Ideas to Help You Create Date Night Delights

January 29, 2023January 28, 2023 Tex Appeal staff

By Lisa Carlisle | Photos by Skeebo and courtesy of Jim and Cindy Hightower, Robert Hernandez, Blayr Barnard, Adam Yauk and Ashley Puente

Jim & Cindy Hightower | Dead Fish Grill

With stunning views of Lake Belton, Dead Fish Grill has been owned and operated by Belton residents Jim and Cindy Hightower since 2008.

Dead Fish Grill is an all-season venue, offering a patio to sip cool drinks while watching boats zip by on a hot summer day and an indoor dining area perfect for a cozy date night as the sun goes down, enjoying the warm ambiance of the focal fireplace ablaze in winter. Dead Fish serves up flavors of home with seafood comfort.

“Our customers favorite dishes are our catfish plates, shrimp tacos and seafood gumbo,” says Kayla Mitchell, Dead Fish Grill’s social manager.

What gives the food a special kick is the DFG secret seasoning that elevates each dish to a mouthwatering experience, leaving patrons wanting more. The staff is friendly and efficient whether you are dining with a small group or a large party. Dead Fish Grill also has private dining options in various secluded areas with packages to fit any budget. With it’s relaxing atmosphere and comforting food, Dead Fish Grill will be a place you return to again and again.

Plan ahead for Valentine’s Day packages, especially if you want sunset dining with a lake view and a flickering fire.

Dead Fish Grill
Address: 2207 Lake Road, Belton
Phone: 254-939-5771
Website: www.deadfishgrill.com

Robert Hernandez | Pignetti’s Italian Restaurant

Pignetti’s Italian Restaurant is the epitome of ambiance, luxury and quality dining in Temple, having been in business for 20 years. Pignetti’s is in the top 1,000 wine destinations in the world and has been recognized by Wine Spectator. The staff is expertly trained, the food is surprising and comforting. Robert Hernandez is the man behind the scenes who sends out the culinary delights that keeps patrons coming back.

Trained at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School after a career shift from Dell computers, Hernandez worked in kitchens at Disney World in Florida before moving to the Temple area meeting Clinton and Ledia Harwell, owners of Pignetti’s.

“I have developed my food and wine palate by learning from Clinton and his many culinary experiences,” Hernandez says. “Over the last nine years I have been able to pair food and wine from some fantastic winemakers in our monthly wine dinners.”

Pignetti’s serves heartwarming traditional Italian dishes working with Iron Table Wagyu to create an ethereal red wine-braised osso bucco.

The menu expands to offer Nona’s ribeye lasagna; layering pasta Bolognese with marinara and cheese. Candied bacon, alfredo, Mianonna’s Italian sausage, sauteed shrimp, and Pignietti’s signature sauces are a few of the key components to other outstanding dishes.

“We have built a relationship with our guests,” Hernandez says. “We are known for great food and great wine.” Pignetti’s is the ideal spot for a romantic Valentine’s date utilizing its soft music, candle light, delicate wines and savory dishes with something sweet for dessert to end the evening on the right note.

Pignettii’s Italian Restaurant
Address: 14 S. Second St., Temple
Phone: 254-778-1269
Website: www.Pignettis.com

Blayr Barnard | Barnard Beef Cattle Co.

Known as the Blue-Haired Beef Lady, Blayr Barnard, owner of Barnard Beef Cattle Co., managed a successful consulting program in Northwest Texas, Indiana, and Montana before returning to her family’s Coryell County ranch in 2015 to beef up business.

Barnard Beef offers bulk beef in whole and halves to help patrons save money. It also sells small boxes and accessories.

“The biggest difference in our business is that we try to make budgeting easy on people,” Blayr says. “We have a set price with a pound guarantee — you know exactly what you are going to pay the day you order.” This is what keeps many customers returning and branding Barnard beef as “best beef ever.”

“One of our mission points is to make money and share,” Blayr says. “I believe that to my core. We give $10,000 to $20,000 each year back to the communities we serve.”

Among Barnard Beef’s many options is grain-finished beef, which Blayr says offers the “tenderness of a choice plus or prime grade but with a more flavorful bite.”

Barnard Beef mixes its own rations for its cattle, enabling a lower percentage of corn, which reduces any gaminess while simultaneously allowing customers with corn allergies to buy their beef. Order a beef box for a date night in and enjoy cooking with your special someone.

Barnard Beef Cattle Co.
Phone: 254-223-3297
Website: www.texasbestbeef.com

Adam Yauk | Chef Flaco’s Gourmet Foods

Adam Yauk is a modern-day Renaissance man in the culinary world, offering personal chef services and owning Chef Flaco’s Gourmet Foods in Austin.

Yauk attended culinary school in Austin, graduating with honors before working in several four-star restaurants along the River Walk in San Antonio. Trained and mentored by chefs Stephen Paprocki and Scott Cohen, Yauk’s time in San Antonio cemented the intrinsic components that would bring life to Chef Flaco’s as well as his private dining experiences. Yauk has extensive knowledge and experience preparing a variety of cuisine ranging from Italian to French and Latin to Pacific Rim and Southwest delicacies.

“I customize my menus per the customer’s request or can design a menu for any occasion,” he says. “My customers like the exciting flavors and the elegant presentations I bring to the table. I always use the freshest ingredients and support farm to table whenever possible.”

A favorite dish is a Texas pecan-crusted pork tenderloin with a port wine and pomegranate reduction, a bacon jam-glazed filet mignon and seared diver scallops with black truffle beurre blanc.

Chef Flaco’s Gourmet Foods is the culmination of eight years of growth and diligence, offering a variety of spicy sauces, salsas, quesos, dips and homemade chips. Chef Flaco’s award-winning products designed by Yauk and sous chef Vincent McKight encourage locals to “Put some Flaco on your Taco!”

Enjoy a private dining experience in your own home as a Valentine’s surprise for your special someone, or host a party effortlessly as a master chef prepares signature dishes for your guests. Or spice up your own culinary delights with ingredients from Chef Flaco’s. Either way, Yauk’s expertise will guide you on a flavor adventure.

Chef Flaco’s Gourmet Foods
Address: 1217 S. First St., Suite A, Temple
Phone: 254-624-8499
Website: www.chefflacosgourmetfoods.com

Ashley Puente | Beauty Bar & Bash

Beauty, Bar & Bash with Ashley Puente will get your party started with private bar classes. Puente provides all the necessary tools, alcohol, mixers and garnishes for an amazing night of laughter and learning while she coaches you through the art of cocktail mixing.
From beginner to self-proclaimed expert, this class will be a hit for couples or a special galentines party with friends. Let Puente teach you how to serve up the fun.