Guest Blog Post from Refined Gluttony: Review on Favorite Foods

I am honored that Timothy Giardino decided to be do a guest post on my blog. Timothy, says he is also known as Refined Gluttony. He has been a part of the food blogger community for years due to his admitted lack of cooking skills. His food philosophy is to eat as many new and different foods as possible in his pursuit of the last bite (you know, the satisfying, yet somewhat saddening last taste of something delicious!) Aside from being a foodie, he’s a proud dad and successful business executive in Central Texas.

My Favorite Foods by Dr. Timothy J. Giardino
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve always taken dining recommendations seriously – so much so, that I began taking notoriously eyeroll-invoking “foodie pics” during every meal back in 2017 for posterity. Because I refer back to that Finsta (my Foodie Instagram) more and more often for restaurant suggestions, I thought it would be fun to share some of my current faves between the Killeen/Temple and Austin areas for those interested in kick-starting their own foodie journey. Special note up-front that many of these restaurants change their menus based on locally-sourced availability, so you may not be able to find my exact recommendation – so I chose restaurants that you cannot go wrong with no matter what you choose! So, with that, here are some of my favorite foods from a local (Killeen/Temple area), lit (ambiance-focused) and luxury (elevated, yet accessible) perspective:
Brunch
Local: The Vineyard at Florence (Florence, TX). First of all, I could write an entirely separate article on the Vineyard’s award-winning wine selection, but since we’re only focused on brunch experiences, let’s talk about the Italian-inspired architecture and stunning landscapes that encapsulate a picturesque brunch set in a Tuscan village time capsule! Although the menu changes routinely, my favorite food is their gruyere and ham cheese tart with balsamic vinaigrette drizzle. Another MUST TRY is the brie and ham sandwich with half baguette, Brie, butter, black forest smoked ham, and cracked peppercorn – neither will disappoint!
Lit: Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden (Austin, TX): Now, let’s agree up front that it’s impossible to choose one brunch over another in Austin, so please hold off on trolling me in the comments section while I try to explain! I chose Banger’s because there are few locations as uniquely suited to deliver a brunch triple threat of food, fraternité and fun. Set in a very spacious lot, this compound of creative genius houses a main restaurant, a beautiful outdoor beer garden and a stand-alone live music stage with rotating artists (tips always appreciated!). It’s certainly my go-to brunch when meeting friends or family. Although it is a well renowned beer-lover’s destination, my favorite food there is technically a drink – the Manmosa. A thirst-quenching (entire) bottle of champagne combined with sweet, ice-cold orange juice (pro tip: consider buying the to-go kit if you want to keep the party going at home using your own flavors outside of traditional orange juice!). Now, some would say the Manmosa is a meal in and of itself, but my real favorite food there satisfies my sweet tooth – Snickers Bar in a Jar. Picture a mason jar layered with house roasted peanuts, caramel, vanilla ice cream & chocolate ganache – all topped with sea salt!
Luxury: P6 (Austin, TX): Foodie or not, I dare say everyone will love this choice simply based on the incredible panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake alone! The more amazing thing is the quality of P6’s food matches the views – the former rooftop parking garage has been wonderfully transformed into one of the most luxurious brunch views that Austin has to offer. My favorite food there is the Bacon & Eggs with pork belly sambal, watermelon, and sunflower – an incredible combination of wide-ranging flavors! Another MUST TRY is their Shrimp & Grits with parmesan, serrano, and salsa verde. Here, you just sit back and enjoy the EVERYTHING!
Lunch
Local: Gyro Nook (Harker Heights, TX): With a refreshingly pleasant décor, locals can enjoy one of my favorite versions of Gyro: Hungarian Style! In the same way Tzatziki sauce makes Greek Gyros so perfectly tasty, here, Gyro Nook uses a Hungarian spicy and garlic sauce to adorn my favorite food – the Gyrozilla. For my fellow hungry-hungry hippos, I recommend getting the full wrap with both chicken and lamb, cucumber, onion, tomato, both cheeses (feta and cheddar) and garlic and spicy dressing (or hold the spicy for sensitive tastebuds). Another MUST TRY is their Gyro salad version: lettuce topped with your choice lamb or chicken, cucumbers, onions, tomato, cheese, croutons and choice of dressing. No matter what you get, it’s sure to be delicious!
Lit: North Italia (Domain, Austin): This high-energy dining experience comes with an incredible food and wine menu to match the restaurant’s open and spacious dining area. My favorite food is their house specialty – Bolognese with traditional meat sauce, tagliatelle noodle & grana padano cheese. Another MUST TRY is the white truffle garlic bread served with house made ricotta, mozzarella, grana Padano and herbs. I always recommend washing either down with any of North’s amazing wines!
Luxury: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille (Downtown, Austin, TX): This is the quintessential lunch destination for anyone I want to impress with either an incredible architectural backdrop (former bank with reserved dining in the vault!) or the best (and perhaps most famous) Texas pork chop of them all! My favorite lunch meal is served on Fridays: a thick (16 oz) pork chop. Topped with steak butter, Perry’s Friday Lunch Special is served with whipped potatoes and the must-have homemade applesauce for pairing perfectly with the pork. Another MUST HAVE is their signature dessert: Bananas Foster – sliced bananas flambéed with brown sugar, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg…served over vanilla ice cream. Pre-COVID, this delicious dessert came with a fun tableside preparation experience!
Dinner
Local: Cheeves Bros. Steakhouse (Temple, TX): Touting an old-world elegance (also situated in a former bank), it has a separate bar area with delicious drinks as well as two private dining areas in their mezzanine area – all apart from the main dining area, which is intimately lit at and at the center of it all. This dining experience comes with a full view of the kitchen, which seems a bit of a punishment as plate after delicious plate passes your table while you wait for your own! My favorite meal is their prime aged tenderloin filet served Oscar style. Another MUST TRY is their always delicious seafood bisque made of a creamy lobster reduction in sherry and fresh shellfish. You won’t be mad that you did!
Lit: Hestia (Austin, TX): This “Goddess of the Hearth” is a trendy, high-end dining experience treasured for its unique cooking style – a custom, 20 ft hearth that anchors the kitchen and dining rooms. Now, I’ve admittedly tried almost EVERYTHING on their menu, so choosing one favorite food is always difficult – but…I firmly stand behind my decision: the dry aged 12 oz wagyu ribeye. Served with Yukon gold potatoes, charred romaine, trout roe, burnt onion and jus, this meal is respected by all Austin meat-eaters. Another MUST TRY is their S’mores – a chocolate caramel mousse with oat biscuit and toasted meringue. Any of which are to die for!
Luxury: Red Ash Italia (Austin, TX): Yes, I do realize AFTER writing this, there happen to be several Italian restaurants listed, but let there be no mistake – Red Ash Italia is currently my FAVORITE one (however, Intero is the newest one in my life), but still…my favorite food is their small potato gnocchi “Gratinata” served with fresh cream, gorgonzola montagna, smoked prosciutto and chives. This meal takes me back to my grandma’s childhood cooking (shout out to Rome, NY and my N. Jay St. family…we made it!). Another MUST TRY is their Frutti di Mare – black and white spaghetti, cold water lobster, clams, shrimp, muscles, crushed San Marzano tomatoes and spicy grana crumbs. No matter what you choose, this comforting food will still feel like a hug from the inside!
And with that y’all, these are my best, current foodie recommendations for local, lit and luxury foods – I hope you enjoy!