Guy Fieri in the kitchen with guest Michelle Bernstein (center) and chef-owner Nikol Zarbalas (left) at Hellenic Republic in Coral Springs as seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Season 37.
This article was previously published and is being featured as one of many of our top stories for 2023.
By Agrippina Fadel
Guy Fieri was served “hands down, the best Greek food he’s had” at the Hellenic Republic in Coral Springs, and fans can watch him eat it during the next episode of the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Fieri and his filming crew visited the Greek spot in December, and the episode premieres on March 24, at 9 p.m. Owner and chef of Hellenic Republic Nicol Zarbalas is hosting a watch party with live music, large screens, samples of food featured on the show, and drink specials.
A Coral Springs resident for 18 years, Chef Zarbalas, opened the Hellenic Republic at The Walk in 2019, and the restaurant quickly became the locals’ go-to for traditional Greek cuisine.
The Lamb Burger served at Hellenic Republic in Coral Springs, FL, as seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Season 37. {Courtesy Food Network}
Zarbalas prepared her signature Lamb Burger and Kataifi Fried Shrimp with Traxana, the Greek Style Grits for Fieri and James Beard Award Winner, Chef Michelle Bernstein, who accompanied him for the show. Both loved the restaurant and the food.
Chef Zarbalas said she was humbled by the opportunity to be on the show and the recognition. A huge fan of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, she often seeks out restaurants featured on the show during her travels.
“We were blown away by the professionalism of the production crew and all of the amazing behind-the-scenes team,” she said. “Simply being around great people is a blessing to us.”
The Kataifi Fried Shrimp served at Hellenic Republic in Coral Springs, FL, as seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Season 37. {Courtesy Food Network}
Since the news of the filming spread, people have stopped by to congratulate the staff and wish them well on the premiere. “[We see] many new faces and many of our loyal customers and clients. We are thrilled to see what’s to come once the show airs,” Zabralas said.
She added that the restaurant’s “philoxenia” (philosophy of welcoming strangers into one’s house) and hospitality would be the focus at the watch party.
“We want you to come as you are and simply enjoy the moment with all of us. None of this is possible without our community, and we want to make it a community event and celebration,” Zabralas said.
Now in its 37th season, The Food Network’s popular food reality show is hosted by Fieri. The show’s episodes showcase small, independent eateries and are usually unified by a theme: type of food, regional specialties, or ethnic cuisine.
Fieri, a Florida resident since 2022, featured a few other local spots in the March episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives new season, including Rose’s Daughter in Delray Beach, La Cosinita Latina in West Palm Beach, and The Butcher and the Bar in Boynton Beach.
Hellenic Republic is at 2764 N University Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33065.
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