Guy Fieri showcases Wadsworth's The Shanty for new show 'Triple D Nation'
For years, celebrity chef Guy Fieri has been in search of unusual, hole-in-the-wall eateries across the U.S. for his long-running Food Network show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” Starting at 8 p.m. Friday, July 13, his new show “Triple D Nation” returns to some of his favorite haunts to see what's changed in the years since he visited.
What does this have to do with Chicago and the suburbs? On the premiere, Fieri's production crew sees how things have changed for Chicago's Big & Littles. And then later in the show, his crew checks in with the staff at The Shanty in Wadsworth to find out how “DDD” inspired owner Dimitri Kallianis to create some new popular dishes and expand the restaurant.
“Triple D has had an incredible impact on so many of the businesses featured on the show, and for years restaurant owners have invited Guy back to see all the incredible and delicious changes they've made. Now, Guy is taking viewers back for a second serving to catch up with old friends and to experience all the new things they are offering,” said Allison Page, president of Food Network and HGTV.
Here's a look back at some of the suburban joints Fieri has visited over the years on his show:
Paradise Pup
Which location did Guy visit? 1724 S. River Road, Des Plaines, (847) 699-8590
Which episode? “Family Owned,” Season 2, Episode 9
What dish(es) were featured on the show?
• Char cheddar burger; Guy called it the “mac daddy of all burgers”
• Italian beef sandwich; Guy said it's “oh, so good”
Also of note: Three-layer fries
Are the dishes still on the menu? Yes
Details: facebook.com/Paradise-Pup
Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket
Which location did Guy visit? 645 Joliet Road, Willowbrook, (630) 325-0780
Which episode? “All-American All Stars,” “Return to Route 66,” Season 5, Episode 9, which will air again at 1 p.m. Aug. 17
What dishes were featured on the show?
• Fried chicken
• Baked macaroni and cheese smothered in the “Colorado River of Cheese Sauce”
Are the dishes still on the menu? Yes
Details: chickenbasket.com/
DMK Burger Bar
Which location did Guy visit? 2954 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, (773) 360-8686
Which episode? “Slammin' Sammies,” Season 12, Episode 9; it will air at 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 13. DMK was also featured on the “Top 10 Burgers” episode.
What dishes were featured on the show?
• Grass-fed bison burger with fresh goat cheese, pickled red onion and blueberry barbecue sauce
• Salmon filet burger with ginger, Thai curry aioli and Asian slaw; Fieri featured this burger in his “Top 15 Burgers”
Are the dishes still on the menu? Yes
Where to try DMK in the suburbs: 2370 Fountain Square Drive, Lombard, (630) 705-9020; and 541 Oak Brook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 974-6881.
More locations: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, (312) 624-8017, and Soldier Field (during Bears games and special events), 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago
Details: dmkburgerbar.com/
Which location did Guy visit? 1241 Harms Road, Glenview, (847) 724-5577
Which episode? “Burgers,” Season 1, Episode 7; “Knockout Burger Joints”
What dishes were featured on the show?
• The Famous Hackneyburger; Fieri says “It's all-American, baby.”
• Hackney's Original French Fried Onions
Are the dishes still on the menu? Yes
More locations: 1514 E. Lake Ave., Glenview, (847) 724-7171, and 9550 123rd St., Palos Park, (708) 448-8300
Details: hackneys.net/
Kuma's Corner
Which location did Guy visit? 2900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, (773) 604-8769
Which episode? “Their Own Way,” Season 6, Episode 2
What dish was featured on the show?
• Slayer: A 10-ounce burger on a bed of fries, topped with chili, caramelized onions, andouille sausage, cherry peppers, Monterey Jack, scallions and anger sauce
Is the dish still on the menu? Yes
Where to try Kuma's Corner in the suburbs: 1570 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, (847) 240-1200. Coming soon to 925 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 100, Vernon Hills.
More locations: 852 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, (312) 666-9090
Details: kumascorner.com/
The Shanty
Which location did Guy visit? 38995 N. U.S. Hwy. 41, Wadsworth, (847) 336-0262
Which episode? “Dives Worth a Drive,” Season 7, Episode 10; “Ultimate Bacon Fest.” His crew returned for “Triple D Nation: Poke, Pork and Chicken Parm,” which will air at 8 p.m. Friday, July 13, and 11 a.m. Saturday, July 14
What dishes were featured on the show?
• Whiskey shrimp; Guy called it “dynamite”
• Blackened Conch Filet Mignon
Other dishes of note: Apple brandy pork shanks, tequila and orange grilled salmon and organic goat cheese wontons
Are the dishes still on the menu? Yes
Details: theshantyrestaurant.com/