Ep 5. Triple D Nation: Meat Lovers

In season 30 of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, viewers are taken on a culinary journey across America in search of the best diners, drive-ins, and dives. In episode 5, titled Triple D Nation: Meat Lovers, host Guy Fieri returns to some of his favorite restaurants from previous seasons that specialize in meat dishes.

The episode begins with Fieri visiting Lankford Grocery & Market in Houston, Texas. Featured in season 5 of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Lankford's is known for their famous "Lucy" burger - a beef patty stuffed with cheese and topped with bacon, avocado, and jalapenos on a freshly baked bun. Fieri catches up with owner Eydie Prior to see what's new at Lankford's since they last appeared on the show.

Next up, Fieri heads to Standings Butchery in Los Angeles, California. This small butcher shop specializes in grass-fed, pasture-raised meats, and Fieri tries a variety of different cuts including the Tomahawk ribeye and lamb chops. Owner Ben Turley shows Fieri the proper way to break down a whole cow and highlights the importance of using locally sourced and sustainable meats.

Moving on to Cleveland, Ohio, Fieri visits Melt Bar and Grilled, a popular restaurant chain known for their over-the-top grilled cheese sandwiches. Fieri tries out the "Parmageddon" sandwich - a combination of pierogies, onions, and kielbasa topped with cheese and served on grilled bread. Owner Matt Fish shares his passion for creating unique and flavorful grilled cheese sandwiches and even reveals a secret menu item that only the most dedicated Melt fans know about.

Continuing the meaty theme, Fieri ventures to Nashville, Tennessee to visit Arnold's Country Kitchen, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant known for their traditional Southern meat dishes. Fieri tries the fried chicken, country ham, and meatloaf and talks with owner Kahlil Arnold about what sets Arnold's apart from other Southern-style restaurants.

The episode wraps up with Fieri traveling to New York City to visit Fette Sau, a barbecue restaurant in Brooklyn. Fieri tastes the brisket, pork shoulder, and smoked turkey and talks with owner Joe Carroll about his unique approach to barbecue. Carroll explains that Fette Sau focuses on using quality meats and simple flavor combinations to create the most delicious and authentic barbecue possible.

Triple D Nation: Meat Lovers is a meat-filled episode that showcases some of the best and most creative meat dishes across America. Fieri's passion for finding unique and delicious cuisine is on full display as he revisits some of his favorite restaurants from previous seasons and discovers new culinary treasures.