In this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Guy Fieri ventures to Ramona, California, a small town about an hour northeast of San Diego. Here, he visits the quaint Ramona Cafe, owned by Sonia Vanderhoofven, the daughter of a local egg farmer. Known for its comfort food, the cafe serves up a variety of dishes that have made it a beloved local landmark for over 26 years. But this episode’s highlight is the cafe’s unique take on a classic dish—deep-fried Chicken Cordon Bleu.

The Setting

Guy starts by setting the scene, describing Ramona Cafe as the kind of place where you’d expect good, basic cafe cooking. However, what he finds is a charming eatery that goes beyond the ordinary, offering a homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu that’s not just baked but deep-fried. As Guy puts it, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Chicken Cordon Bleu submerged.”

The Dishes

1. Deep-Fried Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Recipe Summary: The dish begins with a chicken breast sliced in half and pounded thin under plastic wrap to about 1/4 inch thickness. A slice of ham and a piece of Swiss cheese are placed in the center, and the chicken is rolled up and secured with toothpicks. This is then dipped in egg wash twice, creating a robust coating, before being deep-fried to golden perfection.
• Guy’s Reaction: Guy is amazed by the dish, stating, “That cheese really stands out, doesn’t it? It really stands out in that.” He also raves about the texture, describing it as “definitely crunchy” and “super crispy.”

2. Homemade Breading

• Recipe Summary: The secret to the crispy texture lies in Sonia’s homemade breading, made from homemade biscuits that have been dried out and mixed with a 50/50 mixture of flour, pepper, cayenne, poultry seasoning, and salt. This breading not only coats the Chicken Cordon Bleu but is also used for other dishes like buttermilk fried chicken and chicken fried steak.
• Guy’s Reaction: Guy praises the breading, saying, “That is fried crunch delicious right there,” and noting that it provides the perfect texture without overpowering the meat.

3. Chicken Fried Steak

• Recipe Summary: Sonia’s chicken fried steak is a unique twist, using a 50/50 mixture of ground beef and veal instead of a solid piece of beef. This mixture is coated in the same flavorful breading and fried to perfection.
• Guy’s Reaction: He describes the steak as “nice and moist inside,” with “a lot of flavor” that complements the breading well.

4. Cinnamon Rolls

• Recipe Summary: Ramona Cafe is also famous for its massive cinnamon rolls, made fresh every day. The rolls start with a dough made from milk, margarine, salt, sugar, yeast, and flour, which is then rolled with margarine, cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans.
• Guy’s Reaction: Guy is visibly excited about the cinnamon rolls, saying his sons would “go out of their minds” for them. He humorously adds, “You’re going to have to scrape me off the ceiling after this much sugar.”

The Experience

The Ramona Cafe offers an inviting atmosphere with a sense of community and nostalgia. Guy highlights how Sonia’s dedication to quality ingredients and homemade recipes make this place special. The locals agree, praising the cafe for its real home cooking and friendly service. As one patron puts it, “They taste like someone cares. All the flavors come together, and they taste really good.”