Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 2014 Episode 12 California Cruisin'

In the twelfth episode of the 2014 season of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri takes viewers on a culinary tour of the state of California. Titled "California Cruisin'," this episode delves into the state's diverse food scene, featuring a mix of classic diners, hole-in-the-wall joints, and trendy hotspots.

The first stop on Fieri's journey is a beloved Los Angeles institution: The Oinkster. This retro-inspired eatery is known for its mouth-watering burgers, sandwiches, and fries. Fieri tries the "Oinkster Pastrami" sandwich, which features slow-cooked pastrami, gruyere cheese, and red cabbage slaw on a sesame seed bun. The host notes that The Oinkster is a great example of how a restaurant can take classic comfort food and elevate it to new heights.

Next up is a trip to Orange County, where Fieri checks out a hidden gem called Taco Mesa. This Mexican restaurant prides itself on using fresh, organic ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, resulting in flavorful dishes that are hard to find elsewhere. Fieri samples a variety of tacos, including the "Tacos al Carbon" and the "Carnitas Michoacan." He praises the restaurant for its commitment to quality and authenticity.

Moving up the coast, Fieri heads to Santa Barbara to check out a funky joint called The Shop Cafe. This eclectic restaurant is housed in a converted auto body shop and features a quirky menu of sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. Fieri tries the "T.A. Burger," which features grass-fed beef, avocado, pickled onions, and chipotle aioli. He notes that The Shop Cafe is a great example of how a restaurant can embrace its unique surroundings and create a truly memorable dining experience.

The next stop on Fieri's California tour is San Francisco, where he visits a popular seafood spot called Fish. This casual eatery is famous for its fresh, sustainable seafood and classic chowder. Fieri tries the "Fish and Chips" and notes that the batter is perfectly crispy and the fish is tender and flaky. He also samples the seafood gumbo and praises the restaurant for its commitment to ethical sourcing.

Continuing his journey up the coast, Fieri heads to Mendocino County to check out a funky bakery called Brickhouse. This offbeat bakery specializes in sourdough bread and creative pastries, and is run by a husband-and-wife team. Fieri tries the "Cheddar Scallion Biscuit" and the "Monkey Bread," and notes that the bakery's playful approach to baking is both innovative and delicious.

The final stop on Fieri's California tour is a visit to a classic diner in Sacramento called Jim Dennys. This retro spot has been around since the 1930s and features classic diner fare like pancakes, omelets, and burgers. Fieri tries the "Big Jim," a massive burger that features two patties, bacon, cheese, and all the fixings. He notes that Jim Dennys is a great example of how a diner can stay relevant and beloved for almost a century.

Overall, "California Cruisin'" is a fun and flavorful episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives that celebrates the diversity of California's food scene. From retro diners to cutting-edge bakeries, Fieri showcases a range of eateries that highlight the state's unique culinary identity.