In the world of culinary fandom, few can rival the dedication of Bill Grella, a devoted follower of Guy Fieri’s beloved TV show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
This past Saturday, Grella achieved a remarkable feat by visiting his 1,000th restaurant featured on the show, a milestone that underscores his extraordinary commitment to the world of diners and dives.
A Journey Across The Country And Beyond
Since Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives first aired in 2007, the show has spotlighted over 1,498 eateries across the United States and beyond. Grella, hailing from the D.C. area, has visited a staggering two-thirds of these featured locations.
His culinary journey has taken him from Maine to Florida and even across the Pacific to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he dined at the Rainbow Drive-In.
“The thing I love about my journey is the food, of course,” Grella shared. “But what’s almost as fun for me is the experience and making friends with other Triple D fans and the restaurant staff.” This enthusiasm for both food and community has been a driving force behind Grella’s travels.
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Celebrating The 1,000th Visit
For his landmark 1,000th visit, Grella chose Bub and Pop’s, a well-known sandwich shop in Washington, D.C., famous for its loaded Philadelphia-style hoagies. Guy Fieri featured Bub and Pops on an episode back in 2015.
To commemorate this significant achievement, Grella was joined by family and friends, including fellow Triple D enthusiasts John and Colleen Bistor, who have each visited 718 restaurants featured on the show.
Memorable Meals and Favorite Spots
When reflecting on his travels, Grella highlights several standout meals that have left a lasting impression. Among his favorites are the lobster ravioli at Rino’s Place in Boston, the lobster pie at The Maine Diner in Wells, Maine, and the brisket at The Pecan Lodge in Dallas.
Despite his extensive travels and culinary experiences, Grella refrains from naming a favorite spot. “I never say a place is my favorite because the places are so diverse,” he explains.
“Some places I enjoy more for the atmosphere,” he adds, pointing to Lauer Krauts in Brighton, Colorado, and Chaps Pit Beef in Baltimore as examples where the food and the staff have made a memorable impact.
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Tips For Fellow Foodies
For those inspired by Grella’s epic journey and eager to explore the world of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Grella offers some practical advice. “Some people will only try what Guy had, but I don’t.
I have fallen in love with small plates since the portions are smaller and, in many cases, the best items on the menu,” he advises.
He emphasizes that experiencing the ambiance and personality of each restaurant is just as crucial as enjoying the food itself.
Looking Ahead
As Grella continues his culinary adventures, his story is a testament to the joy of exploring diverse food experiences and connecting with others through a shared passion.
With nearly 500 restaurants still on his list, Grella’s journey is far from over, and he remains an inspiration to food lovers and fellow Triple D fans everywhere.
In summary, Bill Grella’s achievement of visiting 1,000 restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives highlights his dedication and love for the show’s unique blend of culinary adventure and community.
His journey celebrates the diversity of American cuisine and the rich experiences found in each diner, drive-in, and dive along the way.