When you think of gas station fare, gourmet is not typically the first word that comes to mind. Yet, Chef Point Café in Watauga, Texas, has turned this notion on its head, attracting food enthusiasts from far and wide.
In a classic episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Guy Fieri took us on a culinary journey to the unlikeliest of spots, where the cuisine of a five-star restaurant meets the convenience of a gas station.
Chef Point Café was born through grit, innovation, and determination. Owners Franson and Paula, who started over 30 years ago, had a dream of opening a restaurant that was initially thwarted by their lack of experience—at least in the eyes of the bank.
Instead, they were financed for a gas station and capitalized on the opportunity by offering a menu that transcended typical expectations. They didn’t just aim to sell snacks and fuel; they set out to serve up a gastronomic experience.
Guy Fieri, known for his love of bold flavors and unique eateries, was particularly impressed with the duck l’orange, a dish rarely associated with gas station dining. The process is meticulous, involving “duck acupuncture” to render the fat, seasoning with a plethora of spices, and roasting to perfection.
Each duck is treated to a two-hour roast, resulting in crispy skin and succulent meat. But the real game-changer is the homemade orange sauce—crafted with fresh orange juice, a variety of powders, and a generous addition of garlic butter—which transforms the dish into something truly special.
However, the duck is just one star on a menu bursting with unexpected choices, from escargot to fresh seafood. Each dish is a labor of love, designed to debunk any preconceived notions about gas station food.
The crab-stuffed fish and the pork chop, filled with tender crab cake mixture, elicited high praise from Fieri, emphasizing that every element, down to the sauce, is specially made.
And let’s not forget the bread pudding, a dessert that commands its very own fanfare. Fieri was spellbound by its preparation—a precise layering of French bread and a rich mixture of eggs, sugar, and cream—all baked to fluffy, golden-brown perfection.
Chef Point Café is more than just a place to fuel up. It’s a destination that proves with passion and creativity that exceptional food can be found in the most unexpected places. Fieri aptly summed it up when he said, “This really is something unique, something to be very proud of.”
See the whole clip here: