You can catch a re-airing of Williams’ episode, “Dinner and Dessert That Delivers,” on Food Network May 30 at 10 p.m., along with an episode featuring Lucky’s Cafe chef and owner Heather Haviland tonight at 6 p.m. Both are also available on demand.
Williams fills us in on the experience of filming the show and a couple surprises he sent Fieri’s way.
[For the show,] my wife and I shot on two phones and our laptop for two-and-a-half days.
We show up to the restaurant and start cooking things, and while I’m doing it, she’s shooting it. On the second cell phone, one of the directors, who’s in Minneapolis, is walking us through it. Get an overhead shot, get a close up, that type of stuff. And then the third day, we shoot the show [over Zoom] from 3,000 miles away.
For me to be able to walk [Guy] through how to assemble the dish with his kids, I thought it was fun and playful. [They chose the dish based on] what was on the menu during our carryout service and what we wanted to highlight. They ended up choosing the braised lamb enchiladas with mole. You literally have to send him everything deconstructed. We sent him the plate, everything.
The one part that got cut out of the show was, I put a note in the top of the box that said, “Just a reminder, Golden State blew a 3-1 lead,” and I packed him a Cavs jersey. He’s such a diehard Golden State fan, I thought it would be good banter. He laughed and we joked about it, but it just didn’t make the cut.
Then I sent him a poster by a local artist, okPants. Guy was at Momocho 11 years ago, and he spray painted his “Guy ate here” tag. Then Momocho closed for a big remodel, and the painters painted over it. All I could think about was, What if his fans come in here, what if he comes in here? So, I had these posters done and hung one near the bar. Then this show came along and I [sent a copy to Guy]. So not only could I give a friend a gift, but I could also share another Cleveland talent on national television.
I’ve done [six episodes of Guy’s shows], and all my experiences with him have been nothing short of amazing and positive. He’s genuine, he’s gracious and to be honest with you, he shot this show with [restaurant owners] in mind.
