Diggity Doughnuts began in 2010 when owner Ambergre Sloan embarked on a mission to build a better doughnut. She quickly caught the eye of Heat Seekers hosts Roger Mooking and Aaron Sanchez, who called her spicy peanut butter and Sriracha combo "spectacular."
Legend has it that Thai Place is known in K.C. for throwing down serious heat. It's "go hot or go home." For the true heat experience, try Ted's Famous Pad Thai made Thai hot, or attempt a Thai Hot Challenge. For those not into spicy, Thai Place has an entire menu of authentic, non-spicy dishes.
Feeling spicy? Try the chile-spiked oyster shooter, a "kicked-up" combination of oysters, horseradish and black pepper vodka. For dinner, there are plenty of mouthwatering, less spicy options, including lobster rolls, steamed littleneck clams in white wine and garlic, and grilled mahi mahi tacos.
On Food Network's Heat Seekers, Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking find fiery Mango Pepper Shrimp at Mama Jamaica's in San Diego, CA, a local cafe serving up spicy island classics.
Pay a visit to Big Al's, the self-proclaimed "home of the crawfish king," for some Cajun-country crawfish boils and Southern-style seafood dishes. New Orleans locals can't get enough of the crawfish, which are boiled in a secret mix of spices that includes cayenne pepper. Aarón Sánchez calls them "out of sight."
Dig into BBQ dishes with a kick at Cowgirl. Spike up the spice factor with the smoking-hot pulled pork sandwich, or indulge in the Five Pepper Nachos with Salsa Diablo (add brisket for extra decadence). The Frito Pie is also a standout, complete with Fritos, chili, sour cream, cheese and jalapenos.
Nitally's Thai-Mex Cuisine is the brainchild of a multicultural husband and wife in St. Petersburg. To understand this culinary fusion, imagine Carnitas with Thai spices, Thai Peanut Chicken Tortilla Wraps, Chorizo Fried Rice and Curry Burritos. Willing souls can attempt the Inferno Soup Challenge.
Skim EATS! American Grill's menu for classic American dishes using well-loved, well-known recipes. The Tampa restaurant prepares comforting, traditional items like Cheese Fries, Fried Green Tomatoes, Philly Cheesesteak, Maryland Crab Cakes, Apple Pie and so much more, all in a friendly atmosphere.
Featuring many more burger options than the comparably Spartan cheeseburger, KC Smoke Burger boasts a long list of meaty favorites, like the Gyros Smoke, Hawaiian, Danger Zone and Monster burgers. All come flamed, grilled and smoked to perfection, and all are served with a heap of crispy fries.
The Chicago-style hot dogs served at Hot Doug's have had locals lining up around the block for years. If you're looking for heat, try the Fire Dog, made with hot peppers, or the Atomic Bomb, a spicy sausage mixed with peppers and topped with chipotle mayo, as Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking did.
Chef Peter McAndrews blends French, African and Sicilian flavors at this Italian spot, which offers seasonal dishes with fresh seafood and housemade pastas. On Heat Seekers, Aaron Sanchez tried their harissa, a "deep, earthy" North African chile paste that goes into many of the dishes on the menu.
For a bite of Jamaican heat, Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking trek to Aunt I's, named by the late owner's mother who knew "how to make a wicked jerk chicken." The recipe uses fiery Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice rub in every crevice. But the key to the popular oxtail stew remains a secret.
Roger Mooking and Aaron Sanchez track down heat on wheels in Charleston, SC, where the Hello My Name is BBQ Truck is offering a fiery Meatloaf Sandwich on the go. Made with jalapenos, spicy mayo, habanero hot sauce and barbecue bacon, it's "a proper sandwich" you don't want to miss.
Sample house-smoked sausage, craft beer and homemade pizzas at Crescent City Pie & Sausage, a New Orleans favorite. If you're looking for spicy eats, try the Hot Sausage Po' Boy or signature Bad Bart's Black Jambalaya, and wash it down with a raspberry beer float that Roger Mooking calls "a winner."
In Old Town San Diego, spacious Cafe Coyote boasts Spanish architecture, an outdoor courtyard with a fountain, traditional music, and authentic Mexican food. As a certified Tequila House, the Cantina at Cafe Coyote knows its drinks, and dishes like Carne Asada and Carnitas are big favorites.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.