For a date night dessert that's out of this world, try Chef Eunice Feller's Boston Cream Pie. It's the bakery’s specialty, but you'll find plenty of European and American specialties to share with your sweetie.
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.
Four generations of family pride (and some of Cape Cod's best comfort food) grace the tables of 4 Bros. Bistro and Last Resort Lounge. The must-try from brothers Jack and Rocco Collucci? Their Throwdown-championship "tongue tingling, mouthwatering, super satisfying" meatloaf with brown gravy.
Bakers Karen and Carol have reinvented the whoopie pie by using fresh local Maine ingredients like Maine maple sugar. In the throwdown with Bobby, their Pumpkin Whoopie with Maple Cream Cheese took the prize. Be sure to also try the spicy Mexican chocolate whoopies and the lemon and lime whoopies.
Kentucky-bred brothers Joe and John Castro are renowned for The Hot Brown at its original home in The Brown Hotel in Louisville, KY. Craving the classic or an upscale twist? The hotel’s two restaurants serve up thoroughbred-quality fare that crossed the Throwdown finish line in first place.
The Big Easy doesn't do anything small. New Orleans sandwich shrine Serio's Po-Boys & Deli is no exception. Brothers Jack and Mike Serio stack up a serious muffaletta (or is it muffuletta?). Their perfectly blended vinegar and oil dressing slipped a Throwdown victory right out from Bobby's hands.
The "King of Clubs" lobster club sandwich at The Brass Compass Cafe reigned supreme when Bobby challenged owner Lynn Archer to a throwdown. Lynn only uses locally sourced Maine lobster, and her tasty club is just one of her specialties, as she offers everything from crab cakes to onion strips.
Janet and Alice are the live-in "Pie Moms" of The Berry Manor Inn in Rockland, Maine. These hometown heroes make the self-declared "world's best pie." Bobby's Throwdown may have rolled over them, but it hasn't stopped the flocks of visitors who line up for a heavenly slice of their Mixed Berry Pie.
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.
Bobby thought he could throw down the Lobster Queen herself, but Cal Hancock's award-winning Port Clyde Lobster Macaroni and Cheese proved him wrong. Her online and mail-order business ensures everyone can try her beloved mac 'n' cheese as well as lobster coconut curries, corn chowders and risotto.
If someone is looking for pizza in Chicago, there's no question it'll be deep dish. In particular, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria sells more than a million deep-dish pizzas a year. Mark Malnati's buttery, crisp dough and rich tomato sauce gave him the edge over Bobby on Throwdown.
Food Network chefs can’t get enough of this cafe’s tantalizing treats that have been featured on four shows. Giada is crazy about the super chocolatey, crunchy Oreo cookies made with cocoa, butter and powdered sugar, while Bobby is won over by the sweet and gooey Sticky Buns studded with pecans. Tom Papa tries the fruit-filled tarts that remind him of childhood.
As the queen of Southern cooking, Paula Deen knows comfort food. Tyler Florence adores her free (yes, free) golden hoecakes, but everything from her fried green tomatoes to oyster shooters deserves a taste. For the all-you-can-eat buffet, arrive early, as this line wraps around the street corner.
Southern baker and etiquette coach Vera Stewart set her manners aside during the throwdown with Bobby. The competition was fierce, but the coconut, pineapple and pecans in Vera’s cake gave her an edge over Bobby. Not in the area? VeryVera delivers cakes and casseroles anywhere in the U.S.
Sun, surf and sugar in the Keys mean it's time for a slice of Florida's official dessert. The Key West Key Lime Pie Co. has perfected their hometown dessert, selling over 1,000 pies across the country every week. How could Throwdown not try to unseat the Sunshine State's fluffiest, creamiest pie?
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.