Ep 7. Salvatore's Pizzaiolo Trattoria; The Harbour Diner; Hoito Restaurant

In season 1, episode 7 of You Gotta Eat Here, host John Catucci travels to Thunder Bay, Ontario to check out three delicious eateries: Salvatore's Pizzaiolo Trattoria, The Harbour Diner, and Hoito Restaurant.

First up is Salvatore's Pizzaiolo Trattoria, where Catucci meets owner and chef Salvatore (Sal) Muzzo. Muzzo grew up in Italy and learned to cook from his mother. He brings those traditional Italian recipes to Thunder Bay, using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes like pizza, pasta, and seafood. Catucci tries a classic margherita pizza and a homemade gnocchi with a tomato sauce that Muzzo makes from scratch. The pizza has a perfect balance of flavors, and the gnocchi is tender and flavorful. Muzzo's passion for food is evident in every dish he creates, and Catucci is impressed.

Next, Catucci heads to The Harbour Diner, a classic diner that's been a fixture in Thunder Bay for over 60 years. Owner and chef Karen Cook has been running the diner for the past 25 years, and she's known for her huge portions of comfort food classics like burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Catucci tries the Harbormaster burger, a massive creation with two patties, cheese, bacon, onion rings, and a special sauce. He also tries the famous poutine, which is made with homemade fries, cheese curds, and gravy. The portions are so big that Catucci can barely finish his meal, but he declares it all delicious.

Finally, Catucci visits the iconic Hoito Restaurant, which has been serving Finnish pancakes to Thunder Bay locals and visitors alike for over 100 years. Owner and chef Kristina Radyk shares the secrets of the fluffy, buttery pancakes, which are served with a dollop of whipped cream and lingonberry sauce. Catucci tries the classic pancakes as well as a savory version with bacon and cheese. He also learns about the history of the restaurant, which has been owned and operated by the same Finnish-Canadian family since 1918.

Overall, episode 7 of You Gotta Eat Here takes viewers on a delicious tour of Thunder Bay, showcasing the diverse culinary scene in this northern Ontario city. From traditional Italian cuisine to classic diner fare to iconic Finnish pancakes, there's something for everyone in this episode.