Ep 12. Family Favorites

In the twelfth episode of season five of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri explores the comfort foods that have been passed down through generations in the restaurants he visits. The episode, titled "Family Favorites," takes viewers on a culinary journey across America, showcasing family recipes and traditions that have stood the test of time.

The first stop on Guy's journey is a family-owned Southern restaurant in Tennessee. The mother and daughter duo running the place specialize in classic dishes like fried chicken and biscuits but also experiment with new flavor combinations to keep their menu fresh. Guy gets to try their signature chicken and waffles, served with a unique blackberry compote and spicy hot sauce. The comfort of Southern soul food mixed with innovative flavor pairings makes this spot a must-visit on Guy's list.

The second restaurant on the list is a New Mexican taqueria, where the owner and his family have been creating their famous green chile sauce for over fifty years. The sauce is a staple in many of their dishes, including the carne adovada and chile relleno. Guy is impressed by the simplicity of the ingredients and the complexity of the flavors, which come together to create a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Next up, Guy heads to a Chicago-style pizza joint in Wisconsin, run by two brothers who learned their craft from their father before him. They take pride in creating everything from scratch, including their sauce, dough, and sausage. Guy is impressed by the authenticity of their pies, which are made with the same methods used in Chicago pizzerias. He tries a classic sausage and mushroom pizza and is blown away by the crispy crust and perfectly spiced sausage.

The last stop on Guy's journey is a diner in Santa Fe that has been run by three generations of the same family. Their signature dish is green chile stew which is made with fresh local ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection. The diner also offers an extensive menu of classic American fare, from burgers to pancakes, but the stew is what sets them apart. Guy tries a bowl of the hearty stew and is amazed by the depth of flavor and the perfect amount of heat.

Throughout the episode, Guy meets the families behind these beloved restaurants and learns about the stories and traditions that make each place special. From the Southern hospitality of the mother and daughter duo to the New Mexican sense of community, he finds that the love and care that goes into food is what makes it truly special.

Overall, "Family Favorites" is a heartwarming and mouthwatering episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It showcases the power of family traditions and the importance of passing down recipes and techniques from generation to generation. Whether you're a foodie looking for new flavors or just someone who loves a good story, this episode is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and inspired.