TV producer looking for 'dives'

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (Tony Bad)

Sat, 02 May 2009 09:23:54 GMT

Autoweek magazine has an article on Guy and in same issue has an article titled "Road Food" which is about racing team cooks who have mobile kitchens and such.

I was disappointed to see that there was no mention of the real "Roadfood" in either article, especially the one about Guy. A small nod to the place they came for ideas and inspiration would have been nice.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (doggydaddy)

Sat, 02 May 2009 09:03:35 GMT

kland01s

How funny! The original post here is from August of 2006! Even funnier to read peoples reactions to what really did become the TV show Diners, Drive Inns and Dives. I wonder how many of our RoadFood suggestions made it to film or did the OP run and never come back.

I was thinking the same thing when I saw that it was being discussed. How many suggestions were used? Also, how many of the new items that Guy is promoting for Chili's have Roadfood style beginnings?
Another producer came through a while back, looking for struggling diners that were important to the community? Did anyone else have contact with Jamie Oliver's production company?

mark

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (kland01s)

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:27:32 GMT

How funny! The original post here is from August of 2006! Even funnier to read peoples reactions to what really did become the TV show Diners, Drive Inns and Dives. I wonder how many of our RoadFood suggestions made it to film or did the OP run and never come back.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (CTBrian)

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:15:48 GMT

abbygal

Arthur Bryants BBQ in Kansas City Missouri, is in a run down industrial area. Almost didn't go in, but we traveled 2000 miles to get there. They were featured on the Food Network as the best BBQ pork sandwich in the world, and it was! Been in the same location since the early 30's. We were surprised that even celebreties had actually step foot inside such a dive. Careful you don't slip on the grease. Food was great and worth going back for and we will.

The great Calvin Trillin was once asked how to find good BBQ in New York. His advice was to go out your door, hail a taxi to the airport and fly to Kansas City to go to Arthur Bryant's.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (CTBrian)

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:46:23 GMT

Fear not, traveller. The Big Dogs are back at Swanky Frank's in Norwalk. The usurpers have set up shop in toney Westport. Same menu, pretty much, but indoor plumbing, level floors and no plastic wrap on the windows. I'd stay with Norwalk and, oh yeah, try the spicy sausage!

CTBrian

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (CTBrian)

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:40:03 GMT

I concur with Colony Grill in Stamford, oddly enough, a favorite of the late William F. Buckley. Rutt's Hut in Clifton, NJ, suggested above, is also a good one, but don't ask for chili on the dog; they won't do it. An often forgotten place is White Manna in Hackensack, NJ. They serve fresh-meat sliders, have been there forever and almost always have a line. Also, it has great visuals!

CTBrian

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (Guilty One)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:02:23 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by V960

Four pages to a troll.

Really ? http://www.pageprod.com/

What happened to V960 ? Sounds kind of grumpy.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (boyardee65)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:30:22 GMT

Screamers Drive-In in Wickenburg, AZ Been around for 40 plus years and still going strong!

David O.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (lone nut)

Mon, 07 May 2007 23:47:35 GMT

Two dives: The Landing in Dallas. Don't know about the food.
The Saturn Bar in the 9th Ward in NOLA. May be gone, via Katrina.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (chrismzarpas)

Wed, 02 May 2007 04:12:07 GMT

...Doumar's en route to Virginia Beach (1919 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23517 757 / 627-4163) -- a place that's been well profiled. The place is a great as always. In fact 103 years great as it opened in 1904 and is the Smithsonian-verified inventor (Abe Doumar) of THE ice cream cone.

Great BLTs, grilled cheese sandwiches, tuna salad sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, some shakes and, quite frankly, the best darn limeades on the planet (a title formerly held by Richmond, Virginia's still wonderful Croaker Spot restaurant in that city's Jackson Ward section).

However, best of all was the ice cream served in still, to-this-day, homemade cones so delicious that that they're actually sold separately (and in paper towel-line, former pickle jars).

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (chrismzarpas)

Wed, 02 May 2007 04:00:12 GMT

Doumars drive in in Norfolk VA. Founder invented the ice cream cone. Homemade barbecue and ice cream

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (Big Ugly Mich)

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 13:12:13 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by annpeeples You need to visit some of the older George Webb restaurants in and around the Milwaukee area.Let me know if you want specifics.

How about Safe House?

quote:
Originally posted by V960 Four pages to a troll.

Thanks. I lost my capacity to count for a minute there. Unless there's a point that I'm missing, which I doubt.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (V960)

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:18:32 GMT

Four pages to a troll.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (UncleVic)

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 23:05:38 GMT

If you want a serious dive, Jose's at 3954 S. Division in Grand Rapids. 30 years they have under their belt. Finding the place is a project in itself (Lack of signage). Taco dinner is worth writing home about! (tastes like the meat or shell, yet to figure that one out, has corned beef hash mixed in the oil or meat)... But I'm pretty sure it's a deep fried taco (Though sometimes I have to wonder).. Either way, a rare find at its finest...

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (Big Ugly Mich)

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 22:27:13 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by TheJerseyTomato Zupko's Tavern in Dunellen NJ would be an interesting addition to Guy's show. It's attached to a 1930s movie theater which has had every other row of seats removed and replaced with coffee tables.

You can order a lg pizza, pitcher of beer or soda, and two movie tickets (first run movies... mostly Disney) for under $25. If you don't want the pizza (handthrown, thin crust bar style), then the whole Zupko's menu is available: prime rib, buffalo wings, pasta, etc. Good grub, Yuengling on tap, what else do you need?

Popcorn and jujubees, for starters.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (TheJerseyTomato)

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:51:15 GMT

Zupko's Tavern in Dunellen NJ would be an interesting addition to Guy's show. It's attached to a 1930s movie theater which has had every other row of seats removed and replaced with coffee tables.

You can order a lg pizza, pitcher of beer or soda, and two movie tickets (first run movies... mostly Disney) for under $25. If you don't want the pizza (handthrown, thin crust bar style), then the whole Zupko's menu is available: prime rib, buffalo wings, pasta, etc. Good grub, Yuengling on tap, what else do you need?

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (Louis)

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 21:20:55 GMT

You want a restaurant that looks like a dive with character? For the purposes of this thread, you might try the House of Como in Evansville, Indiana. The Arabian salad is what brings people there for miles around. Hard to describe the taste, but it's like no other flavor you ever had.

The place is an Evansville institution. It's been there since the 1930s; the building looks like it's about to fall down, but it's looked that way for at least 30+ years--and probably longer. It's easy to recognize: there's a worn out plastic Santa Claus on the roof. The interior is decorated year-round with Christmas decorations. Give it a try.

House of Como
2700 S Kentucky Ave
Evansville, IN 47714
(812) 422-0572

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (weathergirl)

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 21:09:59 GMT

Check out Abe's Hot Dogs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Address is 210 Barney Street. Great experience with local flavor. Specializes in hot dogs, hamburgers, homemade chili sauce, homemade soups, signature bbq sandwiches, and steak sandwiches. They also serve breakfast! Family-owned business since 1924. Definitely check it out. Five minutes off of I-81.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (oDey in LA)

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:30:31 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by JT1

The Bluegill cafe comes to mind on the causeway in Mobile, AL. It was already sliding into the bay before the hurricane, so who knows if it's still there. Great seafood. Elvis ate there.

Yep still there. They just keep on rebuilding until the next big blow.....

http://www.bluegillrestaurant.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (pocodinero)

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 23:05:23 GMT

Big City Dogs in Fort LAuderdale Fl. 1199 E. Commercial Blvd. Zip code = 33334

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (Texianjoe)

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:15:47 GMT

Blanco's Bar and Grill 3406 W. Alabama between Edloe and Buffalo Speedway. Although located in the heart of Houston, Tx in the Greenway Plaza area and a stones throw from River Oak, home to Houstons rich and famous, this place qualifies as a real dive. Located in an old wooden frame house, darkly lite, creaky floores and all. It has a small stage where bands perform on the weekends and a jukebox full of country and classic rock. In one corner are a couple of pool tables, shuffleboard and dart boards. The place gets packed everyday for happy hour.

The menu has burgers, nachos, sandwiches, just simple stuff.
[url][/url]http://www.onemorebeer.com/bar_pictures.asp?Auto_Number=49

If you follow the Galveston Bay shorline from La Porte north until you can't drive anymore you are in Morgans Point, Texas. At the end of the road is an icehouse(Texas for bar with garage doors all around)called The Point. It is a square wooden structure on pillings next to the water where the Houston Ship Channel meets Galveston Bay. It is open on three sides has no A/C and a stove in the middle where they burn cardboard beer cases for heat in the summer. It has two pooltables, a dart board, a juke box and some of the best burgers on that side of town. It was featured in several music videos and the movie Full Moon In Blue Water with Teri Garr and Gene Hackman.

joe

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (Sonny Funzio)

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 15:23:14 GMT

... and our winner IS (drum roll please) ... PrettyKitties with Al's Breakfast in Minneapolis Minnesota!! The only suggestion from the thread that also is appearing (apparently) in the actual Food Network show.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (NJ Pork Roll)

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 02:37:55 GMT

The show the original poster, PageProd was working on was on Saturday night on the Food Network.

Food Network Specials
Episode DVSP01 Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
AIR TIMES:
November 04, 2006 9:00 PM ET/PT
November 05, 2006 12:00 AM ET/PT
November 11, 2006 4:00 PM ET/PT
November 12, 2006 7:00 PM ET/PT

From baby boomers to the alphabet kids of Generations X, Y and Z, there's nothing hotter today than the best of yesterday. Detroit's resurrecting muscle cars, college kids have discovered the Lacoste golf shirt, and some savvy promoters have even relaunched all-girl roller derby. Clearly, retro is rockin'--and the best of retro that's never gone away is the experience of hitting the road to hang out at a favorite diner, drive-in or dive. Forty, 50, even 60 years after opening their doors, firing up their grills, and sending out their first roller-skating carhops, these classic American eateries are booming, catering to yet another generation seeking food and fun and increasingly being run by a new generation as well. The new owners, in their 40s, 30s even 20s, are keeping the flame alive--but not as a museum exhibit. They're running thriving businesses by keeping today’s customers well fed and happy. In this hour we'll take to the road from coast to coast in some favorite cars from the '60s and '70s to sample and celebrate the best of these American classics.

Where to Find
Kelly's Diner

Bay Way Diner

Beacon Drive-In

Rosie's Diner

Al's Breakfast

Dari-Ette Drive-In

Russian River Pub

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (abbygal)

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 01:45:29 GMT

Arthur Bryants BBQ in Kansas City Missouri, is in a run down industrial area. Almost didn't go in, but we traveled 2000 miles to get there. They were featured on the Food Network as the best BBQ pork sandwich in the world, and it was! Been in the same location since the early 30's. We were surprised that even celebreties had actually step foot inside such a dive. Careful you don't slip on the grease. Food was great and worth going back for and we will.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (ctfrasier)

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:58:42 GMT

Everybody needs a good breakfast after a night in Nashville's honkeytonks. The best place to continue with the theme is Hermitage Cafe, just outside of downtown on Hermitage Ave. This place is certainly older than 30 years. It has good diner food and is always packed late at night. Ypu'll find everyone from cowboys to goth kids trying to stave off a hangover. It's got everything you're looking for.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (boyardee65)

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:19:42 GMT

The Keg Lounge in Manitou Springs CO. Steak night on Thursdays, Buffalo burgers and FRESH beef delivered every day by the packing house 4 miles down the road! Also Bennies' bar on Colorado Ave in Colo. Spgs. CO. No food except for potluck when the Broncos are playing or other functions. Pig roast once or twice per season. MMMMMMMMMMM GOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!

David O.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (KUTEDYMPLES)

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 22:43:06 GMT

In Whitley city Kentucky there is a place that still delivers to your car. Dairy Bar is the name of this quaint little place. It is a roadside restraunt that has been there forever. They make a great 5-way chili and a great burger that you can't get anywhere else, a hot fudge cake to die for.

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (Sonny Funzio)

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 18:34:22 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by V960

Do a google for this guy's phone number...rather entertaining.

Actually, I poked around online briefly a month ago and almost immediately stumbled upon his web page selling two videos he produced ... one about Branson Missouri ... and the other a video of a Christmas Tree (for people who don't have a real tree I guess).
I wish I would have posted the Christmas Tree video link then ... pretty funny stuff ... I just tried finding the page again but had no luck.
Yup, I 'spose he's a video producer.

If you read his bio at the pageprod website ... then going from that, to hawking a video of a Christmas tree sitting in his living room ... hmmmmmm, that would seem a long way to fall. Reminds me of Steve Martin in The Jerk: "I once had wealth, power, and the love of a beautiful woman. Now I only have two things. My friends and... uh... my thermos. Huh? My story? O.k. ..."

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (fhoran)

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 19:14:45 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by V960

Do a google for this guy's phone number...rather entertaining.

Looked to me like he is what he said he is. Fred

RE: TV producer looking for 'dives' (Howt)

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 10:43:21 GMT

Sakis in evanston il. Not quite the dive it used to be. Two specials on menu that are different.