Ep 17. Hometown Heroes

In Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives season 21 episode 17, host Guy Fieri embarks on a culinary tour of America's small towns, seeking out the best local food joints and the stories behind them. Titled Hometown Heroes, this episode features local culinary heroes who have created a loyal following by serving up delicious, innovative and sometimes unexpected dishes.

First, Guy visits a family-owned restaurant in Pennsylvania that has been serving up scrapple, a regional breakfast dish made of pork scraps and cornmeal, for over 70 years. The owners share the history of the dish and how it has been passed down for generations. Guy samples their unique twist on the classic dish and praises their commitment to preserving local recipes.

Next, Guy travels to a tiny town in Texas where a former football coach-turned-pitmaster has gained a reputation for smoking up some of the best brisket in the state. The pitmaster shares his passion for barbecue and shows Guy the secret to his mouthwatering brisket. Guy is blown away by the tender, juicy meat and savory rub, and declares it the best brisket he's ever had.

In the third segment, Guy visits a New York deli that is famous for making their own pastrami using a secret recipe that has been handed down for generations. The deli owners explain the meticulous process of curing and smoking their meat and how it sets them apart from other delis that use pre-made pastrami. Guy tries a classic pastrami sandwich with all the fixings and proclaims it the best he's ever had.

The final segment takes Guy to a beachside seafood shack in Maine where the owner has created a cult following for his lobster roll. The owner shows Guy how to pick a lobster and prepares a traditional lobster roll with butter and lemon that has people lining up for hours. Guy can't get enough of the fresh, sweet lobster meat and the crispy roll, declaring it a must-try for any seafood lover.

Throughout the episode, Guy celebrates the local food heroes who have elevated traditional dishes and created loyal followings by staying true to their roots while adding their own unique flair. As always, Guy's infectious enthusiasm and genuine appreciation for good food make Hometown Heroes a heartwarming and mouth-watering episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.