The resurgence of Guy Fieri

September 18, 2016 by
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Guy Fieri's pigs in the blankets

Guy Fieri’s career has had its ups and downs, but the chef and television host is currently enjoying an upswing in popularity, says Grub Street, which chronicles his recent positive press. It’s a bit of a turnaround for the colorful Fieri, who has been ridiculed by the likes of Anthony Bourdain and restaurant critic Pete Wells. But despite this, Fieri’s show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives – “Triple D” to fans – is enjoying a resurgence. 

Recent articles have praised Fieri’s perceived populism. Esquire just published a story titled “The Unrecognizable Genius of Guy Fieri“, and The New Yorker ran a similar piece called “The Accidental American Genius of Guy Fieri.” Both stories emphasize that Fieri chooses to highlight everyday foods, not far-flung locations or exotic cuisine. Says Esquire’s Jason Diamond, Fieri “takes every plate piled high with burgers and fries as seriously as you might an entry in the Bocuse d’Or. Simple food-diverse American Food, in all styles, made by Americans – is Fieri’s rallying cry and religion.”

While Grub Street agrees with the sentiment that good food doesn’t have to be fussy or pretentious, the site doesn’t think that it is the “genius” of Guy Fieri that has made his show so hugely popular. Rather, they posit that Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives isn’t successful because of Fieri, but in spite of him, and that “Triple D” would benefit from a host that wasn’t quite as flamboyant. However, that scenario looks as unlikely as a four-star review of Fieri’s restaurant. 

Photo of Guy Fieri’s pigs in spicy blankets from Food Network Magazine 

Category: Food Biz People

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4 Comments

  • PeggyB  on  September 18, 2016

    I do not agree that the success of Triple D's success is "in spite" of Guy. Guy Fieri's personality makes the show I think he's found his niche and deserves to be recognized for that. Now would I eat most of the food in those diners, "NO!", but I watch because I enjoy Guy and the local color on Triple D. Your review is very stuffy!

  • TrishaCP  on  September 18, 2016

    I agree with Grub Street- especially on calling out his faux-populism- call me stuffy if you want. I think the best moments of "Triple D" (shudder) are when he settles down and really focuses on what he is tasting, but it isn't enough to overcome the usual horrendousness of his schtick, which is why I rarely watch the show. Not that Food Network cares what I think demographically anyway!

  • sir_ken_g  on  September 19, 2016

    Food shows are boring – all of them.
    Well some of the Japanese ones are good – no Japanese required.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O2dg3VX7Xo&list=PLD2925C7610538555

  • franniepie  on  September 30, 2016

    The food world seems to be missing the inherent good of the show and Fieri. It's not about the quality or sophistication of the food or host. It's about keeping small, quirky, Mom & Pop businesses alive in the face of burgeoning chain restaurants. Both host and show are kind and enthusiastic about these places and probably do more to keep them afloat than anybody else in food media. It also sets an excellent example of showing VERY hardworking people enjoying their jobs and communities. Hopefully, it inspires others to do the same. I recognize Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives not so much as a show but a public service. Long may it, and Guy Fieri, run.

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