Chicago Restaurants Shine as James Beard Award Finalists; Ceremony Stays Through 2028
Chicago’s culinary scene continues to gain national recognition, with three restaurants named as finalists for the prestigious 2026 James Be...
Pizzeria Lola (Minneapolis, MN):: A Guy Fieri favorite, also lauded by Yelp Elites, known for its unique Korean-inspired wood-fired pizzas.
Unique Menu:: Features pizzas like Korean BBQ (beef short ribs, soy-chili vinaigrette) and Lady Zaza (Korean sausage, kimchi).
High Praise:: Received a rave review for taste, quality ingredients (including house-made gluten-free crust), and quick service, described as "one of the best pizzas I've ever had."
Price Point:: Noted as somewhat expensive (~$70 for two pizzas and sodas), reflecting Minneapolis dining costs and quality.
The Local (Naples, FL):: A farm-to-table restaurant featured on a recent DDD episode, praised for its "killer culinary."
Featured Dishes:: Highlighted items include prime-time pastrami with pickled relish and gnocchi with pork ragu.
Why This Matters:: Being featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' often significantly boosts a restaurant's profile, drawing attention to unique local spots and innovative cuisine for food enthusiasts and travelers.
Guy Fieri's 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' provides a significant platform for local restaurants, bringing national attention to hidden gems and established favorites alike.
Pizzeria Lola: A Minneapolis Standout
Located in Minneapolis, Pizzeria Lola stands out with its distinctive Korean-inspired take on wood-fired pizza. The restaurant, a favorite of Fieri and recognized by Yelp Elites, boasts an intriguing menu. Options range from the traditional 'My Sharoni' (pepperoni, fennel sausage) and 'Tavern Pie' (pepperoni, jalapeno, honey) to more adventurous creations like the 'Korean BBQ' and 'Lady Zaza' featuring ingredients like beef short ribs, kimchi, and gochujang. A recent review highlighted an exceptional experience, praising the perfectly cooked pizza, high-quality pepperoni cups, flavorful fennel sausage, and one of the best gluten-free crusts encountered, made in-house. The ambiance, centered around a prominent brick oven, adds to the appeal. While the quality justifies the cost, diners should budget accordingly for a meal in Minneapolis.
The Local: Farm-to-Table Flavors in Naples
In Naples, Florida, The Local exemplifies the farm-to-table concept, earning its own DDD feature. Chef and owner Jeff Mitchell realized a long-held dream when his restaurant, focused on scratch cooking with locally sourced ingredients, was selected for the show. Fieri spotlighted their 'prime-time pastrami with pickled relish' and 'knockout gnocchi with pork ragu,' showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. The feature is part of a broader Naples focus for DDD, which has also included spots like The Rooster Food + Drink and Molto Trattoria. Being on the show was a fast-paced but rewarding experience for Mitchell, who praised Fieri's genuine passion for food and kindness.
What makes Pizzeria Lola unique?
Pizzeria Lola offers a distinct culinary experience with its Korean-inspired wood-fired pizzas, featuring unique toppings like kimchi, beef short ribs, and soy-chili vinaigrette alongside more traditional options.
What kind of food does The Local serve?
The Local is a farm-to-table restaurant in Naples, FL, focusing on dishes made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. Guy Fieri highlighted their pastrami sandwich and pork ragu gnocchi.
Are these restaurants featured by Guy Fieri expensive?
Pizzeria Lola was reviewed as being somewhat pricey for lunch (around $70 for two pizzas and sodas in Minneapolis), aligning with city dining costs and ingredient quality. While pricing for The Local wasn't specified in the source, farm-to-table concepts in Naples often reflect higher quality sourcing.
Seek Out Unique Flavors:: Both Pizzeria Lola and The Local demonstrate the appeal of innovative cuisine, whether it's Korean-inspired pizza or locally sourced farm-to-table dishes.
Fieri's Stamp of Approval:: Restaurants featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' often offer high-quality, memorable meals vetted by a trusted food personality.
Budget for Quality:: Unique concepts and quality ingredients, especially in popular dining cities like Minneapolis and Naples, can come with a higher price tag, but are often worth the experience.
Check Out Local Gems:: Use shows like DDD as inspiration to explore unique eateries in your own area or when traveling.
These features highlight just two of the many diverse restaurants Guy Fieri explores. Visiting DDD-featured spots can be a culinary adventure.
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