Great Big Story Celebrates 100 Years of Route 66 With 66 Plates

- the new series of films showcases the variety of foods you can find between Chicago & LA

- The series is hosted by restaurant critic J Lee

Great Big Story, the global social-first storytelling brand, has produced a new eight part series celebrating 100 years of Route 66. Its host, Jason “J” Lee, travels along the historical 2400 mile road discovering America’s past, and takes a few detours that show him how it’s changed. He soon realises there’s a lot more to eat than pancakes and burgers. 

Better known as a fine dining restaurant critic, podcast host, and writer based in NYC by way of Chicago, J Lee sets out on the full stretch of Route 66, tasting 66 iconic, surprising, and traditional dishes along the way. Expect classic roadside fare like pancakes, corn dogs, burgers, milkshakes and slices of pie. But also prepare to get a taste of the unexpected like a Saint Paul sandwich in St Louis, oysters in Oklahoma City, mountain oysters in Texas, sake in Arizona. There are plenty of detours along the way like the world's second largest rocking chair, donkeys and abandoned towns...

Jason Lee, food critic, podcaster and host of 66 Plates said: "As a job I typically write about restaurants with table clothes that serve caviar and natural wine, but doing a road trip along Route 66 has always been a dream of mine, and there’s no better time than the 100th Birthday of Route 66. It was a hectic eight days, but I got to see and eat some truly amazing stuff. Along the way I ate at diners, roadside stands, mom and pop restaurants, and food trucks. I ate some food that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I got to hear so many stories along the route about travel, immigration, and the American experience, that I’ll carry with me forever. Cheers to Route 66, here’s to another 100 years!”

The route follows the 1937 alignment of Route 66 (which does not pass through Santa Fe), tracing what is now covered by I-55, I-44, I-40, I-15, and I-10 between Chicago and Santa Monica. 

Launching on Friday 11th September with his first stop off in Chicago, J samples a diner breakfast, corn dogs, fried chicken, and meets Will Law, the owner of The Ariston Cafe, one of the oldest American restaurants on the legendary highway. 

Check out the trailer here, where you can also subscribe so you never miss an episode.