I sure hope you don't have Guy Fieri fatigue, because I have a few more things to share.
I spent the last week of January following Guy Fieri to six restaurants around New Hanover County before checking in with him at the Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington's fundraiser. Fieri used his trip to the Port City to film episodes for his Food Network show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."
On Jan. 24, I could tell something was different. I could feel it in the air: The mayor of Flavortown was near.
The breeze whistled slightly as it hit his frosted tips while he stood outside Copper Penny. After circling Cast Iron Kitchen a few times Wednesday morning but not seeing Fieri, I headed to Copper Penny, where a crowd greeted him and his red Chevy Camaro. That day we followed his filming from Copper Penny to Fork n Cork. On Thursday, we hit Ceviche's, Sweet n Savory and Something Fishy.
If you didn't read our coverage of the filming, the highlight was how engaging Fieri was with fans. I met people who called in sick to school and work and one family that drove up from South Carolina just to catch a glimpse of their favorite TV show host. I couldn't escape the coverage all week -- even when out at bars, gas stations and restaurants the Triple D picks were all anyone wanted to talk about.
Fieri wondered aloud at a press briefing whether someone had leaked his filming locations because he had never seen crowds like that for Triple D. Well, in Wilmington our filming permits happen to be public record. And let's face it -- even if they were not, we operate like a small town, so we totally would have known where he was going.
As for all the fans? I've heard several folks remark that this was out of character for our city. We have film stars roll in and out all the time. We are known for not being starstruck. But please also note, this is a die-hard foodie city. You bring a food star into town who is going to pay homage to our local flavor lords and chefs? We are going to go all kinds of crazy.
All six of the locations included in Triple D's Wilmington stop were, in my opinion, great picks that showcase some of the variety the Wilmington food scene has to offer.
But Guy Fieri, you have to come back for round two in the Port City. When we started listing places we thought were on-brand for the show, we could have gone on forever. In July, when a Fieri visit was just a fantasy, I wrote about 10 places he should visit for Triple D. We included Lane's Ferry, Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn, Beach Shop & Grill on Topsail Island, Catch The Food Truck, Winnie's Tavern, Fork n Cork, Hell's Kitchen, Cast Iron Kitchen and Mr. P's Bistro in Southport.
And while the foodie scene in Wilmington were thrilled with the selections, there were conversations about who didn't make the cut and who was maybe overlooked. And that's why we need "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" to make a return visit. We're even willing to help out with these suggestions:
Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn: I mean hello, they have Tattoo Tuesdays. Fieri could show some tattoos and get a discount. It is exactly what he would consider a "funky little joint."
Parchies: This secret spot tucked away behind New Hanover High School (1120 Princess St.) is a favorite dive. Shrimp burgers, fried chicken, barbecue and all the Southern sides you want.
D & U: No, they do not just change the grease on Thursdays as local urban legend would have you believe. This downtown fixture at 606 Nixon St. is best known for its delicious fried chicken and its odd hours.
Catch the Food Truck: The fish tacos, Brussels sprouts, oh yeah and those crab cake sliders. Chef Keith Rhodes. Enough said.
Casey's Buffet: One reason this spot might have been over looked is because "Triple D" focuses on a composed dish rather than a meat-and-three. But come on, this is some of the best Southern food in town. From the fried catfish, barbecue, seasonal blueberry cornbread to my personal favorites, squash casserole and collard greens. Fieri would leave this place singing.
Provision Company: This Southport gem is closed for the winter season, so we'll give Fieri a chance to come back this summer. But he HAS to come back for the grouper salad sandwich, grilled yellow fin tuna sandwich and those beautiful views of the water.
Mr. P's Bistro: As you may know, the title of the television show isn't exactly a parameter for the restaurants featured. Bistros and sandwich shops that are not diners, drive-ins or dives (take Ceviche's and Sweet n Savory) make the cut. I think Mr. P's in Southport's Parmesan fried green tomatoes, seafood platters and soups would still be on-brand for Fieri.
Reporter Ashley Morris can be reached at 910-343-2096 or Ashley.Morris@starnewsonline.com