 
Best Business Lunch
Surrounded by the white-collar district downtown, Augustino's wins (2 10th St.). Justice will be served - at least when attorneys stop in for lunch.
Augusta Magazine
October 08
Augusta Magazine
November/December 07
Casual Elegance on the River
Augustino's Italian Eatery and Prime Steaks
2 10th Street • (706) 823-6521
by Sherry Foster
For years Augustino's was known more for its splendid luncheon pasta bar than for its evening dinner fare. But five years ago, Marriott River-front Hotel General Manager Darryl Leech decided it was time to put the restaurant on the local map for its evening fare as well. So with the goal of trans¬forming Augustino's to a free-standing eatery with an identity beyond that of "hotel restaurant," he hired Texas-born Chef Tony Cortez to assist in redesigning the menu and culinary approach and bring that goal to fruition.
Chef Cortez's resume is impressive: a stint at the University of Houston's esteemed school of hotel and restaurant management followed by a stringent three-year apprenticeship with the U.S. Department of Labor and the American Culinary Federation in Dallas. From there he went to work for Hyatt, a relationship that took him to hotel kitchens in San Antonio, Austin, New Orleans, Washington D.C. and Aruba.
And now, five years later, Augustino's Italian Eatery and Fine Steaks is everything Leech envisioned: an elegantly casual restaurant that offers certified prime angus steaks and Northern Italian cuisine, expertly prepared and presented, rivaling that of the great food cities around the country. When combined with a wine list that has garnered the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence three years in a row and a well-trained service staff, you have a dining experience that's hard to beat.
Don't be put off by the awards and accolades. Augustino's isn't stuffy or snobby. 'We want our customers to be comfortable. They don't have to be dressed in suits and ties," says Leech. It's all about hospitality and making certain guests have an enjoyable experience.
Augustino's specialty is its prime angus steaks. From a bone-in rib-eye to prime flank to three sizes of filet mignon, you'll find your favorite cut grilled to perfection, accompanied by a choice of sides.
At the same time seafood lovers will find plenty of tempting possibilities. Pasta a la Antonio, a richly divine combination of bow-tie pasta, grilled chicken and julienne vegetables in an asiago cream sauce may be ordered in appetizer or entree size servings. And the classic Veal Marsala is also available with tuna. Plus there are a number of classic Italian favorites such as Linguine with Clams and Fettuccine Alfredo. The chef’s menu specials change seasonally depending on locally available ingredients such as braised lamb shank and oven roasted pork tenderloin. And there are regular specials that aren't listed on the menu.
To begin your meal with a bit of whimsy, try the Martini Salad: a generous serving of crisp romaine hearts, grape tomatoes, toasted pecans and gorgonzola crumbles, shaken (not stirred) in an oversize Incite martini shaker with citrus vinaigrette. Augustino's also offers tableside preparation of chef salad for two—a wonderful culinary tradition that has all but disappeared.
Be sure to save room for dessert. The extensive menu offers everything from light, fresh berries with sabayon to crème brule to a sinfully delicious chocolate bundt cake filled with caramel and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The serving size is definitely large enough to share.
If you haven't indulged the cuisine at Augustino's Italian Eatery beyond the admittedly wonderful luncheon pasta bar, you need to make plans to do so at the earliest possible time. You won't be disappointed.
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Augusta Marriott
