Michael Symon meets the who's who list of BBQ legends in the heart of Queens, New York, at the Pig Beach BBQ Benefit. Thirty renowned pitmasters gather to compete for the coveted title of Best BBQ Dish and the esteemed People's Choice Award. Michael gets all their inspiring stories, techniques and signature creations, from fiery wings to vegan delicacies. Beyond the sizzling competition, the pitmasters have come together as a tribute to the late co-owner of Pig Beach, Jeff Michner.
Guy Fieri's digging into dishes just like Mama made. First in San Luis Obispo, Calif., an Italian joint is bringing real deal flavor with mouthwatering meatballs and a next-level gnocchi pizza bowl. Then in Indianapolis, a mother-son duo is cooking comfort food gone vegan by plating a rockin' Reuben and off-the-chain chimichangas. Plus, a funky taco spot in San Antonio is cranking out family recipes with a righteous roast beef quesadilla and a legit veggie taco.
This trip, Guy Fieri's traveling with Chef Antonia Lofaso on a first-class culinary journey through Puerto Rico. In Old San Juan, they're diggin' into a chicken-trifongo combo and decadent cheesecake-stuffed French toast. In Caguas, a vegan joint is puttin' their spin on chicken and waffles and a meat lovers, no-meat pizza. And in Juncos, a traditional spot is serving up regional favorites like a plantain-picadillo lasagna and a lights-out stew made with pig's feet.
Things get very superstitious as Octavia Spencer and Edgar "Dook" Chase invite three teams of home cooks to create a dish based on family superstitions. Mother and son Sheila and Vincent, mother and child Amy and Rae, and cousins Benita and Christina cross their fingers and hope to stick around to the second round. The remaining teams create a Southern vegan delight for guest judge Jessica Chastain. They'd better knock on wood, because only one team will take home the $10,000 prize.