Food Network star lauds diner food at Rolling Meadows book-signing

Guy Fieri obviously likes to banter with his fans, but he made a special effort for Vance Kauffold.

The 27-year-old Schaumburg resident, who uses a wheelchair, lined up Thursday with his mother and grandmother to get an autograph from the Food Network star on a copy of Fieri's new book, "More Diners Drive-ins, Dives" (Morrow, $19.99).

When it was Kauffold's turn, he and Fieri discussed food, and Fieri said, "Oh, it's so good. Let's leave now and go get some."

Then he took off his wristband and gave it to Kauffold.

"You're in the 'Krew,'" he said, referencing his so-called "Kulinary Krew," as those waiting at the Walmart in Rolling Meadows applauded. Fieri, who hosts a few Food Network shows and owns restaurants in California, was in the suburbs for the "Guy Fieri Roadshow" at the Rosemont Theatre.

Kauffold said he's inspired to track down restaurants that Fieri features. He liked Kuma's Corner in Chicago, but his family couldn't find Charlie Parker's in Springfield.

Gina Urso, 29, of Mount Prospect, said the Food Network appeals to young people because they're getting into cooking and like to be with their families and hang out with their parents.

"And people like Guy make it more cool," she said. She appreciates it when he features a restaurant that she's been to, like Paradise Pup in Des Plaines.

Ten-year-old Libby Howard of Glen Ellyn said she like Fieri's "really funny catchphrases" like "off the hook" and "that's money." Her mother, Terra Howard, said the family detours on trips to visit the restaurants they've seen on Fieri's show. In Memphis, she and her husband liked the Little Tea Shop, but Libby preferred Marlowe's Ribs, near Elvis Presley's Graceland.

This talk is music to Fieri's ears. Helping the owner of a diner, drive-in or dive double his or her business is one of the best things about his rock-star-style foodie success, he said.

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