Trend: TV Cooking Shows includes ”Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” the long running road trip restaurant review show hosted by the spiky haired Guy Fieri, which recently began its 17th season. The show, which features Fieri visiting small, out of the way eateries somewhere in North America, is still one of the most popular programs on the Food Network. The type of places that Fieri visits are not what one would consider white table cloth style; but rather barbecue, hamburger, or ethnic food establishments with fare served in a casual atmosphere.
Fieri drops in on the restaurant and spends most of his time in the kitchen watching as the chef prepares one of his or her signature dishes while the host makes appreciative comments. Typically Fieri will take a few bites of whatever is being prepared and express his enthusiasm. Fieri will also touch on some of the history of the place he is visiting and feature short comments about the food and the service by typical patrons, invariably positive.
“Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” is certainly not for everyone. The high end foodie who favors something complicated and expensive is likely to turn his or her nose up at the fare offered by the places Fieri visits. A restaurant that airs on the show is more likely to be patronized by a working or middle class family or young adult who likes his or her food tasty and abundant.
The formula seems to work. Fieri has visited hundreds of places since the show first aired in 2007. Some people have actually embarked on tours based on the show, going from restaurant to restaurant to sample the food they first saw on episodes they enjoyed. Being featured on the show is a certain way for an eatery to experience a huge boost in business, far more than a positive review in a newspaper.
“Triple D” as Fieri sometimes refers to his show, airs new episodes most Monday nights on the Food Network. But repeats of past shows can be seen most days.