It's safe to say that New Jersey has a love affair with Guy Fieri and "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." This popular Food Network series has now completed an unheard of 51 seasons. Even though it feels like the same episodes are on repeat, we still watch them anyway. If you've noticed that the "Mayor of Flavortown" spends a lot of time in Jersey, you're right. One of the reasons could be our plethora of incredible dining options. Another possibility is that if it weren't for one New Jersey diner, Guy Fieri might be a nobody, and "Triple D" might never have become must-see foodie TV.

The Origins of Guy Fieri and "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives"

Before Guy Fieri was cruising the country in his red Camaro SS convertible, tasting the best eats around, he was looking to be noticed and become "The Next Food Network Star" on the network's reality series of the same name. In 2006, Guy wowed the network by displaying the two traits needed to become a household name on The Food Network: serious cooking chops and a larger-than-life personality. His patented blonde and spiked hair was all by design, and it worked.

Where Did Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Start?

Just months after appearing on "The Next Food Network Star," the food channel had Fieri on the road for a pilot episode of a series they were hoping would take America by storm. That series was "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." The one-hour special would "take Guy from the Midwest to the East Coast, highlighting the best old-school restaurants." They were looking for destinations that were no-frills. All the attention was on the food.

READ MORE: Hey, Guy! New Jersey Wants You To Bring 'DDD' To These Hot Spots

In my experience, the best "no-frills" spots to grab fantastic grub in Jersey are diners. Guy and Food Network producers felt the same way, and they decided to spotlight one of NJ's most legendary diners as the very first visit on "Triple D." Do you remember Fieri opening the doors of Linden's Bayway Diner?

Even though Bayway Diner is a New Jersey staple, one of the dishes that made it famous is the Philly cheesesteak. Guy was especially impressed by short-order cook Joe and the process that went into making the mouthwatering cheesesteaks that keep customers coming back for more. Bayway Diner proves that just because a restaurant is small, it doesn't mean its flavors aren't huge.

👇👇How many of these Jersey gems that have been featured on The Food Network have you seen?👇👇