Ep 9. Family Matters

In episode 9 of season 13 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, entitled "Family Matters," host Guy Fieri travels across the United States to visit family-owned and operated restaurants that take pride in serving up classic dishes with a personal touch.

The first stop is in Nashville, Tennessee, where Guy visits a family-owned hot chicken joint called Hattie B's. The owners, Nick and Nicky Bishop, are cousins who grew up in Nashville and have been serving up their famous hot chicken to locals and tourists alike for over a decade. Guy tries their signature dish, which is chicken that's been marinated in spices and then deep-fried to crispy perfection, drizzled with a variety of hot sauces and served on a slice of white bread. Hattie B's is a testament to the power of family and tradition in the restaurant world.

Next, Guy heads to Des Moines, Iowa, to visit a wholesome family-owned diner called Drake Diner. The Drake Diner has been a staple in the community since 1987 and is run by the father-and-son team of Tom and Michael LaValle. They serve up classic diner fare like tenderloin sandwiches, mac and cheese, and fresh-made pies. Guy tries the famous stuffed hash browns, which are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, filled with bacon, cheese, and more. The Drake Diner is a testament to the power of family and community in the restaurant world.

The third stop on the tour is in San Francisco, California, where Guy visits a family-owned Mexican restaurant called Nopalito. The owners, Gonzalo and Jose, are cousins who grew up in Mexico and have been cooking together since they were teenagers. They serve up authentic Mexican dishes like tacos al pastor, mole negro, and chile rellenos. Guy tries the carnitas plate, which features tender pork that's been slow-cooked for hours and served with crispy chicharrones, rice, and beans. Nopalito is a testament to the power of family and cultural heritage in the restaurant world.

Finally, Guy heads to Charleston, South Carolina, to visit a family-owned seafood restaurant called Bowen's Island Restaurant. The restaurant has been in the family since 1946, and is now run by Robert Barber, who's been working there since he was a teenager. Bowen's Island is famous for its oysters, which are harvested fresh from the nearby marsh and served steamed or fried with a side of hush puppies and sweet tea. Guy tries the oysters, which are plump and briny and taste like the ocean. Bowen's Island is a testament to the power of family and tradition in the restaurant world.

Throughout the episode, Guy speaks with the owners and chefs of each restaurant to get a sense of their family history, their passion for cooking, and their commitment to their communities. The restaurants he visits are a diverse mix of cuisines and styles, but they all share a common bond: a love for food and family.