Fort Worth's Best Desserts

Friday, May 17, 2013 by Chris Kelly

“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.

Black Forest Macaron Cake at Swiss Pastry ShopThe 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. 

Tourism Week Profile: Iris Pineiro, Director of Sales at Residence Inn Fort Worth

Friday, May 10, 2013 by Fort Worth Guest Stories

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.

Fort Worth Tourism Week 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.

Tourism Week Profile: Martha and Richard Linnartz, Owners of Azalea Plantation B&B

Tuesday, May 7, 2013 by Fort Worth Guest Stories

Azalea Plantation B&B Fort Worth Texas Owners 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.

Fort Worth's Newest Food Park at Thistle Hill

Thursday, May 2, 2013 by Chris Kelly

Salsa Limon at Food Park at Thistle HillWhen gourmet food trucks started popping up a few years ago on the Fort Worth dining scene, a few of us were skeptical: Could a trend birthed in such hipster cities as Austin, Los Angeles and Portland really catch on in a meat-and-potatoes city like ours?

These days, I find myself eating my words – as well as whatever new offerings are being served up on four wheels. Fort Worth now hosts dozens of food trucks, and four parks devoted to these trucks. 

Opened in 2011, The Fort Worth Food Park, located off White Settlement Road, was the first of these parks and continues to draw impressive crowds. Last summer, Cowtown Chow Down opened near the Stockyards. More recently, the Clearfork Food Park started operation; it offers an inviting respite along the Trinity River for those looking to take a meal break from biking or running.

And on May 1, Food Park at Thistle Hill opened its gates. The park, located on the grounds of the historic Thistle Hill mansion, plans to host four trucks each weekday. The trucks will rotate regularly, providing a multiplicity of new dining options to a mostly under-serviced culinary corner of the Fort Worth Hospital District. The outdoor setting is so lovely -- the Georgian Revival-style Thistle Hill was built in 1903 -- that the terrific food almost seems like a gilding of the lily. 

On the day we visited, the trucks on site included First Bite Gourmet and the Latin-themed What’s Cook-N-Chef, though we opted for Salsa Limon – one of the very first food trucks to arrive on the Fort Worth scene in 2010.

The barbacoa taco was rich and smoky, and the veggie taco made for an appealing lighter option. We topped both with Salsa Limon’s  fiery red salsa -- not something recommended for spice amateurs, but for everyone else essential. Along with a couple of bottles of water, the bill for two came to just $12. For dessert, we wandered over to another truck on the property that day, Red Jett Sweets, and split the Nuts for Kentucky ($3) a bourbon cake cupcake topped with caramel butter cream and candied pecans. If – like us -- you have a weak spot for all things sugary, this is the one to try.

Red Jett Sweets specializes in gourmet cupcakes

Texas weather being as unpredictable as it is, temperatures were at record lows when we visited – and the modest lunchtime crowd was all huddled inside the Thistle Hill carriage house, where inclement weather seating is available. Once the weather warms up, though, this newest addition to the food truck scene seems like a sure-fire hit. Indeed, the only problem with all these meals-on-wheels, is that there aren’t enough meals in the day to eat them all.

Food Park at Thistle Hill is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check the Website to see which food trucks are there each day.

A Foodie's Guide to Main Street Arts Fest

Thursday, April 18, 2013 by Chris Kelly

People who know me are all too aware of my longstanding culinary obsession with the annual Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival. It’s more than just the fact that so many of the foods served up there inspire fond memories of the street fairs and block parties with which I grew up in New York.

It’s that so much of the food at Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival is so good – a welcome reminder that you don’t need to spend $40 a plate to have a distinct dining experience in Fort Worth.

In my more ambitious years, I would actually visit the four-day festival every day, and usually ended up eating six or seven meals there over the course of the weekend. These days, I usually visit just a few times – fair food may be delicious, but my cholesterol can only take so many spikes.

This year’s festival begins at 10 a.m.. on Thursday (did someone say “late breakfast?”) and continues through Sunday at 8 p.m. (dessert!). Here are my picks for dishes that no arts festival weekend is complete without, based on the last thirteen years of festival food experience:

tamales served at Main Street Arts Festival by Reata Restaurant1. The Bahama Mama, from the stupendous Schmidt’s in Columbus Ohio, is for me an annual renewal of my faith in humanity – a plump, spicy bratwurst much too large for its bun, which I slather in Gulden’s spicy brown mustard and top with sauerkraut. Make it a meal for a few extra coupons, and you can enjoy a side of Schmidt’s marvelously tangy potato salad. (The giant cream puff ain't too shabby, either, but it should not be approached on an even half-full stomach.)  

2. Tenderloin Tamales, from Reata. Who says festival food can’t be sophisticated? Tucked into steaming corn husks and topped with a nicely piquant pecan sauce, these beauties can be found on the regular Reata dinner menu – but they taste even better when you can enjoy live music and people watching at the same time. 

3. Smoked Turkey Legs. Yes, you will look like a cannibal while chowing down on one of these greasy, gristly wonders; and, indeed, I can speak from personal experience that it will send your blood pressure about 20 points higher. You can thank me later.

4. Funnel Cakes. Fried dough + powder sugar =  the perfect capper to any evening spent at the festival. That said, my advice is to get in line before the nightly funnel cake rush commences, usually around 7 p.m. (And, no, I'm not making that up. One year I spent forty minutes in line.) 

Of course, if none of these options appeal to you, there are plenty more vendors to choose from, including Texas Skillet (the grilled steak sandwich gets my vote); Fletcher’s (corny dog!), and many others. Most of these venues surround either the Sundance Square stage or the Bank of Texas Stage. You can check out a festival map here.

Finally, you can wash all of this down with a white wine margarita, or this year you can visit the Craft Brew Pavilion hosted by Flying Saucer, which will feature a half-dozens beers on draught.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go purchase some coupons.

There's plenty of food to eat at Main Streets Arts Fort Worth Festival

Rodeo Goat: Burgers with a side of hipster cool

Thursday, April 11, 2013 by Chris Kelly

“It almost feels like we’re in Austin.”

That was an observation made by my partner a couple of Friday evenings ago, as we stepped onto the outdoor patio of Rodeo Goat Icehouse, a gourmet burger-and-beer joint located near the Fort Worth Cultural District. On this warm evening, the wooden picnic tables were virtually all filled with a mix of college kids, young professionals winding down from the work week, and older grownups out for a date night. (Right now, there are chimeneas and a wood-burning stove on the patio for colder nights; and presumably come summer, the misters will be going full blast.)

Inside – which is divided between a bar at the front; casual, first-come-first-served seating with long, cocktail-height tables; and a more traditional dining area that’s open for private parties or when the place gets busy – things were just as hectic.

I could see my partner’s point: Austin has long been known for its funky, unpretentious establishments that seem to attract all stripes. Rodeo Goat, which opened last December, is one of a handful of places new to the Fort Worth dining scene that strive to capture a similar spirit.

We were big fans of the “Nanny Goat” burger, perfectly cooked to a juicy medium, and topped with herb goat cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and garlic mayo. And though it seems almost criminal to do such a thing in Cowtown, we also tried the “Neil Young” – a veggie burger with creamy avocado and a pleasantly spicy sauce. Wash it all down with a brew from one of Rodeo Goat’s expansive beer menu – it includes more than 100 options – and you have yourself a low-key, affordable night out.

And if you’re looking to sustain the hipster vibe, you can head a few miles southeast to Magnolia Avenue: Avoca Coffee, which opened in 2011, offers a sprawl of comfortable couches and leather chairs; locally roasted coffee; and handmade treats from Dude, Sweet Chocolate. Further down Magnolia is Brewed, a coffehouse / bar / restaurant  that also where at one table you'll see a group of friends knocking back beers, and at another a tortured writer quietly tapping away on his novel. 

Pehaps the best news of all: Unlike our compatriots in Austin, here in Fort Worth we don’t have to deal with chock-a-block traffic, and all those annoying people trying way too hard to be weird.

Rodeo Goat: 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday to Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Thursday to Saturday

Avoca: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 7 am to 5 p.m., Sunday

Brewed: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday to Wednesday; 8 a.m. to midnight, Thursday to Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday; closed Mondays

Rodeo Goat

Try the spicy Caca Oaxaca Burger.

Jon Bonnell's Waters: Fort Worth's hottest new restaurant

Friday, April 5, 2013 by Chris Kelly

Jon Bonnell's Waters Seafood Restaurant in Fort Worth, TXIn the constellation of Fort Worth's celebrity chefs, Jon Bonnell doesn't have the boisterous, megawatt personality of someone like Grady Spears -- the cowboy cuisine pioneer who seems like he was born to be a guest on Good Morning America. Nor is Bonnell's empire as expansive as, say, that of Tim Love, the chef-owner of The Woodshed Smokehouse and Lonesome Dove, who seems to open a new venture every third week.

Instead, Bonnell -- the owner of Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine, which opened in 2001 -- is more of the journeyman star of the Fort Worth dining scene: The chef who got famous by virtue of being terrific, year in, year out.

Now Bonnell's star is about to shine even brighter. Last Saturday, the chef opened, Waters, the newest eatery in the ever-expanding West 7th development in the  Fort Worth Cultural District. At the opening night party, Bonnell showed off the new digs to a few hundred friends, foodies and media folks.

Bonnell is best known for game and heartier fare: If you haven't tried his Pepper-Crusted Buffalo Tenderloin, you're culinary life experience is not complete. With Waters, though, he turns his attention to seafood, albeit with a quintessential Texas twist: Among the menu items we sampled on Saturday night were fried and BBQ oysters; an impossibly buttery and tender red snapper; and (my personal favorite) yellowfin tacos (Bonnell pairs the tuna with a spicy wasabi-lime creme fraiche and a wonderfully crunchy tortilla).

Seafood-phobes need not despair: There are also more traditional Bonnell creations, like the bone-in ribeye and chicken fried rabbit loin, on offer.

Located in the space previously occupied by Bailey’s Prime Plus, Waters carries the seafood theme into the interior design: In the front lounge area, there’s an eye-popping, bar-length chandelier constructed from oyster shells. The main dining room also features a raw bar -- a nice alternative for those looking for a more casual eating experience.

Our best advice: Make a reservation now, before Bonnell's star gets so big that you won't be able to get near the place. 
 
Waters serves lunch from 11:30a.m. to 2:30p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 10p.m., Tuesday to Sunday. Brunch is served 10:30a.m. to 2:30p.m., Sunday. 

 

West 7th Eats and Nightlife

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 by McKenzie Zieser

If you're looking for something fun to do in Fort Worth when the sun goes down, all roads lead to West 7th. The West 7th nightlife offers something for everyone including a dine-in movie theater, bowling alley bar and lounge and tons of restaurants and bars offering a multitude of food and drink specials. Plan ahead, and make sure to grab a bite to eat before you hit the town. New restaurants opening soon like Waters, Bonnell's Coastal Cuisine and Kona Grill are sure to be big hits with your taste buds. In addition to a full-service restaurant and upscale sushi lounge, Kona Grill, will also include an energetic bar and lounge-a great addition to the nightlife scene atWest 7th. Looking for great happy hour specials? Check out Bar Louie and Brownstone both offering incredible specials day or night!

Be sure to mark your calendar for the 2013 Brewfest on Crockett for April 13th from 5-10pm. Save the date, and get ready for some brews, live music and West 7th fun! 

Fort Worth Things to Do at Night

Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival: A Celebration of Fort Worth's Best

Friday, February 22, 2013 by McKenzie Zieser

Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival

It's no secret that we’re not all barbeque and Tex-Mex in Fort Worth. In addition to succulent steaks, righteous ribs, farm-to-table dining, and mouth-watering Mexican fare, you’ll find world-class flavors from around the globe, including sophisticated Italian dining and exotic Asian cuisine. In fact, some of the greatest culinary artists, Jon Bonnell, Tim Love and Lanny Lancarte call the City of Cowboys and Culture home. As the culinary scene in Fort Worth continues to rise, there's no better time to share Fort Worth's finest and no better way to celebrate the thriving culinary scene than Fort Worth's first annual Food + Wine Festival next spring: March 27-30, 2014!

Be sure to save the date, as you don't want to miss this celebration of the Fort Worth food culture!

The four-day festival will play host to local talents and other featured guests in an effort to infuse historic venues and homegrown flavor with celebrated local chefs, culinary professionals and wine makers through 20+ events during the weekend. The festival will pay homage to the authenticity of Fort Worth cooking, food, beverage and culinary traditions, and aims to bring much-deserved national attention to the Fort Worth food scene. 
 

Russell Kirkpatrick, Reata Restaurant’s Assistant General Manager and president of the Tarrant County Restaurant Association conceptualized the Fort Worth Food +  Wine Festival and created an executive committee of chefs, restaurateurs, wine makers, and creatives to bring the festival to fruition including Adam Jones (Grace Restaurant), Crystal Vastine (Fort Worth Foodie), Fritz and Erin Rahr (Rahr Brewery), Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson (Firestone & Robertson Distillers)-to name a few. To see the full committee, learn how you can become involved, or learn more about the festival in general, visit www.fortworthfoodandwinefestival.com. As many announcements will be made over the next several months, be sure to connect with the festival on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

 

Escape to Fort Worth this Valentine's Day: Downtown Date Night

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 by McKenzie Zieser

There's no doubt, Fort Worth has romance in the air. Just take a walk through Downtown Sundance Square and the tree lit sidewalks mixed with the historic atmosphere, will create the perfect setting for your Valentine's date night. Fort Worth offers plenty of Downtown dining options where you can dress it up at Mercury Chophouse, Del Frisco's or Ruth Chris and dress it down at Riscky's or Frankie's Sports Bar. 

If you're looking for an ideal Valentine's date night in Downtown Fort Worth, we recommend appetizers and drinks at Reata Restaurant in Sundance Square. If it's a nice evening, try to get a spot on the recently renovated rooftop patio. Walk down Main Street for a dining experience like no other at Grace Restaurant where award-winning Chef Blaine Staniford creates Modern American Classics like bacon wrapped scallops.

The highlight of your evening will take place at one of the most romantic spots in Downtown, Bass Performance Hall where Performing Arts Fort Worth presents Broadway at the Bass: Memphis (February 12-17, 2013). Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Memphis is a show-stopping, thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love with explosive dancing and irresistible songs. After the show, indulge in a gourmet cupcake at The Cupcakery or step into Scat Jazz Lounge, for live music and a nightcap.

Share your Fort Worth love this Valentine's Day, and you could win two tickets to see Memphis on February 14 plus a $20 gift card to Grace Restaurant! To enter, upload a photo of something you love about Fort Worth or a loved one, using the tag #LoveFortWorth. For more contest info, visit FortWorth.com/Love. One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Instagram and Facebook on Monday February 11 at 2pm. 

Bass Performance Hall

West Side Story at Bass Performance Hall

Monday, January 14, 2013 by Cissy Nixon

The smash hit Broadway revival of West Side Story will open at Bass Performance Hall in Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth on January 15 and will run through January 20. More than 50 years ago, this musical changed theater forever and is back mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever.  Make an evening in Sundance Square with many dining choices before the performance. I’ll be there on opening night. See you there! Get your tickets now! 

For more Fort Worth entertainment and events, visit www.FortWorth.com

West Side Story Bass Performance Hall Fort Worth Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

Where to Eat in Fort Worth this Christmas

Thursday, December 20, 2012 by McKenzie Zieser

The decorations are hung and the gifts are wrapped, but what about the food? If you're in Fort Worth this holiday season and prefer to dine out rather than in, we're here to help! We've gathered a list of Fort Worth restaurants open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Do you know of a restaurant that is open on either of these days but not on the list? Be sure to comment below!

Restaurant

Christmas Eve Christmas Day
Cooper's BQ part day closed
Cattleman's closed closed
Billy Bob's part day closed
El Rancho Grande part day closed
Capital Grill open closed
Cowtown Diner open open 
Del Frisco's open closed
Ferre open closed
Mi Cocina closed closed
Reata open closed
Ruth Chris open closed
Texas de Brazil open closed
Pappadeux Seafood open closed
Silver Fox open closed
Eddie V's open open               
The Keg open open
Worthington Hotel open open
Omni Hotel Cast Iron open open
Mercury Chophouse open open
Mexican Inn closed closed
Oliver's open; closing early closed
PF Chang open closed
Ashton 610 Grill open open; reservations required
Taverna open closed

 

Fort Worth to host first Go West Summit in Texas!

Monday, November 26, 2012 by Kayla Simpson

Fort Worth is excited to announce that they will be host to Go West Summit January 28th-31st, 2013! Go West Summit is the premier business-oriented travel tradeshow selling the American West. We bring together the world's top international tour operators with specialty suppliers who offer year-round products in a 13 state region of the Western United States.

Monday starts off with a Buyers only exclusive tour of Fort Worth. This will be for tour operators from all over the world to get a sneak peak at all the Fort Worth has to offer.

Opening night will kick off on Monday evening at Billy Bob's Texas with an event called "Two Step Across Texas". Cities from all over Texas are coming together to welcome this group. In the 25 years that Go West Summit has been meeting this will be the first meeting in the State of Texas!

Tuesday, after a long day of meetings this group will spread out across Downtown and the Stockyards for a dine around. This gives attendees the chance to Experience Fort Worth on their own. If you happen to be out and about that night and see someone looking lost show that Fort Worth hospitality that we are known for and ask if they need directions somewhere! Check out our dinning selection and point them in the direction of your favorite restaurant!

Wednesday the conference celebrates the last day of meetings with a reception by Omni Hotel, an evening out at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and after hours in Sundance Square at Lone Star!

Thursday offers six different tours around the Fort Worth area depending on the attendee’s interests. They range everywhere from the Western Experience at Wildcatter Ranch to Shopping at Paragon OutletsCowboys Stadium Tours to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, a walk in JFK's footsteps to a fast pace tour at Texas Motor Speedway. There is never a short supply of things to do in North Texas!

Help us in Welcoming Go West Summit this January to Fort Worth! Fort more information contact your Tourism Team or Go West's Website.

One of Fort Worth's Finest-Grace Restaurant

Friday, October 5, 2012 by Nicole Garrison

This past weekend I visited Grace- a sophisticated and elegant restaurant located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. After hearing rave reviews, especially during “Restaurant Week,” my family and I decided to finally stop by. Upon entering, it’s clear to see that the name Grace perfectly fits the restaurant. The service is fabulous and the décor is clean and modern, offering great ambiance.

From soup and salad to steak and vegetables, their menu has something for everyone. Some of the dishes we tried included the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, the Baby Iceberg Wedge Salad and the Filet. My personal favorite was the dessert menu, in particular the warm chocolate pudding cake. Their wine list is also extensive. If you are a champagne fan, you'll want to join Grace for bubble hour Monday-Friday: 4-6pm for half off champagne. 

Grace offers private dining rooms along with special events occurring monthly. On Wednesdays, “Women and Wine” is held for women to come together for wine tastings and “Celebrity Bartender” on Tuesdays, raises money for charity.

Grace is known for its “Modern American Classics,” but also offers many rare dishes. I would recommend Grace to any visitor or local to experience some of the best in fine dining in Fort Worth. To view the menu and learn more, the official website for Grace!

 

Restaurant Week Extended: Fort Worth Participants

Monday, August 20, 2012 by McKenzie Zieser

Think you missed out on all the Restaurant Week fun? You can still dine out for a great cause in many of Fort Worth's finest restaurants. Many Fort Worth locations (noted below) are extending their KRLD Restaurant Week specials benefiting Lena Pope Home through Sunday, August 26th; plus, some restaurants are offering their delectable prix fixe menus until Sept. 2nd. To view the complete list with matching dates, visit CBSDFW.com. Diners can contact the restaurants directly for reservations or you can make one online at OpenTable.com. 

Fort Worth extending Restaurant Week participants:

  • Bonnell's Restaurant (lunch & dinner)
  • The Capital Grille - Fort Worth (lunch & dinner)
  • Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
  • Eddie V's Prime Seafood
  • Grace
  • Lanny's Alta Cocina
  • Mercury Chop House
  • Piola Italian Restaurant (lunch & dinner)
  • Ray's Prime Steak & Seafood (lunch & dinner)
  • Ruth's Chris Steak House - Fort Worth
  • Silver Fox Fort Worth
  • Texas de Brazil - Fort Worth

If you've never visited a restaurant during KRLD Restaurant Week, you are in for a treat..literally. It's the perfect time to dine out for no special occasion other than trying out Fort Worth's budding culinary scene. I visited Mercury Chophouse in Downtown Sundance Square Friday night and enjoyed the three-course prix fixe $35 menu (extending through Sept. 2nd). From the beautiful appetizers (I had the Crabmeat Ceviche pictured right) to the incredible entrees and of course two options for dessert, expect decadence and deliciousness. Also, some restaurants participate in Central Market's Fourth Course Certificate; so if you've picked one up from spending $25 at Central Market, verify that the restaurant you're visiting is participating in the Fourth Course Certificate. For more information about restaurants in the City of Cowboys and Culture, click here. Bon Appetite! 

Cowtown Chow Down

Tuesday, May 1, 2012 by Kayla Simpson
Get ready to chow down at Fort Worth’s newest food truck park! Cowtown Chow Down will be opening May 17th! Come to the ribbon cutting at 10 am and stay tuned for more Grand Opening Weekend celebrations the weekend of May 19-20. Cowtown Chow Down is conveniently located between the Downtown Cultural District and the Fort Worth Stockyards at 1100 N. Main Street. This larger than life food truck park can accommodate up to 20 gourmet food trucks!
 
These trucks will have everything from sweets to pickles, pizza to Mexican and bacon to salad. You can even have your choice of seating options including covered outdoor seating and indoor climate-controlled seating! Make sure to save room for dessert because Sno-Ball Corral will be onsite serving op their famous gourmet snow cones.  Cowtown Chow Down is keeping it local in the "City of Cowboys and Culture" with plans to include an area to display local artists' work as well as provide live entertainment by local bands.For more information on Dining in Fort Worth, Click Here

 

 

Easter Sunday Brunch in Fort Worth

Friday, April 6, 2012 by McKenzie Zieser

There are no two things that go better together than Easter Sunday and brunch. Throw in Fort Worth, and you're set for a wonderful spring afternoon. Any of these options below are sure to be a hit for the whole family!

Button's Food & Music offers all-you-care-to-eat with a $19 Sunday buffet of "soul-soothing comfort food" with live jazz music. Items like catfish, grits and chicken and waffles, make this place perfect for those who are looking for more of the "unch" in brunch.

Cafe Modern has an amazing atmosphere for Sunday brunch. You feel as if you're dining afloat the Modern Art Museum's pond. Expect fresh ingredients with an elegant twist. You must try the Banana Foster French Toast, or if you're looking for something lighter, their salads are delicious and so fresh. 

Cast Iron Restaurant in the Omni Fort Worth Hotel in downtown offers a magnificent Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas and for holiday brunches,you'll find two hundred percent more food, and it's no exception for Easter! 

Monty's Corner in Montgomery Plaza serves up a deletectable brunch complete with a bloody mary bar, mimosas and micheladas. Monty's "hangover" brunch offers the perfect fix.

Taverna in Sundance Square offers $1 mimosas and bellinis with purchase of a meal, and with breakfast options like omelets and eggs benedict, you really can't go wrong. 

Wherever you choose to brunch in Fort Worth, enjoy and have a "Hoppy" Easter! Click Here for more dining options in the "City of Cowboys and Culture". 

Wine or Whiskey (I'll take either)!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by Amanda Schooler
When the name of an interactive dining experience is titled “Wine or Whiskey” then you know you can’t go wrong! Does it sound as appealing to you as it does to me? Well, thanks to Cast Iron and Whiskey & Rye, both located in the beautiful Omni Fort Worth Hotel, you too can take your pick. Savor Executive Chef Sebastien Layen’s southern-style culinary masterpiece paired with J. Lohr’s wines which blend tradition and innovation on March 29th at 7 p.m. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience, reserve your spot now!
 

This is a perfect dining experience for date night or for a friend's night out. Cheers! For more info on Fort Worth restaurants, Click Here

 

Dinner and a Show

Sunday, February 12, 2012 by Amanda Schooler
Bass Hall
Whenever I have tickets to a show in downtown Fort Worth, I always make a night of it – dinner, drinks and a show! I especially enjoy Ferré, located directly across the street from the beautiful Bass Performance Hall in Sundance Square. They have a great happy hour, tasty stone-fired pizzas, an extensive wine list and offer a variety of pastas. The best is when the weather is nice, because I make sure to sit on their patio – that way I don’t miss a second of the action outside plus a gorgeous view like this of Bass Hall. Be sure to try this excellent eatery the next time you have a night out on the town in the "City of Cowboys and Culture"!

Discover more dining options in Fort Worth. Click Here to choose filter restaurants by category or location!

 

BBQ, Tex Mex...and Vegan!?

Friday, February 10, 2012 by Jessica Dowdy
When most people think Fort Worth dining, Vegan fare is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, it’s time to readjust that thinking, because nestled in the heart of Near Southside District on Magnolia Avenue, may be the best Vegan restaurant I’ve ever been to, the Spiral Diner & Bakery.

Spiral Diner is located right on Magnolia Avenue across the street from Avoca Coffee. The place has a very cool, fun, hipster feel to it. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu offers a wide range of choices from Philly Cheese Steaks, to tacos to meatballs (all Vegan). If you’re not a Vegan, these options could sound weird, seeing as they are not made of actual meat. However, Vegan or not, I suggest you give them a try!

My husband and I recently went for lunch and tried the El Paso Burger, the Cowboy Burger and the Chocolate Mountain Mudslide for desert. My husband, being neither Vegan nor Vegetarian, was skeptical about how a burger would taste, without any burger, so to speak. However, even being a red-meat loving kind of guy, he thought it was delicious! The portions were just right and the burgers were hardy, satisfying and full of flavor.

If you’re a chocolate lover, then definitely try the Chocolate Mountain Mudslide. It’s basically chocolate on chocolate goodness. A warm brownie smothered in chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and covered in peanuts (also all Vegan!). I happen to have a best friend who is Vegan, so I am really excited to take her by the next time she’s in town. The Spiral Diner is truly an example of just how diverse the dining options in Fort Worth really are! For more information on Fort Worth restaurants, Click Here.