Ep 7. Neighborhood Gems

Neighborhood Gems is the seventh episode of the third season of Unique Eats, featuring some of the most beloved and unique restaurants in various neighborhoods across the United States. Hosted by food enthusiast and expert Tamara Reynolds, this episode showcases specialty and local dishes that have captured the hearts and taste buds of the locals.

The first stop of the episode is in New York City's Lower East Side, where Tamara visits a tiny storefront called Vicky's Diner. This classic diner has been a neighborhood institution since the 1960s and has kept its retro charm with retro decor and a menu of classic diner fare. Tamara tries their signature dish, the pastrami hash, made with corned beef, potatoes, and onions, topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.

The second stop is in Portland, Maine, where Tamara samples some of the freshest seafood in the country at J's Oyster. This rustic restaurant, located right on Portland's waterfront, has been in business for over 40 years. Tamara tries their famous Pemaquid oysters and a Maine lobster roll, served on a soft bun with a touch of mayonnaise and a sprinkle of chives.

The episode then takes us to San Francisco, where Tamara visits a hidden gem called Saigon Sandwich. This small Vietnamese sandwich shop is located in the Tenderloin neighborhood and serves some of the best banh mi sandwiches in the city. Tamara tries their special combination sandwich with pate, ham, and vegetables, served on a freshly baked baguette.

The next stop is in Louisville, Kentucky, where Tamara visits a local dive bar called Sergio's World Beers. This unassuming bar has over 1,000 different beers from around the world, making it a "worldly" destination for beer lovers. Tamara tries a few different brews and talks to the owner, Sergio, about the history of the bar and the importance of bringing unique beers to the local community.

The final stop of the episode takes us to Los Angeles, California, where Tamara visits the food truck, Kogi BBQ. This Korean-Mexican fusion truck was one of the first to pioneer the food truck trend in LA and has been a favorite of locals for over a decade. Tamara tries their famous short rib taco, made with marinated beef, topped with cilantro and onion relish, and served on a fresh tortilla.

Overall, Neighborhood Gems is a mouth-watering episode of Unique Eats, featuring some of the most delicious and unique dishes from across the country. Tamara Reynolds does an exceptional job of showcasing the history and culture behind each restaurant, giving viewers a deeper appreciation of the food and the people behind it. Whether you're a foodie or a traveler looking for local recommendations, this episode is a must-see.