The iconic Buffalo chicken wing's roots trace back to its hometown namesake, Anchor Bar in Buffalo, N.Y. What started as a kitchen experiment is now a national phenomenon and they push well over 1,000 pounds of wings out their door daily. Not even a Throwdown from Bobby could outmatch the original!
Meatball master Mike Maroni's cherished spaghetti and meatballs are an Italian neighborhood staple at Maroni Cuisine in Northport, N.Y. Not even Bobby's meatballs were "rustic and refined" enough for Throwdown against a dish that Mike serves up by the "hot pot-ful." As Mike says, "Got it. Love it."
Jeff Sommers is churning out some of the United States' most innovative frozen treats at Izzy's Ice Cream Cafe in Saint Paul, Minn., called "the Best Ice Cream Shop in America." Sweet combos like Jeff's Hot Brown Sugar with Pecans have won him awards, magazine features and even a Throwdown victory.
Ted Allen indulges his sweet tooth with Southern Red Velvet Cake from Cake Man Raven in Brooklyn, NY, on Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate.
On Throwdown With Bobby Flay, mother-son duo Teresa and David Matias prove their love of authentic Mexican and defend the legendary status of their huevos rancheros made with handmade tortillas and fire-roasted green chilies. Don't miss Teresa's second claim to fame with the spicy chilaquiles.
Bobby calls Chef Melba Wilson the "Queen Bee" when it comes to chicken and waffles. A family recipe that has been passed down for generations, this sweet and savory Harlem favorite is topped with strawberry butter and maple syrup. If you're going for dinner, get a side of Tres Mac and Cheese too.
Venezuelan-born Chef Marianna Vadukul opened an Indian restaurant after marrying her Indian-born husband. On Throwdown with Bobby Flay, she cooked her Chicken Tikka Masala, flavored with cumin, cardamom and masala. Vegetarians should try the chana masala — chickpeas cooked in coconut milk.
Swiss Amaretto Almond is Julia Reynolds' weapon of choice. At The Ice Cream Man in Greenwich, N.Y., she's churned out 300+ homemade ice cream flavors that make crowds scream. Even Bobby couldn't resist a double dip of her Classic Vanilla with Granny Smith Apple Topping during their sundae Throwdown.
Rodney Henry starting selling pies to pay for his Rock and Roll habit with local band The Glenmont Popes. Try his Baltimore Bomb pie, made with Berger cookies (a local delicacy that's mostly chocolate frosting) that melt down into a sweet vanilla chess filling.
At Granville's the mussels in the signature Moules Fromage Bleu double as a serving spoon, getting loaded with a delicious broth of white wine, pork belly and the unusual but oh-so-perfect ingredient: blue cheese. The Bobby Throwdown crew and legions of local fans think it's perfect too.
Who knew two hairdressers turned restaurateurs would open one of Boston's best North End restaurants? Sisters Christine and Carla Pallotta have made their Italian eatery Nebo famous with their heirloom vegetable lasagna. It's so good, even Bobby couldn't believe that it's pasta- and meat-free!
"Good Cuban food makes you put a smile on your face," says a diner at La Isla. It's a small place right on Washington St. in Hoboken that specializes in world-class flavors in a down-home environment. Guy stopped in and ate so much of the spicy food, his eyeballs started sweating.
Bobby learned about Tex-Mex cuisine while cooking with this popular restaurant's owner, Diana Barrios-Trevino. Cheese-and-chili enchiladas are one of the restaurant's top dishes, as well as "incredible" San Antonio-style puffy tacos filled with seasoned beef, lettuce and tomatoes.
Saul Bolton wants his Baked Alaska to be a carnival on a plate. At SAUL Restaurant, he blows the dust off this old-fashioned dessert, taking it out of the cruise ship and into the 21st century. Save room to try the coffee-vanilla and crispy cookie remix that left Bobby's Throwdown out in the cold.
Giada De Laurentiis is crazy for Churros Con Cajeta, a doughnut-like confection filled with sweet caramel, at La Casita Mexicana. Another standout is the Flautas Tres Moles, chicken-stuffed tortillas that are deep-fried and smothered in three distinct chile-based sauces, including La Casita’s 43-ingredient mole poblano.
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.