Try the "legendary" Diablo Burger made with Kobe beef, pepper Jack, bacon and roasted habanero devil hot sauce for what Aaron Sanchez calls "a whole different level of heat." The tavern also serves grilled cheese sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and a monthly rotation of featured wine and craft beer.
A visit to Kakawa will change the way you look at chocolate. The staff will happily explain the food's history or take you on a tasting tour of different styles of chocolate. Stop in for truffles, chocolate elixirs, homemade ice cream or spicy drinking chocolate.
Known for decidedly nontraditional Chicago-style pizzas, Bricks has become a local favorite for thin crust pies with creative toppings. Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking tried the Super Painful Pizza, a 10 inch pie with a hot sauce base that's topped with spicy pepperoni and two types of hot peppers.
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."
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.
At The Wing Dome, also known as the "home of the burn," you'll find wings that are straight "from the face of the sun." Roger and Aaron tried the 7-Alarm Challenge, attempting to devour seven of the sweat-inducing wings in just seven minutes. Not feeling spicy? Try Thai Sweet Chile or Triple Garlic.
On Food Network's Heat Seekers, chefs Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking travel to San Diego, CA, to check out All-Pro Linebacker Junior Seau's restaurant, and they face a mean Atomic Ahi Poke that sets their taste buds on fire.
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.
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.