Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 2011 Episode 18 Southern Flavor
- September 19, 2011
In season 2011 episode 18 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri travels to the South for a taste of the region's unique and flavorful cuisine. The episode, titled "Southern Flavor," features a diverse lineup of restaurants that serve up some classic Southern dishes, as well as some reinvented ones.
First up is High Street Caffe and Vudu Lounge in West Chester, Pennsylvania. This family-owned restaurant serves up Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes, such as their signature gumbo and jambalaya. Guy meets with the chef, who shares his love for the culture and cuisine of New Orleans and explains how he incorporates those flavors into his dishes.
Next, Guy heads to Miss Polly's Soul City Cafe in Memphis, Tennessee. This restaurant, owned by a former backup singer for Al Green, serves up some of the best soul food in town. Guy tries their catfish, ribs, and smothered pork chops, all served with classic Southern sides such as collard greens and mac and cheese.
In Greenville, South Carolina, Guy visits Smoke on the Water, a barbecue joint that smokes all their meats in-house. The owner takes Guy through their smoking process and shares some of the secrets to their flavorful meats. Guy tries their pulled pork and brisket sandwiches, both served with their signature vinegar-based sauce.
In Huntsville, Alabama, Guy stops by Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, a restaurant that has been serving up barbecue since 1925. Guy meets with the owner, who talks about how they've kept their menu and techniques consistent over the years. Guy tries their smoked chicken and pork shoulder, both served with their famous white barbecue sauce.
The final stop on the Southern Flavor tour is at Rozar's Kitchen in Kennesaw, Georgia. This family-owned restaurant specializes in country-style cooking, with a focus on fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. Guy tries their catfish, homemade meatloaf, and fried chicken, all served with classic Southern sides.
Throughout the episode, Guy showcases the unique flavors and cooking techniques that make Southern cuisine so special. From the spice of Cajun and Creole dishes to the tang of vinegar-based barbecue sauce, it's clear that Southern Flavor is all about bold, full-bodied tastes.