After a considerable gap, Guy Fieri’s famous show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” is finally making a comeback to Alabama in an episode that is set to release on Friday night. Let’s dive into what we can expect from the upcoming episode.
In anticipation of the fifth episode of “Triple D’s” 38th season, titled “East, South, West,” fans have been eagerly waiting for the show to stop in Mobile. The episode promises to showcase a farm-to-table restaurant that is cooking up a storm with its delectable crawfish etouffee and chicken-fried quail. Alongside Mobile, the show will also feature other delicious dishes such as Philly cheesesteaks in Greenwich, Conn., and mouth-watering lamb flatbread in Cody, Wyo.
On the webpage for the episode, the Food Network dropped a subtle hint about the location of their latest feature, without revealing too much. They even included a recipe for “The Noble South Heirloom Cornbread” in the episode. A representative from the network has confirmed that The Noble South, located at 203 Dauphin St. in downtown Mobile, is indeed the featured spot.
According to reports, Guy Fieri’s recent visit to Mobile may just be the beginning of a series of episodes for his hit show, “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Local restaurateur “Panini Pete” Blohme, who has worked with Fieri in the past, revealed that Food Network crews filmed six different venues in the area during Fieri’s visit. This is a significant development, as “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” has only showcased four restaurants in Alabama since it first aired in 2008. This includes Fieri’s visit to a series of Eastern Shore establishments over a decade ago. With over 1,400 featured restaurants to date, the show’s visit to Mobile is a big deal for the city’s culinary scene.
At this point, the Food Network has yet to confirm the specific locations and airdates for all six new segments. However, one new segment entitled “East, South, West” is set to air on Friday, October 20th at 8 p.m. Central Time. Additional airings of this segment will take place at 11 p.m. on Friday, 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 4th, 1 a.m. on Sunday, November 5th, and 6 p.m. on Friday, November 24th.
The upcoming episode, which will be broadcasted at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 27th, is known as “Sandwich-Fest”. This episode will feature the Wagyu French Dip sandwich and other delectable delights from Southwood Kitchen in Daphne. You won’t want to miss it!
Chris Rainosek, the owner of Noble South, refrained from disclosing any details prior to the premiere, but did mention that the filming process was a positive experience.
Rainosek expressed gratitude and admiration for the team who invited them, stating that they felt honored to have been asked. The team was incredibly helpful and accommodating throughout the experience, making it a seamless and enjoyable process for Rainosek and their guests. Rainosek was impressed by the kindness and generosity of the team and appreciated the excellent treatment they received.
According to Rainosek, Fieri’s presence in the kitchen didn’t add any stress. He observed the celebrity chef closely without feeling uncomfortable or pressured.
According to Rainosek, the restaurant owner was incredibly generous with his time and showed a genuine interest in understanding the restaurant’s concept as a whole. He was curious to learn about the restaurant’s focus on local ingredients and how they put a unique spin on Southern cuisine. Rainosek appreciated the owner’s appreciation for their vision and dedication to their craft.
In 2014, The Noble South was established by Rainosek, who had previously served as a chef at The Wash House in Fairhope. What sets this restaurant apart is its farm-to-table approach to Southern cuisine, which is elevated to a whole new level. The menu features several eye-catching options, such as Radiatore Pasta with alligator Bolognese sauce, pork belly with heirloom rice and peas, redfish with cream kale and fall squash, fig crepes (available during brunch), a Wagyu cheeseburger, and small plates that include Mapo tofu, Chesapeake Bay scallops, and beef tartare.
The Noble South is approaching a significant milestone this spring as it celebrates 10 years of being a prominent institution.
Rainosek expressed gratitude for the positive relationship they have built with the city, stating that they have introduced unique and innovative food concepts that were not previously available. “We’ve been fortunate to open people’s minds to new culinary experiences that were once considered unconventional,” Rainosek added.
Reflecting on the past, he realizes that The Noble South started its journey at the onset of a restaurant boom, which saw the establishment of over 30 new eateries in the downtown area. He is grateful for the growth of Mobile’s culinary landscape and cites it as one of the reasons why he was excited to participate in the show.
He expressed his excitement at the growth of the place, saying, “It’s been really cool to see it kind of grow up.” The team has always believed that having more people visit the place is beneficial for everyone.
If you’re a fan of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” you can catch the show on cable or streaming platforms that carry the Food Network. You can also watch it through the Food Network’s website, www.foodnetwork.com. Several streaming services, such as Philo and FuboTV, offer Food Network programming as part of their lineup.
