Tidbits – Restaurant and Food News

Here’s some tidbits of local restaurant news:

Aventino

I was very sad to read that Aventino’s closed last week. A few weeks ago there was a big rally to get customers in, but I guess it just wasn’t enough. The owners have a young daughter with health problems and we wish them the very best. This was one of my favorite new restaurants of last year with an inventive twist on Italian cuisine, a sleek atmosphere, and tasty cocktails – they will be missed.

The Vault

DFW.com reports that Downtown Fort Worth restaurant The Vault is changing it’s concept. Looks like the Vault is stepping away from Mediterranean fine dining with a casual atmosphere and menu items under $20. They also have a Sunday Brunch with made to order dishes including Smoked Salmon Omelet and Steak and Eggs. The Underground Lounge will host DJ’s and live music.

Cowtown Diner

Cowtown Diner opened last week in Downtown Fort Worth in the spot formerly occupied by La Madeleine at 305 Main Street. From the comments section Cowtown Diner is receiving high praise for it’s decor, service, and reasonably priced food – if that’s the case then Cowtown Diner has achieved a rare trifecta for Fort Worth.

In addition to lunch and dinner service Cowtown Diner also serves breakfast. There can never be too many breakfast spots in Fort Worth and I’m excited to see the twist that Cowtown Diner puts on traditional and Mexican breakfast favorites.

Brownstone

All Top Chef fans will be excited to find out that Top Chef Contestant Chef Casey Thompson plans to open a new restaurant in the West 7th development called Brownstone. Interesting that she chose Fort Worth considering that before competing on Top Chef Casey was formerly at Shinsei in Dallas. According to her website:

We are ready to open a “neighborhood” restaurant as I am sourcing local, artisan and fresh ingredients to to Ft. Worth, Texas. I look forward to working with local farmers to bring techniques and special dishes from some of my travels to the table.

I love to see local and artisan as key parts of a restaurants concept. Looking forward to seeing how this develops. Also wonder if we’ll be seeing Casey making the local Fort Worth scene anytime soon.

Yofe

Yofe Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Cafe had their Grand Opening last week in the new W. 7th development. Yofe adds to the growing number of Yogurt spots in Fort Worth. Go check them out at 817 Currie Street.

Grace

Grace as always hosts their Wine and Women Wednesdays from 5PM – 6:30PM. Today’s W&WW will benefit Red Cross Relief efforts in Haiti. $15.

Fred’s

In the “how did I miss this department?” – Terry Chandler, owner of Fort Worth’s beloved Fred’s, has a blog called what else, Outlaw Chef. I just stumbled onto Terry’s blog that covers happenings at Fred’s, food news and recipes – worthy of adding to your Google Reader.

Artisan Baking Company

One of my favorite places in town, Artisan Baking Company, announced the Hearts for Haiti program to help with relief efforts in Haiti. 100% of sales of their heart sugar cookies will be donated to Red Cross for Haitian relief effort.  Pay them a visit at 4900 White Settlement Road and pick up some other delicious baked goods while you’re at it.

Buttons

If you are planning on seeing The Color Purple at Bass Hall you should know that Buttons Restaurant will be serving dinner next door at Cafe Muse. They will be serving a pre-show dinner Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights. Seatings are between 5:30-6:00. Call 817-735-4900 for reservations.

Did I miss something? Let me know at josie@eatthisfortworth.com or post in comments section.