I wrote to the show "Diners, Dive-ins & Dives" on the food network back in September of 2008 with a few suggestions, they just wrote me back today.
What's funny is I had suggested Lubis at first, which I last had in September of '08 and then on a whim, decided to have it again today for lunch. So I get home and check my email and it's a reply from the show, listed below:
QuoteDavid,
Thanks for your e-mail. We are considering a stop in the Jacksonville area and I'm looking for a few more locations. Unfortunately, Lubi's isn't going to work for us since they have multiple locations. We tend to stick to independent restaurants that can truly call themselves an original.
I'd appreciate any other suggestions you have in the area. As you probably know from watching the show, we're looking for good, homemade food in casual (and inexpensive) environments.
Please do let me know if you have any other ideas.
Thanks very much!
Jeff Mandell
You know...after eating Lubi's again today, I'm glad it doesn't meet their criteria. So what place(s) should represent Jacksonville on DD&D?
One of my favorite places to eat is Tom & Betty's on Roosevelt. It's original, delicious, inexpensive and has over 30 years of history so I believe it would meet their requirements. Or maybe another original joint that serves up good seafood or BBQ that would represent our local flavor well.
What else?
Uh, Clark's Fishcamp!
When watching the show I often wonder if any places in Jacksonville would meet their criteria and...I got nothin'.
how about Chowder Teds, Angies subs and the Metro diner.
I would suggest thay cancel the show and bring in a French Maid reality series.
I'd love to see them feature The Fox and Metro Diner.
I second the nomination of Metro Diner, but I also wrote the show and suggested Blue Boys Sandwich shop. Another place to consider would be Beach Road Chicken...
Beach Road Chicken Dinners ALL THE WAY! This is a Jacksonville establishment since 1939.
http://www.beachroadchickendinners.com/
Blueboys has two locations, so they probably wouldn't look at it (it is tasty and a deal though, those sandwiches are HUGE!)
I think Jacksonville has a few hidden gems that are worthy of that show.
All American Hotdog on beach is good.
Angie's Subs is a dive. A damn good one that is always packed.
Tads diner off Lane avenue
Does new count? Uptown Market?
i love All American Hot Dog
J.L. Trent's in Yukon. They may have more than one location though.
Whiteway?
I dunno if that would work or not though.. Oh and Trent's..I think someone already mentioned that though!
Oh, the person right before me said Trents..oops. :P
Metro Diner
Beach Road and Metro Diner for sure. I'd add Jenkins if it didn't have multiple locations.
Metro, absolutely!
What about Rite Spot in Jax Beach?
The food is okay but Georgie's Diner on Malaga Street in St. Augustine is the closest that I have found in the area to a true diner. I have heard good things about Metro but haven’t made it there yet.
(http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/mgeary77/Diner-1.jpg)
It can't be a place with 2 locations?? Are they getting penalized for being successful? Chow down Alley on Old St Augustine is delicious, but everywhere else I wanted to suggest has multiple locations.
Ellen's Kitchen, Beach Hut Cafe
I'm really partial to Tombo's. They've got a great Southern breakfast and their BBQ is tasty, too!
Beach Diner is always solid. It has multiple locations at Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra, and Mandarin (oddly) but it is excellent.
Kind of far away.. but i love The Outback Crab Shack off of 6 Mile Creek.
For real diner but with a twist ... Greek food: Georgie's Diner in St. Augustine
I eat there at least once a week. Its a local secret, like Beachcomber used to be.
Quote from: David on February 03, 2010, 01:51:59 PM
I wrote the show back in September of 2008 with a few suggestions, they just wrote me back today.
What's funny is I had suggested Lubis at first, which I last had in September of 2008 and then on a whim, decided to have it again today. So I get home and check my email and it's a reply from the show, listed below:
QuoteDavid,
Thanks for your e-mail. We are considering a stop in the Jacksonville area and I'm looking for a few more locations. Unfortunately, Lubi's isn't going to work for us since they have multiple locations. We tend to stick to independent restaurants that can truly call themselves an original.
I'd appreciate any other suggestions you have in the area. As you probably know from watching the show, we're looking for good, homemade food in casual (and inexpensive) environments.
Please do let me know if you have any other ideas.
Thanks very much!
Jeff Mandell
You know...after eating Lubi's again today, I'm glad it doesn't meet their criteria. So what place(s) should represent Jacksonville on DD&D?
One of my favorite places to eat is Tom & Betty's on Roosevelt. It's an original, delicious, inexpensive and has over 30 years of history so I believe it would meet their requirements. Or maybe another original joint that serves up good seafood or BBQ that would represent our local flavor well.
What else?
Well, obviously they were waiting for you to go back to Lubis to know if you were serious or not. ;D
That's a pretty cool story.
Quote from: copperfiend on February 03, 2010, 02:14:18 PM
Angie's Subs is a dive. A damn good one that is always packed.
+1
Breakfast @ Tommy's, on Walnut Street between 5th and 6th, Springfield.
Clarks Fish Camp!
orrrrr
Three Layer's Cuban Pinnies
Checker BBQ on St. Augustine. BYOB (or used to be) and the owner is a hoot! Art used to own Palm's fish camp on Heckscher, which was an institution. The cajun shrimp is the real deal!
What about that sandwich shop east of the stadium that's been there many years, whose name is escaping me?
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on February 04, 2010, 08:38:28 AM
What about that sandwich shop east of the stadium that's been there many years, whose name is escaping me?
Russ Does
Seriously .... Clark's Fish Camp. That would be perfect for the show. Not every place the visit has to have the "diner" theme.
Russ Doe's might make sense too. The industrial location and the Tallyrand lunch crowd might be more interesting than the actual sandwiches, but it is a local institution for those that know about it.
What about the Derby House in 5 points? Also this isn't a diner but I love going to Dreamette in Murray Hill for some ice cream.
Quote from: Joe on February 04, 2010, 10:42:26 AM
Seriously .... Clark's Fish Camp. That would be perfect for the show. Not every place the visit has to have the "diner" theme.
Agree with Clark's and I have to mention Angie's again. It is a fun atmosphere with local feel and alot of returning customers.
For unique experience, I'd probably go with Clark's Fish Camp.
Pine Grove Meat Market??
Clarks or Whitey's Fish camp.
I would say Jenkin's, but it has a few locations.
Gypsy Cab Company
Kickbacks? I haven’t seen the show so I don’t know if it would fit with the types of places they feature, all I know is it’s one of the best places to get a meal if you like a massive variety of consistently good barfood or if you’re just hungry at 2:30 am.
I know, I sound like a phony salesman.
Awesome, that's a ton of suggestions! I'll put all of the frequently mentioned ones in an email and send it to the guy. No not GUY but , you know...a guy. The location research guy. Location research analyst....that sounds like a sweet gig, I want his job!
Anyway, this topic has me wanting to try out every little dive-diner in Jacksonville now. I noticed a place on Mayport road today: Nick the greek - seems right up their alley, but i've never been. There's also a tucked away Cuban sandwich shop off Beach blvd & Dean Rd that i've been meaning to try.
So many places to eat, but never enough time, money or stomach capacity!
Quote from: jandar on February 04, 2010, 12:15:18 PM
Clarks or Whitey's Fish camp.
I would say Jenkin's, but it has a few locations.
Gypsy Cab Company
Jenkin's off beach is good
Any of the Lubi's sell alcohol?
i dun think so (not sure 100%)
Did anyone mention Stan's Sandwich Shop?
Are there healthy snacks available at Pete's in Neptune Beach ?
Quote from: Karl_Pilkington on February 03, 2010, 02:02:56 PM
how about Chowder Teds, Angies subs and the Metro diner.
Chowder Ted's was the only one of the three you mentioned that I haven't tried, so I checked them out this afternoon. The catch of the day was fresh Tilapia, so I had that grilled, on a bun with whatever sauce they put on there (which was insanely delicious and fresh). My lady had half of a hoagie and half a pot of Ted's chowder. It had just the right amout of spice with a nice mix of bacon, tomatoes, olives, and clams
Anyway, the lady serving us said Diners Drive-Ins and Dives had contacted them recently, so it looks like they're in the running.
Where is Chowder Ted's?
Chowder Ted's Inc
5215 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL - (904) 714-6900
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&source=hp&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=chowder+ted's+jacksonville&fb=1&gl=us&hq=chowder+ted's&hnear=jacksonville&cid=0,0,14617950862822193778&ei=l-ptS_2lKoOCNuO23d0B&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAcQnwIwAA (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&source=hp&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=chowder+ted's+jacksonville&fb=1&gl=us&hq=chowder+ted's&hnear=jacksonville&cid=0,0,14617950862822193778&ei=l-ptS_2lKoOCNuO23d0B&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAcQnwIwAA)
Quote from: thelakelander on February 06, 2010, 05:13:59 PM
Where is Chowder Ted's?
Off Heckscher drive about two miles east of 9A.
All of the reviews on google local are positive, and for good reason!
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=14617950862822193778&q=chowder%2Bted's%2Bjacksonville&hl=en&gl=us
Boomtown peanut mash potato, and big deep fried blocks of cheese, oh and the tofu....oh never mind. :-(
the way I figured it, if JJ Grey likes Chowder Ted's then it has to be good. Glad to hear that you enjoyed your experience at this great little Jacksonville gem.
As it turns out, 13Gypsies will be a part of the show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network. Shooting is tentatively scheduled for the end of this month, but that might change. No idea on the process after shooting as far as actual air date.
Thank you to Kathryn at Page Productions for all of her help!
http://13gypsies.com/blog1/?p=61#comments
I never thought I'd be adding this detail to the thread. What's up people? We'll all need sustenance before the Cowford Crawl! Right?
I give up on guessing what kind of joint DD&D is targeting haha. I just want to see a local place featured on the show.
13 Gypsies? Never been there. Anybody?
Yes, a few times when they first opened and lived in the area. Good tapas, delicious entrees. My favorite was the Angry Bull.
Personally I didn't think it fit within the vibe of the show but they do on occasion veer off from their typical venues, 13 gypsies is too..you know...nice! It has an old fashion quant European bistro feel. But the show is big on tradition, family and friend owned restaurants, unique foods.
QuoteTed's chowder. It had just the right amout of spice with a nice mix of bacon, tomatoes, olives, and clams
In Chowder???? :-X
What about Leos pizza on San Jose or Sheiks sandwiches at Regency??
Funny,Bosnian restaurant made it on show recently,but its in Huston...here in Jax most are cheesy,not as good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCrH-Q8vNJs
Quote from: David on February 10, 2010, 05:02:02 PM
Personally I didn't think it fit within the vibe of the show but they do on occasion veer off from their typical venues, 13 gypsies is too..you know...nice! It has an old fashion quant European bistro feel. But the show is big on tradition, family and friend owned restaurants, unique foods.
I went to the Marietta Diner near Atlanta that was featured on the show. While technically a "diner", it's fare was much better than what you would expect and most meals are over $10 even for breakfast.
Ah yes, the savage and dilapidated eclectic tapas eatery that is 13 Gypsies, perfect! They should swing by dive restaurants Matthews and Orsay afterwards. Better hope they’re wearing kevlar vests.
Thanks! It has been more than a little while.
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives sounds a bit more macho than Bistros, Cafes and Gastropubs (god, I still *hate* that term), even if the latter seems to be more fitting for most of the episodes. Actually, I've only seen several episodes but I don't recall seeing any drive ins or anything considered a dive.
As far as local suggestions? I'm not sure. I'm guessing they're hitting up 13 Gypsies for their burgers and sandwiches. Blueboy is awesome, I eat there far too often but their food doesn't really have a big stand out feature, it's just really good sandwiches, although the employees are fun so that make for something. Sucks that since they have two locations here in town that they don't qualify.
Sometimes DDD seems to jump into the whole gimmick-food thing. Man Vs Food is horrible about that. Besides the big challenge at the end (I usually turn if off at that point), the food they usually showcase on the show is usually some dumb dish that's just a burger or a sandwich that has entirely too much crap on it. So you serve a burger that has 3 1lb patties, 10 pieces of cheese, three layers of potato wedges, a cobb salad and two corn dogs on it? So what? Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
From The Daily Record
One of the Food Network’s most popular shows is coming to town. The crew from “Diners, drive-ins and dives†will be at Sun Dog Diner in Neptune Beach and Metro Diner on San Jose Boulevard Saturday. The show’s host, Guy Fieri, will be in town a few days later to film his segments.
Quote from: 02roadking on February 16, 2010, 11:37:22 AM
From The Daily Record
One of the Food Network’s most popular shows is coming to town. The crew from “Diners, drive-ins and dives†will be at Sun Dog Diner in Neptune Beach and Metro Diner on San Jose Boulevard Saturday. The show’s host, Guy Fieri, will be in town a few days later to film his segments.
ALRIGHT! ;D Metro Diner!!! We gotta eat there when they're filming!
I wonder how they're gonna fit a film crew in there - it's pretty tight. :P
You mean how Guy Fieri will fit inside.
^ Heyoooooooooo! hahah.
Like they say, never trust a skinny chef.
My lady said Guy Ferrari and his red convertable were spotted outside of 13 gypsies today. Anyone else see anything? I'm curious if they hit up Metro Diner and Sundog as well.
Angie's subs at the beach is perfect for that show, it's a dive w/ good food and crazy fun loving people and they do have tasty food. Thirteen Gypsy's is fantastic, but not proper enviroment for this show, same for metro, good food but not very cool. Has anyone mentioned the Fox diner it's also perfect funky and good eats.
another hole in the wall with fantastic burgers is Colonel Mustard's Phabulous Phat burgers, just no room to move, much less bring in a filming crew. And Col Mustard would chew Guy up. Now that would be entertaining.
Quote from: Kimmifunfun on February 22, 2010, 06:26:13 PM
another hole in the wall with fantastic burgers is Colonel Mustard's Phabulous Phat burgers, just no room to move, much less bring in a filming crew. And Col Mustard would chew Guy up. Now that would be entertaining.
Yes that would be. Guy might cry...
http://jacksonville.com/interact/blog/under_exposure/2010-02-22/under_exposure_diners_drive_ins_and_mayport
QuoteUnder Exposure: Diners, Drive-In's and Mayport
Guy Fieri and the production crew for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives took over Singleton's Seafood Shack in Mayport Monday
The small crew photographed Singleton's signature seafood dishes as owner Dean Singleton ran around spiffing up the joint in anticipation of Fieri's arrival.
Once the spiky hair host arrived he took time to take in all of the Singleton's memoribilia before the taping began. For a behind the scene look at triple "D" see Thurday's Times-Union and jacksonville.com for a story by Matt Soergel, a photo gallery, and a video by Chris Viola.
- Bruce Lipsky
I don't know if it's been posted on this thread or not, but do we know when this episode will air?
They were at 13 Gypseys today.
3rd street diner at the beach
When driving by Metro Diner this morning on my way to work there was a sign out front there for the show. There was also a red convertable, so I assume they are shooting today. However, I see where the Daily Record said they were shooting Saturday. Does anyone know if they already filmed there?
Cruisers!
Maybe I'll swing by the Metro Diner later.
Via email:
QuoteSubject: The Fox being filmed today for Food Network
FYI- Thought you all would be interested. I have heard the Food Network show, Diners, Drive-In and Dives will be filming at Avondale's The Fox today. In my opinion, great publicity for The Fox and our neighborhood.
I was hoping The Fox would be featured. They were at Singletons the other day.
So the official list is: Culhans, Fox, Metro, 13 Gypsies, Singletons, Sun Dog.. what about Clarks? what about Taco Lu??
Really making the rounds it sounds like. Is the host there?
Quote from: fieldafm on February 24, 2010, 10:11:38 AM
I was hoping The Fox would be featured. They were at Singletons the other day.
So the official list is: Culhans, Fox, Metro, 13 Gypsies, Singletons, Sun Dog.. what about Clarks? what about Taco Lu??
Excellent choices!
Wow - I'm surprised that 13 Gypsies meets the criteria - I guess the secret's gonna be out - as if it's not hard enought to get a table there already!
Quote from: Kimmifunfun on February 22, 2010, 06:26:13 PM
And Col Mustard would chew Guy up.
That doesn't sound very nice of him. Why would he do such a thing?
http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=950906&CategoryID=31680&ListSubAlbums=0 (http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=950906&CategoryID=31680&ListSubAlbums=0)
Link to pics on the Times Union
How about Cleo's?
if you haven't been to Col Mustard's, well he's a little vocal with his opinions, for example he doesn't trust woman around his cash, so he will warn you to move away from the cash register when he has to turn his back on you to cook your food.
He has really good burgers, but you have to eat them while watching FOX news, and he has a really strong opinion if you try to turn the channel.
I'm so glad they featured the Fox diner today, it's the perfect place for their show, great food and great people in a great atmosphere.
Does any one know if they are filming anywhere else or wrapping it up in Jax?
Quote from: Kimmifunfun on February 24, 2010, 06:57:03 PM
if you haven't been to Col Mustard's, well he's a little vocal with his opinions, for example he doesn't trust woman around his cash, so he will warn you to move away from the cash register when he has to turn his back on you to cook your food.
He has really good burgers, but you have to eat them while watching FOX news, and he has a really strong opinion if you try to turn the channel.
Sounds like a douche
Quote from: Kimmifunfun on February 24, 2010, 06:57:03 PM
if you haven't been to Col Mustard's, well he's a little vocal with his opinions, for example he doesn't trust woman around his cash, so he will warn you to move away from the cash register when he has to turn his back on you to cook your food.
He has really good burgers, but you have to eat them while watching FOX news, and he has a really strong opinion if you try to turn the channel.
Does he check if you have health care insurance card at the door??
I would say Krystal's because you never know if an ex-employee will become a baby snatcher. Will force you to keep your eyes on your double cheese krystal at 2 am in the morning.
I would have recommended Goal Post Sandwich Shop. I would have also added The Chicken Koop just because of Pimp Chicken purplr suited goodness.
Quote from: fieldafm on February 24, 2010, 05:17:51 PM
http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=950906&CategoryID=31680&ListSubAlbums=0 (http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=950906&CategoryID=31680&ListSubAlbums=0)
Link to pics on the Times Union
Very cool. Good for Singleton's. Nice little joint.
Does anyone have a concrete date for when this will be aired ? I still haven't been able to find the episode in future programming.
On a side note: I don't know what will be featured in their segment, but we went to Metro Diner yesterday to try the much hyped "Chicken & Waffles". If your arteries can handle it, It's certainly one of the more unique items in town. Delicious, huge portions, & great presentation. The fried chicken was perfect - lightly dusted with powdered sugar. I've always had C&W with fillets, so bone in white meat frying pieces (4!) was a new twist for me (I'm not sure what's traditional, however.). The waffles were served in quarters - with a mound of whipped fresh strawberry butter on top. Lastly, it was served with a maple syrup / Tabasco blend. Plan to share.......
The girls a Culhanes said June.
Apparently Singleton's will be on Monday's episode at 10pm.
Setting the DVR right now. Awesome.
Singleton's Seafood Shack will air on Epsiode DV0901H called “Surf 'n Turfâ€.
Guy checks out his own take on surf and turf.In Mayport, Florida, a 40-year-old fish shack getting shrimp fresh off the boat every day, and serving it nine different ways. In Manhattan Beach, California, a surf town cafe where the homemade menu goes from Italian pasta to Kahlua Pig Egg Rolls. And in Reno, Nevada, a 54-year-old western diner doing beef-burgers by the pound.
It will air:
Apr 26, 2010
10:00 PM ET/PT
Apr 27, 2010
1:00 AM ET/PT
May 07, 2010
9:00 PM ET/PT
13 Gypsies will air on Episode DV0903H called “Globetrottinâ€
This trip Guy pulls in for a world of taste. In Los Angeles, California, an El Salvadoran place making traditional stuffed tortillas and a pork stew called Adobada. In Reno, Nevada, a Basque joint serving oxtail bourguignon family style. And in Jacksonville, FL, a tapas café doing scratch made Spanish chorizo with honey sautéed pears.
It will air:
May 10, 2010
10:00 PM ET/PT
May 11, 2010
1:00 AM ET/PT
May 21, 2010
9:00 PM ET/PT
Quote from: Bewler on February 26, 2010, 02:21:29 PM
Quote from: Kimmifunfun on February 24, 2010, 06:57:03 PM
if you haven't been to Col Mustard's, well he's a little vocal with his opinions, for example he doesn't trust woman around his cash, so he will warn you to move away from the cash register when he has to turn his back on you to cook your food.
He has really good burgers, but you have to eat them while watching FOX news, and he has a really strong opinion if you try to turn the channel.
Sounds like a douche
For the record, Col. Mustard is the most amazing person ever spurted out by a human woman. 95% of what he says and does is tongue and cheek humor, and it is hilarious. Example: First time I went it was with my mom and dad, and as soon as we walked in he told my mom to start wiping down tables. Within 30 seconds we knew he was just screwing around, and then he made one of the best damn burgers I've ever had. Man's a legend.
Quote from: Andy on May 06, 2010, 12:05:52 PM
For the record, Col. Mustard is the most amazing person ever spurted out by a human woman. 95% of what he says and does is tongue and cheek humor, and it is hilarious. Example: First time I went it was with my mom and dad, and as soon as we walked in he told my mom to start wiping down tables. Within 30 seconds we knew he was just screwing around, and then he made one of the best damn burgers I've ever had. Man's a legend.
Oh so he’s a jokester. I stand corrected.
13 Gypsies aired last night - they dedicated half of the show to them. I never expected that place to thrive when they initially opened with such a small dining room & limited hours, but it's been at the top of my list since I first went. It'll be a tall task getting a seat there in the near future - as if it wasn't already. I loved the melted honey bear dispenser over the stove & the subsequent comment - "He's got a gangsta lean".
Yeah, he had some good one liners for sure. I was smiling from ear to ear when the 13 Gypsies segment ran so long they actually had to take a commercial break to split it up. Two thumbs up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evvw8bbr7xo
It's horribly out of sync though.
The episode featuring Culhane's Irish Pub will air tonight at 10pm. Culhane's is having specials all night and 1010XL will be there.
Metro Diner looked pretty amazing on DDD tonight. I'm going to try their "salad" later this week.
Finally Jax grub isn't a secret!
btw- GoalPost! toobad
their grilled veggie rider w/ chz
BOMB
Here's a local blogger's perspective on DDD's visit to Metro Diner:
http://journeythroughthickandthin.blogspot.com/2010/03/guy-fieri-and-diners-drive-ins-and.html
I had dreams about the Pittsburgh steak salad last night, seriously.
Tom and Betty's! yayer_awesome suggestion!
They are! I just ate there tonight actually.Tom & Betty's is a good Tuesday night kind of place to go. It's not quite hump day or close to the weekend yet, so you dont wanna go all out, but it's not monday anymore so why not get out of the house but keep it on budget.
Their sandwhiches/portions are massive and have plenty of flavor and are fairly priced. But! the dollar beers is what's made me extra-biased about this joint I have to admit. At most places, a few beers can double your tab. You don't get that here. Maybe it was too cheap to be on DDD? or maybe i'm not the "foodie" i think i am, heh.
it IS ElCheapo yeSSSSS.
^
the lighting is a bit too much after a few of those dollar beers, but yeah_the auto theme and such. nostalgia? I call it tasty.
Tuesnight.
The bar has some truly desirable ladies on the ocassional friday.lol.no I kid.
good people watching though before moving on.
Oh how can I forget T R I V I A !
Get on back here Fieri!
GoalPost installed some granite looking quartz silestone shtuff and Tom and Bettys is just plain fun and funny on the right night.
Both could benefit from a touch of heat bestowed by a flashbulb or two.
Watched the Metro Diner episode last night. Definitely did a good job representing Jacksonville. Can't wait to go back. I have never had the french toast but might have to next time.