Camp Bowie District and Rahr Brewing Company Pub Crawl
Thursday July 14, 2011
5:30 – 9:00PM

Eat and drink your way through Camp Bowie while helping spruce up Fort Worth’s beloved boulevard. This Thursday (July 14) enjoying a tasty brew from Rahr along with food pairings from participating restaurants for $10 per location.

The restaurants include Camp Bowie favorites: Winslow’s Wine Cafe, Lucille’s Stateside Bistro, and Kincaid’s Hamburgers. The proceeds go towards sprucing up the 9 miles of Camp Bowie with landscaping.

Winslow’s Wine Cafe
The Beer
Rahr Bucking Bock (A traditional German Bock Beer that is golden
in color and mildly hopped with a smooth malty character.)
The Food
Wood-fired Margherita Pizza with Italian tomatoes, fresh basil and Buffalo mozzarella, carefully drizzled with olive oil. Hand-made Pepperoni Pizza with an artisan tomato sauce and a melted blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Lucile’s Stateside Bistro
The Beer
Rahr Buffalo Butt (A rich, amber lager that doesn’t require months on a dusty trail gazing at a buffalo’s posterior to enjoy. With notes of caramel and spicy hops, this beer goes great with American classics.)
The Food
Rich, creamy lobster bisque. Wood-roasted salsa specially blended with chili peppers, onion and cilantro. Served with fresh-made corn tortilla chips.

Kincaid’s Hamburgers
The Beer
Rahr Ugly Pug (A black lager, but unlike most dark beers that are often described as “heavy” or “chewy”, this one has a surprisingly light body that’s easy to drink on even the hottest Texas summer
days.)
The Food
Choice of an 8 oz. juicy, old-fashioned hamburger or cheeseburger freshly cooked with hand-sliced vegetables. Go for the 4 oz. USDA Black Angus chuck patty and get crinkle-cut fries on the side.

FREE TICKETS
If you’d like to win 2 free tickets that get you into all 3 restaurants. Just leave a comment below or on Eat This Fort Worth’s Facebook Page. You may enter on both the blog and Facebook page (once on each). Good Luck! I’ll announce the winner Wednesday night.

Kincaid’s is adding some new menu items to their lineup starting June 28th. New menu items include: Grilled Grilled chicken sandwich, Corn dog, Banana pudding, Ice cream floats, Cherry Coke, Gallon of sweet or unsweetened tea.

Kincaid’s hearty burgers have made them a longtime Fort Worth favorite. They will be featuring a new burger on the the menu which is a “Cowtown-style” burger with grilled onions and jalapenos. Owner Ron Gentry describes the origin of the burger: ” ‘Cowtown-style,’ it’s my wife’s favorite burger preparation. – I think she has good taste.” Mmm, mmm, mmm I’m sure she does-and I can’t wait to try it myself followed up with an ice cream float.

Lots going on in the Fort this weekend. If you plan your Saturday strategically you could actually make it to Fort Worth Sings for Haiti, The Gingerman Chili Cook-off, and Gallery Night.

Friday March 26, 2010

Scat Jazz Lounge 9PM
114 W. 4th, Suite 11 Fort Worth
The Texas Gypsies give Parisian style jazz a Texas twist. From the bands Facebook event page:

Imagine this: you’re in a quaint Parisian cafe listening to a delightful acoustic jazz combo. The air is filled with songs, some familiar, some exotic and intriguing. You’re caught up in the music as lightning-fast guitar runs dart in and out of beautiful violin melodies. The rhythm guitarist is strumming his guitar with fiery abandon while the bassist slaps a rhythm that your feet cant resist. Throw in some Texas flair and you have the Texas Gypsies making a return visit to Scat.

Grab diner at nearby Simply Fondue, Cowtown Diner, or Taverna and you’ve got yourself the makings for a pretty awesome evening.

Saturday March 27, 2010

The Gingerman
3rd Annual Chili Cook Off (benefiting Kids who Care) 1:30PM
This event celebrates Texas and what better way than with a Chili Cook-off, live music, and beer. I was fortunate enough to be part of the judging panel last year and somehow luck has struck twice and I’ll be judging again this year along with the multi-talented Louis Sheppard (chef, musician, writer), and the amazingness that is Dena Peterson (Executive Chef at The Modern).

Come stop by and say hi, eat some chili, and grab a beer if you’re in the area. You may also want to remind me that it’s not a Chili eating contest and that I don’t have to eat every single bowl of chili. Mmmm Chili!
3716 Camp Bowie Boulevard

Saturday March 27, 2010

Fort Worth Sings for Haiti 12PM – 10PM
Magnolia Green Park
If ever there was a worthy cause, this is one of them. Fort Worth Sings for Haiti is a huge benefit concert to help aid the people of Haiti affected by the devastating earthquake that hit in January. From the Facebook information page:

The event is sponsored by CLASSIC CHEVROLET and will be held at Magnolia Green Park in Fort Worth’s Near Southside. It will showcase an impressive lineup of the area’s most acclaimed bands and include a family fun zone, raffle and silent auction. Fort Worth Sings for Haiti will be held from noon to 10PM and is 100% free to attend, but all profits from donations, purchases and sponsorships will be donated to the continued rescue and rebuilding efforts of Doctors Without Borders in Haiti.

Saturday March 27, 2010

Spring Gallery Night 2PM -9PM
Check out my Gallery Night guide for all the details.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Cafe Modern from Wednesday to Saturday as Chef Dena Peterson features a Curry Special taken from the book 660 Curries.

Author of 660 Curries, Raghavan Iyer, will be signing copies of his book at The Modern from 11AM – 1:30PM on Saturday February 6. You can pick up the book at The Modern’s Gift Shop. If you haven’t heard of this book it’s quite a thorough look at all the components of Indian cooking with an emphasis on curries from a culinary educator and expert in Indian cuisine.

Cafe Modern serves lunch from 11AM – 2:30PM. 3200 Darnell Street.

Fort Worth’s Southside will be hopping this weekend with First Friday on the Green and Arts Goggle.

Friday October 2

First Friday at The Modern 5PM – 8PM
Check out the stellar art at The Modern in a fun way with First Friday at The Modern. American guitarist Christopher McGuire and friends provide live music while you sip on your wine or specialty cocktail.

Discover what Chef Dena Peterson cooks up at the Cafe Modern by reserving a spot for dinner from 6:30 – 8:30, call 817.840.2174 for reservations.

Other nearby spots include Fred’s, J&J’s Oyster Bar and Love Shack So7.

Friday October 2

First Friday on The Green 7PM
Live Music by the Burning Hotels, The Campaign, and Jimmy from Caroline’s Spine will fill the air at this open green space tucked behind Magnolia Avenue. A great event for the whole family just don’t forget your blankets or lawn chairs. Donations of paper plates, cups, and individually wrapped snacks for the Ronald McDonald House are suggested, otherwise there is no cost for admission. Chadra Mezza serves up hummus and gyros and beer is also available. No outside food or containers.

Saturday October 3

Cowtown Farmer’s Market Fall Festival
8 AM – Noon
Pumpkins and Cornstalks, Chef Demos, and Tasting Booths. Pumpkin decorating for the kids and temporary tatoos will keep you little ones entertained. All this and the freshest produce around. For more on what to expect read this post. Saturday 8AM – Noon and also Wednesday 8AM – Noon
3821 Southwest Blvd. (parking lot of Edelweiss Restaurant)
Fort Worth 76116
Fresh Line: 817.462.1426

Saturday October 3

Fall Arts Goggle 3PM – 10PM
Arts Goggle put on by Fort Worth South Inc. promises to be bigger and better. The date has changed and the event starts earlier so there will be plenty of time to visit all the spots that make the Southside a special place in Fort Worth.

From The Arts Goggle Facebook Page:

Arts Goggle takes place in several locations in the Near Southside – Magnolia Avenue, Park Place, South Main, Vickery, and more.

Getting around Arts Goggle is easy. If you’re driving, park your car in one of several free locations – the parking garage at Magnolia Green, along Alston between Magnolia & Rosedale; the Cook Children’s lot at 8th Avenue & Allen; the Signs, etc. lot west of Old Neighborhood Grill on Park Place. Or a space on-street. Get out and walk – no need to use the car! A trolley circulator will be running to let you get to the various venues. For the first time, narrated tours of the Near Southside will accompany the trolley. Tour guides will give you a sense of the district’s history and current progress. Your tour guides: Kevin Buchanan, author of the popular architecture blog FortWorthology.com, and Paul Paine, President of Fort Worth South, Inc.

With over 70 venues, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. Bring the family and come to an art and music experience unlike anything else in Fort Worth – Arts Goggle on the Near Southside!

Sunday October 4

Brunch at The Culinary School of Fort Worth
11AM – 1PM
The chefs in training at The Culinary school put on a terrific brunch with omelets made to order, soup, bread, and desert stations. And you get to select an entree from several options. The Seafood Cake and the Breakfast Pizza that I sampled were both sensational. BYOB makes the brunch an even better deal. This Sunday they are debuting their new fall menu according to their Twitter Page. Seating reservations available at 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm. $14.95 + tax for adults, $5.95 + tax for 12 and under. Brunch is served every First and Third Sunday of every month. 817-737-8427. 6100 Camp Bowie Suite 25 (above La Madeleine) Fort Worth, Texas 76116

Lanny’s Alta Cocina Mexicana loosely translated means Lanny’s Haute (High) Mexican Kitchen. Once you experience Lanny’s food you will understand the name better. Chef Lanny Lancarte expertly combines native Mexican ingredients with French technique and Mediterranean influences. This fusion of flavors moves Lanny’s cuisine beyond Mexican haute cuisine into just plain haute.

An heir to Tex-Mex empire, Joe T. Garcia’s, Lanny traded salsa for sous vide when he began hosting secret dinners at Joe T’s until he opened his own restaurant in July 2005. He didn’t abandon the culinary tradition he grew up with but instead moves it forward with modernity and sophistication. It’s apparent that Lanny’s prestigious Culinary Institute of America education and travels to Mexico influence his culinary innovations and discoveries.

Lanny’s is a family affair for me. My sister helped open Lanny’s and worked there for over a year so I owe her a thanks for her many insights in putting this post together. My mother grew up in Mexico and is food-obsessed. She loves Lanny’s take on familiar and beloved Mexican ingredients and requests meals there in lieu of gifts for Mother’s Day and her birthday. We feel a connection to his roots in that my parents live in the Northside home of Lanny’s Grandfather, better known as Joe T. Garcia. From a personal standpoint I feel a lot of pride that Lanny showcases ingredients that I’ve grown up with and always considered rather humble. Special occasions for my husband and I usually merit a dinner at Lanny’s.

The Vibe
Crisp white walls, clean lines, rustic wood beams, and a cool palate give this former bungalow a modern atmosphere while still remaining cozy. Spicy accents, such as the saffron orange curtains, add warmth to the fine dining atmosphere. A small grouping of recuerdos from Mexico serves as a reminder of the flavors that await us. I’m a fan of outdoor seating and the outside dining area does not disappoint with a wrap-around porch, succulent plants, and ceiling fans. The alfresco dining area provides a perfectly chic spot to enjoy the setting sun, a breeze, and a pre-dinner cocktail. Even the exotic and dramatic combinations of flower arrangements seem to reflect the spirit of Lanny’s cooking.

The Food
Lanny produces a signature type of cuisine that is dependent on sourcing quality and unique ingredients and combining them with excellent execution. This type of cuisine does not come cheaply, nor should it. Lanny could easily open a restaurant in any major city but he chose to stay close to his roots here in Fort Worth and for that I am thankful.

When the chance comes around to get a 3 course dinner for $35 you jump on it, especially at Lanny’s. During Restaurant Week $35 gets you a 3 course dinner, when typically just an entree averages around $35. The night we went to celebrate my Mom’s birthday the dining room and patio were completely full, and Lanny himself brought out plates to many of the tables. The Restaurant Week Menu provides a generous peek at Lanny’s cuisine. Restaurant week at Lanny’s is is like listening to a skipping record – you missed a few notes but you can still enjoy the song. If you’re left wanting the full version the Chef’s Tasting Menu is where you will find a complete experience. The Chef’s Tasting Menu is offered every night and it really showcases Lanny’s unique culinary vision.

The Restaurant Week menu started with a choice of Seared Ahi or Saffron Sweet Corn Soup. My mom chose the Seared Ahi and my dad, sister, and I chose the comforting and delicious Saffron Sweet Corn Soup. The creamy, sweet, and rich soup came topped with duck confit. The tender duck complemented the richness of the soup and the saffron gave a hint of rust color along with a light earthy flavor.

Chorizo Wrapped Sea Scallops followed. The crispy, smoky, Spanish Chorizo did not overpower the perfectly seared, succulent scallop. Israeli Cous Cous provided a nice textural accompaniment. Vanilla oil gave a subtle aroma and an exquisite flavor dimension to the dish.

We all chose the Rack of Lamb as our next course. The thoughtfully composed dish held several components: manchengo potato puree, red pepper marmalade, and prosciutto wrapped asparagus. Upon arrival I could see the lamb lacked some of the pinkness in the center that I prefer. Despite being a touch overdone (for my taste) the lamb still delivered a tender, rich flavor and nice caramelization. The red pepper marmalade balanced the dish with a touch of sweetness and I scooped up every last bit. The manchego potato puree has left me in a state of longing with it’s airy texture and pungent, nutty flavor. The asparagus made a pretty package neatly wrapped within crispy and salty proscuitto.

Cajeta creme brulee unanimously won our vote for the fourth and final course. Cracking through the crisp, shardy shell of the creme brulee revealed a creamy custard laying on top of a luxurious pool of rich cajeta. Just as the cajeta was flowing to the top of the custard so were my culinary memories. I immediately recalled my favorite childhood Mexican treat, Obleas, which contains cajeta in between the thinnest of wafers. Cajeta is a thick syrup made from cow or goat’s milk caramelized with sugar and it can have an overly sweet flavor with a slight, smoky undertone. The custard of the creme brulee cut some of the sweetness of the cajeta making for a nice finish to the meal.

I went with the suggested wine pairings and was not disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the refreshing pairing of Cava with the varied flavors of the Chorizo wrapped Scallops. Lanny is always on the forefront of bringing new wines to the Fort Worth dining scene. Over the years Lanny has introduced me to the now trendy malbecs, tempranillos, albarinos, cavas, and riojas. The emphasis on high quality boutique vineyards is evident upon every sip.

Service
The service is efficient and attentive without being obtrusive. I always feel well taken care of when I dine here. Even on a hectic night I felt our server, Oscar, was always on point.

Overall
Lanny did not hold back with his Restaurant Week Menu. Given the constraints of Restaurant Week Lanny did not sacrifice creativity or quality. After 4 years Lanny still delivers exceptional food with no pretension. Every return visit makes it evident that he continues to explore the potential of Mexican ingredients to live up to the Alta Cocina status.

Restaurant Week may be over, but if you’re looking to stretch your dining dollar, lunch at Lanny’s provides a budget friendly option. Tapas range from $6 – $9, and Entrees range from $12 – $22. The lunch options still present the unique blend of cuisines that draw such a dedicated following. Once again it’s a sneak preview of the full Chef’s
Tasting dining experience which I highly recommend. If you’re a food aficionado or are looking for a place to make your next special occasion all the more so, consider Lanny’s and go for the Chef’s Tasting Menu. I’m already coming up with an excuse for my next occasion to indulge.

Some photos of lunches past:

Lanny’s Alta Cocina Mexicana
3405 W 7th St
Fort Worth, TX 76107-2718
(817) 850-9996

Fall Gallery Night 2009
Saturday September 12, 2PM – 9PM
Alright Fort Worth it’s time again for Fall Gallery Night sponsored by the Fort Worth Art Dealers Association (FWADA).  This is a great way to take in the city and all that the art community contributes to it.  During Gallery Night you will not only find galleries and museums welcoming you with art, wine, and nibbles but seems like just about any business or restaurant gets in on the action too.  This is an event for everyone and I love seeing the mix of people that this event draws.  It’s kind of like a pub crawl only with galleries and art.

Check the Fort Worth Art Dealers Association (FWADA) website for their brochure of participating galleries and businesses.  To attempt to hit every gallery and museum may be a bit ambitious.  The event starts at 2PM on Saturday and ends at 9PM.  If you start early you can makes sure and hit every spot on your list.  I usually highlight my favorites and am usually able to cram them all in somehow.  Here’s my selection of galleries that I always try and visit, some of them aren’t listed on the FWADA brochure. The event is free, any food and drinks served by the galleries will most likely be free, just remember to fill the tip jar.

Rebecca Low Sculptural Metal Gallery and Studio
7608 Camp Bowie West
Fort Worth TX 76116
The outdoor sculpture mini garden that complements the wide open light filled gallery make this a worthy visit during the daylight hours.  Kids enjoy the whimsical and oversize sculpture pieces.  This gallery is way down west Camp Bowie but worth the trek.  Last time I went they had some jazz musicians playing, which made it a nice place to linger.  If you find yourself over here around eating time head on down to the Japanese Palace at 8445 Camp Bowie West.

Artspace 111
111 Hampton Street
Fort Worth TX 76102
This old brick warehouse on the outer fringe of downtown serves as the edgy backdrop to an always interesting collection of art.  Gallery Night will open the new exhibition by Daniel Blagg, Thrashing About featuring Letters from The Boneyard.  Daniel Blagg’s large scale paintings immediately draw you in and this gallery is well worth the visit.  Enjoy a glass of wine or beer in the outdoor patio area or stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden.  If the light nibbles aren’t enough for you, Downtown is close by and there are plenty of eats around there but I would head towards The Stockyards and eat a quick bite at La Playa Maya on Main St.

Artes de la Rosa
1442 North Main Street
Fort Worth 76164
Diez y Seis Celebration, 7:30PM. From the Artes de la Rosa website:
Honor Mexico’s Independence Day with live Norteño music, folklórico dancing, face painting and local artisans selling their work along with food from local Northside restaurants. Perfect for the entire family!
Free. Rain or Shine.

Fort Worth Community Arts Center
1300 Gendy Street
Fort Worth TX 76107
The current show “Preservation is the Art of the City” promotes historic preservation in Fort Worth through the works of both established and emerging artists.  This one shouldn’t be missed!  Nearby eats include J&J’s Oyster Bar on University or Tokyo Cafe (review) further down Camp Bowie.

Studio 5
1018 Shaw Street
Fort Worth 76110
Studio 5 is the workspace/living space of local artist Jesse Sierra Hernandez. The old storefront building makes a great gallery space. Gallery night features works by Greg Bahr, Ray Liberio, Calvin Abucejo, Phil Hemsley, Dave Mayer, and Beck McMath.  Nearby Hemphill Street plays host to many hole in the wall Mexican taquerias, my favorite is Ernesto’s at 4050 Hemphill, it is BYOB and open late (run by the same folks who own Benito’s).

Jo Dufo Studio
1701 College Ave
Per Jo’s Facebook invite: “A Great Cosmic Neighborhood Art Studio Filled with LOVE, PEACE, and lots of groovy ART!!!! Jo Dufo Studio is OPEN this Weekend!!!! Sat/Sun 12 to 6… We will have extended hours on Saturday for Gallery Night!!! Saturday we will be open until 8… I have just returned from a great trip to Chicago and I brought back alot of new ART from the studio of Sierra Dufault!!!! You Must come by and See What is UP!!!!”. Support this local studio by stopping by.

Berry Street Gallery
2918 W. Berry
Fort Worth 76109
Formerly the Panther City Gallery, local artist Kerri Conover will be featured. I look forward to checking out this new gallery. If art is not enough to sustain you the killer tacos from Fuzzy’s next door should do the trick.

Gallery 414
414 Templeton
Fort Worth TX 76107
What looks like a house in a neighborhood off of 7th street showcases an always dynamic and edgy collection of art.  This indie little gallery is another favorite.  The domestic setting gives the place a house party sort of vibe and I love winding my way through the rooms to see what will surprise me next.  The current exhibition will open on Gallery Night, New World Ordered with works by Ian O’Brien and Angel Cabrales.  Fred’s (will also be participating in Gallery Night), Love Shack So7 (817 Matisse Ste. 445 Fort Worth 76107),  and La Familia are nearby if you get the hankering for hamburgers or Tex Mex.

William Campbell Contemporary
4935 Byers Avenue
Fort Worth TX 76107
This gallery’s 30 years in existence shows in a consistently impressive selection of works.  I always save this gallery as my last stop because I’m always blown away by what they show.  Though they represent artists in various periods in their career, the artists they show seem to have a clear, mature vision and produce high quality collectible pieces.  I wish I had a few thousand to spare so I could support this exceptional gallery.  The current exhibit looks like a thought provoking one, The Sin Eater and the Anchorite by Fort Worth artist J.T. Grant.  Wind down at nearby Tokyo Cafe.

If you want to kill two birds with one stone check out Fred’s and Winslow’s (review) both will be featuring artwork as well as their standard menus.

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The Love Shack opens a new location today (July 31) nestled in the new So7 development on Fort Worth’s westside. Via Twitter I found out that Chef Tim Love was doing a soft opening Monday through Wednesday and best of all food was discounted 50% while they worked out the menu and operations before opening day. I brought along my 2 boys, my mom and my sister so we could all check things out. Since The Love Shack hadn’t officially opened on our visit consider this more of a recap than a review.

The space differs from the original Stockyards location in that it is a little more urban than cowboy but there are still down home touches that keep things casual. There is a covered interior area which is great because the original location is all open air. I love the steel Bertoia style chairs that surround the bar area – which looks like an ideal spot to enjoy a quick lunch with a nice view of all the action on the patio area.

Orders are taken at the counter by the friendly staff.  They also accept credit cards unlike the cash only Stockyards location.   The day I went all the gals working were wearing flowers behind the ears and I thought it made for a sweet and chic look.  The guys wore cheeky RecessISon T-shirts.

The outdoor tables were comfortable with bright red umbrellas to shield from the July sun. I enjoyed the family friendly atmosphere and on the day we visited saw other families with kids in tow. Chef Love pointed out that there was chalk for the kids to use to draw on the sidewalk. There is also a games area set up for a bean bag toss and a game of washers.

All the tried and true Love Shack  favorites were on the menu along with a few new additions.  We ordered Dirty Love Burgers,  Lobster Rolls (new on the  menu), fries, and the Chile Parmesan Chips.  If you’ve never tried a Dirty Love Burger you’re in for a treat. The burger has lettuce, tomato, bacon, Dirty Love sauce, and a fried quail egg to top it all off.  The perfectly prepared patties of the Dirty Love Burger had a nice caramelization and were full of that deep, hearty flavor I look for in a burger.  The bacon provided a prominent and welcome crispy texture and well you can’t go wrong with bacon on a burger.  Altogether the burger was delicious.  My mom and my sister also walked away as fans of The Dirty Love Burger.

We enjoyed the Lobster Rolls (aka Sea of Love) but they are the priciest item on the menu so we are sticking to the Dirty Love burgers.

The Chile Parmesan Chips were addicting and we were scrambling for the last tasty crumby bits.

On a selfish note I appreciate the fact that The Love Shack provides a hip spot for families with kid friendly touches.  The burgers, lemonade, and milkshakes were right up my kids alley and they thoroughly enjoyed it.  Next time I might even treat them to the kid versions of the adult cocktails that are offered.

The Love Shack is a great addition to all the development going on along 7th street. Live music, creative cocktails, and late night weekend hours paired with delicious and affordable food will surely make this a lively nighttime spot.  I’m sure I’ll enjoy The Love Shack all the better next time when I kick back and listen to some live music while sipping on a Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita.

The Love Shack So7
817 Matisse Ste. 445
Fort Worth 76107
817.348.9655

Hours
Monday – Thursday 11AM – midnight
Friday and Saturday 11AM – 2AM
Sunday 11AM – 11PM

Review of the original Stockyards Love Shack.

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If you’re a Top Chef fanatic, The Love Shack in the So7 development is the place to be on Sunday (August 2) from 3-6PM.  The Love Shack will be hosting For the Love of Lamb Festival.  This is your opportunity to see Top Chef season 2 winner and hipster hottie Ilan Hall and Top Chef finalist and innovative chef Richard Blais as they participate in a lamb cook off with our own resident celebrity chef, Tim Love.  Other local chefs participating include Blaine Staniford from Grace and Chef John Bonnell of Bonnell’s and a few chefs from Dallas as well.  The festivities are family friendly so bring the kiddos (there will be activities for them).

Each chef will be serving a portion of their lamb burgers for you to sample – Hello!! Sample the goods of some really great chefs right here in The Fort.  What a great way to kick off the the opening of the new Love Shack which officially opens on July 31st.  The event is free but it is suggested that you secure a spot by RSVP’ing at loveshacklamb@baltzco.com.

Sunday August 2, 3PM – 6PM
The Love Shack
817 Matisse Ste. 445
Fort Worth 76107

http://eatthisfortworth.com/?p=102

The Vibe
Finally, a place for uppercrust Fort Worth Westsiders to gather other than the Rivercrest Country Club.  Just kidding, Winslow’s Wine Cafe serves folks from both sides of the bricks.  And judging from the constant crowds I think a few people from nowhere near “the bricks” have discovered Winslow’s as well.  The smoothly contemporary wine bar serves wine and wine friendly food in an old converted gas station.

Everyone from blinged out, fur-vested ladies to jeans-wearing guys watching ESPN populate the bar area.  Small sofas make up a “loungy” area if you’re looking to get cozy.  If you like your vino al fresco, Winslow’s has a primo patio that’s making me yearn for spring.  Heaters extend the patio season, but on my last visit in 40 degree weather the heaters were not working their magic.  Our hostess managed to move us to a spot by the wood burning oven in the dining area, ahh that’s more like it.  The dining area has banquette seating and small tables that remind me of a modern European bistro.

The Food (And Wine)
On our first visit to Winslow’s, the knowledgeable waitstaff expertly steered us towards a a glass of Gougenheim Tempranillo ($8) and a Campo Viejo Tempranillo ($13-yeouch).  Winslow’s has a few $7 glasses, but all of us cheap wine aficionados would appreciate a few more added to the list.

On another visit my husband and I ordered bruschetta ($8) to start our dinner.  Though the bread was nicely grilled and crunchy, the toppings were slightly under seasoned and didn’t deliver the crisp zing of freshness I was looking for.  They were topped with a tomato-red onion mixture, white beans, or tapenade.  Perhaps I had visions of myself as a blinged out, fur-vested lady when I decided on the decadent and priciest dish on the menu, The Lobster Ravioli ($19).  My husband ordered the House Gnocchi ($14).

My Lobster Ravioli arrived swimming in a lovely sauce that I worried might be too heavy.  After one bite, I found that the fennel infused sauce had just the right amount of richness without being too heavy.  The homemade pasta lightly ensconced the succulent lobster filling.  I savored the strands of lobster that I found in my sauce, but a few more would have been welcome.  Overall I was happy with the dish and sopped up every last bit of sauce.

The gnocchi came out looking picture perfect and the butternut squash beurre blanc sauce didn’t drown the gnocchi.  The texture of the gnocchi could have been lighter but the flavorful sauce with crispy pancetta balances out any issues I might have had with the gnocchi itself.  The raw sage that topped the dish would have been great if it had been given a little flash fry in some butter (I love the combination of crispy fried sage with pasta).

We were with friends and they ordered the Spinach and Chevre Pizza ($18).  I was too into my Lobster Ravioli dish to notice that my friends were quickly devouring their Pizza.  It must have been good because it disappeared before I could think to ask for a bite.  I will take their word that it was good.  Also a note to anyone who dines with me, “Save me a bite!”, please.

On the recommendation of the waiter we ordered a bottle of Syrah from the Anglim Winery, Paso Robles ($44).  The medium bodied wine was like Richard Simmons reading Nietzsche – deep but fruity.  It complemented our pasta dishes nicely.

The dishes plus the wine made our total add up, but it was worth it.  When we go back I think we could order 2 salads ($8/each) and a 14 inch wood fired pizza ($14-22) along with a cheaper bottle of wine and wind up with less sticker shock while still enjoying a great meal.

The Service
At these prices I expect a higher level of service.  On our first visit we were perfunctorily handed a wine list.  The dinner service didn’t fare much better when our waiter forget my friend’s Lobster Ravioli order, but to be fair they were quickly able to get the order out when we reminded them.  In general the waiters seemed to buzz around frenziedly. What’s the hub bub, is somebody more important than me here? (oh wait that’s the fur vested lady in me talking)  However, when the waiters do stop to pay attention to you they give excellent recommendations on the wine.

Overall 
Winslow’s offers a lovely alternative to hanging out in a bar and drinking watered down mixed drinks or the throat stripping wines that are usually served in “bars” (hello, Corbett Canyon I’m talking about you).  If you’re looking for a spot to stop by and have a glass of wine or to gather with friends Winslow’s is the place, it’s even first date worthy.  The outdoor patio seems perfect for enjoying warm summer nights as well as crisp fall evenings. The dishes are creative yet without pretension while also being delicious.

Eat This
Yes! 3 out of 5 wine glass clinking panthers. Cin Cin!

I Eat This
Lobster Ravioli

Hours
5PM – 10PM Monday through Thursday
5PM – 11PM Friday and Saturday
* They offer a Happy Hour on Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 5-7PM where wine and food are discounted
Closed Sunday

Winslow’s Wine Cafe
4109 Camp Bowie
Fort Worth, TX
817.546.6843