At this Los Angeles taqueria, tender, slow-cooked meats are piled into freshly pressed corn tortillas, which Aaron Sanchez said "burst with corn flavor." He and Roger Mooking recommend the "spiciest taco on the menu" -- cochinita pibil -- which customers can order on a spiciness scale of 1 to 10.
Stop by Scoreboard for a full serving of sports and a devilish dose of "hot chicken" that will "blow your ears off," as Roger and Aaron experienced on Heat Seekers with Tennessee Titans safety Jordan Babineaux. The fiery chicken comes in multiple temperatures, from "sissy" to "Satan's Tongue."
This Nashville brewhouse serves hot, filling and hearty fare in large sizes perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, with a bountiful beer selection to go alongside. Roger and Aaron sampled the Diablo Pasta, linguine with sizzling chipotle sauce, jalapeno-cured bacon-wrapped shrimp and habanero chile.
Pair the signature smoked chicken wings, sliders or tacos with three housemade sauces for a smoky, satisfying meal. For adventurous heat seekers, Chefs Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking recommend the nachos topped with "death relish" -- a combination of ghost peppers, jalapenos and habaneros.
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."
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.
The Hell Burger at Rooster's Roadhouse is so hot you'll need to sign a waiver before chomping down on this slider. Roger Mooking and Aarón Sánchez did, yet even these Heat Seeker pros reached for the ice cream. Luckily, Rooster also offers less-spicy barbecue, like pulled pork nachos.
This family-owned spot serves an unorthodox cheese steak — topped with jalapeno cheddar cheese, grilled onions and Buffalo sauce. "The Heater" will "bring sweat to your brow." On Heat Seekers, owner Denise Campo said that if you're in the mood for "hot and tangy," this sandwich is for you.
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.
For authentic Creole food and the hottest hot sauces in New Orleans, head to this "world-famous" cafe and store. Sample 16 different sauces on the "Walk of Flame," then order the signature spicy gumbo, which Roger Mooking and Aaron Sanchez kicked up with spoonfuls of their World Famous Voodoo Sauce
The Alligator Cafe promises an authentic Cajun menu. But as Heat Seekers Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking learned, they also turn up the heat with their Wicked Crawfish Enchiladas. It's cheesy, but the cocktail of ghost peppers and serrano peppers makes it one mean dish. Get ready to simma down now.
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.