Iron Chef Finds 17th Street Ribs Among the Best

A production crew for the Food Network's "The Best I've Ever Ate" shot footage at 17th Street Bar & Grill in Marion last Friday.

Iron Chef Michael Symon first tasted 17th's ribs last fall during a taping for an episode of "Food Feuds." Since then he's stopped by the restaurant while traveling.

The Southern Illinoisan found owner Mike Mills a bit humbled by the publicity.

"It's a huge honor to be on any of these shows," Mills said. "We're kind of in the fly-over states, so anytime we can get exposure for Southern Illinois, it makes us very humble and proud. People really do come from all over the world."

Besides "Food Feuds" and "The Best I've Ever Ate," the restaurant has been featured on The Cooking Channel's show "Food Crafters."