In Palm Springs, Calif., Michael Symon finds a spicy burger that ignites a four-alarm fire, and a chorizo-pineapple burger sings a perfect harmony of sweet and heat. Oklahoma City boasts cheesy grits with a heaping pile of blood orange- and IPA-braised pork. Finally, a classic Reuben sandwich gets a smoky upgrade, and spicy venison bologna raises the bar on a lunchbox favorite in Denver.

In Palm Springs, Calif., Michael Symon starts with Vietnamese fusion dishes like juicy, tender Shaking Beef and mini shrimp-stuffed pancakes. In Colorado Springs, an Asian-inspired duck burger gets a wonton topper, and a meaty take on a classic PB and J and the mother of all pastrami sandwiches are plated up in Oklahoma City.