Ep 28. Route 66

Route 66, the iconic highway that once stretched from Chicago to Santa Monica, is famous for its history, scenery, and road trips. But it's also a foodie's paradise, with a diverse array of cuisine along the way. In this episode of Food Paradise, we're taking a journey down Route 66 to discover some of the most delicious and unique dishes along the way.

Our first stop is at a classic diner in Missouri that's been serving up breakfast favorites for more than 50 years. We try their famous biscuits and gravy, made from scratch every morning, and their fluffy pancakes that are as big as your face. Next up, we head to a barbecue joint in Texas that's been named "the best in the state." The owner smokes his meats for up to 16 hours, and the result is melt-in-your-mouth brisket, ribs, and sausage that are worth the trip alone.

As we continue west, we come across a restaurant in New Mexico that's putting a unique spin on traditional tacos. They use blue corn tortillas, locally sourced meats, and creative toppings like fried avocado and pickled onions to create dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning. And in Arizona, we discover a small but mighty roadside stand that's serving up the best hot dogs we've ever tasted. Their secret? A homemade chili sauce that's been passed down through generations.

Of course, no trip down Route 66 would be complete without a stop at a classic roadside diner. We visit one in Oklahoma that's been around since the 1920s, and still serves up dishes cooked on a griddle that's just as old. We try their famous fried onion burgers, which are a local delicacy, and their homemade pies that are so good, they've won awards.

But it's not just about the traditional dishes along Route 66. We also find innovative chefs who are pushing the boundaries of what we expect from roadside cuisine. In California, we visit a restaurant that specializes in vegan Mexican food, using plant-based ingredients to create dishes like jackfruit tacos and vegan chile rellenos. And in Illinois, we visit a pizzeria that's putting a new spin on the classic Chicago deep dish pizza. Theirs is made with a crust that's both crispy and fluffy, and layers of toppings that include everything from sausage to mac and cheese.

As we reach the end of our journey on Route 66, we stop in Santa Monica, where we find a restaurant that's dedicated to sustainability and using local ingredients. We try their famous seafood paella, made with fresh fish and shellfish, and their crispy Brussels sprouts that are so good, they might convince even the most veggie-averse eaters to give them a try.

Throughout our trip on Route 66, we've discovered that there's so much more to the iconic highway than just stunning views and vintage motels. From the classic diners and roadside stands to the innovative new restaurants, there's a world of delicious food waiting to be explored. And while the road may be long, the journey is definitely worth it.