Weekend Happenings: 4th in Fort Worth Edition

There’s alot going on this weekend, whatever you decide to do - Happy Fourth of July! Stay safe.

The Modern 5PM -8PM
First Friday at The Modern. Sumter Bruton’s guitar and Michael H. Price at the keyboard provide some good old American jazz/blues fireworks. Try the signature cocktail, Roman Candle. Have dinner in the retro futuristic Modern Cafe or just enjoy some coffee in the patio area. 817.840.2157 for dinner reservations. 3200 Darnell Street.

Concerts in the Garden
Thursday July 2nd, Friday July 3rd, and Saturday July 4th 8PM
This is the final weekend for Concerts in the Garden. The theme for the weekend is of course, an Old Fashioned Fireworks Picnic. Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and enjoy all the patriotic songs and of course a fireworks finale.

Bring your own picnic dinner and beverages. If you don’t have time to pack a picnic don’t worry you have several options: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is offering a 3 course picnic for $25. Central Market offers a Concert Cooler (Bruschetta, Antipasti, Sardinian Flatbread and dessert for two) for Two and they even have kids covered with a Kids Cooler (Mixed Berries, Sliced Turkey, Cheddar and Mini Baguette, a Parfait, Energy Granola and bags of vanilla & chocolate Snackimals Cookies).

Central Market: Burgers and Bock
Friday July 3rd and Saturday July 4th 7PM -9:30PM
Bison Burger at Central MarketSpeaking of Central Market, their Burgers and Bock event continues this weekend. Listen to some great live music, grab a bucket of beers or order up some wine to go with some pretty tasty burgers. Get there early because it can get pretty crowded. I had a bison burger on my last visit and it was a sizeable piece of meat on Central Market’s home made pain au lait buns. If you have kids this is a great event because the kids can run around on the nearby play equipment.

The Moon - Rivercrest Yacht Club, Goodwin, and Scene Girls
Friday July 3, 10PM
My buddies from the Rivercrest Yacht Club and Goodwin will be playing at the The Moon, so go support your hard working local musicians. The Rivercrest Yacht Club takes rap to new and hilarious levels (who else do you know that has a song titled Metaphor that mentions Emily Post?). Goodwin is straight up good rock and you will like it.  If you’re hungry look no further than Fuzzy’s next door and they are open late.

Freds Texas Cafe - Wet n Wild July 4th Party
Saturday July 4 2PM - 10PM
Fred’s has got your 4th all planned out for you. The fun starts at 2PM with a watermelon eating contest for kids and a kids Slip n Slide contest at 3PM. Don’t worry the adult watermelon eating contest starts at 4:30PM. Might want to skeedaddle the kids out for the men and women’s Slip n Slide contest that starts at 7PM. But wait there’s more, there’s a Bikini Contest at 9:30PM with a $500 prize. Oh yeah and fireworks at 10:00PM. This place is going to get wild!

White Elephant Saloon - Elephiesta 6th Annual Texas Music Independence Day Party
Saturday July 4 Starts at Noon
The White Elephant Saloon hosts 16 bands on 2 stages all day starting at Noon. Check out some great Texas music and grab a burger while your at it next door at The Love Shack.

Fort Worth Cats Baseball - Post Game Fireworks
Friday July 3rd and Saturday July 4th 7:05PM
On Friday there is a Family Fun Fest that begins at 4PM and after the game there will be fireworks. On Saturday July 4th start the celebration early with Fort Worth’s Fourth Celebration on Trinity River Levee (begins at 5:30 p.m.). After the game there will be fireworks. Cats games are pretty affordable with tickets from $4 - $50. There is also a play area for kids if they begin to get restless during the game.

Lambert’s Steak, Whiskey, and Seafood - 4th of July Celebration
Saturday July 4 2PM - 9PM
Lambert’s will be cooking up burgers, bbq, and drink specials along with some live music from Brian Sharp. $25 prix fixe. There will be a buffet from 3PM - 8PM that features: green salad, potato salad, fruit, brisket, smoked chicken, smoked sausage, ranch beans, and fresh fruit cobbler. There will also be cooked to order items: grilled burgers, veggie burgers, house fries, and mac n cheese. Margaritas will be $5, domestic bottles $2 and Tito’s $4. Call for reservations 817.882.1161

Bistro Louise
Bistro Louise will be offering a special menu on the Fourth of July. It’s a New England Clam and Lobster Bake Buffet and boneless pot roasted short ribs and Colorado tenderloin stuffed peppers. $29.95 per person, $18.95 to add a whole poached lobster. The dinner is from 5:30PM - 8:00PM to give you enough time to catch the fireworks.

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Tid Bits

Here’s some Fort Worth food and restaurant news and happenings.

Lili’s Bistro
Lili’s has a new summer dinner menu. New small plates include Lili’s Nachos ($10): pita chips topped with Gorgonzola, bacon, tomato, green onions and jalapeno drizzle and served with avocado. The Ultimate Vegetable Stack ($14) also sounds delicious with breaded zucchini and eggplant, tomatoes, portabella, provolone and a poblano pesto with sunflower seeds and topped with a poached quail egg. You can check out all the rest of the additions on their website.

New Large plates include: Petite Fillets ($24) two tenderloin fillets topped with grilled pears and gorgonzola cheese and black pepper gnocchi. Rack of Lamb ($27) oven roasted rack of lamb served with smoked Gouda cream corn. The Lili’s Seafood Pasta ($27) sounds intriguing with a chicken fried lobster topping prawns and scallops in a light white wine sauce with parpadelle pasta.

Lonesome Dove
The Dove will be closed for summer vacay from June 28 - July 5. The Love Shack will still be serving up their signature burgers (read my review here).

Aventino
Aventino hosts Happy Hour Monday through Thursday from 5:00PM - 8:00PM, Friday from 11:00AM - 2:00PM and again from 4:00 - 8:00PM. $3 glass of wine, $5 cocktails and $3 for selected beers. Their cocktails are my favorites especially The Lemongrass Martini. The Sangria, The Hawaiian Lychee Martini, or the Prosecco Mojito are also worth trying. Also a bottle of wine is half price on Monday and Tuesday. Read my review here.

Grace
Wine and Women Wednesdays 5PM - 6:30PM. This Wednesday’s theme is Grace Pinot Camp 2009. Cost is $15 per person. Jenny Kornblum and Caroline GRACE Jones will lead this wine tasting. RSVP to jenny@gracefortworth.com, women only (sorry guys).

Central Market
$5 wine sale. Central Market has marked down several of their wines to $5, to make the deal even better you still get a 10% discount if you purchases 6 bottles. So if you purchase 6 of the specially priced $5 bottles that works out to $27 or $4.50 a bottle. That should keep you stocked up for all your 4th of July festivities. The sale bottles are wines from South America, France, Portugal, California, and France. Casal Garcia Vinho Verde is one of the $5 bottles, this is a nice slightly fizzy and refreshing wine - perfect for summer.

*This just in
Jon Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine cook book is now available on Amazon.  You can read my review on Bonnell’s here, I enjoy Bonnell’s because it is one of the few restaurants in town that utilizes local and regional ingredients.
From Amazon:

An upscale look at the Foods of Texas. In Jon Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, chef Bonnell shares his most requested dishes and his own personal favorites. From appetizers and soups to desserts and drinks, you’ll create an entire menu fit for an elegant special occasion or an intimate dinner party, all compliments of one of Texas’s most respected restaurateurs.


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Tid Bits

Here’s some Fort Worth food and restaurant news and happenings.

Grace
Grace is still offering its “Wine Me Dine Me” special that features 4 courses and 4 wines for $49 Monday through Thursday.

Every Tuesday Grace has a “Celebrity Bartender” during Happy Hour from 5PM - 7PM. This Tuesday June 23 features my old friend Rosa Navajar and Mitchell Espinosa from the HIspanic Chamber of Commerce. Come out and enjoy some of Grace’s signature cocktails.

Also on Tuesday June 23 (6:30PM) enjoy the ultimate in indulgence with a “Summer Truffle Dinner”. 4 courses featuring truffles and paired with local wines for $200 per person.

Bistro Louise
If you’re already thinking about plans for the Fourth of July Bistro Louise will be offering a special menu. It’s a New England Clam and Lobster Bake Buffet and boneless pot roasted short ribs and Colorado tenderloin stuffed peppers. $29.95 per person, $18.95 to add a whole poached lobster. The dinner is from 5:30PM - 8:00PM to give you enough time to catch the fireworks.

Also until the end of June Bistro Louise is offering a 2 for 1 special. If you purchase one entree you can receive a second entree free, seating begins at 5:30PM.

Blue Mesa
Blue Mesa is holding a corn festival through the end of July. They will feature dishes made with Texas corn grown by farmers Larry Harvey and Craig Janske. I’m sure corn dishes will pair well with one of their excellent top shelf margaritas.

Ellerbe’s Fine Foods
Ellerbe’s Fine Foods on Magnolia had a soft opening on June 9th and it seems many a foodie has visited since their opening. Kevin Buchanan at FortWorthology posted a nice review. I visited and had a beautiful heirloom tomato salad and delicious lamb. I hope to make another visit soon so I can review it. Ellerbe’s has a fine dining atmosphere and price tag with entrees from $16 - $34. The lunch prices seem reasonably priced at $9 - $24.

Paco and John’s
Paco and John’s started serving dinner recently. I visited and thoroughly enjoyed my meal, it is well worth a try. Read my review here. They also serve lunch and breakfast. Check them out!

Taverna
Taverna in Downtown has half-price bottles of wine on Wednesdays with the purchase of an entree.

Zambrano’s
Zambrano’s is holding an Argentine Wine Tasting Tuesday June 30th from 6:30PM - 8:00PM, $20 + tax & tip. You will sample 4 highly rated wines from Argentina, one white and three reds. Seating is limited and reservations are required. This would make for a great date night.

Spiral Diner
Check out their new Blue Plate Special: Fig & Fennel Sandwich, Roasted fennel with grilled red bell peppers, red onions, artichoke hearts and tomatoes served on ciabatta bread with fig preserves and mayo - that sounds a little bit divine.

Spiral Diner will also have a cooking class on Comfort Foods, Supper Style on Monday July 27, from 7PM -9PM. You will learn how to make meatloaf & gravy, mac and cheese, stroganoff, rolls and corn bread - all vegan of course. Call or stop by to register, prepayment is required, $40 per person per class. The classes fill up fast, so reserve soon if you’re interested.

Last note, Spiral Diner will be closed on Sunday June 28th and Sunday July 5th. They will have regular hours on July 4th.

Cowtown Farmers Market
Did you know that the Cowtown Farmers Market is now open on Wednesday mornings from 8AM - Noon? Well now you do. Fort Worth’s original producer only Farmers Market is now open Wednesday mornings in addition to their usual Saturday morning hours. Lucky us!

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Weekend Happenings: Father’s Day in Fort Worth Edition

Father’s Day is this Sunday, here’s some spots you might want to take the Dad (or any man) in your life for Father’s Day.

Friday June 19 and Saturday June 20
Central Market: Burgers and Bocks 7PM - 9:30PM
What Dad would not enjoy Burgers and Beer? To add to the fun Central Market also provides live music on the patio. Central Market does not just grill up a run of the mill burger either. Their burgers are made of a half-pound of fresh Angus beef and lettuce, tomato, and red onion on a Central Market Pain au Lait Bun. Of course there are some creative variations of this available, try The Tex which has bacon, Cheddar Cheese and Chipotle barbeque sauce or The Heater with pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapenos and roasted poblano aoili. Vegetarian Dads will want to try The Veggie burger with a balsamic Portobello mushroom with roasted red peppers, grilled eggplant, red onion and Central Market’s olive relish.

Saturday June 20
Rahr Brewery Tour 1PM - 3PM
This brewery tour has everything any Dad would want. Beer, barbeque, and music. A $5 admission charge gets a glass for tastings. 701 Galveston Avenue, Fort Worth.

Saturday June 20
Run for Dad 5K 8AM
If the Dad in your life is the active type or if he just enjoys cheering you on this easy and fast downhill run takes place in and around the Camp Bowie area. It ends in a free sausage and pancake breakfast - I would most definitely do a race that ended with that meal instead of apples, oranges, and bananas. The race starts at Sanguinet Park and ends at Trinity Park and you can register on race day. You can also register at Active.com or Luke’s Locker. $25 registration fee.

As far as restaurants, you can’t go wrong with beer, barbeque, burgers, and steak.

Angelo’s
Angelo’s is a Fort Worth barbeque institution and some say Angelo’s is the best in town. My dad likes it, so yours will too! You be the judge, try out a combo platter and be sure to include ribs. Don’t worry there’s beer to wash it all down with.

Fred’s Texas Cafe
“Cold Ass Beer” and a Fredburger should please any Dad. The Diablo burger is for spice lovers. The tacos are also tasty at this “divey diner”. I hear they are sprucing up the deck area so go check it out!

Lambert’s
If you want to really treat the Dad in your life, Lambert’s serves upscale ranch inspired Texas cuisine. The t-bone along with some Rahr will sure to provide an nice twist on a familiar dish. Lou Lambert will also be showcasing his summer menu with lighter dishes and seasonal fare. Read my review here.

The Railhead
This perennially popular barbeque spot serves up barbeque classics in a fun atmosphere.

The Gingerman
Enjoy some sandwiches, sausages, and other snacks along with one of the many fine beers at this fun spot along Camp Bowie.

The Love Shack
A double Dirty Love Burger and some beer will be sure to please just about anyone with a manly appetite at this Stockyards spot. Hot Dogs and Brats are also available. The Love Shack’s shake (different flavor every day) make a great desert. Check out my review of The Love Shack.

Paco and John’s Mexican Diner

Paco and John’s Mexican Diner is the unlikely hybrid of French and Mexican culinary traditions housed in a converted gas station.  This nouveau taqueria fills the need for a taqueria that won’t leave you wondering about the fortitude of your intestinal system. Paco and John opened this spring to a receptive lunch following and have included a dinner service recently, much to local foodies delight.

The Vibe
Paco and John embodies a certain chic that lands it way beyond traditional taquerias with a modern and light decor while still maintaining a casual and comfortable feel.  The glass fronted building houses an intimate dining area with about ten tables.  In true taqueria style the kitchen is open and up front.  There are also refrigerator cases that line the wall with drink options if you choose not to BYOB.

The Food
The dinner options demonstrate the brilliant melding of French and Mexican cuisines.  The apertivos include Mexican homestyle favorites such as Queso Fundido which is traditionally served with chorizo and covered in melted cheese.  Seriously, what isn’t delicious covered in melted cheese?  Well how about crabmeat?  There’s a touch of French decadence for you in the crabmeat version of Queso Fundido.  My dinner companions opted to keep things a bit lighter and we settled on the Oysters Fautas.  The beautiful small flautas were crunchy and crispy with tender oysters inside.  The toppings of rich mexican crema, queso fresco, avocado, and lettuce brought extra flavor and texture to the flautas.  The dish was served with a wonderfully addictive tomatillo salsa that gave some nice heat.

Oysters Flautas

The Platos Fuertes (entrees) offer a wide range of options from fajitas to tenderloin to rotisserie roasted chicken.  Vegetarians can choose the Chile Relleno topped with queso fresco.

Paco and John’s Mussels were a deal at $11.95 and I could not pass them up.  A heaping plate of steamed blue mussels arrived at the table.  The tender mussels were seasoned nicely with fresh bites of cilantro and tomato. The dish comes with tortillas that you can use to sop up all the leftover broth.

Paco and John's Mussels

You’ll find the side dishes that accompany the mussels are a nice surprise.  One side was a Mexican take on ratatouille with the addition of poblano to the traditional zucchini, squash, and tomatoes.  The other was a sublime baked terrine style dish composed of potatoes, sweet potatoes and poblanos, with a crusty cheese top layer.

Side dishes at Paco and John

The Cordonis al Mole Rojo ($12.95) is roasted quail stuffed with rice, champignons (mushrooms if your French is rusty), and jalapeno.  You can choose either a red or green mole to top the quail.  The red mole tastes like a traditional mole but more refined.  The green mole provided an unexpected but welcome consistency with the addition of pine nuts and it was packing some heat.  We opted for the green mole which played nicely with the tender quail.

Cordonis al Mole Verde

Risking embarassment at your pronunciation of Huachinango a la Veracruzana ($13.95) is worth it once you dig into your plate of roasted red snapper.  The generously portioned snapper is covered in a luxurious and bright sauce of lime and guajillo chile pepper.  The snapper comes with a side of rice and beans.

Huachinango a la Veracruzana

This wonderful meal begged for a big finish with desert.  We could not decide between the Flan and the Coconut Pie so we got both.  The well prepared flan was covered in a sweet syrup and accented with three Maria’s cookies.  The Coconut Pie was luscious in both appearance and taste.

Flan Coconut Pie

Paco and John’s is BYOB.  We picked up some Dos Equis at a convenience store on the way and fortunately it paired well with our food choices.  There is no corkage fee but they do charge $1 for use of their wine glasses, unless you’re willing to save a couple of bucks and drink from the bottle.

Overall
Paco and John’s dinner offerings infuse Mexican dishes with French panache and French dishes with Mexican bravado.  Whether you are looking for Buen Provecho or Bon Appetit this chic little spot deserves many return visits and I look forward to more tasty surprises.  If you’re looking for an easy-going spot for a first date or just want a creative dinner that doesn’t break the bank, Paco and John’s is the spot.  It can be tough to secure a table at lunch but the dinner service is less crowded.

Eat This
Oysters Flautas or a Fundido for starters. Paco and John’s Mussels (when available) and The Cordonis al Mole Verde mix up flavor expectations in a good way.

Hours
Monday - Friday
Breakfast 7:30AM - 10:30AM
Lunch 11AM - 2:30PM
Dinner 5:30PM - 9:30PM
Saturday Brunch 10AM - 2PM

Paco and John’s Mexican Diner
1116 8th Avenue
Fort Worth
(817) 810-0032

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Fred’s on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Monday Night

Back in January The Food Network filmed at Fort Worth favorite Fred’s Texas Cafe for the show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.  The much anticipated episode will finally air on June 8th (Monday) at 9PM on The Food Network.  Chef Point Cafe was also recently featured on DDD.

Weekend Happenings: Colonial/Cliburn Edition

If you haven’t already heard or noticed, two uniquely Fort Worth events are going on now and through the weekend: The Colonial Golf Tournament and The Van Cliburn Competition. If you get a chance to go to either they are a good time.

I’m not a golf fan at all, but I’ve attended The Colonial several times because they have margaritas (and I’d been given tickets) and it’s fun people watching. After attending The Colonial you will most likely be sweaty from walking around in the heat and hungry. Here’s some food options.

Joe T. Garcia's Patio

Joe T. Garcia’s
Luke Wilson and George Lopez tee’d off at The Colonial and ended the day at Joe T’s. If it’s good enough for them you can follow suit and enjoy margaritas and Tex Mex in a beautiful oasis of a spot.

Blue Mesa
Blue Mesa Is the closest spot and you can keep the party going with some of their excellent top shelf margaritas. Their chips and salsa are above average and you can get guacamole mixed tableside. Choose from Southwestern style dishes on the menu.

Hoffbrau Steaks
1712 S. University
If you’re looking for a steak dinner that won’t break the bank this classic Fort Worth steakhouse is the place to go.

Fuzzy’s
Grab a schooner of beer and some killer tacos at the Berry Street Location, try the tasty tempura fish tacos. Fuzzy’s is super casual and fun with a great jukebox.

Ocean Rock
This spot on Bluebonnet Circle serves up some really good seafood at reasonable prices. They have plenty of great drinks too.

J&J Oyster Bar
They make a mean Po’ Boy here. Oysters and gumbo are also signature dishes, wash it down with a cold one. The grilled tuna is as healthy as it gets. Casual atmosphere.

Fred’s Texas Cafe
Grab a Fredburger with cheese and handcut french fries. The Diablo burger is for spice lovers. The tacos are also tasty at this “divey diner”. I hear they are sprucing up the deck area so go check it out!

Angelo’s
Angelo’s is a Fort Worth barbeque institution and some say Angelo’s is the best in town. You be the judge, try out a combo platter and be sure to include ribs. Don’t worry there’s beer to wash it all down with

Lambert’s
If you want to class things up after the Colonial, head to Lambert’s. The t-bone with enchilada and sea bass are my faves. Their drink of the month, The Limonmintini is sure to refresh you! Lou Lambert will also be showcasing his summer menu with lighter dishes and seasonal fare.

The Railhead
This perennially popular barbeque spot serves up barbeque classics in a fun atmosphere.

The Gingerman
Enjoy some sandwiches, sausages, and other snacks along with one of the many fine beers at this fun spot along Camp Bowie.

The Van Cliburn competition is a prestigious event and it takes place in Fort Worth’s Bass Hall.  Enjoy piano performances by amazing up and coming musicians.  The semi final round finishes up this weekend.  You’ll need some eats before or after the show, depending on when you go (there are afternoon and evening performances).  Here’s some spots to choose from:

Ferre
You can’t beat the convenience of being across the street from Bass Hall. Enjoy upscale Italian dishes in a sophisticated setting.

Mi Cocina
Great Tex-Mex in a lively atmosphere.

Reata
Cowboy cuisine like tenderloin tamales in a cushy western atmosphere. They are great about getting your dinner out quickly if you tell them you’re going to a show. If you can snag a seat at the grotto bar, enjoy a great view of Fort Worth.

The Vault
Upscale Mediterranean cuisine can be found at The Vault. Or grab a drink in the Underground Lounge

Grace
Modern American food in a spot in a see and be seen kind atmosphere. Priciest of the bunch, but if you’re looking to impress this is it.

Taverna
Pastas and pizzas at a reasonable price.

Zambrano’s
Enjoy a wine by the glass and some delicious pizza and appetizers at this comfortable spot.

Restaurant News

There’s lots going on in Fort Worth and area restaurants so here’s a roundup of local restaurant news and specials.

Tokyo Cafe
Wear your Aggie ring to dinner at Tokyo Cafe on Thursday, May 21st and get 15% off from 5pm-9pm! As a former Aggie, all I gotta say is Whoop!!  Read my Review here.

P8200542.JPGLanny’s Alta Cocina Mexicana
Lanny’s is offering an amazing Lunch Special.  It is a Lunch Tasting Menu offered for $20.00 - what a deal!  The price is good Tue, Wed and Thursdays  11AM - 2PM.  If you’ve always wanted to try Lanny’s this is a great chance to check it out.

Lunch Tasting Menu options:  1st course choice of:  Saffron Sweet corn Soup Or Baby Lola Rossa Salad w/Blue Cheese, Grapes & Candied Pecans. 2nd course options:  Chicken Breast with Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto Or Chorizo Wrapped Scallops with Mojo d’Ajo and House Made Angel Hair.  Dessert options in Lunch Tasting Menu: Tres Leches Crème Brulee Or Brownie, Peanut Butter Ice Cream.  $20 for 3 courses is an incredible deal.

Lili’s Bistro on Magnolia
Lili’s is now open for lunch on Saturdays.  Now you can get your Gorgonzola Fry fix from 11AM- 2:30PM on Saturdays.  Memorial Day Hours open for lunch Saturday 5-23, closed Sunday 5-24 and Monday 5-25.

Buttons
Buttons brings the Blues, every Monday 8-11PM. No Cover, $3 draft and best of all $15 Chicken and Waffles. No night at Buttons is complete without some music so this weekly live music showcase will feature top blues artists including: Dave Millsap, Holland K. Smith, James Hinkle, Miss Peaches, Hash Brown, Cheryl Arena.

Paco and John
This hot new taqueria on Fort Worth’s southside is now serving up dinner from 5:30 p.m. until about 9:30 p.m. The dinner menu differs from the lunch menu and here’s a sampling of what you can expect:  Red snapper a la Veracruzana, baked chicken breast, chili relleno.  Appetizers include fried oyster flautas, sautéed shrimp tacos and a few different versions of chips and queso.  It is BYOB so don’t forget your choice of refreshing beverage - hmmm Negro Modelo or Pinot Grigio?

Cafe Aspen
Cafe Aspen has held over their $12.95 beef tenderloin dinner for the first twenty diners nightly- This is to celebrate their 20th anniversary.  Get it while it lasts.   They also have free Wi-Fi and Happy Hour specials.

Gaylord Texan
The Gaylord Texan hotel has lots of activities associated with its Summerfest.  Here’s a few highlights.

With the purchase of an adult entree Kids eat Free ( 12 and under) on Thursdays from 5-9PM at The Old Hickory Steakhouse, Ama Lur, or Texas Station Sports Bar and Grill.  Kids are given the star treatment with Mini Kobe burgers on the menu at the Old Hickory Steakhouse.  This offer lasts until September 6, 2009. Reservations recommended at 817-722-9444.

Also if you’re looking for a unique brunch option check out The Gaylord’s Grillin’ and Chillin’ Lakeside Sunday Brunch.  This brunch is held on the beautiful outdoor decks of the Glass Cactus.  There will be music, and an extensive menu featuring all-you-can-eat shrimp, breakfast items, an omelet station, chilled salads, carved meats, fish tacos, items on the grill, and dessert selections.  Sundays from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.  $25 for adults (excluding alcohol); $17.50 for children ages 6 to 12; FREE for children ages 5 and under.

Also check out the Beer & Bites Flight at Texan Station. They will be serving up a variety of cold brews paired with menu samples that include mini Kobe burgers and buffalo wings.  Saturdays and Sunday Lunch and dinner hours, $18.

Weekend Happenings: May 15-17

With warmer weather here I just want to get outside and stay there.  Here are some great ways to get out this weekend.

Friday May 15
Fred’s Texas Cafe - Kurt South and Will Hobbs
7PM - 10PM, No cover
Enjoy one of Fred’s great burgers as you to listen to some folk rock on the patio.  You must have an ice cold schooner of beer on the patio, on a warm night there’s nothing else like it.

Saturday May 16
Central Market Patio -Burger’s and Bock
6PM - 9PM
Sit on the patio and enjoy classic rock from Passenger as you bite into a juicy burger.  Of course there will be beer available.  If you have kids let them run wild on the playground while you sit and enjoy some tunes.

Saturday May 16
Fort Worth Herb Festival - Fort Worth Botanic Garden Center
9AM - 3PM
This is another way to enjoy the outdoors this weekend.  The Herb Festival Admission of $5 also allows you access to the Fort Worth Botanical garden all day.  Check out the many vendors selling herb and other garden plants, herbal foods, crafts, lotions, soaps, metal garden art, rain barrels, gardening items, home accessories and much more.

From the Greater Fort Worth Herb Society:
The aroma of fresh herbs will fill the air Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Greater Fort Worth Herb Society Herb Festival and Symposium. The festival will be held at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden Center located at 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.  Admission is $5.00 per person, but children 12 and under can attend for free.

Hear five experts speak on herb and garden topics.  Learn how to sand cast leaves into beautiful garden art, entertain with herbs and make household herbal products. The morning featured speaker is Ann McCormick “The Herb ‘n Cowgirl,” who will present “Herbs of Our Foremothers.” Well known garden writer, photographer and speaker Maggie Ross McNeely will top off an exciting day at the symposium with her presentation “Herbs in the Landscape.”  Maggie will sign her book “Classical Connections in my Year-round Garden” before and after her presentation.

Sunday May 17
Main Street Days in Grapevine
May-15-17
Another way to get some food, fresh air, and live entertainment in you.  There will be 4 stages with country, bluegrass, rock, and R&B.  There will even be an Old West Gunfight.  Of course no festival is complete without food and you can be sure there will be plenty funnel cakes, corn dogs, and other festival foods.  There will also be grilling demonstrations.  Try and stop by one of the many wine bars on Main Street to sip on a refreshing wine.  Check out the website for all the details.

Weekend Happenings: May 8-10

Friday May 8
1st 2nd Friday on the Green w/ Telegraph Canyon and Whiskey Folk Ramblers
This music series is brought to us by Fort Worth South.  Bring a blanket or chair to enjoy this family friendly outdoor event.  Chadra Mezza will be selling some yummy Mediterranean eats including hummus and gyros.  The show starts at 6PM.  The event is free, but donations to the Tarrant Area Food Bank are encouraged.  Magnolia Green Park is located on Lipscomb between Magnolia and Rosedale.

Saturday May 9-10
Fairmount Historic Tour of Homes.
Noon - 6PM Saturday and Sunday.  Tickets before Saturday are $10 before Saturday, $15 Saturday and Sunday.  Tickets can be purchased at Old Home Supply.  This would be a nice Mother’s Day activity.  Top it off with a nice dinner or brunch at one of the Southside’s great eateries, like Lili’s Bistro, Scampi’s or Spiral Diner.

Saturday May 9
William Campbell Contemporary Art Gallery 6PM - 8PM
Opening reception for Texas artist Judy Youngblood.  The exhibit is titled “The Effects of Time and Weather” and features nearly two dozen paintings and mixed media pieces.  Nosh on some sushi before or after the show at the nearby Tokyo Cafe.

Saturday May 9
Lola’s Stockyards
Rivercrest Yacht Club, Darktown Strutters, and Sally Majestic.  Fort Worth’s wittiest and whitest rappers Rivercrest Yacht Club entertain us with their obscure and simultaneously hilarious lyrics. $6 cover.  The Love Shack will keep your belly full before or after the show for minimal dinero.

Sunday May 10
Find a way to show the mom in your life some love. Check out my Brunch list and other ideas from Central Market.