Triple XXX impresses Food Network star
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 04/09/2007
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Guy Fieri, winner of the Food Network's "The Next Food Network Star," stopped by local eatery Triple XXX Friday. The traditional diner-style restaurant, which has been popular with the college crowd since it opened in 1928, will be featured on the channel's new series "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives," which will be premiering April 23.
After making a double cheeseburger and learning firsthand how things are done at Triple XXX, Fieri shared what exactly it is about the diner that makes it stand out among other locations.
Q: Why did the Food Network choose Triple XXX?
Fieri: Because in this area, it was one of the places that was highlighted as being a unique restaurant featuring handmade ground beef patties; it's been here since 1928, it's a drive-in, it's on the main drag, it's loved by everyone at Purdue; I think there's a laundry list of reasons. And after being here, I can sit here for an hour and tell you.
Q: What have you seen here today that has sparked your interests or has impressed you?
Fieri: Everything has impressed me. It's a story of a guy who, as a kid, wants to own the burger joint that he loves so much and it ends up happening, then meets his wife here. That story in itself, I think, is greater than anything. But beyond that, they fresh-grind the meat, (is) what would be considered a burger joint for college students, it's inexpensive; they sure take a quality approach to the way they do food, hand-making each patty, grilling everything to order, not having a bunch of patties pre-done, just a real integrity about doing food the right way. It's burgers, let's not be wrong about it, but doing it the right way.
Q: I saw you made a burger; how was that experience?
Fieri: It was great. There's a process of not pre-pounding about so they stay nice and moist. You know, if you pound them out too soon, they dry out a bit and that changes the flavor. You've got to be fast on that grill; there's a million things going on; orders line up down the ticket rails; it was definitely something different.
Q: How did you hear about Triple XXX?
Fieri: Our producers who develop the show did this investigation, this big inquiry of diners, drive-ins and dives all around the country and this was one that came up; and when we called them up and spoke to them, we found out more about them and we said, "we have to go there."