Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau

It's hard keeping up with all the distinctions marking the Amon Carter Museum of American Art's current  exhibition: Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey.

First off, with its nearly 50 art works by Bearden, it's got a desired heft and scope. Secondly, it's the first ever, comprehensive presentation of Bearden's work to be seen outside of New York City. Thirdly, it shows the artist tackling one of the more daunting themes in the canon of art subjects: Homer's Odyssey. And finally, the multi-media show includes a 15-minute video containing rarely seen footage and interviews with the artist.

The exhibit will reveal Bearden to be an American artist with a rare mastery of not only prints and watercolors, but, more importantly, collage as the disparate art forms and platforms for his signature blending of color. It also illuminates an artist with such a fearless approach to his craft that he based an entire chapter of his output around arguably the grandest work in classical mythology -- and constructed a provocative link between it and African-American history and culture.

The Carter is also determined to elevate the appreciation of the Bearden show by integrating a panoply of digital apps, accessible through any web-compatible device such as a tablet or smartphone. One of the iPad's apps even allows patrons to create from whole digital cloth various art works by manipulating Bearden's various collages. That app goes by the name: "Romare Bearden: Black Odyssey Remixes."  

Details: Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey -- Through August 11. Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth. Admission: free.

Looking ahead, the Carter has also announced its slate of Fall, 2013 exhibitions and it includes Color! American Photography Transformed which surveys how fine art color photography has been elevated to fully acknowledged high art status. Beginning in late September, the Carter will also offer John Albok's Neighborhood, displaying some of his personal photographic chronicle of the artist's neighborhood, with special emphasis on the children he saw.  And October brings Hotel Texas: An Art Exhibition for the President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy which, in marking the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination, the Carter will reassemble almost all of the works that were initially delivered and exhibited in the president's Hotel Texas suite. This original collection of works was initially curated by Ruth Carter Stevenson, the former president of the Amon Carter board, who passed away this year.  Finally in October, the Carter will mark the 100th anniversary of the death of the Mexican artist, Jose Guadalupe Posada, with Hombre! Prints by Jose Guadalupe Posada, a show of in excess of 50 of Posada's signature male figures. On view will be Posada's special rogue's gallery of lovers and matadors, fugitives, demons and outlaws.

When it's 80 degrees out in the City of Cowboys and Culture, and there's a nice cool breeze floating through the air, there's no better place than a good patio. When in Fort Worth, anything better than a good patio is a great rooftop spot where you can take in the sights and sounds of our buzzing city. Whether you're looking for a beautiful bird's eye view of Sundance Square, TCU or the Stockyards, there's plenty of options!

Live Oak This Near Southside rooftop bar and patio on Magnolia Ave. has a fabulous view of the downtown Fort Worth skyline, 50 beers on tap, and an inventive menu of burgers, sandwiches and entrée salads that far exceeds the usual “bar food.” If you're looking for a change of pace, head downstairs for a sit-down dinner or casual concert hall which showcases marquee-name touring acts in a 500-seat superbly engineered auditorium. 

Dutch's Named after legendary TCU coach Leo “Dutch” Meyer, Dutch’s is a lively TCU-area hangout known for its all-natural, juicy-not-greasy burgers. Whether you're looking for a spot to pre-game or a casual weeknight dinner with family or friends, Dutch's patio is the place to be. Be sure to check out their weekly specials, (including 1/2 price Dutch Burger on Tuesdays) here.

Love Shack Iron Chef winner and owner Tim Love has created a gourmet burger joint featuring outdoor seating, live music, and a menu that will have you coming back for more! Love Shack has two locations, the Stockyards and the University area, but the Love Shack Stockyards offers an unforgettable view of the world-famous Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards National Historic District! Grab a beer, and get a spot for the twice-daily Cattle Drive (11:30a, 4p)!

Reata Restaurant is not just famous for their down-home cowboy cuisine, but their living-room type ambiance downstairs mixed with the cocktail-party atmosphere upstairs, makes this place perfect for any occasion. Overlooking Sundance Square (and the new plaza this fall), the Reata Rooftop is one of the top Fort Worth spots to take in the city sights and enjoy cocktails with friends! Be sure to share the starter sampler for a true taste of Texas! 

Capital Bar With the additions of the Backyard and the Back House, Capital Bar is one of the top music venues in DFW in addition to having an incredible rooftop bar that offers a spectacular view of the downtown skyline on one side and the park-like Fort Worth Cultural District on the other. Before you go, check out their Summer Music Series on Wednesday nights presented by 95.9 the Ranch! 

Hundreds of years ago, settlers who came to Fort Worth were greeted by rolling prairies for as far as the eye could see. Today, those welcoming fields have been replaced by growing cities and towns, but Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) remembers this heritage and culture with the annual celebration of Prairie Day.

BRIT's Prairie Day offers family-friendly education about the beauty and importance of the North Texas landscape through hands-on events and activities that kids will love. Kids will be encouraged to get a little dirty as they help to make seed balls, a Prairie Day tradition. Using a Native American technique, visitors will combine seeds, humus, and red clay into tiny packets of life that will be tossed into the fields surrounding  BRIT to populate the area with native plants. Imagine the fun of returning to the BRIT next spring to see the plants you helped to grow!

Other activities throughout the day will combine fun family games with opportunities to learn about nature, including face painting, balloon twisting, and a variety of games provided by the Log Cabin Village.  In addition, live music and cowboy poets will be on hand to entertain the crowd. 

Don't miss these other great activities:

• Beekeeping demonstrations
• Soap and candle making
• Children’s coloring contest
• Basket Weaving
• Solar Cooking Demonstrations
• Meet two special guest prairie dogs

The 3^rd annual Prairie Day event will be held on Saturday, May 18^th from 10 am to 2 pm at BRIT Headquarters 1700 University Drive.

“You’ve never had the Black Forest Cake at Swiss Pastry Shop?” my friend asked in disbelief, as we were driving around last week searching for a lunch spot.

And before I could even protest that I’m not a huge chocolate fan (and that I really don't think chocolate mixes well with cherries), he pointed his car towards Vickery Blvd.

The Swiss Pastry Shop  is a longstanding institution on the Fort Worth dining scene, opened in 1973. It serves up breakfast and lunch diner staples, with a strong German slant. (Think lots of bratwurst, knackwurst, and Polish sausage.) But what usually compels locals to make the detour there is the bakery and pastry counter at the front, and especially the famous Black Forest Macaron cake, which the owners dub "The UnCake."

And, as it turns out, my weird chocolate-and-cherries phobia was entirely misplaced. The traditional Black Forest Cake has layers of chocolate cake separated by some sort of whipped cream, frosting and cherries concoction, with still more cherries on top – it usually looks like this. The Swiss Pastry Shop version ($2.50 per slice), however, has no cherries at all, and the cake layers are actually a crispy, impossible light meringue. The layers are divided by whipped cream and a generous portion of thin chocolate shavings, which also goes on top.

It isn’t at all heavy or cloyingly sweet – before I could finish one bite, I was determined to have another. My friend has a tradition of ordering a full cake every year for his birthday (prices range from $17.25 to $100.25, depending on size). Now that I’ve been belatedly turned on this local culinary wonder, I will likely be following his routine.

Meanwhile, the whole experience got me thinking about how dessert can often be the best part of any meal – and wondering about other Fort Worth restaurants that have stand-out offerings. A few other favorites leaped to mind:

Reata offers dessert tacos with bananas and chocolate "gravy" – an ingenious twist on the Tex-Mex classic.

The late Nora Ephron, who had a famous policy of ordering multiple desserts ("You should always have at least four desserts that are kind of fighting with each other"), would have especially liked Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana, where I can never decide between the key lime goat cheesecake and the gourmet twist on churros. 

And, of course, there's the inimitable, innumerable pies by Paris Coffee Shop – my favorite is the coconut cream.

Use the comments field below to tell us about your favorite desserts. Because as much as great desserts should be relished, they should also be shared. 

The Swiss Pastry Shop is open 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday to Friday; 7:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. Full cakes should be ordered in advance. 

“The prairie, in all its expressions, is a massive, subtle place, with a long history of contradiction and misunderstanding.  But it is worth the effort at comprehension.  It is, after all, at the center of our national identity.” – Wayne Fields

On May 18, a variety of local organizations will descend upon the Botanical Research Institute of Texas® (BRIT) for a day of free family-friendly fun that celebrates the history and beauty of the North Texas landscape. Known as “Prairie Day”, the annual celebration focuses on BRIT’s acre-and-a-half of restored prairie habitat, which is filled with the native plant life that would have covered Fort Worth almost two hundred years ago.

Prairie Day began in 2010 when seed balls were created to help populate BRIT’s new campus meadow with a variety of native flowers and grasses. Seed balls are a Native American tradition, consisting of tiny modules that contain all the ingredients needed to give seeds a little help getting started in their new habitat – seeds, humus, dried powered red clay and sand. After being mixed with water and rolled into spherical shapes, seed balls literally become tiny gardens waiting to happen.

Local Dallas-Fort Worth organizations will also be participating in Prairie Day, including the Fort Worth Zoo, Metro Bee Keepers Club, and Blackland Prairie Raptor Center. The Log Cabin Village, a living history museum located just south of BRIT in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, will be offering a variety of activities including paper flower-making, spinning, and games. Other pioneer-themed demonstrations include making mesquite flower, acorn leeching, soap and candle making, solar oven cooking, composting, basket weaving, and gourd art.

Prairie Day visitors will have the opportunity to visit discovery booths, which will be representative of a variety of local environmental causes, including the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, the River Legacy Foundation, the Fort Worth Prairie Park, Texas Bluebird Society, and many more. Finally, performances will be staged by the Bearclaw Singers and Dancers, cowboy poet Lanny Joe Burnett, Prairie Divas & The Outlaw. Live music by 3 Fools on 3 Stools will culminate in a barbeque lunch at noon.

New to Prairie Day this year are two special guests: a pair of prairie dogs from Lubbock-based organization Citizens for Prairie Dogs. BRIT has been hosting a competition to name these special guests on their Facebook and Twitter pages, and the person who contributed the winning name submissions will receive several prizes, plus a one-on-one meeting with BRIT’s furry friends.

A Celebration of Texas History

At one time, the Texas landscape could boast about 20 million acres of tallgrass prairie. According to the Native Prairies Association of Texas, in the early 1800s the tallgrass prairie ecosystem extended across the heartland of the United States, from southern Canada through Fort Worth-Dallas before continuing south to San Antonio. (Texas’ Blackland Prairie and Grand Prairie subregions are included in this.) Before settlers arrived, the prairie was home to a variety of plant life and grazing animals, from buffalo and deer to rabbits and prairie dogs. The native grasslands protected watersheds across the Texas plains, increasing water infiltration and yield, as well as reducing erosion and reservoir sedimentation.

Today, less than 1% of that historic tallgrass prairie remains due to a combination of suburban sprawl, plowing for row-crop agriculture, and overgrazing by livestock. In fact, the tallgrass prairie is considered by the National Park Service to be one of the most endangered large ecosystems in the world.

Restoring a Prairie

The acre-and-a-half of prairie that resides next to BRIT’s sustainable, LEED-certified headquarters has proven incredibly beneficial to researchers hoping to study and preserve this disappearing ecosystem. For example, it allows BRIT researchers to learn the most safe, effective, and practical way to control the spread of invasive species such as Johnson grass (introduced from the Mediterranean region), King Ranch Bluestem (an invasive exotic grass from Asia), and Bermuda grass (a native of Asia and northeast Africa). BRIT’s prairie is also undergoing a soil remediation and regeneration project, in which different areas of the prairie are dusted with a combination of prairie soil and compost tea intended to inoculate the soil with the microbes and bacteria that are present in healthy native prairies. “The posts in the field mark the areas of different experimental treatments,” explains Dr. Will McClatchey, BRIT Vice President and Director of Research. “All of the treatments use native soil from a donor prairie site in the same watershed as BRIT. The donor soil has been processed in different ways – simply spread onto the surface of the BRIT soil, or fermented to produce a liquid that was then spread on the surface of the BRIT soil. A third choice has been to add no donor soil. Our prediction is that one of the donor soil additions will prove to be more effective at promoting prairie soil regeneration than not adding any donor soil at all.” With time and a little patience, BRIT’s prairie research will eventually prove beneficial not only for scientists, but for others who wish to manage urban grasslands.

Going Back to Basics

BRIT’s building, completed in 2011, seems brand new when compared to the legacy of the land that it stands on. And ultimately, that legacy is what the organization’s celebration of Prairie Day is all about.

“There is value in native plants, in terms of their relevancy to the history of Texas, but native plants have more value in contemporary times in terms of their effects on water, soil, and conservation in general,” says Tammie Crole, BRIT’s Head of Membership. “BRIT’s prairie demonstrates that beauty is not just defined by fancy green lawns. There is another way to save water and to maintain the integrity of the landscape, and that’s going back to the basics, filling our environment with plants that naturally grow here and belong here, as they have for hundreds of years. Prairie Day is more than a celebration of Fort Worth’s historical past. It’s a reminder that we have to be good stewards of our own lawns, our own natural resources, and our own landscapes.”

In the same breath as you utter the Kimbell Art Museum, what usually trips off the tongue are so many of the master artists that are the pride of its permanent collection: From Caravaggio, Velazquez, David, Rubens, El Greco, and La Tour, to Cezanne, Matisse, Murillo, Bernini and, of course, the first-painting believed to have been executed by a brashly talented, young artist named Michelangelo. And this constellation of European greats totally omits the museum's exquisite holdings of African, Asian, African and precolumbian art.

But it isn't often that the Kimbell serves as the podium -- or canvas -- from where one can appreciate art from the Andes. Until now. With Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes, opening June 16, the museum will acquaint patrons with the creative force of the Wari people, the actual ancestors to the better known Incas. It is the first North American exhibition of its kind and it will transport patrons back to between 600 and 1000, when the Wari people created what many deem to have been Peru's first empire.

Containing 145 objects, the exhibit will run the gamut of media and materials the Wari worked in -- from precious metal ornaments, ceramics from polychrome, to joyously colorful mosaics, objects formed of sculpted stone and wood, and lushly woven clothing that constitute some of the most expertly executed textiles in what would form the illustrious tradition of Andean textile artistry.

Details: Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes -- From June 16-September 8, 2013 at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. www.kimbellart.org    

Other upcoming Kimbell Art Museum exhibitions and events to look forward to:

The Age of Picasso and Matisse: Modern Masters from the Art Institute of Chicago - October 6, 2013- February 16, 2014. This exhibition marks the grandest loan of its kind from the celebrated Art Institute of Chicago. Among the treasures, culled from the first 50 years of the 20th century, will be 10 works by Picasso, 10 by Matisse, in addition to great pieces by Braque, Juan Gris, Chagall, and Mondrian among many others. The Kimbell will be the only venue for this exceptional and landmark show.

Opening of the new Renzo Piano Pavilion -- November 27, 2013. The much anticipated new pavilion by one of the world's most sought-after architects will permit the Kimbell to host world-class touring exhibitions at the same time that it still has its permanent collection up for view in its classic Louis Kahn-designed original building. The glass, concrete, and wood-constructed pavilion will not only include plentiful classroom space, a well-stocked library, but also a 298-seat auditorium that is sure to become the next acoustically pristine music venue for Fort Worth music lovers. 

Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK

Occupation: Innkeeper

Ideal Day in Fort Worth:  85 degrees with light winds!

How would you describe Fort Worth to a visitor? Small enough to keep the “home town” and intimate feel, but large enough to have much to offer.

What do you like most about working in the tourism/hospitality industry? Having the ability to bless a couple by providing them with the ultimate romantic experience.

What is the biggest surprise visitors have about Fort Worth? That there is so much to do; it is the City of Cowboys and Culture! 

What makes Fort Worth different than any other destination? It is a self-contained city with diverse offerings, yet is just a short distance to many major attractions.

We showed you how to discover the Cultural District on a budget, and now it's time for some Sundance Square savings tips and how to visit downtown Fort Worth on a dime. When looking for free attractions in Downtown and Sundance Square, it is almost harder to find an attraction that does charge. This family-friendly Fort Worth area has plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered by you and your family. Don’t forget to stop in our Downtown Visitor Center in Sundance Square for more savings: iFortWorth, located at 508 Main St.

Attractions:

• Bass Hall – Free tour on Saturdays at 10:30am
• Sid Richardson Museum – Free
• Fire Station #1 – Free
• Fort Worth Water Gardens – Free
• JFK Tribute – Free
• Heritage Trails – Free
• Sundance Square is always free to visit but check out their website and sign up for “Inside the Square” newsletter for additional discounts to be delivered straight to your email.

Most people eat something small for lunch and then consider dinner to be the larger meal of the day. Why not switch it up? Lunch menus often offer the same items but at a discounted price. Then check out a Happy Hour for dinner. Next time your in downtown Fort Worth, consider these dinner Happy Hours:

Taverna Pizzeria and Risotteria

• Monday-Friday 3:00 - 8:00 p.m., which includes Half-price Appetizers & Pizza /Well Drinks, Draught Beer, Bellini, House Red & White Wine $3.00 (Available in the bar and lounge)
• Wednesday Night-Enjoy 1/2 price bottles of wine with items off our regular menu or specials board (4:00 - 10:00)

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

• Happy Hour Sizzle, Swizzle, Swirl – The best of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse food and drinks for $7 Monday-Friday.

T and P Tavern

• Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4:00-7:00 and all day on Sunday.

Frankies Sports Bar & Grill

• Happy Hour 11:00AM-7:00PM week days
• Check out their website for daily specials!

Looking for a free way to get around? Molly the Trolley runs seven days a week from 10am-10pm. Check out Molly’s routes here! Don’t forget about Fort Worth’s brand new Bike Sharing too – there are several bike stations all over downtown for easy access! Check our out Deals & Discounts for more ways to save in Downtown!

Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana / Fort Worth, Texas

Occupation: Guest Service Champion Holiday Inn Express Western Center

Ideal Day in Fort Worth: Whether it is with your spouse, family or friends, an ideal day in Fort Worth is to begin your journey at the Fort Worth Amon Carter Museum of American Art. There you can enjoy the different art works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell the two greatest artists of the American West and it is free of charge. You also can enjoy walking hand and hand through the Botanic Garden occasionally stopping to take pictures of the beautiful colorful plants that flourish in the garden. Very romantic. When you get hungry you must sit down and enjoy a juicy steak at the Internationally Renowned Cattlemen's Fort Worth Steak House. After enjoying your day in Fort Worth you can end your journey by checking in to the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Western Center and relax in one of our comfortable beds.

How would you describe Fort Worth to a visitor? Fort Worth is a city that values its sometime wild and wooly Western heritage. It is a cultural heritage that revolves around world-class museums and art venues. There are many hot spots in Fort Worth; to name a few; Billy Bob's the world's largest honky tonk, Downtown /Sundance Square Plaza the most exciting downtown in Texas, Texas Christian University a private, coeducational university in Fort Worth and Joe T. Garcia's is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Fort Worth. Landmarks: Fort Worth Water Gardens is a unique free attraction located on the south end of downtown Fort Worth, Bass Performance Hall is the premier venue for performing arts and other attractions and St. Patrick's Cathedral was constructed from 1888-1892 is the oldest continuously used church building in Fort Worth.

What do you like most about working in the tourism/hospitality industry? I like the ideal that I get the chance to meet and greet many people from different states and country’s. To tell them about all the great things they can do in Fort Worth and all the wonderful things we have to offer.

What is the biggest surprise visitors have about Fort Worth? The biggest surprise I have heard visitors speak about is when they visited the Stockyards. They would always say, “I have never seen cowboys drive a herd of longhorn cattle down a street.” A city with a country feel.

What makes Fort Worth different than any other destination? I think the welcoming hospitality and the friendliness of the people is what makes Fort Worth different from any other destination. Fort Worth has a climate of opportunity for business, education and creativity. This is one of the reasons why my family and I decided to live here.

Hometown: Originally from the Austin TX area, I moved to Fort Worth about 6 years ago.

Occupation: Area Director of Sales for the Hampton Inn and Residence Inn Fort Worth Alliance Airport

Ideal Day in Fort Worth: I have two small boys who love the outdoors just as much as I do.  A typical day in Fort Worth would be to grab lunch at Central Market at Fort Worth's West Side. The boys love the slide so we would then head over to Trinity Park to play on the playground and enjoy a ride on the Train!  We may catch dinner at Jakes Burgers and then walk it off with a nice stroll in Sundance Square.

How would you describe Fort Worth to a visitor? Fort Worth is a rapidly growing city with a smalltime feel. This city has reserved the culture of "Where the West Begins" offering live bull riding, cattle drives, the best shops for western wear and the best country dancing ever!  Fort Worth also offers Scat Jazz Lounge, the best spot for Jazz, The Bass Concert Hall to catch an opera, an array selection of museums and a diverse selection of restaurants- City of Cowboys and Culture!

What do you like most about working in the tourism/hospitality industry? Every day is an adventure in this industry. One day, I could be in the dining room to assist with cleaning tables and picking up dishes. In the next few minutes, I'm back on the phones or in my car to find new business opportunities. I meet new people on a daily basis and each day offers a new batch of challenges. At the end of the day, "another satisfied customer!" and that's the most rewarding part of my career!

What is the biggest surprise visitors have about Fort Worth? There's so much to do in Fort Worth and it has something for everyone!

What makes Fort Worth different than any other destination? Fort Worth is an extremely diverse city offering a small-town feel with so much to do  including adult nightlife, entertainment for the family, bull riding to catching an play at the concert hall.

There is nothing quite like the joy that comes from a family bike ride. With every turn, not only do you travel forward, but you also keep the air clean, get some exercise, and join a global community of riders who are traveling the miles using pedal power. 

Be a special part of the biking community this Saturday, May 18^th as you join with bicycling enthusiast Mayor Betsy Price and the bike patrol of the FWPD for the annual Southside Bike Ride. A leisurely ride through Fort Worth’s Near Southside neighborhood kicks off at 9:00 am at One Safe Place, 777 W. Rosedale St. raising awareness for safe bicycling practices for participants of all ages. At the end of th ride, families will enjoy a kid’s bike rodeo, booths promoting family health, and a special chance to meet local police officers and firefighters. You can even get your picture taken with the Chief of Police.

The event is free and you can register online or at the event on Saturday morning.  Don’t forget to grab your $10 commemorative T-shirt, proving that you and your family are bicycling rock stars. All proceeds from the event go to support the FWPD bike patrol in purchasing new equipment and fund special training.  For more family fun in Fort Worth, visit our Family-Friendly page.

Drop me in any foreign country, and radar takes over: It won't take me long at all to find the fancy cheese shop.

Sharp or creamy, blue or brie, sheep's milk or cow's or goat's -- I'm hard-pressed to find a cheese I don't like (though as my sometimes-empty wallet can attest, some I like much better than others). There's something especially tantalizingly about buying cheese at an off-the-beaten track fromagerie, where the proprietor takes particular care sourcing the cheeses, and has a long list of suggestions and samples for you to try.

Until recently, though, I've mostly had to do my cheese shopping at some of the Fort Worth gourmet grocery stores and shops, like Central Market or Oliver's Fine Foods -- not that I'm complaining, but those places lacks that intimate personal touch that you can find at a specialty artisan shop. Needless to say, then, I was very excited when Magnolia Cheese Company opened its doors earlier last December on bustling Magnolia Avenue. 

Who needs to jet off to Paris or Brussels when you have a charming little neighborhood spot like this one in the Near Southside and cheeses so good that you'll have an impossible time picking just one or two to take home? 

Magnolia Cheese Company actually doubles as a cafe, where you can order from the blackboard menu such sandwich options as the Gouda and Pork (which features gouda cheese, proscuitto, smoked bacon, sweet chili saw and pickled red onion) and the Fraiche Fish (which features horseradish creme fraiche, house-cured salmon lox and avocado), as well as salads, soups and a regularly changing line-up of daily specials. If you're looking to sample some of the shops cheeses, you can also opt for a five-cheese tasting plank ($16). 

On our recent visits, though, we were searching for a couple cheeses that we might take home and enjoy before dinner. After sampling a couple of different blue cheeses, we settled on the Point Reyes blue, made in California, an exceptionally creamy cheese that also has a nice tangy bite to it ($10/ per half pound); and since you can't just stop at one, we also purchased a wedge of the Alta Langa Cravanzina, a soft-ripened cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy, made from a mixture of sheep's and cow's milk. It has a soft rind, a creamy center, and a lingering hint of earthiness ($15.45 per half-pound). 

Magnolia Cheese Company also has a nice selection of wines -- you get a $15 discount on bottles if you're purchasing to take away. We opted for an Italian red, which paired nicely with both cheeses – so nicely, in fact, that when we got home, we skipped dinner altogether and just gobbled up our cheeses. Here's hoping this is just the start of a cheese shop boom in Fort Worth.

Magnolia Cheese Company is open: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.,  Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday

Top Left Photo: Sample Catering Platter from Magnolia Cheese Co.

Most often, I come away from an opera with a remnant of an aria flitting around my inner ear, and an uplifting skip in my gait. Rarely do I look back on a gut-level, visceral experience -- where I've been riveted, moved, and finally provoked to consider the unrelenting toll of war and captivity, betrayal, the double-edged sword of forgiveness, and the ultimate challenge of rebuilding a shattered life. 

But it's precisely that meaningful and dark collage of feelings that coalesced in me at the conclusion of the Fort Worth Opera Festival's performance of Glory Denied. With its "based on a true story" imprimatur, Glory Denied, (music and libretto by Tom Cipullo) is inspired by the agonizing Vietnam War experiences of Colonel Floyd James (Jim) Thompson, whose name is engraved in contemporary military history for being America's longest held P.O.W. Over nine-years, Thompson endured unspeakable suffering, from failed escape attempts, physical torture, to the more invisible, psychological toll of prolonged loneliness and that agonizing feeling that everyone had forgotten him. When he is finally released, the euphoria of his new freedom is tempered by how drastically the world has changed, and the challenge of making his place in such a foreign world.

Fort Worth Opera's staging of Thompson's story is suitably stark, with the captive, "young Thompson" (David Blalock) sharing one-half of the stage with his post-captivity "older Thompson" self (Michael Mayes). The other half of the stage also plays with biographical time as it is home to "young Alyce" (Sydney Mancasola) or Thompson's wife at the time of his Vietnam service, and, a decade older Alyce (Caroline Worra), reduced to gazing nostalgically at letters and other fragments of a happier time, but who is now trying to cope with the stranger that is her freed, war-addled spouse.

Set in the intimate, semi-in-the-round confines of McDavid Studio, the opera permits each audience member to witness at close range time skipping from young Thompson's desultory jail cell (the opera's nimble, 12-piece chamber orchestra provides the slap of a torturer's whip across his back), to young Alyce, whose relatively upbeat mood is conveyed by her soaring voice and the sunniness of her robin's egg-blue dress. Then the spotlight lands on the "older Thompson," in a frumpy yellow sweater, trying to comprehend the '70s America he's re-entered. Finally, the agile light lands on the "older Alyce," reduced to ripping off what looks to be days in a calendar, like a wound's scabs, as she marks time spent wondering if her husband will ever come home.

When Thompson finally does return, to a hero's welcome, it sets up the opera's high point, a bravura solo by  Mayes who, in a passage echoing Billy Joel's We Didn't Start the Fire, and R.E.M.'s It's the End of the World, reels off a vast litany of all the totems of the early 70's (mini-skirts and Roe v. Wade, Patty Hearst and leisure suits, to Stonewall, Playboy, and Richard Nixon) most of them punctuated by the era's great counter-cultural motto:  "Turn on, tune in, drop out."

By the end of the opera, the audience is left with the hypnotic use of projected black and white scrap-book pictures of the real Jim Thompson, on the battlefield, and reunited with his family. This montage precedes the opera's ultimate scene of a near-broken Thompson, all but flailing about the stage, as he blurts out the dilemma of everyday existence ultimately facing us all: "What to do today?" followed by his feeble solution: "One day at a time." 

Glory Denied delivers powerfully on its title as the light slowly fades on a crumpled Thompson, one of the American military's great war heros, for whom life after wartime may be his most daunting battle. 

Details: Glory Denied plays May 11 at McDavid Studio, 301 East 5th Street, Fort Worth. Sung in English. As it runs about 90 minutes, there is no intermission.

Hometown: Fort Worth

Occupation: Concierge 19 years

Ideal Day in Fort Worth: Breakfast at The Paris Coffee Shop, a visit to the Sid Richardson Museum (free of charge), a visit to the Water Gardens (free of charge thank you very much!), Lunch at Esperanzas (not free of charge), cruise down University with stops at the museums, the zoo, the flea market, Botanical Gardens (free of charge), a drink al fresco at The Woodshed, pass through TCU and look at our new football stadium and continue up to 7th Street and close out the day with bowling at Lucky Strike in West 7th.

How would you describe Fort Worth to a visitor? Somewhere you need to be right now.

What do you like most about working in the tourism/hospitality industry? It's always fun to surprise people with information about my hometown (i.e., Amelia Earhardt's plane, The Electra, was built at Lockheed!).

What is the biggest surprise visitors have about Fort Worth? Most are surprised at the great variety of food options in Fort Worth, i.e: Del Frisco's, Ellerbe Fine Foods, or a food truck at the Ballpark. 

What makes Fort Worth different than any other destination?We have an extremely eclectic selection of things to do. (NASCAR, Six Flags, Lone Star Park, Opera at the Bass, Golf at Colonial, or ski, sail, fish or enjoy a quiet sunset at one of our many great lakes).  You could live here your entire life and not see everything there is to see.

Hometown: Vicksburg, Mississippi

Occupation: Dual Sales Manager for Residence Inn Cultural District and TownePlace Suites Downtown Fort Worth

Ideal Day in Fort Worth: Shopping in the Cultural District, lunch outside at Joe T. Garcia's, and happy hour in the Stockyards!

How would you describe Fort Worth to a visitor? A city with the perfect mixture of culture, Texas heritage, history, artistic flare, fantastic food, and of course, fun!

What do you like most about working in the tourism/hospitality industry? What I like most about working in the hospitality industry are the lasting relationships that I get the chance to build daily.

What is the biggest surprise visitors have about Fort Worth? That we're NOT Dallas! Just having a little fun, but seriously, that Fort Worth is so hospitable, welcoming, and easy to work with!

What makes Fort Worth different than any other destination? The mix of wonderful people. Where else can you see a cowboy in the Stockyards and a gentleman in a tuxedo going to a symphony at Bass Hall, at the same time!
 

In my opinion, there's no better gift than that of an sharing an amazing meal at one of Fort Worth's hottest brunch spots with someone you love. If you're looking for something a little less traditional to do with your mom in Fort Worth on her special day, we've come up with a few ideas for you. Nothing says Cowboys and Culture like a horseback ride along the Trinity Trails and afterwards, perusing any of the five world-class museums—all within walking distance—within Fort Worth's park-like setting of the Cultural District. Maybe your mom is an animal lover, and in that case, adopting an animal in her name from the Fort Worth Zoo, is sure to make a memorable gift. There are few moms who don't enjoy a good find, let alone in an incredible antique mall, so check out Montgomery Street Antique Mall and enjoy lunch in the Secret Garden Tearoom. If your mom just prefers (and deserves) to be pampered, you can't go wrong with a gift certificate to the Mokara Spa at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. 

If you're with me, and agree that brunch offers the best of both lunch and breakfast worlds, check out our top ten picks for Best Mother's Day Brunch in Fort Worth. Whether you choose brunch in Downtown, Near Southside or the Cultural District, there's plenty to see and do this Mother's Day! Call ahead for reservations. 

Downtown / Sundance Square 

Cantina Laredo - Mother's Day Brunch; 11a-3p.

Cast Iron - Mother's Day Brunch at the Omni Hotel; 10a-2:30

Grace - Mother's Day Brunch and Lunch; 11:30a–1:30p.

Reata Restaurant - Sunday Mother's Day Brunch; 11a-2:30p.

Near Southside

Brewed Fort Worth - Mother's Day Brunch with Free mimosas for mom; 9:30a-2:30p.

Cat City Grill - Mother's Day Brunch; 10:30a-12:30p

Ellerbe Fine Foods -  Mother's Day Brunch; 10:30a-2:00p. 

Cultural District 

Café Modern - Brunch at the Modern Art Museum;10a-3p.

Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana - Mother's Day Brunch; 10:30a-2p.

The Gardens Restaurant - Mother's Day Brunch at the Botanical Gardens; 10a-3p.

Hometown: Martha originally from Lubbock, TX & Richard from Lake Jackson, TX

Occupation:  Owners/Innkeepers of Azalea Plantation B&B for 20 years

Ideal Day in Fort Worth: Wake up in your lovely, quiet room at the Azalea Plantation B&B to the aroma of fresh coffee and a gourmet hot breakfast awaiting you in the dining room.  After breakfast, head over to I-30 & Montgomery to browse through artfully displayed aisles of treasures from the past at Montgomery Street Antique Mall. Only a few minutes from there is Kool Nails (corner of W. Seventh & University) where you can treat yourself to an amazing mani and pedi at a reasonable price and by professional and friendly staff.  For a yummy lunch, go across West 7th Street on Foch to La Familia for lunch with the locals. Guaranteed: you won’t be disappointed as they have quite a following! Spend the afternoon checking out Fort Worth’s state of the art museums or the Botanic Gardens. Return to the B&B for a little rest and relaxation, and perhaps a glass of wine.  Later, enjoy dinner at Lonesome Dove in the Historic Stockyards District, an incredibly unique culinary experience. The Stockyards District has plenty of live music and boot scootin’, so don’t turn in too early...go have some fun before heading back to the B&B for a perfect night of sweet dreams! (You’ll be dreaming about Cowboys & Culture!)

How would you describe Fort Worth to a visitor? Fort Worth is a friendly BIG hometown with ties to the past and eyes on the future!

What do you like most about working in the tourism/hospitality industry? I love the opportunity to show people a great time. It’s truly a blessing to have a job that you love doing! True hospitality gives me the opportunity to go that extra mile and create an experience that our guests will cherish and remember for a long time.

What is the biggest surprise visitors have about Fort Worth? We are constantly surprised by the number of international visitors to our city and how much they know about Fort Worth and the area. They absolutely love it here!

What makes Fort Worth different than any other destination? Fort Worth has that air of “having it all together” but without the attitude.  Everyone is welcome and accepted, and leaves feeling that they are better for having visited our “hometown”.

Learn more about Azalea Plantation Bed and Breakfast, located at 1400 Robinwood Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76111.

Hometown: I grew up in Ennis, TX, which is a small town about an hour south of Fort Worth.

Occupation: Sales Manager at the Holiday Inn Express at Cityview.

Ideal Day in Fort Worth: Bike ride at Trinity Trails, a short trip to Fort Woof Dog Park (I have two very spoiled dogs), and wrap it up with a night at Concerts in the Gardens.

How would you describe Fort Worth to a visitor? Fort Worth is a big city with a small town feel.

What do you like most about working in the tourism/hospitality industry? I am a “people” person, I love meeting people and showing off our beautiful city.

What is the biggest surprise visitors have about Fort Worth? Visitors are most surprised by the hospitality of the Fort Worth people.

What makes Fort Worth different than any other destination? The diversity of Fort Worth, its Western Heritage to its unmatched cultural arts, makes this city stand out from the rest.

If you are looking for a fun-and free-way to spend your weekend, bring your family out to Stockyard Exchange for the annual Frontier Forts Days, May 10-11, 2013. During the two-day event, the Stockyard National Historic District will take you back in time to the wild and wooly days of the Texas frontier. During the festival, cowboys, Native Americans, and military personnel come together to reenact a time when these vastly different cultures mingled and clashed, as they forged the future for the city of Fort Worth. 

Exchange Avenue will be transformed to the 19^th century and lined with encampments from the Texas Forts Trail. Wander through the camps to learn about the tools and daily life of the soldiers, as well as get a unique glimpse of the relationship between Texas and US Military. Parades, demonstrations, and other cultural encounters are ongoing throughout the day to give you a glimpse of the journeys and people who shaped the land.

With so many action-packed activities on the agenda, the kids will be so entertained that they won’t even realize they are learning about an important period in Texas history.

You won’t want to miss:

• Artillery demonstrations
• Infantry and Cavalry demonstrations
• Native American performances
• Live music
• 10 Fort encampments
• Military parades and presentations

Frontier Forts Days will begin on Friday, May 10 at 10:00 am and run through Saturday May 11 at 5:00 pm. 

Photo: Brian Hutson