I attended the Barrett Havran Memorial Big Taste of Fort Worth this past Sunday at The Omni Hotel and I think I’m just now recovering from all the food. Whew! So many of Fort Worth’s favorite restaurants provided tastings of some delicious dishes. The event benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Unfortunately juggling plates of food and a beverage didn’t allow me to take as many photos as I would’ve liked but I managed to get a few shots during the event. Also, the participating restaurants are too numerous to list for my tired typing hands but I will mention a few of my favorites. The Tavern, one of my favorite spots, presented an exquisite dish of smoked salmon and wild rice salad.

Chef Juan Rodriguez of The Reata manned a giant sizzling platter of meat (I’m sorry I forget what kind) that topped some addictive white cheese grits with a cilantro microgreen garnish.

A surprisingly good dish came from The Ridglea Country Club. Since I’m far from the country club type I was not familiar with their food. But they served some shredded beef on toasted lavash bread that could be topped with toppings from a topping bar that included queso fresco (my favorite). The meat topping a crispy base was a popular theme and Hacienda San Miguel served up a similar dish, theirs was topped with panela cheese and came on a bite size nacho. Monty’s Corner delivered the most delicious short ribs I’ve tasted in awhile. I haven’t yet visited them in Montgomery Plaza but they just moved up my list.

Chadra Mezza made their first appearance at Big Taste and they brought some bold, big flavors with them. Their cinnamon and almond rice provided an unexpectedly welcome departure from some of the meaty fare. They also ended up winning Best Culinary Presentation. Here, you can see why.

Other winners of the evening were:
Best of Big Taste – Michael’s Restaurant & Ancho Chile Bar
People’s Choice – Wildcatter Steakhouse
Best Kickin’ Décor – Eddie V’s
Best Wine of Big Taste – Carriage House by Côtes Bonneville and Hear Hear! Wine & Spirits

Congratulations, to all who participated in such a worthwhile event. I look forward to next year’s Big Taste!

A Dinner Party for Life
$100
Benefiting Cuisine for Healing
Sunday July 24, 2011
5PM -8PM
Artspace 111
111 Hampton Street Fort Worth

Texas Toast Culinary Tours has put together an amazing 6 course seated dinner party to support Cuisine for Healing.

“Cuisine for Healing was founded by Wendy Wilkie in 2006 as she battled cancer, Cuisine for Healing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making nutritious, delicious food readily available to people combating disease, while providing education about the power of healthy food. The U.S. registered Cuisine for Healing Certification Mark signifies that a product or menu item is organic, when possible, and free from hormones, preservatives, antibiotics, pesticides, trans fats, refined sugar and artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors and has met other guidelines in terms of ingredients and food preparation. This kind of healthful food is ideal for cancer patients, heart patients, diabetics and anyone dealing with a life threatening disease.

Six amazing local chefs will be providing the food: Jon Bonnell, Asdren Azemi, Gwin Grimes, Lanny Lancarte, Jerret Joslin, and Brian Olenjack. Check out the menu on the Texas Toast Culinary Tours website. There’s still a few tickets available so don’t miss out.

Fort Worth Dish Out
Times Ten Cellars
1100 Foch Street
Sunday July 24, 2011
5:30PM -7PM
$20

Fort Worth Dish Out is a unique event that combines food, networking, and funding worthy causes. Sunday’s event will take place at Times Ten Cellars with food by Chef Allen Lutes of Blue Tower Cafe. For $20 you can enjoy the menu that Chef Allen has put together which includes: Chile Rubbed Pork Tenderloin w/ Salsa Verde, Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Cups, Chili Cheese Polenta Cakes, Marinated Vegetable Salad w/ Garden Fresh Herbs, Olive and Cheese w/ Crostini, and Assorted Bite Sized Desserts.

Your $20 not only buys you a great meal but gives you the chance to contribute to worthy local cause. During the course of the evening you’ll learn about 3 interesting projects going on in Fort Worth:

Cuisine for Healing – their mission statement states they are committed to making nutritious, delicious food readily available to people combating disease while providing education about the power of healing food.

Project 44 which takes old cars and repairs them in order to give to formally battered women. Project 44 also helps create community gardens around Fort Worth.

The third is the Summer Back Pack Meal Program for kids coming from the Tarrant Area Food Bank

You then vote on the project you like most and 60% of the meal ticket sales go towards that project and the other 2 projects receive 20% each. Seems like a great way to contribute to some worthy causes. Register to attend at the Fort Worth Dish Out website.

The Robert Mondavi Discover Wine Tour made it’s way to Addison on Thursday May 19th to join Taste Addison in celebrating food and wine. The Wine Tour aims to demystify wine through education and interactive events that make wine more accessible to everyone not just serious wine enthusiasts and gourmets.

Food and Wine Ambassador for Robert Mondavi Private Selections wines and TV personality Ted Allen did a special cooking demo to kick off the tour. As a longtime fan of Ted Allen I could hardly contain my excitement when I received an invite to this event.

Before the cooking event began attendees were able to explore the different educational components of the Wine Tour. These included an Essence Station that gives visitors a chance to smell scents commonly found in wines. The were also several Ipads set up for visitors to send themselves notes and pictures on favorite sips as well as register for a trip to Napa Valley.

Ted Allen led the Cooking Demonstration with the assistance of Chef Richard Chamberlain of Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House. They prepared a bruschetta which Ted Allen said was an easy way to make a “cheffy” looking dish. He used a cast iron pan to grill the thinly sliced piece of bread. His topping had arugula and proscuitto on top of ricotta. This dish paired nicely with the Reisling we were served.

The second dish of skirt steak was “one of the best things you can put on a grill” according to Ted Allen. He topped it with his take on chimichurri sauce which included parsley, olive oil, cilantro, roasted garlic, red wine, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and roasted jalapenos. This dish paired quite nicely with the Meritage.

Throughout the demo Ted Allen displayed his usual easy and witty charm that we know him for in his many TV appearances. He spoke of the value to be found in the Robert Mondavi Private Selection wines especially at a price point of $10 – $12. Ted Allen’s easy approach to wine and food translated well to the Mondavi mission of making wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

After the cooking demo the tastings continued paired with two decadent dishes provided by Chamberlain’s and Ted Allen reappeared for a brief meet and greet. Apple Cured Duck Breast with Truffle Marinated Mushrooms, Baby Watercress, and Blackberry Port Syrup paired beautifully with the Chardonnay. The second dish offered was a Lemon, Vanilla and Olive Oil Poached Scottish Salmon with Lemon Aioli and Microgreens which complemented the Pinot Noir. I found the event to be a nice introduction to the Mondavi wines which we enjoyed tasting, with the Cabernet and Pinot Noir emerging as my favorites of the evening.

The bruschetta and skirt steak recipes can be found online on the Robert Mondavi Discover Wine Facebook page.

Lucky Strike rolled out the “red carpet” for several hundred people during their Grand Opening last week. Upon arrival my husband and I found quite a line. Fortunately we arrived early and didn’t have to wait long but it was amusing to see people indignant over being forced to wait in line and quotes like “What is this? LA?”.

Once we entered, the pounding beats by the DJ and the throngs of people gave the place a club feel. The size of the bar and lounge area make the bowling area look almost like an afterthought. Maybe I expected an upscale version of Don Carter Lanes á la Main Event, but Lucky Strike is no Don Carter Lanes – this place is uber sleek and trendy. I say to myself, “What is this? LA?”.

There’s a huge bar area, booth seating surrounding the bar, a sexy lounge area with plenty of plush seating – oh yeah, and a few bowling lanes should the mood strike you (pun intended). And dude, the big screen TV’s over the bowling lanes were showing The Big Lebowski. I found my piece of Fort Worth on the patio with a lovely view overlooking West 7th street, the Westside, and Downtown. You’ll find plenty of seating on the large patio. I thought the industrial looking “garage doors” that open up onto the patio were a nice touch.

The Appetizer sized food disappeared quickly. Apparently, I’m not the only fan of free food. I did manage to try a few things and I really liked their pizzas. The crisp pizza crust was soft and chewy once you bit into it, the spinach-artichoke left a good impression. The crispy salmon won-ton won me over with a nice piece of glazed salmon on top of a fried wonton, think fancy nachos.

Even though the event was chock full of “VIP’s” I did indeed feel lucky to get the invite. I appreciated the opportunity to see the space filled with people having a good time (free booze and food will do that). Lucky Strikes fills a niche in the West 7th area with its super sleek and clubby atmosphere. It’s destined to become a popular nighttime spot. And don’t forget to add Lucky Strike to potential lunch spots in the West 7th area as well.

A few things to note about Lucky Strike. After 7PM, it is for those 21 and over only and there is a dress code.

Lucky Strike
2845 W. 7th Street
Fort Worth 76107

Mon – Thurs: 11:00 am-12:00 am
Fri – Sat: 11:00 am-2:00 am
Sun: 11:00 am-12:00 am

Foodways Texas – Fort Worth Culinary Charreada
Sunday, February 20, 2011
4PM – 8PM
Clear Fork Station
4971 East I-20, Willow Park, Texas (just west of Fort Worth)

Foodways Texas is an organization of food professionals and enthusiasts that preserve and promote all the diverse food cultures of Texas.  Fort Worth members join Foodways Texas in presenting a Culinary Charreada.  All the area’s culinary superstars join together to present a unique event that includes chuckwagons, Mexican food, and food from local chefs and farmers.

Here’s just a few of the chefs and food artisans involved:  Terry Chandler and other cowboy cooks will offer old-fashioned campfire cooking from their chuckwagons, Lou Lambert, Lanny Lancarte, Grady Spears, Dena Peterson, Molly McCook, Gerard Thompson, Jerrett Joslin, Gwin Grimes , and Paula Lambert. They will all be serving specialties from their Texas repertoire. To go with the food there will be Rahr Beer, Repulic Tequila, and wine from Fall Creek Vineyards. Mariachis and country groups will provide entertainment. Bring the kids along to this family friendly event (kids under 12 free) to enjoy the special activities.

Tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple. Kids under 12 are FREE (great deal!). You can purchase tickets here.

Chuy’s brings it’s good times atmosphere and tasty Mexican food to Fort Worth. As long as I can remember any visit to Austin meant a visit to Chuy’s on Barton Springs – it was the perfect spot for visiting with friends and enjoying a few margaritas. Local foodies, Jake and Becca Good checked out the newest Chuy’s location in So7. Many thanks to Becca Good for this post!

I had an opportunity to go to Chuy’s for a preview night the day before the West 7th location opened. My husband and I arrived a little early and the place was already bustling. There are two levels of seating and a pretty big bar, which will accomodate what I anticipate to be long waits on the evenings and weekends.

We chose to sit upstairs and were seated quickly. We ordered a margarita on the rocks, and a Texas Martini. The drinks were delicious. I think we both preferred the Texas Martini to the margarita, it felt lighter and more refreshing, plus it’s huge. The chips and salsa were quite good and we ordered the guacamole. It was fresh, but I like mine a little saltier and spicier.

I ordered the chalupa and enchilada combo. I switched out the deluxe chicken enchilada for the Chicka-Chicka Boom Boom enchilada. Jake ordered the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo, with a side of the fresh made hatch chili salsa. The meals were quite large and served with rice and beans. The Boom Boom enchilada and the hatch salsa were spicy standouts among the other dishes.

Most entrees are between $8-$15. The decor is funky and each location is different which is unique for a chain restaurant. Chuy’s great location, tasty drinks, large portions, and reasonable prices make it destined for success in Fort Worth.

Chuy’s
2401 W. 7th St., Suite 110
Fort Worth
817.332.2489

Brunch, brunch, brunch!  Who knew there was such a demand for that lovely little meal that takes place between breakfast and lunch. Here goes my attempt do document all the brunch spots in town. Please leave any places I’ve overlooked in the comments section.

Downtown

Joe T.’s
Joe T. Garcia’s doesn’t offer brunch exactly but they do serve breakfast from 11AM – 3PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Migas, Menudo, and Huevos Rancheros – just some of the Tex-Mex favorites on the breakfast menu.

Cowtown Diner
Cowtown diner offers their Texas twist on Brunch favorite-Eggs Benedict. Texas Chili Benedict is just one many delicious brunch offerings.

Simply Fondue
The brunch at Simply Fondue sounds like a fabulous deal at $19.99 for a 3 course Brunch Special & $1.00 Mimosas & Poinsettias. Not a bad deal for a Cheese Fondue, Salad, and an Entree.

Taverna
Brunch Items are cooked to order at Taverna. The Taverna Eggs Al Forno all ‘Olio Tartufato (Two Pan-Fried Eggs with Breakfast Sausage served over Garlic Bread with Truffle Oil & Breakfast Potatoes) sounds particularly tasty.
Prosecco $7.50

West 7th / Cultural District

The Culinary School of Fort Worth
The Culinary School of Fort Worth offers brunch every 1st and 3rd Sunday and in my opinion is one of the best kept brunch secrets in Fort Worth. The students from the culinary school put out a great brunch with an omelet station where omelets are expertly made to order, a bread station, salads, a pasta section, and a desert buffet. If that isn’t enough you can also select one of three seasonal entrees. The dining area has a lovely French country feel and there is usually someone providing live music. Seatings are every half hour from 11AM-1PM and the brunch is $14.95 for adults and $5.95 for kids. BYOB makes it an even better deal so don’t forget your champagne.

Cafe Modern
Brunch is now served on Saturdays & Sundays. Brunch items are made to order and Chef Dena Peterson makes exquisite food that fits in with the exquisite location. The Maple Bacon Doughnuts that have been added to the menu are sure to be a brunch must-have.

Macs
You’ll find brunch items made to order at Macs. Eggs Point St. George (white lump crab meat, poached eggs, hollandaise, English muffin) would make Sunday spectacular.

Pour House
The Pour House does brunch right with a make-your-own Bloody Mary Bar and $1 Mimosas & $1 Poinsettias or you can always upgrade to the $2 Manmosas / Mansettias. Oh yeah the food’s good too! Migas Enchiladas, Green Eggs & Ham & Eggs Benedict Mexicana ensure you won’t leave hungry.

Fred’s
Fred’s serves up a hearty brunch every Sunday from 10:30AM -1:00PM. The Quail & Eggs seems like the way to go here. Otherwise go with the homemade sour dough biscuits topped with home made cream gravy and pork sausage. Wash that all down with a Mimosa in a Schooner.

Tillman’s
Tilman’s cleverly refers to their brunch as blunch and standard brunch items are given the Tillman’s touch. Benny and the Jets is a favorite dish of mine which is a poached egg with pulled barbeque pork over blue corn pancakes topped with green chile bacondaise and their Cast Iron Skillet Egg Casserole is quite hearty. The Hang Over Platter is made for sharing (and don’t you just love the name).

Brownstone
Brownstone recently added brunch to its offerings. The Fort Worthian sounds decadent with a grilled 6oz. Texas Wagyu, two farm fresh eggs and potato hash. Pair that with one of their signature cocktails such as the Pineapple Blackberry Mosa or a West 7th Cafe.

Jazz Cafe
The Jazz Cafe has been offering a longstanding brunch for awhile. I love the Jazz Cafe and all it’s worn down charm and trust me it’s charming if you just imagine yourself in a small town in Greece where no one is in a hurry. This is a Fort Worth favorite. Choose between the brunch offerings or my favorite sandwich on the planet, the Vegetarian Sandwich (fresh mozzarella, avocado, tomato, mushrooms and cream cheese). Sometimes, I believe owner Nick Kithas plays jazz music but don’t quote me on that – could just be when the mood strikes him.

Winslow’s Wine Cafe
Winslow’s Wine Cafe serves brunch on Sunday’s from 11AM-2PM. You can choose made to order items such as Blackened Salmon, Eggs Benedict, or Cinnamon Clove French Toast. They have a lovely patio which would make the perfect spot for enjoying your brunch al fresco.

Near South Side

Spiral Diner
You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy all the delicious vegan Brunch dishes at Spiral Diner. You simply cannot go wrong with the All You Can Eat Pancakes. They even have vegan sausage to go with that. Good and good for you!

Cat City Grill
The Sweet and Savory Crepes seem destined to become a Fort Worth favorite.  They seem to strike the perfect balance of sweet and savory with One Ham and brie crepe topped with béarnaise sauce, one wild mushroom crepe and one peanut butter and banana crepe with chocolate drizzle.  I can’t wait to try these myself and report back!

Hulen Area

Buttons
Buttons may well be one of the most festive spots in town-live music, great cocktails, and seriously tasty eats. Brunch is no different with live music accompanying a brunch buffet ($19.00) or made to order items such as their signature Chicken and Waffles ($15.00).

Bistro Louise
Bistro Louise provides an amazing array of delicious brunch options. The brunch buffet is $29.95 and quite the deal if only for the duck that’s included in the buffet. Other options include: Selection of Fresh Imported Farm Cheeses, Shaved Tenderloin with Poblano Aioli, Mushroom Tarts, Asparagus, Ham & Cheese Strudels, Portabella Eggs Benedict, Crab Cakes, Risotto Cakes, Lobster Cakes,Tenderloin and of course Tea-Smoked Duck.

There is some great First Friday stuff happening today. Arts Goggle adds to the weekend fun and then you can wine down at Lightcatcher Winery for Jazz Sunday or catch the Jazz Jam at the Scat Lounge Sunday night.

Friday October 1, 2010

First Friday at The Modern 5PM-8PM (Docent tour at 6:30PM)
You shouldn’t miss this First Friday because in addition to all the great art, music, and cocktails you can check out the newly revamped Cafe Modern. Cafe Modern has been closed so they could revamp the space and the coffee bar has been replaced with a bar and they’ve made several menu changes that include specialty cocktails. Cafe Modern will be open from 5PM-8PM and reservations are no longer necessary. Music for today is Three if by Sea and the cocktail is Fall Fever. Catch the film Lebanon at Magnolia at the Modern from 6PM-8PM.

First Friday on the Green
Telegraph Canyon, Whiskey Folk Ramblers 6PM
This stellar lineup can’t be missed-especially because it’s free. I can’t get enough of Telegraph Canyon and their quiet, soulful tunes. The Whiskey Folk Ramblers bring big energy with their brand of unique music that mixes sounds that move from old fashioned Russian folk tunes to bluegrassy. Bring a blanket or a camp chair and grab some grub from Chadra Mezza and their food tent.

Saturday October 2, 2010

Arts Goggle 4PM-10PM
Check out this favorite Fort Worth event. Wander into all the venues on the Near Southside, mostly on Magnolia street and take in some art, music, and food. Check out the full program on Fort Worth South’s website.

SundayOctober 3, 2010

Lightcatcher Winery Jazz Sunday 4PM-7PM (get there early), $10
Darwin Martin and Closeup provide the music at Lightcatcher Winery on Sunday.

Scat Jazz Lounge
Black Dog Revisited, a Jazz Jam – 8:30PM
Ahh the woe-be-gone days of The Black Dog- ah virtual cheers to all those that fondly remember the Black Dog. The Black Dog Sunday Jazz Jam was a Sunday institution for many. The Scat Jazz Lounge has revived this exciting event-there is no cover so no reason you shouldn’t check it out. If you haven’t been to the Scat Jazz Lounge yet this is a great excuse to see what it’s all about it-I love the feeling of going to a secret speakeasy with it’s alleyway entrance.

I normally don’t write about chains but I do like Taco Cabana, especially for late night eats. And I do like free eats as well, and if they throw in a $1.50 margarita and half priced nachos well then all the better. So if you’re hungry and low on cash, stop by Taco Cabana from 4PM-9PM today for a FREE Chicken Fajita Taco. For other locations check here.

Taco Cabana
6600 CAMP BOWIE BLVD.
FORT WORTH, TX 76116