To celebrate Perini Ranch Steakhouse’s 40th anniversary, owners Lisa and Tom Perini invited friends, historians, ranchers and chefs to share their reflections on what makes this steakhouse so iconic. This collection of stories shows off history, hospitality, and hominy (green chile hominy that is) that have made Perini Ranch Steakhouse a Texas institution. Learn how a little steakhouse off the beaten path became synonymous with “Real Texas Food!†The tale of a cowboy cook and the best little steakhouse in Texas will capture the hearts and taste buds of fans around the globe. Produced in partnership with Texas Monthly Studio and Perini Ranch Steakhouse.
The Meet Me at the Wagon podcast is an incredible journey into the world of The Perini Ranch, a legendary steakhouse tucked away in Buffalo Gap, Texas. With its rich history and the mouthwatering food it offers, this podcast takes listeners on a captivating ride through the story of this iconic establishment. As someone who has been dining at The Perini Ranch since childhood, I can attest to the magic that surrounds this place, and this podcast allows me to delve even deeper into its fascinating past.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the storytelling. The hosts paint a vivid picture of The Perini Ranch and its founders, showcasing their passion and dedication to creating a truly authentic Texas experience. Through interviews with real ranchers and influential figures in the culinary world, we get to hear firsthand accounts of the hard work and commitment that goes into raising cattle and spreading Texan cuisine across the globe. These stories are not only entertaining but also educational, giving listeners a deeper appreciation for the roots of Southwestern Cuisine.
Another highlight of this podcast is its ability to capture the essence of The Perini Ranch dining experience. From descriptions of sizzling steaks cooked over open fires in old cast iron pots and pans to Sunday Fried Chicken buffets that bring back nostalgic memories, each episode leaves you craving a taste of Texas. The hosts' enthusiasm for the food is contagious, making you feel like you're right there enjoying a meal under the oak trees in Buffalo Gap.
While it's difficult to find any faults with such an engaging podcast, one minor drawback could be that some episodes may focus too heavily on specific interviews or events related to The Perini Ranch. While these segments are still interesting and contribute to the overall narrative, they might not be as relevant or appealing to those who are less familiar with the restaurant or its background.
In conclusion, Meet Me at the Wagon is an exceptional podcast that brings forth a unique slice of modern American life. Through captivating storytelling and interviews with influential figures in the culinary world, it offers an immersive experience into the history and flavors of The Perini Ranch. Whether you're a longtime fan or someone curious about Texas cuisine, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the Lone Star State.
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Food brings people together, but the wine gets them talking. Conversation over dinner and wine with Fess Parker and Dr. Richard Becker (Becker Vineyards) would lead to a new venture for Perini Steakhouse and Buffalo Gap. Ashley Parker Snider (Fess Parker Winery) and Dr. Richard Becker join to discuss the inception and importance of the Buffalo Gap Food & Wine Summit. Since 2005, they have sought to cultivate an appreciation of fine wine and food through education and industry discussion.
Over the last 40 years, Perini Ranch Steakhouse has catered numerous events, but few more memorable than that of September 11th, 2001. In this special episode, Tom and Lisa Perini share their unique perspective from the historic day as they prepared to cater the Congressional Picnic at the White House.
The flavors of southwestern cuisine may vary, but the chefs behind it share a passion for the community it brings. Friends, and the fathers of Southwestern Cuisine, Chef Dean Fearing (author of The Texas Food Bible) and Acclaimed Chef Stephn Pyles (12 time Outstanding Chef In America nominee by the Beard Foundation), call in to share their experiences in the food industry.
An offer to cater at the James Beard House launched Perini Ranch Steakhouse on a series of events that would bring their recognition to an international level. Tom and Lisa Perini recount core moments in the steakhouse's history that would put them on a trajectory that would add a whole new facet to the business; mail order beef. Special guest Marian Burros, former Food Editor at the New York Times, shares her discovery of a mixup that would lead to a prize-winning tenderloin.
When Tom Perini took over the family land, he would soon learn that ranching isn't for everyone. Jon Means, a Fourth generation rancher and past president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raiser's Association visits the ranch, along with fellow rancher and former director of the National Cattleman's Association, John Dudley. Settle in as these longtime friends talk about the importance of cattle ranching in Texas and in the country as a whole.
Before Buffalo Gap was host to Perini Ranch Steakhouse, thousands of buffalo would make their way through as part of the Great Western Trail. After a long day's ride, chuckwagons were an essential part to those driving the herds. Historian Jay Moore, author of Abilene A to Z and producer of the Abilene history documentary series History in Plain Sight, sheds some light on an age-old feud between Abilene and Buffalo Gap. Entertainer Red Steagall, the “Official Cowboy Poet of Texas,” joins Tom Perini to discuss life on the trail and chuckwagon culture.
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