Oprah Names Perini Ranch's Tenderloin Among Her Favorite Things

If you live in the Big Country, you know all about Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap. For such a small town, Perini Ranch's food has been lauded by Texas Monthly, Forbes, The New York Times, and People. Its latest triumph comes from a more individualized endorsement from a certain daytime TV mogul.

That's right — Oprah Winfrey herself has included one of Perini Ranch's online store offerings, the Perini Ranch Mesquite Smoked Peppered Beef Tenderloin, in her list of Oprah's Favorite Things 2021.

Oprah has used her Favorite Things list has been recommending top-notch products ahead of the holiday season for the last 25 years, meaning most of the items are definitely a monetary investment and come with certain expectations when it comes to quality. The 2021 list focuses on celebrating, "small businesses, women-owned brands, and items created by people of color."

Perini Ranch's spot in the food items section is even more impressive given that this is the biggest Favorite Things list published to date, with 110 items total. The Tenderloin first made the "O List" in 2020.

For foodies, high-class holiday entertainers, and anybody who just wants to feel cool and cultured, investing $145 or more in the Perini Ranch Mesquite-Smoked Peppered Beef Tenderloin is worth it. A Perini classic since 1995, the two-and-a-half-pound tenderloin is smoked over mesquite wood to medium doneness, and then shipped overnight to ensure freshness and quality. It can pull its weight in the kitchen or as a gift; Oprah's Favorite Things list recommends warming it to room temperature to include in a charcuterie board, though you could definitely use it for more traditional dinner party fare or with seafood and salads.

In addition to their renowned restaurant and food items in the Country Market, Perini Ranch also does catering. Guest Quarters are available for lodging on-site at the Ranch, and The Gap Cafe offers house-made pastries and delicious breakfast and lunch options. You can visit them online here or in Buffalo Gap.