Ep 17. Lights-Out Latin

In season 28 episode 17 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri takes viewers on a culinary journey through the world of Latin cuisine. Titled "Lights-Out Latin," the episode showcases some of the best and most unique Latin-inspired dishes found at hole-in-the-wall joints across America.

The episode kicks off with a visit to a family-owned Mexican restaurant in San Antonio, Texas. Guy heads straight to the kitchen to watch the chef make their signature mole sauce, a complex blend of over 20 ingredients that takes hours to prepare. He samples the sauce over succulent chicken thighs, and gushes over the dish's depth of flavor.

The next stop takes viewers to a Cuban bakery in Miami, Florida. Here, Guy is treated to a fusion of classic Cuban and American flavors in the form of a "guava and gigante" sandwich. Piled high with ham, cheese, and pickles, the sandwich gets a unique twist with the addition of guava spread and crispy gigante chips.

The episode then heads to Los Angeles, California for a taste of Peruvian cuisine at a small family-owned restaurant. Guy savors a platter of ceviche, made with fresh seafood and tangy lime juice. He can't resist getting a glimpse of the kitchen, where he watches the chef prepare traditional Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado and arroz con mariscos.

The fourth spot takes Guy to Portland, Oregon for some mouthwatering Colombian fare. At a food cart located in the shadow of the city's iconic St. John's Bridge, he samples a selection of empanadas filled with savory meats and cheeses. The cart's owner shares the secrets behind her flaky and tender dough, which she claims makes all the difference.

The final destination on the "Lights-Out Latin" tour is a Puerto Rican restaurant in Kansas City, Missouri. Guy is treated to a heaping platter of pernil, a slow-roasted pork shoulder that falls apart at the touch of a fork. He washes it down with a traditional coquito, a coconut-based cocktail that looks and tastes like liquid dessert.

Throughout the episode, Guy is wowed by the chefs' expert use of spices, bold flavors, and unexpected combinations. He chats with restaurant owners about family recipes and the importance of keeping food traditions alive. Viewers will leave the "Lights-Out Latin" episode with a newfound appreciation for the complex and diverse world of Latin cuisine.