Michael Symon hosts "Burgers, Brew & ‘Que"

The secret is out: Michael Symon loves meat. OK, so it probably wasn’t that big of a secret, but the guy definitely has a meat tooth rather than a sweet tooth.

The Cleveland-based chef is a Food Network favorite, a host of ABC’s culinary talk show “The Chew” and an Iron Chef to boot. He’s also the host of “Burgers, Brew & ‘Que,” a fun little Food Network show that airs Friday evenings on the culinary channel -- you can catch a new episode March 11.

The premise is one that makes me more than a little envious: our host travels from city to city across America seeking out -- and, of course, trying out -- the best burgers and barbecue that he can find.

And since he’s trying out the best local meats, he needs the best local brews to wash it down. With craft beers and brew pubs experiencing a modern-day renaissance, there’s always something unique and interesting to pair with the mighty meat dishes.

In this week’s episode, Symon is hopping all over the country in his meaty quest. His first stop is Lexington, Kentucky, for some smoked chicken wings smothered in a blackberry jalapeño sauce and a burger made with some of the tastiest pork he’s ever had.

Later, he’s on to New Orleans’ French Quarter for some Caribbean-inspired barbecue, like amazingly crispy rum-soaked ribs. Between those two stops, he jets off to Cincinnati for some chicken and waffles with a spicy kick.

Is your mouth watering yet? Just wait until next week when Symon has a deep-fried burger, a fried steak bacon biscuit and an adult sundae made with a local stout beer. The list of creative, delicious dishes just goes on and on.

Burgers and barbecue are two quintessential American cuisines, and nothing goes better with those big, meaty meals than a fresh local brew.

Chef Michael Symon is indulging in his love of meat and beer on his ultimate, meaty road trip. A new episode of “Burgers, Brew & ‘Que” airs Friday, March 11, on Food Network.