CHUG and CHOW: America's Tucked-Away Eateries and Watering Holes

Journey to Zanesville, Ohio, where Tom's Ice Cream Bowl has been serving hand-churned perfection since 1948. In this mouthwatering episode of CHUG & CHOW, we sit down with owner Joe Baker—great-grandson of ice cream pioneer F.E. Hemmer, who started Zanesville's frozen dessert dynasty in 1887.

Discover how this family's DNA literally contains the secret to exceptional ice cream, why Joe still makes every batch by hand after 50 years, and what makes their 14% butterfat mix the gold standard of creamy perfection. From the original Hemmer Ice Cream Company's horse-drawn wagons to Tom's iconic Formica tables, this is American ice cream history served one scoop at a time.

Todd Newton, author of CHUG & CHOW, explores Zanesville's surprising role as Ohio's ice cream capital, dives deep into the science of perfect texture and flavor, and learns why locals have been lining up at this Maple Avenue institution for 75+ years. Plus, Joe shares family secrets passed down through four generations and reveals why some recipes should never change.

Perfect for road trippers, ice cream enthusiasts, food history buffs, and anyone who believes the best America has to offer is found on Main Street, not the interstate.

Order your copy of Todd's CHUG & CHOW book today at chugandchow.com. Each purchase provides ten meals to families in need.

On this delicious episode of CHUG & CHOW, award-winning host and author Todd Newton takes you to the historic town of Kimmswick, Missouri, home of the legendary Levee High Apple Pie at The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery. Meet owner Kim Byerly, the heart and soul behind this towering dessert sensation that’s been featured on Food Network and The Travel Channel.

Learn how a small-town bakery became a national treasure, what goes into baking a pie that stands nearly a foot tall, and why The Blue Owl is a must-stop on your next Midwest road trip.

Subscribe now and don’t forget—every copy of the CHUG & CHOW book sold provides 10 meals through Feeding America. Great eats, better stories, and a good cause? That’s what we’re all about.

Get ready to discover Portland, Maine's most divine delight! In this episode of CHUG & CHOW, we dive deep into the sweet, savory world of The Holy Donut. Join award-winning host and author Todd Newton as he uncovers the inspiring story of single mom Leigh Kellis and how her unique potato donut recipe blossomed into a beloved family business.

Learn what makes potato donuts so incredibly light and delicious, the family dynamic behind their success, and explore some of their most popular and unique flavors.

You'll hear directly from Jeff Buckwalter about the journey, the growth, and why this off-the-beaten-path eatery has become a must-visit in Portland.

Visit The Holy Donut: theholydonut.com 

Order the Chug & Chow book: chugandchow.com (Every book sold provides 10 meals to families experiencing food insecurity!)

Join award-winning host and traveling foodie Todd Newton as he trades the glittering Vegas Strip for something far more intoxicating – the shadowy, bamboo-wrapped world of Frankie's Tiki Room! In this tropical escape from the desert, Todd speaks with legendary owner P. Moss to uncover the secrets behind one of Las Vegas's most beloved neighborhood bars.

Discover how this windowless Polynesian paradise has become a cult favorite among locals and savvy travelers seeking refuge from the casino chaos. From hand-carved tikis to expertly crafted rum cocktails that transport you straight to the South Pacific, Frankie's isn't just serving drinks – they're serving up pure escapism with a side of old-school Vegas charm.

Whether you're planning your next Vegas adventure or just dreaming of tropical cocktails, this episode will have you booking your flight and practicing your best "aloha." Todd explores how Frankie's Tiki Room proves that sometimes the best Vegas experiences happen far from the bright lights – in the kind of neighborhood spot where every sip feels like a mini-vacation.

Grab your favorite rum cocktail, close your eyes, and let The Tattooed Traveler transport you to this tiki oasis where the drinks are strong, the vibes are authentic, and the stories flow as freely as the mai tais.

To see the video of Todd's visit to Frankie's Tiki Room and to order your copy of the CHUG & CHOW book please visit chugandchow.com.

On this episode of CHUG & CHOW, host and bon vivant Todd Newton rolls into Grand Forks, North Dakota, to uncover the heart and soul behind one of America’s great hidden breakfast gems—Darcy’s Café.

From towering omelets to caramel rolls that defy gravity, owner Michelle Hajicek shares why locals and road-trippers alike swear by this small-town classic.

Plus, learn a bit of Grand Forks history, why Americans are obsessed with breakfast, and why diners like Darcy’s are more important than ever.

Subscribe now and keep the flavor—and the conversation—alive. 🍳☕🥓

Join award-winning host and author Todd Newton on this mouthwatering episode of Chug & Chow as he takes you straight to New Jersey’s iconic Angeloni’s Pizzeria.

Discover the story behind the famed Thinny-Thin pizza and hear firsthand from owner Nick Conforti about the family traditions, secret techniques, and local legends that make this spot a true destination for pizza lovers.

Whether you’re a foodie searching for your next unforgettable slice or a traveler craving authentic eats, this episode delivers all the flavors and stories you crave.

Don’t forget—Todd’s book, Chug & Chow, is now available on Amazon, with part of the proceeds supporting food banks across the country. Subscribe for more delicious journeys to America’s most memorable eateries and watering holes! Learn more at chugandchow.com.

Join award-winning host and author Todd Newton as CHUG & CHOW takes you on a flavorful journey to Louisville, Kentucky, where history and hospitality meet at Dizzy Whizz—a beloved local institution since 1947.

In this episode, The Tattooed Traveler speaks with owner Tim Poole and longtime staff to uncover the stories behind this classic eatery’s enduring legacy. Discover how Dizzy Whizz became a cornerstone of the community, the secrets behind their iconic Whizzburger, and why generations of Louisvillians keep coming back for more.

Whether you’re a food lover, a history buff, or searching for America’s best hidden gems, this episode serves up nostalgia, local flavor, and mouthwatering tales you won’t want to miss. Tune in for a taste of Louisville’s past and present, only on CHUG & CHOW!

Join award-winning host and author Todd Newton as he steps into the storied heart of Atlantic City at The Irish Pub—a living legend on St. James Place. In this episode of CHUG & CHOW, Todd speaks with owner Cathy Burke, whose family has kept the doors open and the stories flowing for over 50 years.

Discover how this iconic bar, originally built as the Elwood Hotel in 1903, survived Prohibition as a bustling speakeasy, weathered storms, and became a favorite haunt for celebrities like Joe DiMaggio. The Irish Pub’s cherry wood bar, vintage memorabilia, and welcoming spirit have made it a must-visit for generations of locals and travelers alike.

As The Tattooed Traveler and Cathy explore the pub’s colorful past, you’ll also get a taste of Atlantic City’s rich history—from its days as the “vacation capital of the nation” to its enduring reputation for hospitality and entertainment. Whether you’re a history buff, a bar enthusiast, or just hungry for a true local experience, this episode will transport you to a place where every pint comes with a story and every guest feels like family.

Tune in for a flavorful journey through time, tradition, and the unmistakable charm of Atlantic City’s most legendary watering hole.

Get ready to discover one of Massachusetts' best-kept breakfast secrets! This week on CHUG & CHOW, award-winning host and traveling foodie Todd Newton dives into Arthur's Paradise Diner in historic Lowell, where locals have been lining up for decades to get their hands on the legendary Boott Mill Breakfast Sandwich.

Named after the famous textile mills that put Lowell on the map, this towering sandwich is a masterclass in diner perfection – we're talking perfectly scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and their secret sauce all piled high on fresh-baked bread that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about breakfast sandwiches.

Join The Tattooed Traveler as he chats with the family behind this unassuming Paradise, uncover the story behind their most famous creation, and explore why this blue-collar breakfast spot has become a pilgrimage site for food lovers throughout New England.

Whether you're a Massachusetts local or planning your next New England food adventure, this episode will have you mapping out your route to Arthur's Paradise Diner before we even finish talking. Trust us – some breakfast sandwiches are worth the detour, and the Boott Mill is definitely one of them.

Don't forget to grab our companion book, CHUG & CHOW, on Amazon for more hidden gems like Arthur's Paradise, and follow us for behind-the-scenes content from our diner adventures across America.

What happens when a man walks away from the corporate grind and bets it all on the perfect cheeseburger? In this mouth-watering episode of CHUG & CHOW, The Tattooed Traveler Todd Newton host speaks with Billy Kramer, the mastermind behind NFA Burger in Dunwoody, Georgia.

Billy's journey from corporate burnout to creating what food critics are calling "the best cheeseburger in the South" is nothing short of extraordinary. Discover the secret behind NFA's cult following, the innovative techniques that set their burgers apart from every other joint in Georgia, and why lines wrap around the block for a taste of Billy's creation.

Todd explores the process that has food bloggers and locals alike declaring NFA Burger an Atlanta classic worth the drive. Plus, Billy shares how leaving his unfulfilling career led him to pour his passion into every patty, and how a small Dunwoody spot became the talk of Southern food culture.

Whether you're a burger purist or just love stories of American reinvention and following your dreams, this episode will leave you planning your next road trip to Georgia.

Grab a cold one and get ready to discover why sometimes the best food comes from the most unexpected career changes.