Ep 6. A Little Lighter

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives season 34 episode 6 continued with host Guy Fieri's quest to find the best comfort food across the United States. Titled A Little Lighter, this episode focused on restaurants that offered tasty dishes with healthier ingredients.

In the first segment, Guy visited a diner in Seattle, Washington, that serves up classic favorites like burgers and fries, but with a twist. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients, and its menu includes unconventional items like quinoa patties and bone broth instead of the traditional beef broth. Guy sampled the grilled chicken sandwich and was pleasantly surprised by the juicy and flavorful chicken breast paired with an avocado spread and house-made whole wheat bun.

Next up, Guy drove to St. Petersburg, Florida, to visit a seafood restaurant that puts a healthier spin on seafood classics. The restaurant focuses on offering sustainably sourced seafood, and its menu features items like fish tacos and poke bowls. Guy tried the fish and chips, which were made with fresh cod and panko bread crumbs, served with a side of grilled zucchini and onion rings made from whole wheat flour.

Moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota, Guy visited a restaurant that specializes in vegan comfort food. The eatery's mission is to offer plant-based alternatives to popular meat dishes, and its menu features items like vegan mac and cheese and sloppy joes. Guy tried the vegan take on a classic Philly cheesesteak, which was made with seitan, a meat substitute made from wheat gluten. Guy was struck by the flavor and texture of the seitan, which he described as having a similar chewiness to steak.

In the last segment, Guy headed to Portland, Oregon, to visit a restaurant that specializes in Asian-inspired bowls. The restaurant offers a customizable menu where customers can choose their protein, vegetables, and sauces for a healthy and satisfying meal. Guy tried the Korean barbecue beef bowl and was impressed by the tender and flavorful beef paired with a variety of fresh vegetables and a tangy Korean barbecue sauce.

Throughout the episode, Guy highlighted the importance of healthy eating and the growing trend of restaurants offering healthier options without sacrificing flavor. He also interviewed the chefs and owners of the restaurants, learning about their passion for using fresh and sustainable ingredients and their dedication to offering healthier choices for their customers.

Overall, A Little Lighter was a refreshing take on the classic comfort food genre, showcasing restaurants that prioritize health and flavor. The episode offered plenty of inspiration for viewers looking to incorporate healthier options into their diets without sacrificing taste and indulgence.