Guy Fieri has hosted “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” since the series launched in 2007.
Food Network
After Food Network hype man Guy Fieri traveled to Boise with a production crew in February, clues trickled out about which restaurants might be featured on his series, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
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Now it’s time to pull up a chair and eat.
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The first restaurant to get reality-TV recognition from the recent visit will be Alyonka Russian Cuisine, 2870 W. State St. The small, locally owned operation will be highlighted on episode 12 of season 45.
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The half-hour show, “A World of Meats,” airs at 10 p.m. Friday, March 31. (Confirm that time with your TV provider.)
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The Food Network blurb: “Guy Fieri’s digging into meaty mashups, starting in Boise, Idaho, where a Russian joint is servin’ lights-out lamb, and a Pakistani spot is cooking flavorful goat. In Ocala, Florida, a barbecue pro is puttin’ his spin on brisket mac and cheese-stuffed sausage.”
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How do we know that the “Russian joint” is Alyonka? Because owner-chef Elena DeYoung wrote on social media that her restaurant would appear in the episode.
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But what’s this second Boise place?
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The “Pakistani spot” serving “flavorful goat”?
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Let’s just say it might be Taj Mahal, 150 N. 8th St. After all, the downtown Indian and Pakistani destination posted a “Guy ate here” photo on Facebook last month, thanking Fieri and Food Network. The restaurant had closed temporarily the prior week for a special event — an indication that a film crew could have been on location.
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But here’s what really gets a guy strokin’ his goat beard. Taj Mahal’s menu happens to include goat biryani.
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In all likelihood, Alyonka and Taj Mahal won’t be the only two Treasure Valley restaurants hyped on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in the near future.
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Sunshine Spice Cafe, an Afghan eatery at 6911 W. Fairview Ave., is Fieri’s cup of tea. He posted an Instagram photo of his son, Ryder, and himself there — explaining that they were filming.
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And based on its own brief shutdown — and some online scuttlebutt — Argentinian restaurant Tango’s Empanadas, 46 E. Fairview Ave. in Meridian, looks like another strong candidate.