Fazoli's with Mitra Jouhari

"Fazoli's with Mitra Jouhari" is Episode 369 of *Doughboys*, hosted by Nick Wiger and Mike Mitchell. "Fazoli's with Mitra Jouhari" was released on September 29, 2022.

## Synopsis

Mitra Jouhari (*Big Mouth*, *Three Busy Debras*) joins the 'boys to discuss her love for Dominos and the quality of Wendy's fries before a review of Fazoli's. Plus, a special Italian edition of A Single Item Must Be Banished.

## Nick's intro

“*The Horse Capital of the World*”: That’s the slogan for Lexington, Kentucky, a city that dates back to the 18th century, when it was part of the Virginia territory, and originally named for the battle that incited the Revolutionary War that would birth these United States. This thoroughly American city has a thoroughly American quality: it’s the home territory of two chain restaurants: A&W, a burgers-and-root-beer joint that’s been one-upped by its independent Canadian counterpart, and an Italian-American fast-casual concept that emphasizes the fast, casual.

Though Italian food may seem an unlikely fit for the Commonwealth of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Fried Chicken, the chain certainly found its fans among value-conscious Bluegrass Staters. Contra sit-down chain approximations of white-tablecloth trattorias like Olive Garden or Maggiano’s, the Lexington ravioli store focuses on counter service and speed, and even sports a drive-thru window for grab-and-go spaghetti and slices.

In December 2021, *Restaurant Business*’ Heather Lalley reported that the pizza/pasta outlet would be acquired by Fat Brands, which manages oversized LA burger and sandwich outlets, Fatburger and Fat Sal’s, respectively. And today with 200+ locations, while Italians accustomed to the real thing may consider its offerings fugazi, given its popularity with Yanks familiar with the Italian-American approximation of Italian dishes, Lexington might consider renaming the "Horse Capital of the World" the "Sauce Capital of the World."

This week on *Doughboys*… Fazoli’s.

## Fork rating

* House Side Salad (Ranch)
* Loaded Fettuccine Alfredo
* Cheese Pizza, Slice
* Blue Raspberry Italian Lemon Ice
 Mike Mitchell
* House Side Salad (Ranch)
* Loaded Baked Spaghetti
* Cheese Pizza, Slice
* Strawberry Italian Lemon Ice
 Mitra Jouhari
* Cheesy Double-Stack Lasagna
* Cheese Pizza, Double Slice
* Two Extra Breadsticks
* Original Italian Lemon Ice
 shared (Nick and Mitch)
	+ Side of Ranch
* Chicken Parmigiano
* Cheesy Double-Stack Lasagna
* Six Extra Breadsticks
* Fried Mozzarella Skewers

**Nick's Bite of the Night** went to the Fried Mozzarella Skewers. **Spoonman's Bite of the Night** went to the Loaded Baked Spaghetti.

With these scores, Fazoli's makes the Golden Plate Club!

## A Single Item Must Be Banished: Italian Cuisine 🚫

In this segment, Nick shares some groups of items and they decide which option is unnecessary.

Today's theme is Italian cuisine.

* Olives
* Mushrooms
* Sausage
 **Pasta Shape*** Penne
* Farfalle
* Fettuccine
* Tortellini
 **Sauce*** Pesto
* Alfredo
* Bolognese
* Marinara
 **Coffee*** Cappuccino
* Macchiato
* Espresso
* Americano
 **Alcohol*** Negroni
* Aperol Spritz
* Prosecco
* Vermouth

## The Feedbag

 Mike Mitchell
 Mitra Jouhari

## Photos

Sweet Honey BBQ Boneless Wings and House Side Salad (and different Ranches)Extra Breadsticks and Fried Mozzarella SkewersChicken Parmigiano and Baked LasagnaLoaded Baked SpaghettiLoaded Fettuccine AlfredoCheese Pizza, Double SliceStrawberry Italian Lemon Ice and Blue Raspberry Italian Lemon Ice