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.
Music and food go hand in hand at this cozy Southern soul food joint and music venue. Chef Keith Hicks serves steak, seafood and comfort food dishes like habanero-spiced Flash-Fried "Skrimpz," Texas-style Chicken "Wangs," and shrimp and grits topped with a fried egg to enjoy over live entertainment.
A Santa Fe institution that's been serving up New Mexican cuisine for 40 years, Tomasita's is known for its red and green chile Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking recommend kicking up the heat with an order of Sopaipilla, a Mexican puff pastry stuffed with spicy pork and topped with red chile.
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."
No forks necessary: Burgers, sandwiches and snacks keep things lively at LBS Burger Joint in the Red Rocks Casino Resort & Spa. In pursuit of hot-hot dishes, Heat Seekers hosts Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking staked out the Potato Twists, a one-of-a-kind variation on spicy, pepper-topped nachos.
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.
If you're looking for Cajun cooking in downtown Chicago, head to Heaven on Seven. The Southern-style food with a twist has been pleasing locals for more than 20 years. Try the Voodoo Shrimp, which Aaron Sanchez says is "packed with flavor," or the Hot As a Mutha pasta made with habanero peppers.
For the spicy side of Miami, heat seekers Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking head to CVI.CHE 105 where they serve Ceviche Anconero, a popular Peruvian dish made with corvina fish, octopus, calamari and a spicy blend of rocoto and chili peppers. For a cool down, diners love the passion fruit mousse.
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.
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.