Ep 7. Name That Kitchen

In season 23 episode 7 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, entitled "Name That Kitchen," host Guy Fieri travels to different eateries across the country, showcasing their unique cuisine and stories. This episode focuses on the importance of names in the food industry, as Guy visits restaurants with both creative and personal names.

The first stop on Guy's journey is at "The Lunchbox" in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The owner, who was inspired by her childhood lunchbox, serves up classic American dishes with a twist. Guy tries their signature "Meatloaf Melt" sandwich, made of savory beef and topped with gooey cheese and crispy onion strings. The Lunchbox's creative name and delicious food make it a must-visit destination.

Next, Guy travels to "Bludso's BBQ" in Los Angeles, California. This famous spot was named after its owner, Kevin Bludso, who brings his East Texas roots to the West Coast with his mouth-watering barbecue dishes. Guy tries their "Beef Ribs" - a massive, slow-cooked meal that falls right off the bone. The name of the restaurant is personal to Kevin, as it represents both his family history and his dedication to the craft of barbecue.

In Denver, Colorado, Guy stops by "To The Wind Bistro," a restaurant with a unique name that reflects its quest for culinary innovation. The chef and owner, Royce Oliveira, specializes in fine dining dishes served in a casual atmosphere. Guy tries their "Rainbow Trout" dish, featuring fresh fish and flavorful toppings like pickled peppers and arugula. The name To The Wind Bistro serves as a reminder to Royce to follow his passions and take risks in his culinary creations.

Guy's next stop is at "Mei Mei" in Boston, Massachusetts, a restaurant run by three siblings who fuse their Chinese-American heritage with modern farm-to-table cuisine. The name Mei Mei means "little sister" in Chinese, and the restaurant's sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients reflect the siblings' commitment to their community. Guy tries their "Double Awesome" sandwich, featuring local eggs, Vermont cheddar cheese, and a scallion pancake bun. Mei Mei's unique name and inventive fusion cuisine make it a standout restaurant.

Finally, Guy visits "Elemental Pizza" in Seattle, Washington. This sustainable restaurant is dedicated to using local ingredients and minimizing waste, reflected in its name that emphasizes the natural elements involved in making great pizza. Guy tries their "Roasted Eggplant" pie, a vegetarian option topped with fresh vegetables and tangy feta cheese. Elemental Pizza's dedication to sustainability and fresh flavors make it a perfect end to Guy's journey through the importance of names in the food industry.

Overall, in season 23 episode 7 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, viewers get a taste of the creativity, personal stories, and culinary innovation behind some of America's best restaurants and their names. Each stop serves as a reminder that the name of a restaurant can be as important as the food it serves, and that great cuisine can be a reflection of a chef's personal story and passion.