Ep 6. Triple D Nation: Italian Inspired

Triple D Nation: Italian Inspired is the sixth episode of season 35 of the popular Food Network show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. This episode revisits some of the most delicious Italian-inspired restaurants that have been featured on the show before, with host Guy Fieri taking us on a trip down memory lane.

First up is a place in San Diego called Pizzeria Luigi, where owner Luigi D'amicoserves up some of the best pizza around. Guy and Luigi share a large pie with pepperoni and sausage toppings, and discuss what sets Pizzeria Luigi apart from other pizza places in the area. Luigi talks about his commitment to using quality ingredients and making everything from scratch, and tells Guy about his plans to open a new location in a few months' time.

Next, we travel to Baltimore to visit Di Pasquale's Marketplace, which has been a neighborhood institution for over 100 years. Owner Joe Di Pasquale tells Guy about the history of the business, which started as a small grocery store and grew to include a deli, bakery, and cafe. Guy samples some of the best sandwiches on the menu, including the DiPasquale Italian, which is packed with prosciutto, soppressata, and capicola. Joe also shows Guy around the marketplace, which is packed with a variety of Italian imports, including olive oils, pastas, and cheeses.

We then head to Nashville to visit Pomodoro East, which specializes in Italian cuisine with a Southern twist. Chef Brandon Frohne talks to Guy about the restaurant's farm-to-table philosophy and the importance of using locally-sourced ingredients. Guy tries some of the standout dishes on the menu, including the eggplant parmesan and the pasta carbonara, which is made with Benton's bacon and Tennessee farm eggs.

After Nashville, we make our way to Cincinnati to visit Mama Santas, where owner Nick Lanni cooks up traditional Italian favorites that have been passed down in his family for generations. Guy tries the meatball sub, which he describes as "monstrous," as well as the lasagna and pasta fagioli soup. Nick also talks to Guy about his plans to expand the restaurant and continue sharing his family's recipes with the community.

Finally, we travel to Richmond, Virginia to visit Mamma 'Zu, which serves up rustic Italian dishes in a cozy, casual atmosphere. Owner Ed Vasaio shows Guy how he makes the restaurant's famous marinara sauce, which is simmered for hours to develop a deep, rich flavor. Guy tries several dishes, including the pork chop with roasted fennel and the homemade pasta with broccoli rabe and sausage.

Throughout the episode, Guy also catches up with some of the chefs and restaurant owners from previous episodes, including the folks at Tony's Italian Deli in Montgomery, Alabama and the family behind Domenico's Italian Restaurant in Los Angeles. He also shares some behind-the-scenes stories about filming the show and highlights some of his favorite moments from past seasons.

Overall, Triple D Nation: Italian Inspired is a must-watch for fans of Italian cuisine and anyone who loves the eclectic, down-to-earth vibe of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. With its mix of old favorites and new discoveries, this episode is sure to whet your appetite and leave you hungry for more.