features chunks of fresh, raw fish marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other Asian-inspired flavors. Guy also tries a side of macaroni salad, a popular Hawaiian side dish that's creamy and tangy at the same time.

Overall, this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives offers a mouth-watering tour of some of the best comfort food spots in America. From savory breakfast dishes to juicy meats and classic soul food, viewers are sure to find plenty of inspiration for their next home-cooked meal.