Ep 20. Chicago's Finest

In season 0 episode 20 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri heads to the Windy City to taste some of the best food Chicago has to offer. The episode is called "Chicago's Finest," and it highlights popular eateries around the city.

The episode opens with Guy taking a stroll around Chicago, admiring the architecture and getting a feel for the city. He then heads straight to his first spot, Gene & Jude's, a hot dog stand that has been serving up their iconic Chicago-style hot dogs since 1946. Guy meets with the owner, who shows him how they make their hot dogs, which includes only using a few simple toppings like mustard, relish, onions, and sport peppers. Guy tries it and instantly falls in love with the iconic dish.

Next, Guy heads to Ricobene's, which is known for its Italian beef sandwiches. The owner brings out a massive sandwich that has layers of roast beef, piles of giardiniera, and a side of fries. Guy bites into the sandwich and is amazed by the combination of flavors. He then heads to a BBQ joint called Honey 1 BBQ, where he meets pitmaster Robert Adams. Robert shows Guy how they smoke their meats, and Guy tries some of their famous spare ribs. The flavors of the smoky meat and the spicy sauce leave Guy speechless.

Guy then visits a restaurant called Smoque BBQ, where he tries their brisket and pulled pork sandwich. The owner shows Guy how they make their meat in-house and how they use a special rub to season it. Guy can't get enough of the tender and juicy meat.

The episode continues with Guy exploring more of Chicago's culinary scene. He visits a pizza parlor called Lou Malnati's, which is famous for its deep-dish pizza. The owner shows Guy how they make their signature crust, and Guy tries a slice of their famous pizza. He's impressed by the layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings, all baked in a crispy crust.

Guy then heads to a Mexican restaurant called Nuevo Leon, where he tries their famous mole sauce. The owner shows Guy how they make the sauce, which includes a blend of chocolate, spices, and other ingredients. Guy tries it alongside some tacos and is blown away by the complexity and depth of flavor.

The episode concludes with Guy visiting a diner called Valois, which has been a staple in the Hyde Park neighborhood for over 90 years. The restaurant is known for its breakfast dishes, and Guy tries their famous corned beef hash. He also meets with the owner, who shares the history of the restaurant and how it has been a gathering spot for civil rights activists and politicians over the years.

Overall, "Chicago's Finest" is a mouth-watering episode that showcases some of the best food that Chicago has to offer. From hot dogs and pizza to BBQ and Mexican cuisine, Guy explores the unique flavors and cultural influences that make Chicago's food scene one-of-a-kind.