Chef-Owner Terron Henry delivers an authentic taste of his native Jamaica with spice-laden dishes that sing with traditional island flavors. Guy said the curried goat will make a convert out of anyone. “That is some of the most tender, flavorful and balanced curried goat I’ve ever had,” Guy declared after tucking into the meat. Henry marinates the goat with a heat-packed blend of housemade wet jerk and Madras curry powder, then cooks the meat in a seasoned curry sauce studded with carrots, onions and potatoes. A trio of sides (rice, cabbage and plantains) round out the plate. The exquisitely seasoned oxtails are another popular pick.
Husband-and-wife team Marcello and Pelusa Marini have perfected the art of the fried pastries that are a staple of their home country. They opened their first restaurant back in 1971 after immigrating to the United States from Argentina, and continue to draw the crowds today with their homemade empanadas. The menu is crowded with dozens of options stuffed with fillings both sweet and savory, but for a taste of an Argentinean classic, Guy recommends the beef gaucho empanada. The ground beef is artfully seasoned, layered with olives and then enveloped in a light and airy dough before being plunged into the deep fryer.
Chef-Owner Raymond Aker combines two seemingly disparate cuisines — sushi and barbecue — to make distinctive dishes that sing with bold, bright flavors. Take the surf-and-turf roll, for instance. The rice-wrapped roll is stuffed with snow crab, tempura-battered shrimp and avocado, then topped with a hefty slice of smoked brisket and spicy jalapeno slivers. The dish comes drenched in a wasabi-laced dressing that Guy says balances out the flavors. Also try the crisp, golden fries that come heaped with two Korean classics: bulgogi and kimchi.
Even in a state full of barbecue joints, this one stands out for its Big Mac Daddy. Layer upon layer of pulled pork and brisket are heaped onto a 24-inch bun, then loaded with sausage links, smothered with 2 kinds of sauces and crowned with 4 scoops of meat-studded macaroni and cheese for a seven-pound behemoth.
Valentina's manages to excel at both classic barbecue meats and Mexican staples like carnitas and fajitas. Make it there before 11 a.m. to enjoy The Real Deal Holyfield, one of the city's most-decadent culinary experiences and one that’s likely to knock you out for the rest of your day. The fried egg, beans, potato, bacon and tomato-serrano salsa are a meal unto themselves, but the dish enters a new realm of gluttony with a thick slice of fatty brisket.
Prince Lebanese Grill channels the flavors of the Mediterranean, with familiar classics such as falafel, shawarma and tabbouleh, and some things you may have never tried before. You must get the Middle Eastern Breakfast Pizza made with za'atar — a spice blend pesto pasted on a warmed pita.
If you're looking for a great sandwich, swing by Kenny & Ziggy's, the New York-style deli that's making all the classics. You'll find Yiddish favorites such as Mishmosh soup and 10-ounce pastrami sandwiches, plus the eight-decker mother of all deli sandwiches called The Zellagabetsky.
To taste the funky and weird side of Austin, Rachael gets a local tip to visit Maria's Taco Xpress with its bright murals and good cheap eats. Rachael ordered the popular migas breakfast tacos, but for dinner, it's all about the pollo guisado chicken tacos made with a smoky chipotle sauce.
The pizza at Dough Pizzeria Napoletana is so authentic, owner Doug Horn even has the L'Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana certificate to prove he serves bona fide Neapolitan pizza. Guy's visit was a lesson in "mega awesome," starting with the handmade mozzarella and the irresistible prosciutto.
At this burger joint Chef Kenny Mills is cooking up real deal burgers with a twist. The Chop House Burger has a mixed patty of brisket and beef, which Guy claims is "outstanding." Football player Earl Campbell loves the gumbo made with his sausage, crab and crawfish and served over rice.
Most people probably wouldn't expect to find amazing food at a restaurant connected to a car wash and a laundromat, but The Cove in San Antonio is home to some of the best lamb burgers Guy's ever had. Owner Lisa Avestas' fish tacos and mushroom quesadillas are hometown favorites.
Barbecue joints aren't hard to find in Texas, but San Antonio locals are still willing to drive 20 miles to Adkins to check out Texas Pride Barbecue. Guy recommends their #1 selling smoked brisket, which is made even better with a side of baked beans.
The Tip Top Cafe in San Antonio hasn't changed the menu much since it first opened over 70 years ago, but that's because there hasn’t been any reason to do so. Guy couldn't stop eating the open-faced roast pork and gravy sandwich, the beef enchiladas and the buttery fried shrimp.
At this eatery they're serving over 2000 burgers a week with a gourmet twist. The barbecue sauce in the half-pound Western Burger with pepper Jack, bacon, onion strings and jalapenos was the "kicker" according to Guy. He also enjoyed the venison and bison burger with a side of spicy fried pickles.
Where can you "eat while you shop and shop while you eat"? At this Russian comfort food eatery, of course! Chef Irina Pavlova, a Russian native, served Guy potato pancakes with meat inside, which he described as "crispy, creamy and salty." Customers also enjoy the cabbage rolls and Russian sweets.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.