Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 2015 Episode 25 Isle-talian
- December 4, 2015
Guy Fieri brings his insatiable appetite to Oahu, Hawaii, for this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives titled "Isle-talian." As the name suggests, this episode features restaurants that fuse traditional Italian cuisine with the local flavors and ingredients of Hawaii.
The first stop on the tour is a family-owned restaurant called Da Kitchen. Here, Guy indulges in the restaurant's famous "plate lunch," which is a local Hawaiian specialty dish that usually includes a serving of rice, macaroni salad, and a meat entree. Da Kitchen's version of the plate lunch, however, is anything but traditional. The restaurant serves up a massive platter of kalbi ribs, shrimp tempura, and fried chicken -- all of which are seasoned with a bold blend of Asian and Italian spices.
Next, Guy heads to a tiny storefront restaurant called Il Gelato Hawaii. Despite its small size, the restaurant is renowned for serving some of the best gelato in all of Hawaii. The owner, Dirk Koeppenkastrop, is a master gelato maker who uses only the freshest ingredients to create his mouthwatering desserts. Guy tries a few different flavors, including the unusual but delicious "green tea basil" flavor.
For the third stop on the tour, Guy visits a restaurant called Cafe Sistina, which is located in the heart of Honolulu. The restaurant is named after the famous Sixtine Chapel in Rome, and features a mural of Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam" painted on the ceiling. But it's not just the decor that's impressive -- the food is equally amazing. Cafe Sistina's owner, Sergio Mitrotti, serves up a variety of Italian dishes with a Hawaiian twist, including a seafood pasta dish that features local clams, mussels, and shrimp.
The final stop on the tour is a cozy little restaurant called La Tour Cafe, which is located in Waikiki. La Tour Cafe is known for their delicious homemade pastries and breads, but Guy is there to try their savory dishes. He samples their pizza, which features a crispy crust and a variety of toppings, including local Hawaiian ingredients like pineapple and ham. He also tries their signature "Spam musubi," which is a popular Hawaiian snack made from a slice of grilled Spam on top of a bed of sticky rice.
Throughout the episode, Guy showcases the unique culinary fusion that is taking place in Hawaii. By combining traditional Italian dishes with the bold and flavorful ingredients of Hawaii, these chefs are creating something truly special and delicious. From savory pasta dishes to sweet gelato desserts, "Isle-talian" offers a tantalizing glimpse into the diverse and delicious food scene in Hawaii.