Diners, Drive Ins and Dives

[Davwud]

So Mrs. Sippi and I watch this show every week and rather enjoy it. We find Guy a much nicer change from the Rachel Ray's of the world.

So as we watched last night, MS asked me what the Chowhounders think of Guy and his show.

So, what do "All y'all" think???

DT

[beelzebozo]

anyone have a copycat recipe for the peanut pie from the virginia diner? it was on an episode of d.d.d., and it looked DELICIOUS.

[Janet from Richmond]

Nope...but I've had the pie itself and it is delicious!

[AMFM]

top two recipes that come up on google:

http://www.ajc.com/food/content/shared-blogs/ajc/southernrecipes/entries/virginia_diner.html

http://www.recipelink.com/mf/31/34868

i think the first might look better but the tip at the end of the second is REALLY interesting.

[AMFM]

sorry the edit button messed up my formatting and won't let me fix it!

[cheri]

There are two things that Guy does that drive me bonkers:
1) I hate, hate, hate it how he puts his finger in everything the chef is making to taste test it - I feel like shouting "get your finger out of my food!" (I wonder if they actually serve that food to people. I personally would not like to be served food he had his fingers in).
2) Why does he feel a need to put his sunglasses at the back of his head like he does. It is EXTREMELY irritating!

[Davwud]

I don't know why GF does that with his sunglasses. I can tell you that I do it but it's because of functionality rather than style. I have no hair so if I lift my glasses on top of my head and forget about them, I'll bend over and they'll fall off and hit the ground. When I had hair, the hair would hold them in place. So I put them on backwards and they stay there.

DT

[mumblety]

The big annoyance for me is the "secret recipe" bit where he always tries to guess regardless of whether a chef wants to share it or not. I think he wants to seem knowledgeable.

What he's forgetting is that a "secret recipe" may be really simple or really complicated, but it's about reputation and it's part of being a "family" restaurant. It's a family restaurant thing! So sure, the secret stuff they're throwing in might be mundane but it's more fun to play along with them then say "Secret, eh? Well I smell _____ and _____!"

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

I'm sure the proprietors who are getting exposed to millions of potential new customers can forgive him for that. All they have to do is smile and say "smell whatever you want, it's a secret....hey do I smell Jack Daniels in all those sauces at TGI Fridays?" Then count their money when they get all the new customers as a result of their exposure on the show.

[TonyO]

I find it a bit alarming how many people on this thread complimented Guy for taking large bites of food. Maybe he can start belching loudly and the ratings will improve.

[charlestonfoodiegal]

Love the show, love Guy...look forward to it. Easily FN's most entertaining show.

[akq]

I like the show sometimes, but he's always so enthusiastic about the food - makes me wonder if there are any real standouts. I sometimes tune in in the middle, and I wish he'd make more references to where he is throughout the segments...

And I think it's hilarious that he alwasy is so sunburned with the white sunglasses tan! I can't believe that the makeup person doesn't try to cover it up a bit.

[sugarsnapp]

i like this show too-quite a bit-i love the people he visits that run the diners as well, hardworking families and people just trying to make a living

and guy is goofy/funny and can laugh at himself, unlike alton who is goofy/condescending (to me anyway i better say ;) )

[athina]

This show gives me the munchies!!! I dream about some of the food on his show....I typically would get turned off by people who throw out "cool" lingo just to appear cool, but in Guy's case, for whatever reason, it just doesn't annoy me. I am so excited by the food on the show, that Guy himself, is really just an afterthought. I think his enthusiasm for the food is great, and quite contagious. I think he describes the flavors of the food well, and he seems to have a good palate overall. I think this show is well produced, and extremely addicting... I get excited when I hear the theme song...This show is a food addict's dream come true...

[tofuburrito]

I think the concept of the show is a good one but I have a personality conflict with Guy, I just can't watch him.
After a couple of episodes of the Next Food Network Star I've been struck by how much they emphasize being a Star over everything else. I found it bizarre how they kept referring to the judging panel as "Stars."

[Davwud]

Welcome to the 21st Century. Ability doesn't matter any more. Just personality.

DT

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

I really like the show, because I really like the concept. I always try to patronize unique, indpendent places whenever I can so I pay extra attention when New England is featured. I also agree that Guy's personality is suited for this type of show rather than one that is shot in a studio kitchen.

However, I cringe at the beginning of every episode because I'm afraid that any time now he's going to pull up to a TGI Friday's and say how great it is.

[amyzan]

I feel like I've given Guy Fieri a chance, but he's just not a favorite. I was initially apalled by his appearance. He looks so much like guys I went to high school with in the mid eighties, it's kind of a gut reaction. Ack! But, then, on the positive side, he doesn't make faces at the camera or make fun of people when thy prepare food in odd, unchowish ways on DDI&D. So, he seems like he could be a good host. But, then there's the food he prepares on BB, and so much of it seems just not my kind of food. That thing he made with the mayo based spread between layered tortillas and grilled, then sliced in wedges, well that just made me nauseated.

He's not someone I'll watch regularly, but he's not all bad.

[fm1]

I would love to see how WE would like all the negative people on these threads when THEY hosted a show. This is a very entertaining show, I would trade jobs with Guy any day, what a fun way to travel the US

[dave_c]

I find Guy okay is small doses. At least he doesn't say, "Yummo" or "EVOO". My Pavlovian reaction is to kick the TV when I hear those two words.

Last night, I caught Guy's Big Bite. He really disappointed me last night when he was making carnitas. He deep fried the pork in manteca (aka lard), but he kept saying that lard was beef fat. I started talking to the tv, "NO! Lard/manteca is pork fat. Beef fat is tallow." Makes me wonder if he really knows what he's talking about or he's just another "personality" that is a great bs'er. I've run into those types that will say things blatantly wrong, but if you say it enough with conviction and people will think you're correct.

[monkeyrotica]

"That's money" is the new "yummo."

"Off the hook" is the new "EVOO."

Love the diners, but can't watch Guy.

[cheesemonger]

I agree that Guy is a bit of a ham, but I watch the show for places I might want to stop on a road trip... of which I take many.

But would it kill them to mention the name and location at the END of the segment? I'll often start watching in the middle of the show, and I'm thinking "man, that looks like a place I'd like to go- where is it?"..... and they NEVER tell at the end. It's very frustrating.

[Bunson]

Guy's seems like a down to earth guy and can be self-deprecating at times. Last night when he was at the taco truck in San Jose (which I must go visit very soon), he was serving orders to customers and he said something like "don't be worried that a blond-haired juero(white boy) is serving your food"!

[Shane Greenwood]

They list them on the website

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_...

[cheesemonger]

Yes, I know that- but why can't they just say them on the show at the end of the segment? It's not always convenient to run to the computer and find the website to get information that would take, literally, 5 seconds to deliver.

[stellamystar]

The show has grown on me. . Guy has shown some places in Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma (where I'm from) that have never graced the FN shows. So, I'm all about promoting the small mom & pop's that deserve air time.

And, unlike many hosts, he does own his own restaurant and has an appreciation for the restaurateurs' hard work.

[melly]

We like DDand D but not Guys Big Bite. I do get tired of hearing "that's money" though.

[jujuthomas]

I enjoy the show, and Guy. I like that he really EATS the food that the host chefs make for him - huge bites, etc. He kinda cracks me up.

[blacksab67]

Definitely my favorite show on the FN. At first, I was a bit put off by Guy and his schtick. But now, I'm in. I think he does a fantastic job... simply because he loves this kind of food. (So do I.)

His genuine enthusiasm for classic American comfort food is a big part of the show's success... and it makes me want to visit just about every place I've seen on the show.

Next up for me... Jaybee's BBQ in Gardena, CA.

(I love Alton, but I didn't need to hear him speak in esoteric terms re: "road" food.)

[Bunson]

Did anyone check out the hour-long Dinner:Impossible where Guy was Robert Irvine's rival? That was a great episode and Guy cracked me up...he's good at off-the-cuff improvised humor and entertaining to watch. Definitely a great find by TNFNS.

[cmvan]

Living in the city Guy's from - Santa Rosa CA - and having eaten at a couple of his restaurants, I can tell you that what you see on TV is the real Guy. That is his actual persona, and it's just him being him. Although I would agree that the sunglasses thing is off-putting...

Guy and his partner do own the original Tex Wasabi's here, and he's there or at one of the other restaurants whenever he's not out on the road for FN. He's also been a big community-supporter for years, not just since his TNFNS win last year, helping local charities whenever possible.

Personally, I feel that his over-the-top personality works well in DD&D, injecting some spirit into what could have otherwise been a flat presentation. With as many shows to produce as FN has, they need a broad spectrum of personalities to appeal to an equally broad range of viewers. Plus, the interplay Guy gets from the people he visits is far more interesting than if it was, say, Sara Moulton or some other fairly flat personality doing the show.

[radrick13]

I'm not a huge FN fan, but when when I spotted the title DD&D in the guide one night, I checked it out. It's very entertaining. You don't have to take it too seriously, it's just fun to watch.

[Withnail42]

This is is about the only FN show I watch. I really enjoy it the only problem is that it make me very hungry. As over the top he is some,for me at least, it works.

http://meandmyfork.blogspot.com

[Bunson]

I like Diners Drive-Ins and Dives...Guy's promos are over the top but on the show itself he's really relaxed and doesn't try to pull attention to himself. It's all about the people and places he's profiling, and they especially focus on the food, it makes me want to visit and order one of everything on the menu.

[Jeanne]

Ditto - I like the show and think Guy's amusing - his hair, etc. doesn't bother me in the least.

I think he has real enthusiasm for the places he visits -

[Rubee]

I agree, he never comes off as phony. I think this show is a perfect venue for him; he does make you want to visit every spot. And it's actually the only FN show that my husband will watch with me. ; )

[Oh Robin]

I really like this show for the "real" restaurants they feature, and it does remind me of one of my old faves, "The Best of...". However I'm not sure if I hate Guy or feel sorry for him. To put it simply, he "bugs". A classic example of someone trying so desperately to be "cool" by dropping buzzwords and sayings. Every show must include...

"Killer"

"Off the hook"

"Da Bomb"

etc...

It's beyond pathetic along with that god-awful hair and 90's piercings. I'm sure Guy is a really nice person. But he's just too much. You can even see the restaurant owners and cooks cringing. The food always look yummy though. Keep trying little buddy.

[Phaedrus]

I am perhaps letting Guy cloud my judgment of the show itself. But it seems like they do show some really classic diner food and then they also go after the "new and improved" lot too. I was just in a real live diner the other day and I found myself thinking that the TV show would never come to this place because it is so original and so unfashionable. Bu tthe food was great and no one cared whether the diner had that "retro" look becaus ethe look never mattered.

[jword2001]

Oh and let us not forget his favorite "that's money"...LOL,yes annoying at best...like the show otherwise.

[Pete Oldtown]

Guy reminds me of the uncle who tries to be cool, and keeps asking the nieces and nephews, "so, do you dudes like Kid Rock?" He's incredibly annoying. The restaurants, however, are not, so I watch.

[rozz01]

It's such a good concept that his personality almost doesnt ruin it..

[chef chicklet]

That's Money!
I disagree OR.
I don't see them cringing at all. I've seen joking and having some fun.AB all but got thrown out of one doughnut shop that was more interested in keeping their business going than being on tv.
I think this is a good for him, his show Big Bite well, I pass on that one. He bugged me too, now I think he's ok, he sure is more interested in the establishments than any other host. You actually get to hear some of the history behind the d,d &ds. And some of the regional food is crazy interesting to me!
If anything, I see his new found fame going to his head a little bit,but he'll figure it out.

[jword2001]

Though i find Guy a wee bit obnoxious(he try's way to hard to be cool,and extreme) I do like the show, wish i could afford to travel to those places, and own an old Camaro like that!

[jennyfur]

It is too bad that his resteraunt here in Sacramento, Tex Wasabi, has gotten some very harsh reviews. It might be cool if he turned IT into a great diner! However, I think he is the perfect host for DD&D,
-jennyfur

[roasted138]

Guy's a little energetic, but come on guys. Have you ever watched Sara Moulton? The low-key, low-energy thing doesn't translate well on camera. Pay attention to any successful host and they're usually animated because they need to be. I must admit I had to question if Guy had really just said that when they cut in the byte 'It's on like Donkey Kong!'

[jzerocsk]

Personally, his energy level doesn't bother me as much as his Nu-metal appearance and his catch phrases.

It makes me think of the SNL sketch with Tim Meadows and Ray Romano on SportsCenter:
"But then, Olden Polynice says, "I'm not gonna pay a lot for this muffler!" But then Karl Malone says, "Sweet Sassy Molassey! You are gonna pay a lot! And the cost is gonna be prohibitive!" Jazz wins, 99-93! Stu-pot!"

[ArikaDawn]

I actually like Sara Moulton, but have often wondered if i am the only person who ever watches her show. People who I know watch food network religiously never even have a clue who she is when I mention her.

[Janet from Richmond]

I like her but her show is like watching paint dry. Ina looks like Rachael Ray next to Sara Moulton. She seems sweet and is certainly knowledgable, but just terribly boring and dull to watch.

[roasted138]

Yeah, my sister really likes her. She has some really cool guest chefs on as well, which I wish more shows would do. I also like her chicken stock recipe a lot.

[melly]

I like the guests Sara had on. Sara just interrupted them too much. I liked Jacques Pepin too..but he was not animated. I am not a huge fan of "animated people". Maybe I like watching paint dry. :)

I like getting the knife techniques, etc. which is what I got watching Pepin and a few others that are now gone.

[Withnail42]

Folks like Pepin and Moulton don't need to be animated because they are actually cooking.

The 'exciting' animated folks are the ones who are simply thawing things or opening bags they need to be over the top to compensate for their lack of substance.

[Janet from Richmond]

Perhaps animated isn't the right term. If I'm watching someone on TV, I don't want them to be monotone and actually show some personality.

[Davwud]

I'm not sure that's entirely true.
Alton can get pretty animated at times. Guy sure is and his show has a bunch of great DD&D's. So I'd say they have substance. I will agree with you on the RR's of the world though. It's all they have.
I didn't like Sara at all and really like Emeril at first. Simply because of the enthusiasm. The same ole' shtick does wear off after a while though.

DT

[Phaedrus]

Different folks watch for different reasons. I watch Sara for the info and she delivers, in spades. Guy is all flash and no substance, IMHO. Add to that the cool dude wannabe vibe and he just makes me puke.

[Davwud]

I'd watch Sara for the info she delivers too. I just can't keep my eyes open through a whole show. She's sooo boring.

Guy's shtick doesn't bother me. I like to have a person with some persona when I'm watching TV. Could you imagine Sara at some of these places?? She couldn't pull it off. She's just too bland.

[stellamystar]

I like that Sara's Secrets has the ingredients listed on the screen. Very helpful.

[ChowFun_derek]

I TOTALLY agree!!!

Well Said...!

[coney with everything]

You're not the only one, I miss her. I like the low key approach and gentle humor. Never once did she, to my knowledge, utter the words "DELISH", "SAMMY" or "EVOO", or refer to cumin as "smoky" as if it were a Greek epithet.

[MMRuth]

I also really liked Sara Moulton's shows - Iiked her demeanour, her modesty and her recipes. My avocado soup recipe is adapted from hers. I actually called in once - it was kind of funny - she was using some kind of zester (don't remember what kind now), it wasn't working and she said maybe someone will call in who can explain how it works, so I did.

[ML8000]

Tex Wasabi? Is that real? Whoa...I thought Guy was an okay person just hyper and didn't enjoy watching him..but if he owns a place called that? Well it all sort of makes sense now.

[Hooda_Guest]

It is definitely a real restaurant. I've never been there but a friend of mine sent me a take out menu a couple of years ago for the one in Santa Rosa (have no idea who owns that one) and I have the menu right in my hands. Here is what it says: Tex Wasabi's Rock-N-Roll Sushi BBQ, Southern BBQ & California Style Sushi. Sounds different!

[melly]

There is one in Sacramento. Ugh. But I love his DDD show.

[melly]

My husband really likes this show! I love how he really gets back behind the grill..and how he REALLY eats the food!! No small bites for Guy. I also love how he walks around and talks to the people in the places he visits..and I love how he went to Sqeeze Inn in Sacramento!

[Phaedrus]

I can't stand Guy. He just gets on my nerves. Too much about being the life of the party. The show would be a lot better without him, I am always looking for inexpensive and authentic places to eat, and this is a good show for that since they canceled "The Best of.." with Jill Cordes and Marc Silverstein.

Come to think of it, Ccognac, a fellow Chowhound did a much more interesting show with The Hungry Detective. No spiky hair, no over acting, no histrionics, just great food tips.

[Davwud]

No good to visit unless you're in LA.

We almost stopped at a place last time we went through Knoxville. The only thing that stopped us was we weren't exactly sure where it was.

DT

[ccognac]

:)

[melly]

The hungry detective was pretty good..but I just couldn't stand those sissy bites he took. I know he was worried about having crud all over his face..but it still would have been better if he'd just taken a man-sized bite and wiped his face off after. But, what do I know? The Alton Brown "feasting" was too much Alton and not enough about the place, the FOOD.

[ArikaDawn]

I really enjoyed Alton's Feasting until he went to my hometown and did not enjoy the brain sandwich. He offended my hometown pride =P. . . I am not sure if I am justified in my feelings though considering I won't touch a brain sandwich, haha.

[mumblety]

What happened to Hungry Detective?

I enjoyed it- must be why it was excised, as he didn't seem like the typical over-the-top FN character. Just a fun guy off in search of fun food. C'est la vie, I guess!

edit: ugh, I can't type sentences. And I never figure out if I'm using the edit button correctly here.

[GDSinPA]

It's a dopey name for a TV show, but it's actually pretty good. Guy is actually more likable than he is on his regular show where he can be annoying and frantic.

Whoever chooses the places to profile really does a good job, and they actually give a decent profile. Some other profile shows don't get back into the kitchen quite enough. With this show you feel like you could hunt down a few ingredients and actually try some of their ideas.

[Davwud]

Except the burger with peanut butter.

DT

[GDSinPA]

Oh yah, that was very weird.

[Richard 16]

One of the things I like about this show and Guy as the host is that he was able to say that he didn't like the peanut butter burger -- yet I never got the feeling he was putting down the cooks, just this particular item. How many other shows do we see the host "not" liking a dish? With Guy it comes off fine.

I never saw his Big Bites show. What on earth was FN thinking putting his show on Sunday mornings? Talk about exactly the wrong time for his prospective audience!

[Vegasbuff]

I know of a place that has a hamburger with peanut butter and bacon.

[vermontpoet]

My dad hooked me on the joy of a good PB and bacon sandwich....but we didn't go so far as add a burger to it!

As far as Guy's new show goes...I enjoy it AND his funky fun over the top look and personality...but that's just me.

[deibu]

I always thought that look went out in about 1999 or 2000... lol

[phee]

I'm here to tell you it's GOOD! One of our local places here in San Diego has been making a burger with peanut butter and bacon for years, and it's really, really tasty. People always do the "eeewww' when I tell them about it, but once they have a bite they're hooked. Of course, with those ingredients, I might have one or two a year!

[MplsM ary]

I was surprised to find I like it. He's relaxed and having fun instead of the sweaty and nervous fellow on Guy's Big Bites. Gosh that show (GBB) was tough to watch. You could see the wheels turning, ("Must insert personal anecdote here. Smile. Chop.") as he prepared food without showing how to make the dish. The recipes from that show aren't bad, though.

[ArikaDawn]

I don't care for Guy's Big Bite, but enjoy Diner's Drive-Ins and Dives. Guy may be a bit over the top, but you can tell he loves food and I enjoy his enthusiasm and cheesy humor.

[gloriousfood]

I like it! I had no idea who he was/his background until I read this thread. He seems pretty genuine, down to earth, nothing fussy. The show always leaves me hungry at the end--perhaps the ultimate compliment for a food show.

[heathermb]

Didn't Alton Brown already do a show just like this - only on his motorcycle? I have not yet watched this show only b/c GF really just rubs me the wrong way - I felt the same way on TNFS too.

[Davwud]

Similar but definately different. This is strictly DD&D's. Alton did many more things.

DT

[gyp7318]

I think the show was "Feasting on Asphalt".

[heathermb]

Yes, that's it!

[Withnail42]

Everyone on FN gets a show about road foods. Even that brain trust the Deen boys did.

I have to admit I did catch Guy's show. And it wasn't awful. While he is over the top(please lose the sunglasses from the back of your head) he does let the owners of these places tell their stories and do their thing. Andun like all the other FN 'road shows' with the places he profiles I want to try them all.

http://meandmyfork.blogspot.com

[jzerocsk]

I like the show despite Guy. I'd like it better without him. Maybe I'm a square, but once someone gets to a certain age, I simply cannot take them seriously when they dress like that.

I attempted to watch 2 shows in one sitting last weekend and found that I could not finish the second show...too much Guy all at once. I think of all the FN people right now he's the best fit for this type of show....I just want to tone him down a bit. A lot.

[ML8000]

I have to agree. The places that the show profile are great...but it would be better without him. He seems genuine and nice enough but he needs to drink less coffee or take his ADD meds because he's bouncing around and yapping constantly. I couldn't get through one show.

[grampart]

I love the show. Guy can be, at times, a tad "off the hook".

[Janet from Richmond]

I love this show....it's my current FN favorite. I'm always craving something wondefully decadent by the end of the show.

[ChowFun_derek]

Me too...he really appreciates his food...nice big mansized bites!
I am always salivating watching this show!

[Kelli2006]

I like the show.
He can be a bit over the top, but it is preferable than some soulless suit doing product placement episodes.
I travel a lot and have tried to eat at as many of his reviewed restaurants when possible. We still have great road food, if you are willing to look.

[gyp7318]

I did not much care for Guy on either the Next Foodt Network Star or Guy's Big Bite. His personality is a bit too much for me---too much hair gel, bleach, and jewelry. However, I really like the new show. He seems much more comfortable and is much more engaging in it than the other shows. Besides, I love me some comfort food and the restaurants featured are pretty much just that!

[mitchgx]

This is the best show on TFN. They've done a great job of finding really unique places with a lot of personality, and I think Guy is a perfect host for this show - he's completely natural and interacts really well with the staff and customers at the places he visits.

[Boston Foodie]

I think Guy is the absolute perfect host for the show! I loved him on America's Next Food Network Star - he just got it! He knew what to do - how to be fancy and yet create dishes the home chef could take on as well has how to be different yet not scare people away! Also I really appreciate a good dive! Back in my broke NYC days I was always looking for a good diner or dive, so I especially appreciate the show! Also I feel like it's a very good mix of places - traditional diners as well as new takes on the concept! Really enjoy it!