These Stars Have Popped Up on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’
Guy Fieri has spent over a decade exploring some of the best eateries America (and sometimes the world) has to offer on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Since premiering in 2007, Fieri has discovered many culinary gems across the country and sometimes gets help from celebrities and famous chefs along the way. Here’s a look at the top 10 stars who have popped up on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives over the years.
A look at the best guest appearances on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’?
Each episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives usually features a theme, like seafood, barbecue, or burgers, with Fieri dropping into various restaurants that serve the theme of the day.
Most of the time, Fieri focuses on establishments that are smaller and specialize in regional cuisines. These eateries often incorporate fresh ingredients into their meals, though many of them include a gourmet twist — even if the dish does not traditionally fall under the gourmet category.
As the host, Fieri is usually the driving force behind each episode, but he does bring in help from time-to-time to sample the amazing food. For example, some famous chefs who have joined the show include the likes of Andrew Zimmern, Emeril Lagasse, Robert Irvine, and Geoffrey Zakarian.
Occasionally, Fieri also brings along some of Hollywood’s top celebrities. To date, the show has played host to the likes of Matthew McConaughey, Rosie O’Donnell, Gene Hackman, Kid Rock, David Spade, Chris Rock, Kevin James, Adam Sandler, Gene Simmons, and Rev Run.
How to watch ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’ celebrity appearances
The number of celebrities who have appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives is pretty impressive. For fans who would like to re-visit some of their cameos throughout the years, here is a quick rundown of the show’s top celebrity visits.
McConaughey has appeared on the most episodes of the series. The actor, who is actually good friends with Fieri in real life, has appeared in two installments between 2012 and 2014.
In season 17, episode 10 of the series, titled, “L.A. Eats,” Fieri played host to several celebrities, including Sandler, Rock, James, and Spade, who were promoting their new movie, Grown Ups 2 at the time.
Fieri and the comedians toured some of Los Angeles’ best restaurants, including a Filipino barbecue eatery where everyone loved the coconut beef and cornbread. The group later visited an Italian restaurant, where they did their best to finish off a massive sandwich.
Fieri gets a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
After starring on several reality food shows for well over a decade, Fieri finally received his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May of this year. Getting a star is one of the highest honors in Hollywood, though each celebrity still has to dish out $50,000 to get one.
Despite the high price, Fieri jumped at the chance to add his name to a long list of Hollywood greats. According to AV Club, Fieri’s star is located by Shrek, Bill Cosby, and Randy Quaid.
After the unveiling of his star, Fieri gave a speech in which he thanked all of his friends and family for supporting him through the years. This includes people who have mentored him, some of his old fraternity pals, and even his dentist.
The ceremony, of course, would not be complete without a word or two from Fieri’s good friend, McConaughey, who was also on hand to share a few words.
McConaughey honors Fieri
McConaughey and Fieri have been good friends for over 15 years, and they first met when the actor was touring the country in his RV. During that time, McConaughey was a fan of Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, which eventually led them to get together.
In his speech, Matthew McConaughey revealed a few tidbits about the early days of their friendship, including how they spent most of their days together.
“Alright, alright, alright,” McConaughey shared. “We cooked a lot of food. We ate a lot of food. We drank a lot of spirits and talked about life, and we talked about being authentic to who you are and that’s the night that I met you, Guy Fieri.”
For those who may never make it to Hollywood to see Fieri’s star, fans can enjoy the chef’s food at one of his many Flavortown eateries around the world. That, or find his brand in the frozen section of your local grocery store.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives airs new episodes Friday nights on Food Network.
