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An American man has travelled miles to take on Teesside's most iconic treat - and now wants his own restaurant with the staple.
The food influencer, known as The Best Bites with Alex, tried a parmo in Teesside and has sparked a wave of recommendations from North East food lovers.
Alex is a US-born food reviewer who has been travelling around the north of England, sampling regional dishes.
The viral man visited The Merlin, in Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, and quickly became a fan of the Teesside favourite.
In his video, which has raked in over 57,000 views, Alex said: "I'm going back to the States, and I'm going to open a parmo shop."
Alex said: "I am trying a chicken parmo in Billingham - this is probably the most requested place that I have had in all of my past videos.
"Everybody was saying 'you have to come and eat a parmo here'. The hype is real."
Alex expanded in the comments, adding: "Absolutely loved it.
"Parmos are unreal!"
Commenters were quick to praise the reviewer's choice of restaurant and dish. One local wrote: "Billingham girl here – Merlin is banging."
Another wrote: "Love when people get to finally realise how good they are."
Alex first began posting LA-based reviews before shifting his focus to the UK this year.
He began exploring Teesside, Darlington, and County Durham in September, and has also visited The Ship in Redmarshall, as well as Beamish Museum in County Durham.
The videos also attracted numerous comments from locals, and inspired a variety of recommendations of North East food lovers' favourite spots.
"Brilliant! Now pop down the road to the Crafty Cock micro pub for a few pints," one commenter wrote.
Alex was joined by North East guide Josh, who said despite being a local, had never tried the Billingham pub.
He said: "Yeah, that place was a 10/10."
During an earlier visit to Darlington, Alex sampled products at Taylor’s Traditional Butchers, its sausage roll provoking a "holy smokes" reaction.