You’ll find lots of reasons to spend your weekend in the near Southside.

Friday May 13. 2011

FirstSecond Friday on the Green 7PM – 10PM
You really shouldn’t miss the First Friday on the Green events-free music and a great selection of food, what could be better. This month’s show features music by: The Orbans, Quaker City Night Hawks, and Fate Lions. The Central Market Food Truck will be there serving tacos, which are pretty excellent in my book. Get there early with your camping chairs & blankets, last month’s event filled up quickly.

New Near Southside Restauraunt & Food Truck – Shinjuku Station & The Weiner Man Food Truck

Visit Shinjuku Station, one of the newest restaurants in the Near Southside. Shinjuku Station comes from the same owners as Fort Worth favorite, Tokyo Cafe. You’ll find Shinjuku Station still in soft open mode but I’ve heard great things so far.

In Food Truck news, check out The Weiner Man in it’s new permanent spot in front of AVOCA coffee. Hours are Monday through Friday from 11AM – 4:30 but its best to check their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter: @TheWeinerMan for weather related or other updates.

There’s no shortage of other dining options on Magnolia if you don’t want to fight the crowds at Shinjuku. Some of my favorites include Nonna Tata (Friday only), Lili’s Bistro, Cat City Grill, King Tut, Junsuree Thai (BYOB), And Yucatan Taco Stand.

Saturday May 14. 2011

Spring Arts Goggle 2011 4PM- 10PM
Spend your Saturday at the Spring Arts Goggle and enjoy live music performances and wander through all the venues showcasing art. This is a great time to lake a little tasting tour of all the great restaurants on Magnolia. For the full lineup and schedule check out FortWorthSouth.Org.

Saturday April 29-30, 2011

Granbury Wine Walk and Chef Wine ‘n’ Dine Spectacular

Don’t forget about the Chef Wine ‘n’ Dine Spectacular tonight – tickets can be bought at the door. You can sample dishes from Lanny Lancarte of Lanny’s, Grady Spears of Grady’s, Asdren Azemi of Ruffino’s, and Denise Shavandy then watch them throw down in an Iron Chef Style Event with a secret ingredient inspired by the Royal Wedding. Also Friday and Saturday you can enjoy the Wine Walk which will feature local wine and food from local restaurants including Food Truck Salsa Limon from Fort Worth, which I reviewed as part of my food truck series.

Saturday April 30, 2011

The Second Annual 10th Anniversary Thrift Art Gallery Show and Auction 7-9PM
William Campbell Contemporary 4935 Byers Avenue Fort Worth

I might be showing my age if I mention I went to the very first Thrift Art Auction 11 years ago and I never could have predicted that this fun indie, underground event would end up at a prestigious Fort Worth art gallery such as William Campbell – but it has and all the more reason for you to check it out! Local artist Chris Blay, aka Frank Artsmarter, puts on this show every year. He “collects” art throughout the year, sometimes even getting contributions from local artists (who contribute “faux naive art”), gives each piece a backstory, and then it’s put up for auction. He’s made a video, awards will be given out to patrons, bidding begins at 50 cents but can go up quickly. Find more details at the Facebook Event page.

Here’s a little something to get you through your Monday, think about strolling the picturesque town square of Granbury while sipping wine on a gorgeous spring day. Aaaah that’s better, so now make plans to attend the Granbury Wine Walk this Friday and Saturday (April 29 & 30) and that’s just what you can be doing this weekend.

If you’ve never been to Granbury take advantage of the Granbury Wine Walk to discover this quaint and charming town. The event takes place around the picturesque and historical town square which will also feature live music. Along with wine to sample you’ll find food from local restaurants as well as local herbs and produce. You can also browse through the shops and galleries while you sip your wine.

For all you tweeters out there, the only way to vote in the People’s Choice Wine Competition is through your tweets that end in the #granburywine hashtag. If you don’t tweet, like “Granbury Wine Walk” on Facebook an leave your votes on their wall.

Friday the hours are from 2PM – 8PM and Noon- 7PM on Saturday. Tickets bought prior to the event can be purchased through the Granbury Wine Walk website and cost $15. Tickets at the event cost $20. Proceeds from the event benefit the Langdon Center (arts organization). You’ll receive a commemorative wine glass, schedule of events and map. Look at the Granbury Wine Walk website for all the details.

Wine ‘n’ Dine Chef Spectacular
If you’re really into food, you’ll want to attend the Wine ‘n’ Dine Chef Spectacular on Friday April 29 from 7PM – 10PM. This celebrity chef VIP event will highlight the Texas Wines from the Wine Walk by pairing them with classic and contemporary cuisine. Four of our local superstar chefs will be serving a mouthwatering selection of dishes, here’s the scoop from Texas Toast Culinary Tours:

Asdren Azemi of Ruffino’s in Fort Worth will serve mozzarella pipettes,a very contemporary twist on the caprese salad; and zucchini blossoms stuffed with rice and tomato

Grady Spears of Grady’s in Fort Worth will serve pan de campo, a flatbread, with braised short ribs, a big hit at Taste of the NFL.

Denise Shavandy, founding instructor at the new culinary program at TSTC in Abilene is doing some of her signature Middle Eastern-Indian dishes, lamb chop lollipops with cilantro-mint chutney and lentil salad.

Lanny Lancarte of Lanny’s Alta Cocina Mexicana in Fort Worth will serve his chocolate marquise cake with black-pepper ice cream

Not only that, but you’ll get to witness the chefs in action as they compete in teams Iron Chef Style for a cooking competition that features a secret ingredient. All attendees get to judge the dishes to determine who gets the title of Spectacular Chef – how fun does that sound?

Tickets to the Wine ‘n’ Dine Chef Spectacular are purchased separately from the Wine Walk tickets and cost $85 per person, this includes all food & wine, souvenir wine glass and other gifts. Tickets can be purchased at the Granbury Wine Walk website. Part of the proceeds benefit the Dora Lee Langdon Cultural & Educational Center in Granbury.

Happy Earth Day and Happy Easter everyone. Celebrate Earth Day by eating locally and visiting the Cowtown Farmer’s Market tomorrow!

Saturday April 23 ,2011

Prairie Fest 2011

Check out Prairie Fest this weekend at Tandy Hills Park. There’s no better vantage point to see Fort Worth than at Tandy Hills Park with the wildflowers blooming. Take a wildflower tour, visit the informational booths and enjoy the great live entertainment (Brave Combo!!). Of course there’s food and drink so check out all the offerings that include: Rahr Brewerey, Times Ten Cellars, and Chadra. The Prairie Fest website has all the details.

Sunday April 24, 2011

You have quite a few choices for Easter Brunch, if you haven’t already secured reservations – Here’s a small listing of places serving Easter Brunch: Buttons, Brownstone (1st come first served, no reservations 10:30am until dinner close), Bistro Louise, Lambert’s, Winslow’s, Gaylord in Grapevine, Simply Fondue, and Blue Mesa. Keep in mind that some places that normally open for brunch may be closed for the holiday so call ahead.

Woah! Get your party pants and your festival frocks on because it is a busy weekend in The Fort!

Friday April 15 – Sunday April 17, 2011

Main Street Arts Festival. Need I say more, you’ve all been and if you haven’t it’s worth it- there’s affordable interesting art, food a notch above typical festival fare, great entertainment, kid’s activities and it is all FREE. You’ll find all the details at the Main Street Arts Festival website.

Saturday April 16, 2011

West Berry Block Party $20
This fledgling, ambitious music festival will host 50 acts in 5 venues. Some of the proceeds go towards tsunami relief. If you love local music, you won’t want to miss this. Check out the website for all the band and venue details.

Saturday April 16, 2011

Kimbell Family Festival, Amazing Art from Africa
1–4 p.m.
From The Kimbell: Get into the spirit of the wise ruler or the cunning hunter through storytelling and art-making activities that celebrate different cultural traditions and honored ancestors from across the great African continent. Event highlights will include storytelling performances by Toni Simmons.

Saturday April 16, 2011

Spring Festival in the Japanese Garden 10AM – 5PM
Adults $5.00, Children (4-12yrs.) $3.00, under 4 free
Enjoy the beautiful Spring weather in a beautiful garden. Traditional Japanese dance, music, martial arts demonstrations, papermaking, and tea ceremonies.

Saturday April 16, 2011

Midnight at The Modern 6PM – Midnight
$15 or free for members
From The Modern: The theme of this Modern ’til Midnight is based on the Museum’s current exhibition, Ed Ruscha: Road Tested, which closes Sunday, April 17. Also featured at Modern ‘til Midnight is FOCUS: Teresita Fernández.
Check out the website for schedule. Data Howler, Novaak, The Cush, The Burning Hotels, This Will Destroy You provide the evening’s entertainment. Don’t forget to check out The Modern Cafe’s new menu while you’re there.

Sunday April 17, 2011

Terry Chandler

Urban Chuckwagon at Rahr Brewery, $40 kids under 12 Free
4PM -7PM

If you missed the Culinary Charreada a few weeks ago, you’ll want to make it out to The Urban Chuckwagon, brought to you by Texas Toast Culinary Tours. I just don’t know if it gets any better than this – Pork, tortillas, Beer and music by Hankshaw and Fish Fry Bingo.

From Texas Toast: Terry Chandler, AKA the Outlaw Chef, has concocted a menu of whole roasted pig with fire-roasted pineapple-chipotle sauce; Bucking Bock borracho beans; green chile hominy; and Dutch oven cherry cobbler. Gwin Grimes of Artisan Baking will prepare tortillas on-site. Fritz Rahr and his team of brewers will craft a beer just for the event, to be called the Ought-Zero Twisted Pig Ale. Get your tickets at The Texas Toast Culinary Tours website. 704 Galveston Ave., Fort Worth, 76104

Terra Meditteranean Grill

Looks like it’s going to be another great Spring Weekend so get out there and enjoy it! Lots going on in the West 7th area on Saturday.

Once again this is fantastic patio weather, check out one of my favorite spots: Terra Mediterranean Grill has a pleasant outdoor bar and they serve some amazing sangria and wine that pairs well with some of their spot-on delicious hummus.

Friday April 8, 2011

Cafe Modern New Menu
Chef Dena Peterson of The Modern Cafe has rolled out a new spring menu and it sounds divine. Items such as: Crab Cakes with Celeriac Remoulade, Southern Pickled Shrimp, Riesling Smothered Chicken, The Ultimate Southern Sandwich, Peanut Butter Pie. Go check them out for a cocktail and dinner.

Friday April 8, 2011

The Wiener Man food truck has it’s Grand Opening this weekend in front of of The Bull and Bush from 7PM – 1AM. Ye Olde Bull and Bush is at 2300 Montgomery Street. Look at the Facebook Event page for details. You can also find them at Arts Fifth Avenue Saturday April 9th from 6:30PM -9PM (1628 5th Ave.) and in front of The Usual from 9:15PM- 2AM on Saturday as well. Help welcome this new food truck to Fort Worth.

Saturday April 9, 2011

Foch Street Sale 12 – 8PM
This is a great way to check out all the shops along Foch Street plus All Day Happy Hour and Drink Specials from the bars and food establishments – Don’t miss this! Here’s some of the participants: Dean-Kingston Clothing, Asel Art Supply, M Lounge Martinis, La Familia Mexican Food, Milagros gifts, The Greenergood, Bess and Evies Vintage Clohting, J Raes Cupcakes, Esoterica Hair, and Chimys are all coming together for savings up to 75%!

Saturday April 9, 2011

West 7th Brewfest on Crockett 5PM – 10PM
Personally, I can’t wait for this event – great brews and great performers on a beautiful Spring day-this will be the place to be Saturday. Sample beers from Featured Breweries: Real Ale Fireman’s 4, Magic Hat, Trumer Pils, Estrella Damm, Saint Arnold, Sierra Nevada, and Frankziskaner Hefe-Weisse. Not only that, there will be an Amazing line up of live music – local favorites The Orbans ( 5:30-6:30PM), Whiskey Folk Ramblers (7-8PM) and their unique gypsy, Americana, Eastern European sounds, and the one and only Billy Joe Shaver (8:30-10:00PM).

Hi there folks sorry for the lack of posts lately. I’m still around and still eating, my pen just has to catch up to my fork. Here’s a brief rundown of this weekends highlights. Might I also suggest taking advantage of this beautiful weather and taking some time to hang out on your favorite patio – here’s a roundup of my favorites.

Friday March 25, 2011

The Kimball Art Museum’s exhibit of Salvatore Rosa is half price from 5PM – 8PM. Have dinner at their delicious buffett, here’s the Menu for tonight.

Friday March 25, 2011 & Saturday March 26, 2010

If quiet art doesn’t do the trick for you then rock out at Lola’s 6th Street all weekend with The Good Show presenting a series of shows. Both shows are only $7.00 ($9.00 under 21). Sponsored by DFW.com, Sputnik Radio, Pussyhouse Propaganda and THE GOOD SHOW Saturdays 9-Noon on FM88.7 The Choice, streamed live at www.goodshow.net

Friday March 25, 2010
Descender, Record Hop and Oil Boom

Saturday March 26, 2010
ME-THINKS Record release with Pinkish Black, Elvis Took Acid and The Dangits

Saturday March 26, 2011

Spring Gallery Night. Check out the Fort Worth Art Dealer’s Association website for all the details. Here’s a few a favorites from last year.  I’ve you’ve never been to a Gallery Night it is a great time to check out all the great galleries and art in Fort Worth – very casual and fun.

Sunday March 27. 2011

Hit up a brunch. Last weekend I went to Brownstone and had a fantastic brunch. $5 bottomless mimosas and a cooked to order menu that features Chef Casey Thompson’s take on Southern favorites. I enjoyed the Fried Chicken and Grits and can’t wait to go back.

Well have you thawed out yet? I don’t know about y’all but the past 2 weeks have given us some of the strangest weather I’ve experienced here in Texas. With the ice and the Super Bowl hoopla it seems that Valentine’s day has creeped up on us. Here’s a few ideas to get you going if you haven’t made any plans yet:

Vetro Glassblowing Studio and Gallery

Valentine’s at Vetro
If you are looking for something different and exciting to do on Valentine’s Day head on over to Vetro in Grapevine. All weekend you can sign up to help make a glass art flower ($25) or heart ($35). Help apply color to the molton glass and watch while one of Vetro’s glass artists create the piece and pick it up the next day.  Main Street in Grapevine has plenty of wine bars and restaurants to visit while you’re in the area, check out Into the Glass for good wine and tasty brie nachos.

On Valentine’s Day they will be hosting a Hot Date Night (make reservations by Feb. 12) where couples can make both the heart and the flower and enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres for $95. Vetro Glassblowing Studio and Gallery: 701 South Main Street, #10 Grapevine, TX 76051 (817) 251-1668

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History “After Hours”

The Science of Love 6:30 – 10PM
Saturday February 12. 2011
From the FWMSH:

Is it chemistry, animal attraction or something completely different? Find out at the Museum of Science and History next AFTER HOURS as we delve into The Science of Love! Explore the Museum’s exhibits and much, much more in this fun, adults-only event!

The FWMSH will feature a ton of activities including Karaoke, the Heavy Metal Scientist, making a V-day screen print, mixing up some custom bath salts, henna tattoos, and fortune tellers. There will be a cash bar for all your beer and wine needs and a signature “Love Cocktail”. At $10 per person this is a great Valentine’s Day deal (free for members).

Texas Toast Culinary Tours

Sunday February 13, 2011
You + Wine = Love 1:00 – 5:00PM
This is a great deal folks from Texas Toast Culinary Tours, great wine tastings and food made by Fort Worth’s best chefs, with transportation provided. $80, ticket includes tax, gratuity and transportation. Here’s the details from Texas Toast Culinary Tours:

* Wine tasting with Texas native Mac McDonald, beloved winemaker at Vision Cellars in California, with food pairings, all at Tillman’s Roadhouse
* Flight of wines and delicious bites with charming chef Asdren Azemi at Ruffino’s Restaurant
* A tasting of Texas wines with sublime food selections from chef-winemaker Caris Turpen at Lightcatcher Winery
* Transportation provided – We have a bus to take us to each destination. All you do is show up and enjoy the ride!

Scatt Jazz Lounge

Have you been to the Scat Jazz Lounge yet? I went recently and wow this place is romantic in a speakeasy, film noir, vintagy sort of way – in short “go to there” you will love it. If you’re looking for something different for Valentine’s day go to any show there this weekend (no cover on Black Dog Sundays) or check out their special Valentine’s Day Soiree on Monday with the talented Tatiana Mayfield. Look up their full schedule here. It is super close to Simply Fondue which makes for a perfect dinner beforehand.  111 W. 4th, Suite 11 Fort Worth 76102 ( the hidden alley downtown location adds to the speakeasy vibe)

Central Market Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two

Pick up a delicious V-day dinner prepared by Central Market:

Capture your Valentine’s heart with a complete chef-prepared meal, including salads, sides and desserts, plus a bottle of wine. Call our Catering department to place your order, (817) 377-9307.
Choose from:
Chicken Saltimbocca – $69.99 – paired with Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir
Grilled Beef Tenderloin – $79.99 – paired with Zuccardi Q Malbec
Grilled Beef Tenderloin & Grilled Shrimp – $89.99 – paired with Pine Ridge Forefront Cabernet
Oven-Roasted Lobster Tails – $89.99 – paired with Frog’s Leap Chardonnay

Pick up some chocolate from CM’s Chocolate Festival going on now and some flowers and you’ve got yourself a romantic little evening.

Cafe Modern

There are a ton of restaurants offering special Valentine’s Day Menus, this one from the Cafe Modern caught my eye though because it is such a value. Plus I just think the Cafe Modern is a stunning restaurant that seems to float in the reflecting pond of the The Modern and Chef Dena Peterson’s cuisine is light, lively, and creative. They will be featuring special prix fixe menus for $30 and $40 dollars a person – Call and make a reservation (817) 840-2157 or just drop in! The Galleries will also be open until 8 pm for your viewing pleasure.

Friday December 3, 2010

First Friday at the Modern
Take this chance to visit the Modern before the crush of the holidays. You might even be able to pick up a few gifts at The Modern’s excellent gift shop. Imbibe a Ho, ho, ho cocktail while listening to music by St. Frinatra. Also check out the Cafe Modern’s new look and menu for dinner.

Saturday December 4, 2010

Grace Restaurant 2nd Annual Holiday Wine Tasting
$60 per person
If you like wine, Grace has got the event for you. The Holiday Wine tasting promises samples and sips of over 150 wines ( this includes over 20 types of Champagne also) along with artisan meats, cheeses, and breads from Central Market. Most notable of the wines include Dom Perignon 2000, Veuve Clicquot Brut, Vintage, & Rosé, Jordan Chard & Cab, Silver Oak Alexander & Napa Cabs.

Saturday December 4. 2010

Artspace 111
The Road: A Photographic Journey- Opening Reception 6PM -9PM
Jill Johnson & Billy Stone
Local luminary and photographer Jill Johnson shows her work alongside Billy Stone at Artspace 111.

Jill Johnson, Fort Worth based freelance photographer, has included images from her series, Tru-Vue. “This series of images on the back roads of the West Texas Panhandle was captured on a Hasselblad using 120 film. Billy Stone describes his panoramic photographs as “encounters of inspiring scenes along the various highways and side roads on his cherished road trips to New Mexico,” where he grew up.

You don’t have to travel far to get a taste of Japanese culture this weekend.

Saturday & Sunday October 23 & 24, 2010

Fall Festival in the Japanese Garden
Adults $5.00, Children $3.00
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This annual festival brings traditional Japanese dance, music, and martial arts demonstrations, papermaking, and tea ceremonies to Fort Worth. Enjoy the beautiful space of the Japanese Gardens and the hints of fall foliage.

New York Roll at Tokyo Cafe

If the Japanese festival has inspired your appetite check out one of the many Japanese restaurants in Fort Worth. Some Eat This Fort Worth favorites are: Tokyo Cafe, Sushi Axiom, Hui Chan, Piranha Killer Sushi, Japanese Palace, Sushi Yoko, and Edohana. I haven’t made it to Fort Worth’s newest sushi spot yet, Blue Sushi Sake Grill, but I’ve heard good things.