Kitchen

[FunkyHulaGirl]

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!

[ValuSkr]

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.

[patbz]

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.

[EnglishRose88]

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.""

[Shelbelle]

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.

[LaLaMommy]

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.

[southernfriend]

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.

[Classylady]

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.

[Sabatini2]

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."

[Nightowlz]

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