For a taste of Mediterranean classics done right head to Zaytoon where a Michigan native with Middle Eastern roots is serving up amazing chicken shawarmas with luscious garlic sauce and super-legit lamb grape leaves served with creamy hummus.
England meets the Philippines at this cozy Minneapolis pub. Head here for “the kind of cooking that happens when fans of British culture mix it up with old family recipes,” as Guy describes it. Fred and Stacy Navarro (who have Irish, French and Filipino ancestries between them) have dreamed up an eclectic menu of mouthwatering eats (we’re talking bacon and onion dip, a banh mi sandwich and more).
Saus translates as “sauce” in Dutch, and that’s exactly what this Dutch-Greek joint is all about – condiments. Pick and choose from 20 sauces. Some standout dishes include the lemongrass chicken pocket with peanut sauce and what Guy calls the “over-the-top” Sloppy Jacques.
Locals claim they're serving the world's best sandwiches here, and they may not be lying. Try their best-seller, the Chipotle Pastrami topped with coleslaw and pressed on a double-faced grill, or the "real-deal-style New England Clam Chowder" made with fresh clams.
Head over to Lone Star Taco Bar for the most-authentic Mexican street food on the East Coast. Diners love the Chicken Ranchero Tostada, with house beans, ranchero braised chicken, napa cabbage and crema placed on a crispy tortilla. Guy also recommends the grilled street corn and the beef barbacoa.
Deep Ellum is a go-to destination for high-quality bar food and drinks. For brunch, Guy orders the house-cured salmon sandwich. Chicken 2 Ways is what he devours for dinner. The dish features smoked andouille-style sausage, confit thigh, cheese grits, braised collard greens and peach relish.
Chef-Owner Ruhel Islam delivers the flavors of India to the diners of Minneapolis at his restaurant. He’s so dedicated to fresh ingredients that he grows vegetables and herbs in the basement, and collects honey from a beehive on the roof. When Guy stopped by, he tried the buttery Chicken Tikka Masala. “If you don’t think you like Indian food, let this be your visa,” Guy said of the dish.
At Rino's Place, Guy claims they're following all the rules and offering "authentic Italian dishes just like they do in Italy," with one addition: ridiculously large portions. You'll taste the passion for the food in dishes like Shrimp With Lemon Liquor, Rino's Special and the Lobster Ravioli.
If you’re craving a true New England experience, this is the restaurant to hit. Bring a group of friends and split the U.S.S. Lobstitution, the biggest lobster roll in Boston: 28 ounces of New England fresh lobster meat served on a grilled and buttered baguette-sized roll. Guy was blown away by how incredibly fresh it tasted: “That’s probably the most honest lobster roll I’ve ever tried.”
The motto of this small-town barbecue joint is “we aren’t for everyone,” but Guy certainly liked what he found at this family-run joint. “I give you all the props for doing it your way,” said Guy, after tucking into white oak-smoked brisket topped with coleslaw and bread-and-butter pickles, all piled on a freshly baked hunk of bread.
Pak’s Green Corner serves Thai-native Pak’s version of good, comforting food. Guy loves the creativity behind the pad thai burrito. Another diner favorite is the tender, succulent lamb curry, with zucchini, carrots and potatoes, topped with sour cream and served with basmati rice.
At this Italian comfort-food dive they're making everything from meatballs to pizza and eight different types of pasta. Guy was enthusiastic about the fresh mostaccioli and special red sauce and he loved the Heart Stopper pizza loaded with sausage, hamburger, pepperoni, ham, bacon and cheese.
Using his world travels as inspiration, David Ford opened YJ's Snackbar as a way to pay homage to his favorite worldly dishes. Guy devoured each culinary adventure, from the North African lamb kebabs to the Turkish stuffed figs. Here, every dish is different and so is each day's menu.
At Blue Koi, two sisters cook up traditional Chinese dishes with some tasty twists. Guy devours an entire dish of the chili pepper wontons filled with a mouthwatering mixture of shrimp, pork and chicken and topped with chili sauce. Want even more heat? Add the firebird chicken noodles to your meal.
Guy Fieri visits one of America's greatest breakfast joints, Mama's 39th Street, in Kansas City, MO, for some outrageous homemade hash and 60 different omelets on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
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.