Ep 2. A Sampling Of Spain

In season 26 episode 2 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri takes viewers on a culinary tour of Spain without leaving the United States. The episode, titled "A Sampling Of Spain," features three different restaurants that serve up traditional Spanish dishes with their own unique twists.

First up is a restaurant in Miami called Bulla Gastrobar. Known for its tapas and sangria, Bulla Gastrobar features an extensive tapas menu with dishes like grilled octopus, crispy artichokes, and Spanish meatballs. Fieri samples several dishes, including a dish of Iberico pork, a cured meat that is known for its rich flavor and tender texture. He also tries Bulla Gastrobar's signature sangria, made with red wine, brandy, and fresh fruit.

Next, Fieri goes to Cleveland to visit Mallorca Restaurant, which has been serving traditional Spanish cuisine since 1995. Mallorca specializes in dishes from the Basque region of Spain, such as paella and bacalao, a salt cod dish that is a staple in Spanish cuisine. Fieri samples the paella, which is made with saffron rice, chicken, chorizo, and seafood, and remarks on the dish's depth of flavor and complexity. He also tries the bacalao, which he calls "phenomenal."

Finally, Fieri heads to San Antonio to visit El Bucanero, a seafood restaurant that specializes in dishes from the coastal regions of Mexico and Spain. The restaurant is known for its ceviche, a light and refreshing dish that features citrus-marinated seafood. Fieri samples several different ceviches at El Bucanero, including one made with shrimp and another made with octopus. He also tries the restaurant's signature dish, the pulpo a la parrilla, which is grilled octopus served with roasted potatoes and a spicy sauce.

Throughout the episode, Fieri emphasizes the importance of authentic flavors and ingredients in Spanish cuisine. He highlights the use of saffron, Iberico pork, and fresh seafood in the dishes he samples, and notes the importance of regional variations in Spanish cooking. As always, Fieri's enthusiasm and love of food shine through, making "A Sampling Of Spain" a must-watch for fans of Spanish cuisine and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives alike.