Have you ever wondered what it would be like to embark on a culinary road trip with Guy Fieri? In “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” the spiky-haired, sunglasses-wearing host takes viewers on a journey across America to discover a smorgasbord of delicious, quirky culinary delights. Season 6 Episode 1 is no exception, offering viewers a chance to visit three unique and wildly different restaurants that embody hearty flavors and local charm. Each eatery featured in this episode presents a story, a plate filled with warmth, and a taste of genuine American diversity. Let’s dig into what makes them noteworthy.
Poke Stop
Address: 94-050 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu, HI 96797
Poke Stop is not just another seafood haven; it’s a celebration of Hawaiian cuisine in its most authentic form. Situated in Waipahu, Hawaii, this quaint joint connects the traditional culinary practices with a modern twist. Founded by Chef Elmer Guzman, a culinary wizard with a passion for fresh seafood, Poke Stop throws a lasso around the freshest catch from Hawaiian waters every morning.
The atmosphere is friendly and unassuming, featuring a mix of local patrons who swear by the poke – that Hawaiian staple of diced raw fish, usually seasoned with a delightful fusion of soy sauce, onions, and perhaps a sprinkle of sesame. Guy Fieri stops by and is instantly captivated by the culinary magic happening behind the counter.
Dishes Tried:
Ahi Poke: This standout dish embraces the freshest chunks of ahi tuna bathed in a soy-based marinade. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, the ahi poke is both simple and luxurious.
Furikake Pan-Seared Ahi: A must-try, this seared ahi is crusted with furikake seasoning which complements the tender fish with a savory crunch.
Limu Poke: Fieri can’t resist sampling this variant, made unique by the inclusion of limu seaweed that adds a certain earthiness to the already exquisite taste.
Status: Open
Dixie Quick’s
Address: 157 W Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Next, let’s steer our culinary journey to Iowa where Dixie Quick’s dazzles with its eclectic fusion of Southern and Tex-Mex cuisine. This restaurant, flocked by both locals and tourists alike, isn’t easy to pigeonhole into a single category. A labor of love by Chef Rene Orduña and his partner, Dixie Quick’s embodies a lively ambiance, roughly halfway between a laid-back diner and a sophisticated eatery.
The restaurant stands out for its creative menu that changes at the chef’s whim, taking inspiration from a myriad of cultures and ideas, each as delicious as the next. Guy Fieri finds himself at home here, tucking into plates that highlight this dynamism.
Dishes Tried:
Huevos Epsteinos: A breakfast delight, this dish takes poached eggs and pairs them with a crisp polenta cake, submerged in a deeply flavorful red chile sauce.
Green Chile Mac and Cheese: A fusion of comfort in a bowl, this mac and cheese is elevated to gourmet status with the addition of roasted green chilies that add warmth and spice.
Chicken Fried Steak: Guy couldn’t pass up this quintessential comfort food buffet, featuring tenderized steak that’s breaded and fried to golden perfection, served with rich gravy.
Status: Open
Big Star Diner
Address: 272 Madison Ave, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Finally, no journey is complete without a pit stop at Big Star Diner on Bainbridge Island, Washington, where retro charm meets contemporary fare in a carnival of flavors. This diner evokes a sense of nostalgia, capturing the heart with its checkered floors, vinyl booths, and walls adorned with memorabilia.
Owned by the ever-enthusiastic Meg and Don Christensen, Big Star Diner specializes in hearty breakfasts and lunches destined to leave one smiling. Guy finds more than just a meal here; he finds a slice of the old-school American spirit.
Dishes Tried:
Peach French Toast: Guy sinks his teeth into thick slices of French toast, generously layered with sweet peach compote and drizzled with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Bainbridge Benedict: A brilliant homage to the classic Eggs Benedict, this includes a poached egg sitting atop a Dungeness crab cake, blanketed with rich hollandaise.
Pulled Pork Sandwich: This crowd pleaser features slow-cooked pulled pork served on a toasted bun, embracing zesty barbecue sauce and a side of house-made coleslaw.
Status: Open
At the end of the episode, one thing is abundantly clear: these restaurants represent not just meals but stories woven in the tapestry of diverse American culture. From Hawaiian shores to the heart of the Midwest, and up to the Pacific Northwest, each eaterie featured taps into its roots and blossoms into something extraordinary. For anyone ready to chase unique flavors across the states, these storied spots might just be the perfect starting point.
