Ep 8. Better Than Ever

In the eighth episode of season four of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri sets out to find some of the best comfort food in America that's "Better Than Ever". From classics like mac and cheese to modern twists on burgers, this episode is sure to make your mouth water.

Guy begins his culinary journey at a diner in Denver where the owner is putting a spin on traditional comfort food. He tries their signature dish, mac and cheese with bacon and jalapenos and notes how the spicy kick pairs perfectly with the gooey cheese. Guy also samples the diner's famous breakfast burrito, a massive wrap filled with eggs, potatoes, and chorizo.

Next up, Guy heads to Nashville to visit a southern-style restaurant with a unique approach to burgers. The restaurant's owner, a former musician, creates burgers that are more like sandwiches, with toppings like fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese. Guy gets a taste of the "Brie and Fig" burger, which is topped with caramelized onions and balsamic vinaigrette, and is blown away by the explosion of flavors.

In San Antonio, Guy visits a restaurant that focuses on taking traditional Mexican dishes and putting their own spin on them. The owner, a classically trained chef, offers unique dishes like a tamale made with jalapeno cheddar cornbread and a smoked brisket enchilada. Guy tries their signature dish, a Chile Relleno stuffed with black beans and goat cheese, and notes the perfect balance of spice and creaminess.

Guy's next stop takes him to Portland, Oregon, where he finds a restaurant that makes everything from scratch, including their homemade pastas. The restaurant's owner, who has a background in wine making, has created a menu that's inspired by the seasons and local ingredients. Guy tries their lamb ragu pasta, which is made with house-made pappardelle and topped with a generous helping of shaved pecorino cheese. He notes the perfect balance of flavors and the tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb.

Finally, Guy heads to Milwaukee to visit a restaurant that's been a staple in the community for over 70 years. The restaurant's owners have kept the menu true to the original, offering dishes like liver and onions and fried cod. Guy tries their famous "roast pork dinner", which is served with mashed potatoes and gravy and notes how the dish tastes just like home cooking.

Overall, the "Better Than Ever" episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives offers a variety of comfort foods that will make you want to plan a road trip just to sample them all. Whether you're a fan of classic dishes like mac and cheese or love unique twists on burgers, this episode has something for everyone.