topic Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives in Kitchen

Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

FunkyHulaGirl — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:14:35 GMT

Have any of you ever eaten at any of these places that Guy Fieri raves about? I went to one in Knoxville - Pizza Palace - with a friend yesterday, and we were less than impressed.

The pizza was mediocre at best - we both agreed that it really wasn't any better than that which you'd get at a chain pizza place; in fact, even Hungry Howie's pizza is better, IMO. They're supposedly famous for their onion rings, but although the portions are ridiculously generous (a "half order" was about 10" tall! ), they're not the batter-dipped kind that we both prefer; they're made with cornmeal. If that's the kind you prefer, you'd probably love them...we didn't. The best part was the spaghetti (we split a plate of spaghetti and a small pizza); the meat sauce was very good, and they served it with real, freshly-grated Parmesan...not the powdery canned stuff. In fact, we each bought a quart of the sauce to take home, and they included a cup of Parmesan as well, which was a nice little extra.

I only had one of my three slices of pizza while there; although I brought the other two slices home, I ended up giving them to the dogs - they just weren't worth the calories.

We drove over 100 miles to get there (and also went to Trader Joe's, since there isn't one near us), and I can't say I'd ever go back. If I enjoy their sauce at home I'd consider picking up more if I happened to be in the area, but that's about it. The staff was very warm and friendly, however. It's more of a drive-in place than an actual restaurant (It's sort of a Sonic set-up) although they had about 8 stools at a counter that runs along the window inside the place. I had hoped I'd love it, but...didn't.

After this experience I'm not so sure I'd trust Guy's recommendations anymore!

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

ValuSkr — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:31:07 GMT

Guy may not have the best judgment. Two years ago, The New York Times wrote a brutal review of his Times Square restaurant, Guy's American Kitchen and Bar.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

patbz — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:35:46 GMT

We have been to Haus Murphy in Phoenix a number of times. It is difficult to find authentic German food ( in S. W. USA) and Guy was right about this place.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

EnglishRose88 — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 22:08:46 GMT

I've eaten at two places Guy has been to. Nothing special about either one of them and the prices were rather expensive for ""dumps.""

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

Shelbelle — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 22:10:46 GMT

On 11/6/2014 ValuSkr said:
Guy may not have the best judgment. Two years ago, The New York Times wrote a brutal review of his Times Square restaurant, Guy's American Kitchen and Bar.

He just opened a new restaurant here in downtown Baltimore at our newest casino, I heard his NY one had gotten terrible reviews.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

LaLaMommy — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 22:16:50 GMT

I believe I once saw Guy Fieri interviewed & asked if he actually liked every thing he tried on DD&D's. He said he didn't, and so he takes a bite & has to pretend he likes it. So he lost credibility to judge and be honest with his viewers on a show that touts otherwise. That was only the beginning of the trainwreck....

Guy Fieri can be described in one word: Gross, and apparently not just in appearance. Before the NY Times review of his restaurant I used to jokingly say: "Guy Fieri is the LAST person who looks like I'd want near my food", but the reviews of his restaurant proved it.

I believe subsequent to the NY Times article, Guy said he'd make some changes (I don't remember if there were some hygienic issues as well). But afterwards, other reviews seemed to bombast it as well.

I think Guy Fieri is just marketing kitsch, and nothing of substance when it comes to food.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

southernfriend — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 22:23:04 GMT

He was in town a couple years ago and did a show at one of the worst places locally to eat. I just view his show as entertaining…when I watch it.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

Classylady — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 22:52:04 GMT

I've been to one of the D D & D places. Culhanes Irish Pub on Jacksonville beach. The food is outstanding and lots of it. Of course, I love Irish food and he was right on the mark about this one. Been back several times.

His resturants may not be good and he may not be a good cook himself, I don't know.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

Sabatini2 — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:57:38 GMT

On 11/6/2014 ValuSkr said:
Guy may not have the best judgment. Two years ago, The New York Times wrote a brutal review of his Times Square restaurant, Guy's American Kitchen and Bar.

I remember reading that review. It was scathing, and as I recall, went viral. Admittedly, I'm not a Guy fan, but have watched more than my share of DDD!

You know how it is when you can tell when someone's being insincere or putting on a big, fake grin? Well, I swear I can tell when he really can't stand a place and doesn't like the food, and that's probably in 75% of the places he goes to. I think it's very obvious when he's being genuine, and he tends to like really outside-the-box stuff created by people who're more high end. He always uses the blanket term "old school" when describing the more average or typical fare he encounters.

As Judge Marylin M. would say from People's Court: "I wouldn't believe him if his tongue came notarized."

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

Nightowlz — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 02:18:58 GMT

Yes you cannot go by what he says on his shows. Not all these places are really good.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

FunkyHulaGirl — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 03:54:52 GMT

I looked up the NYT review, and scathing is an understatement!

I have to agree with the comments on his appearance; he's almost 50, for goodness' sake, and that punk, dyed hair, the piercings, and the clothing that's more suitable for a 20-something makes him look just plain ridiculous. I thought that Food Network's reviews would be honest, though...that's the last time I trust them!

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

lovesrecess — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 03:58:51 GMT

He has been to 2 places here for his show and we were shocked he put either one of them on his show.....both the places are so bad the publicity didn't help their business. I used to enjoy his show but just couldn't watch him anymore cram stuff into his mouth with grease running all over his beard and face......gross!

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

Poodlepet2 — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 04:31:28 GMT

There was a Kosher style restaurant he profiled- located in West Palm Beach...it was ok -it's the best we can do, but it truly was nothing to write home about. I am not a food snob by any stretch, but this particular show makes me ill... it's all about how much fat you can use, and how hot and spicy, and BIG you can make.it. Poodlepet .

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

Irshgrl31201 — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:08:25 GMT

Diners, Drive Ins and Dives wasn't meant to be a judging competition show with him as the judge. The viewers write in and tell what their favorite places are to eat and he showcases that.

I have been to several of the restaurants he has and been there long before they were on the show. I have been to Blackthorn Restaurant Pub in South Buffalo, NY. It has always had great food. I have been to Mulberry Restaurant in Lackawanna, NY. Also has excellent food. I have been to some in Boston, Charlotte, Durham and some other cities. Most of them I have visited BEFORE they were on the show not after. I have noticed with some I have been to before and after, I thought they were better before they were on the show. Some you can't even get into after they were on DD&D's because they have become so busy and I wonder if that has effected the quality.

People write in and tell Food Network that these are local favorites and Guy simply visits and the chefs show how they make some of the items on the menu that are popular. Since he isn't judging them in any competition, I wouldn't expect him to be critical. If you watch the show enough which I do, then you know when he really likes something and when he is being polite.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

Moonchilde — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:08:36 GMT

One of the places he featured is in my neighborhood. I can't honestly remember whether I went there before or after I heard it had been featured on DDD. It serves Salvadoran and Mexican food. I like their food, and the woman who owns it is a sweetie. I suspect that due to increased business after being on the show, they were able to do a very nice remodel. It's a tiny neighborhood place so nothing spectacular, but good food. It's always busy, and it was busy before Guy paid his visit. Guy strikes me as being a total phony huckster. He's so fake - and creepy.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

FunkyHulaGirl — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:14:18 GMT

I realize it's not a competitive type show, but when Guy gets all orgasmic over the food he's eating at these places, the message is clear: "This is great stuff! You have to try it!" That's the last time I'll trust a recommendation from him! If he disagrees with the people who recommended a place he should be more honest about it, or else they shouldn't feature the place on his program.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

HonnyBrown — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:32:45 GMT

FHG, think of it this way: you went to Trader Joe's and stopped somewhere for a bite to eat.

I'm not influenced by a restaurant rating, whether it's endorsed by a TV chef, a celebrity or a newspaper. The reason being, I don't know the reviewer's taste, level of honesty or the reason for their review (ie, were they paid).

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

mousiegirl — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:46:18 GMT

I don't know why he has to stick his fingers into everything, never uses a fork, maybe he doesn't know how to, pretty gross to watch him eat. I have tried a few recipes from some of the shows, and they were great, and did go to one place simply because I was in the area for the weekend, and it was not as it was described.

I think it is very obvious when he is tasting something that he really doesn't like, so I only pay attention to the food that he says is "money, outrageous, etc." I had no idea that he had so many restaurants, and probably, the general public will like the food in the Baltimore restaurant. He uses way too many ingredients in a recipe, in my opinion.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

BeckiWV — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:48:54 GMT

We went to the Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills, NC. We thought it was pretty darn good.

Re: Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

ChynnaBlue — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 18:19:06 GMT

I went to one I didn't know he'd been to. It's a breakfast place in San Antonio, which is two hours away from me. I was going to San Antonio for an event and left early to try this place out. It was on a Tuesday or Thursday, but the place was packed. When I left around 10:00, it was even more crowded. And the food was so good that just thinking about how far away it is makes me sad. The server I had was also very good. She was friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, answered my questions, and made me feel as at home as she did some regulars at the next table. I really need to find an excuse to spend a day in San Antonio just so I can have breakfast there again. It's the Magnolia Pancake Haus on Embassy Oaks.