These guys are on a sit down strike until they are included.
Posted on 07/26/2009 4:59:11 PM PDT by Artemis Webb
Guy Fieri chows down on camera with such relish that, on occasion, he can get hungry just watching himself eat. Fieri, the tattooed, spiky-haired Northern California dude who hosts three Food Network shows, frequently fields calls from fans struck by insatiable munchies while watching late-night reruns of his foodie travelogue "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."
After two years on the road visiting restaurants for more than 80 shows in the series, Fieri has steeled himself to withstand his own handiwork in most cases. There are times, though, when the memories are too tasty to ignore.
"Most of the time, I can watch the show without eating," he said. "But I was in Salt Lake City one day, waiting for the crew to come in, and a show came on that was so spectacular and had food that was way out of bounds. "I remember getting so hungry and realizing that is what I do to people. They'll say, 'Man, do you know how many times I'm making pizza for my wife at midnight after watching your show?' "
Fieri recently visited Houston for "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives," which launches its third season in September. Fieri takes about 17 "DD&D" road trips each year between supervising his other Food Network shows, dealing with his restaurants in Sacramento and Sonoma County and spending time with his wife and two children.
Venues and cuisines change, but one constant is the red Camaro convertible with which Fieri opens each show. During Season 1, Fieri drove the car himself. Now, the car moves on a trailer between cities.
Another constant is Fieri's enthusiasm for the product. He chews theatrically, occasionally pausing to take a balanced stance for proper consumption or to eye a dauntingly large sandwich, much like a golfer addressing the ball or a quarterback surveying the secondary, before diving in. But, in self-defense, he rarely finishes what he starts.
"If I were allowed to finish . . . man," he said. "A lot of times, I'll have to say, 'Take this away. Get it out of my face.' One trip, I was eating kasha, this crazy Eastern European grain dish. I could have had a bucket of it."
Exercise helps, but that, inevitably, is followed by recreational dining. During his Houston trip, he filmed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. one day, then worked out for almost two hours at his hotel before a late dinner with one of his childhood idols, former Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini.
Another constant is his enthusiasm for restaurants and restaurateurs.
"For me to be able to fortify the experience of all my brothers and sisters in the restaurant business, knowing what this show does for a restaurant, keeps me excited," he said.
"I've talked so many times to people who said they were this close to closing, they were about to lose their building, the city was giving them a hard time, and then we visit. We are helping to keep mom-and-pop joints alive."
LOL! You just reminded me that show is on tonight. I would’ve missed it otherwise. Thanks!
Hope Debbie goes tonight. She’s sneaky and a little less than truthful.
I’ve been to the ones in St. Louis that he reviewed. Sweetie Pies is within 5 miles of my house and I loved it! His shows do make me sooooo hungry!
I recently heard him say his own surname for the first time. He pronounces it “Fee-YEDDY.” I thought that was interesting.
I’m watching the FN Star show for the first time this season. Nobody even comes close to this guy.
Debbie has certainly overstayed her welcome and I hope she’s finally shown the door tonight.
These guys are on a sit down strike until they are included.
He’s a hoot - and he’s got the best job in the world!
And his first name, "Guy" is a nickname for his given name, "Guido". Now THAT'S Italian :-)
Yes! Bye-bye Debbie! :)
It will be a difficult choice next week. What does your gut tell you?
I like both Jeffrey and Melissa. In fact, I was just reading the reactions to tonight’s show on chowhound.com on the food and media board.
I tend to think Melissa will win. Of course, I’m a stay at home mom who loves to cook so I might be a little prejudiced...:) She seems genuine and has really taken all the good advice she’s been given to heart. TV’s tough and she’s persevered. In my ‘former’ life I was a producer for HGTV so I know only the strong survive when that red light goes on.
wow. That sure is!
Ditto. My money's on Melissa but I question what she will bring that we haven't seen from Rachel, Paula or Ellie in the way of everyday fare.
Hi lainie. Hope you and your family are well. Are you sure he didn't pronounce it Fee year eee which is the correct pronunciation?
Nah, sounded like “feeyetti” to me. Like spaghetti.
So glad Debbie’s off my tv for the finale. Can you imagine? Hey I heard she’s Korean, have you heard that? uggghh
I remember one episode of DDD where there was a diner in, I believe, California that put an insane amount of shredded cheddar (my guess was 1/3 pound of cheese) over each burger then steamed it. As a result the cheese overhung the burger bun by several inches. I guarantee I gained three pounds just looking at it. It just dripped with grease and love. :)
Love his show.
Ton of free advertising for local establishments.
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