Say what you want about Guy Fieri, but Tampa Bay's food scene has had quite a few encounters with the dude — like it or not.
In fact, the latest area restaurant to make an appearance on one of the spiky-haired TV personality's Food Network shows is Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria. Beloved founder Pom Moongauklang is set to compete on Guy's Grocery Games (which is essentially a hybrid of Supermarket Sweep, which is unfortunately no longer with us, and Chopped) at 8 p.m. March 11.
Tune in, will ya?
An industry vet and Thailand native, Moongauklang opened the popular Pom Pom's flagship in Orlando more than 10 years ago. But, thankfully, restaurant regular Tom Woodard bestowed St. Petersburg with his Grand Central District branch back in 2015.
Pom Pom's is known for churning out loose-leaf teas and inventive sandwiches. And good thing, too, because sandos are what Moongauklang is tasked with whipping up during the upcoming Triple G episode, titled, fittingly, "Sandwich Showdown."
"Guy Fieri has invited four top sandwich makers to Flavortown to see who can deliver under the pressure," reads the 'sode description. "First, Guy tasks the chefs with making their signature sandwich using only six pounds of ingredients. Next, Guy asks them to make an outside-the-box sandwich using some twisted bread and cheese substitutes that force the judges to make a tough decision. The surprise ending will go down as a first in GGG history!"
The St. Pete location isn't equipped with TVs for diners looking to catch the Pom Pom's creator on the show, so it'll be closed for the celebratory occasion.
This article appears in Mar 1-8, 2018.