Southern and Hungry

Damaris Philips and Rutledge Wood get their southern food tour rolling in a growing city with an emerging food scene rooted in tradition -- Charlotte, North Carolina! Their first stop is at Brooks' Sandwich House -- a roadside shack that's remained in the family for 45 years -- famous for burgers smothered in their signature secret chili recipe. Next, Damaris and Rutledge are in for a fried food flavor overload with Steak and Shrimp Hibachi Fries and House-Made Tots from What The Fries food truck. Their Charlotte food expedition wraps up at an amazing up-and-coming southern barbecue joint called Seoul Food Meat Company known for their creamy Ramen Mac and Cheese and mind-blowing Asian barbecue ribs.

Damaris Philips and Rutledge Wood are all about mixing old traditions with new flavors in the mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Rutledge and Damaris discover hip, true-to-the-region cooking starting with a trip to Biscuit Head where they're knocking out amazing biscuit concoctions like their Country Ham Biscuit with fried green tomato and red-eye gravy. Next, a trip to the South isn't complete without a stop by King Daddy's for Sweet Potato Hush Puppies and their talk-of-the-town Pumpkin Waffles. Finally, it's time for something sweet at Hole Doughnuts where a couple of Los Angeles natives serve up made-to-order doughnuts topped with eclectic glazes from foraged local ingredients.

Damaris Philips and Rutledge Wood shift their food tour into high gear exploring stunning Chattanooga, Tennessee -- a city full of transformation yet steeped in history. First, they check out Main Street Meats where expert butchery skills and love of quality food is reflected in the delectable Fried Bologna Sandwich and mouthwatering Strawberry Hand Pie. Next up is the whimsical Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe where family recipes are honored by dishing up Southern picnic food with a twist like BBQ Pulled Pork Hashbrown Casserole and a Rainbow Sandwich full of surprises. Then, it's time for the most important meal of the day with breakfast at Syrup and Eggs. One of the new top spots in town, they're taking breakfast to the next level with their Sweet Peach Pancakes, heavenly Brûléed Grapefruit and savory Blue Cornmeal Taco Pancakes.

Damaris Philips and Rutledge Wood continue their tour in Knoxville, Tennessee -- a city that insists on using only the freshest regional ingredients for its spectacular Southern cuisine. Their first stop is at a down-home spot called the Lunch House where the meat 'n three plate with a superstar meatloaf is as good as grandma's. Next, it's a drive into the mountains of rustic Appalachia for some homemade ham-jam biscuits, spicy pickles and delectable pork belly with a tea-poached egg on top. Finally, Damaris and Rutledge are off to Tootsie Truck for a locally sourced duck breast salad and a finger-licking trout po' boy.

Rutledge Wood and Damaris Philips hit the ground running in Auburn, Alabama -- a city known for cuisine that uses classic Southern ingredients in the most inventive of ways. At Acre Culinary, Rut and Damaris gobble up a one-of-a-kind Alabama tamale made with classic Southern venison and the veritable vegetable mascot of the south -- the sweet potato. At the Hound, it's time to indulge in a mind-bending burger with a southern twist. Last but not least is a stop at extreme milkshake bar the Mason Jar for a sweet ending to this latest culinary adventure.

In a city like Biloxi, Mississippi, it's a must to indulge in all the fresh seafood fished daily from the gulf so Damaris Phillips and Rutledge Wood waste no time settling in. Their tour starts at local favorite seafood joint Hook with their fresh-caught fare like speckled trout smothered with a scratch-made Pass Christian sauce. On a visit to White Pillars, they feast on exceptional farm-to-table fare, chowing down on chicken-fried rabbit with black rice and grits. Finally, the duo finishes up at Bozo's for the mother of all Biloxi dishes -- hot and spicy crawfish tailor-made to make you sweat.

Damaris Phillips and Rutledge Wood are sold on Birmingham, Alabama's, Southern hospitality and amazing eats! At the charming 1950s hot dog shop Gus's Hot Dogs, the duo feasts on a spicy wiener packed with decidedly Southern flavors and spices. Next up is Johnny's restaurant where they're serving up a classic meat n' three with a surprising Greek twist. Finally, a trip to the charmingly rustic Ovenbird where a feast of locally raised, Braised Goat and buttery grits awaits.

Damaris Philips and Rutledge Wood find themselves in the unofficial Cajun capital of the south -- the French Louisiana region of Acadiana in Lafayette, Louisiana. Their first stop is Cafe Vermilionville for their New Orleans-inspired Crawfish 'Beignets' and Turtle Soup. Next, it's off to roadside stop Best Stop Boudin for their Boudin Blanc, Boudin Balls and fan-favorite Cracklins. Finally, a Cajun tour can't end without gumbo so Rut and Damaris sample three-time World Champion gumbo complete with live music at Prejeans.