G. Garvin heads to Houston, TX, for a reminder of what true Texas barbecue is. At Tin Roof, a family-friendly spot with live entertainment and a father/son team working the smokers, G. tastes a unique sandwich called the Texas Cheese Steak and tons of fixin's. For a quick sweet fix, G. visits the Original Kolache Shoppe who makes these Czech pastries like no other. Finally, for a new spin on barbecue, G. checks out the custom-made smokers at Pitmaker and joins owner Victor to make a perfect surf-n-turf.
G. Garvin explores Charleston, SC, a lovely busy city with a passion for quality and tradition. G. and Chef Chris Stewart of the Glass Onion cook a fresh and sophisticated pork belly dish. Tammy Karsada opens up her shop, Cakes by Kasarda, to G. when they make a fun cake from scratch. G. is then taken on a Lowcountry adventure with Shane Ziegler where they round up the seafood they'll need for a classic boil.
With a saying like "Keep Austin Weird," G. Garvin dives headfirst into the young and hip local food scene in Austin, TX, to see just what makes it special. Since you can't visit Austin without going to a food truck, G. gets to work at Tenderland, where he helps to make their fried pork tenderloin sandwich. He then makes a pit stop at Hoover's Soular Food Trailer where he tastes raw and healthy versions of Southern favorites. Lastly, G. heads to Frank where first bartender Tara shares The Red-Headed Stranger, the restaurant's take on a Bloody Mary before he works with head chef Jody on the jackalope sausage, a mix of jack rabbit and antelope.
In the mountains of North Carolina is the gorgeous hidden gem, Asheville. G. Garvin takes in the sights by ziplining through Appalachia before landing in the sophisticated kitchen at Cucina 24 where Chef and owner Brian Canipeli teaches him how to make ravioli from scratch. G. then explores the local scene gathering fresh ingredients at Chop Shop Butchery, Blue Water Seafood, the local farmers' market and a local brewery. He makes a great meal for all the shop owners he met along the way.
G. Garvin heads to Brooklyn to see what makes this borough so vibrant beginning with Pies 'N' Thighs, a Southern restaurant free of frills and pretension. G. joins the restaurant's owners to sample their fried chicken and fixin's, and gets the scoop on how Sarah Buck makes her sour cherry pear pie. G. then stops by the Burger Bistro and meets with chef and owner John to make his Ossobucco burger before making his own Brooklyn-worth creation. Finally, G. heads to Breukelen Distillery and visits with Brad Estabrooke who walks G. through the process of making their delicious gin.
G. Garvin is touring the food scene that rivals New York's in Hoboken, NJ, starting with 3Forty Grill where Chef Wally Weaver shares his special recipe for braised short rib. At Cava Winery, owners Deneah and Anthony give G. a tasting before he and Chef Michael use the Cava wine to cook a flavorful fish entree. Finally, G. visits Jersey institution Dickie Dee's where he sees how they make their famous Italian Hot Dog.
G. Garvin is checking out the best the bayou has to offer. His tour starts with proper etouffee in Breaux Bridge, LA, followed by true Texas-style and fall-off-the-bone ribs in Houston, TX, before stopping for food, drinks and music in New Orleans.
G. Garvin gets a taste of the up-and-coming food city Lafayette, LA, starting with a luscious and sophisticated brunch at the French Press and then a lesson in making a proper boudin at Johnson's Boucaniere. Later, G. finds himself teaching a lesson at the Accidental Chef Cooking School where he's inspired by local crawfish to create a quick jambalaya dish.
G. Garvin discovers the hard work and versatility of farm-to-table cooking in Raleigh, NC. He starts at Royal Oak Peanuts where he shares a peanut-inspired breakfast before preparing a meal using greens he helped picked at Coon Rock Farm.
In Richmond, G. Garvin meets with Chef Walter of Lemaire at the Jefferson Hotel for his take on the fried green tomato and Comfort restaurant, where Chef Jason shares his techniques on prepairing braised pork and sides. In nearby Glen Allen, Va., G. experiences a day in the life at Lavender Fields farm with owner Nicole before preparing a simple and summery skirt steak salad.