This guest post is brought to us by Louis Sheppard, former Fort Worth chef now living in Austin.  Leave it to Louis to scope out all the best holes in the walls and restaurants for food adventurers and music lovers in Austin.  Even if you’re not headed to SXSW check out some of these spots on your next trip to Austin.

Well kids, it’s that time again.  Time to shave your beards into handlebar mustaches and bleach your hair Norwegian blond.  Yes, the South by Southwest music festival is back.  The bands, the parties, the booze, and the parking.  As Fort Worth’s self appointed culinary ambassador to Austin, I have taken it upon myself to give you, faithful ETFW reader, the inside track on the best places to fill your bellies in the ATX.

We have a lot of restaurants here in Austin.  Most of them, however, suck.  This is due to a constantly fluctuating population of students, politicians, tourists and gunmen, who reward mediocrity by patronizing the multi-million dollar chain-like establishments and overpriced fast food joints that dominate the downtown and university districts.

“But, Louis, where am I going to eat lunch after 8 free tall cans of Lone Star at 11AM on a Thursday?”.  And, “I’ve been stalking the drummer from Wild America for hours and everything is closed and I’m weely hungy.  Where do I find something to quell my hunger at two in the morning?”.  Questions we’ve all asked ourselves.  So this is for you Fort Worth, here ya go.

24 Diner
600 N Lamar Blvd. (512) 472-5400
This is a relatively new place that now occupies the old Waterloo Ice House next to Waterloo records.  The menu is broad without being to big.  The food is simple, straight forward, and done very well.  Think ‘Ol South meets Eddie V’s and you’re close. There are plenty of options for the whole crew, including the vegetarian who only eats meat on St. Patrick’s Day.  Be prepared to wait for a table.
www.24diner.com

Taqueria Star
343 S. Congress Ave.
Taqueria Star is a trailer parked in a liquor store parking lot, so you know it’s good.  In fact, it’s the best Mexican food I’ve had in Austin.  That being said, I’ve only ever eaten one thing off their menu:  Tacos al Pastor – 5 for $5.99.  What else do you need? White corn tortillas, slow cooked pork, roasted pineapples, queso fresco, avocado…sorry, I just had to leave for a minute and go pick some up.  I’m glad I did though, because I almost forgot to mention the red and green salsas that come with the al pastors. Nothing like you’ve had in Ft. Worth.  I promise.  Open till 3 a.m. on the weekends and 11 p.m. weekdays.

The East Side King
1618 1/2 E. 6th ST.(Behind Liberty Bar)
You’ve been to New York right?  Remember that place your friends took you to that was sooooo good, but you can’t remember the name because it was some weird Japanese hipster word with too many vowels?  It was Momofuku fool, and now we have our own little version in Austin.  Without boring you (and me) I’ll just say that the owner used to work at Momofuku and is currently the chef de cuisine at an Austin culinary giant.

The first time I went here I had beef tongue steam buns and they were the shit!  So I kept going back and bringing my friends and they all agreed that we had found a gem.  Try the fried beets with miso mayonnaise, the fried chicken, and the brussel sprout salad.  It’s all great.  PLUS!  It’s in the patio of a bar, so you won’t have to deal with homeless people looking for spare change while you wait for your grub (well, maybe a couple, but they’re only half homeless).
www.eastsidekingaustin.com

The East Side Show Room
1100 E. 6th ST.
I’m sure at one time or another, in those years between art school and your first kid, you thought to yourself:  Wouldn’t it be great to have my own restaurant?  And you thought – I’m going to use only local, seasonal food, build all the furniture from scratch, create custom cocktails that make Baptists form committees and have the coolest people in the universe as my patrons.  Well, sorry, some one beat you to the punch.  But, you can still eat there. I do all the time. Get the charcuterie, a shot of aquavit and quit crying you baby. You still have time get your masters in psychology.
www.eastsideshowroom.com

Emerald City Press
915 N. Lamar
Let’s face it, you will be very drunk at SXSW. After all, Paddy’s day and Spring Break will be happening as well.  Don’t hold back, get good and tight.  But, when you wake up at some random dude’s house and his roommate is smoking weed through a Olde English 800 tall boy can at eight in the morning, you’ll need a coffee.  And why go corporate when you can go local?  Get your ass down to Emerald City Press, get the best cup of coffee around.  It is a wonderful place to cure that sexy hangover.  Be sure to enjoy their secret patio around back.
www.emeraldcitypress.com

Counter Cafe
626 N. Lamar
O.K. You’ve had your coffee, you’re feeling better, you’re planning the days events.  All you need now is the Counter Cafe’s “local food and global love.”  Cheap, awesome, and filling.  Sound good? Of course it does.  You may have to wait for a seat, but once you sit down, your food comes out fast and hot.  Try the egg sandwich.  Please, for me.
www.countercafe.com

Shuck Shack
1808 E. Cesar Chavez
This place is a nicer version of JJ’s Oyster Bar. Full bar, tree covered patio, oysters and horseshoes.  I’m including this on the list because once again, it’s cheap, good, and away from the SXSW madness.  A great place to relax between shows.  And, it’s within a mile of four piñata stores.  I know, you may thank me later.
www.shuckshack.com

Brasserie Justine
4710 E. 5th St.
Speaking of being away from the madness, here is a place every city needs.  Open late, 60’s soul and R&B coming from a turntable behind the bar and the kind of French food you get in France – Steak frites, escargot, salade nicoise, charcuterie.  They have it all.  If you were thinking of going on a date whilst in Austin, this would be the spot.  Unless you’re going on a date with my dad.  He’s not very fond of the French.
www.justines1937.com

Green Mesquite BBQ
1400 Barton Springs Rd.
Texans love their BBQ and rightly so.  But for some reason we all want to find one BBQ place and only eat there for the rest of our lives.  When a friend takes you to their favorite BBQ place all you can do is talk shit about how much better Angelo’s or Railhead is.  Who cares?  It’s all the same basic idea.  Throw some meat and fire into the earth, cover, get drunk, pass out, wake up and 14 hours later, eat.  This is not a highly refined art form, just look at the people who work at BBQ places – You won’t be seeing them at Modern ‘til Midnight.  OK, that was uncalled for.

Why does BBQ get us so worked up?  Where was I?  Oh yeah, Green Mesquite.  The brother of the guy who owns this place was on Hogan’s Heroes.  That alone warrants a visit.  Not enough for ya?  Tree covered beer garden, pulled pork stuffed baked potato and Pearl Light from a can.  I promise, you might start saying it’s the best place in Austin.
www.greenmesquite.net

Sam’s
2000 E. 12th St.
My other favorite BBQ place in the ATX is Sam’s. Rumor has it, that Stevie Ray Vaughn used to live here, literally.  This old east side house, located right in the heart of Austin’s red light district, serves up the best chopped beef sandwich on the planet.  All you need to know is what is says on the front of the house, “You don’t need teeth to eat my beef!”.  So true.  This spot is open late.  Sometimes really late.  So hit the ATM (cash only), get a cab to the east side and send yourself to heaven on the wings of Sam’s beef.

LaMexicana
1924 S. 1st St.
It’s four-thirty in the A.M., even the clothes you’re wearing are legally drunk and your judgment is questionable. Sounds like you’re ready for La Mexicana.  This crux of humanity sits on a quiet corner of south Austin not far from downtown.  This is a happy place, where you won’t be judged for loosing your flip flop at the Billy Bragg concert you snuck into.  La Mexicana has you covered.  Tortas, cakes, pralines, enchiladas and all other manner of Mexican food you need to help you through the night and ultimately the festival.
www.la-mexicana-bakery.com

I hope this list helps guide you through the concrete jungle that is SXSW. These are just a few of the many wonderful places to eat in Austin.

Photos courtesy of Renate Winter (click each photo to get a full view of her lovely photography)

Roots Coffeehouse in North Richland Hills is celebrating it’s One Year Anniversary in a big way – free coffee. This is also a way of saying thank you to all their customers for a great year.

Stop by and get your “Free Coffee” Card, which is good for one free 12 oz. drip coffee every day during March. Roots Coffeehouse serves all organic and fair trade coffee.

Roots Coffeehouse
9101 Hwy 26, Suite 101
North Richland Hills, TX 76180
(817) 503-7344
(Between Chipotle and Firehouse Subs, across from TCC)

Friday February 19, 2010

The Scat Jazz Lounge
The Texas Gypsies 9PM
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.

Make a night of it with a visit to Simply Fondue before the show. Scat Jazz Lounge is at 111 West 4th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Saturday February 20, 2010

The Kimbell Art Museum
Look, Listen, and Learn Family Festival 1PM – 4PM
The Lone Star Film Society presents 3 short children’s films that show how music influenced great artists. From the Lone Star Film Society:

Picasso painted guitars. Mondrian loved jazz. Discover how music inspired great artists with children’s films from the Lone Star Film Society, hands-on art activities and classical guitar performances by Christopher McGuire, Artistic Director of the Fort Worth Classic Guitar Society.

Admission is Free. Check the Lonestar Film Society Website for details about the films

Festival Schedule
1:00 PM: ART and In Winter Still: A Claude Monet Story
1:30 PM: Guitar performance: “The Imagination Game”
2:00 PM: The Girl Who Cried Flowers
3:00 PM: Guitar performance: “The Imagination Game”
3:30 PM: ART and In Winter Still: A Claude Monet Story

Sunday February 21, 2010

Lightcatcher Winery
Jazz Sunday 4PM – 7PM, $10
Enjoy music by The Frank Hailey Trio at this charming vineyard. A fun way to check out the winery and enjoy some of their great wines and their delicious food.

Happy Valentine’s Day Fort Worth – if you don’t have plans yet, here are some last minute options.  Sorry this will mostly be from the cut and paste department because it’s Sunday and I’m lazy.

Fred’s Texas Cafe – From Fred’s
Fred’s will be open on Sunday, Valentine’s Day, 2010! Our regular menu will be available. Terry will be cooking a Valentine’s Special as well: Whole Smoked Beef Tenderloin served with a green salad, green chili potatoes au gratin, & a comanche moon pie for dessert! (open on Saturday too).

If you don’t want to battle Valentine’s Day crowds over the weekend but still want some quality time with your sweetie here’s some other ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Urban Challenge
If you’ve ever seen shows like the Amazing Race where teams race through a city by solving clues and performing tasks that’s what the Urban Challenge is like. This Saturday, February 13th, the race takes place in Fort Worth at Noon starting in Montgomery Plaza. This sounds like a fun activity for couples. From Urban Challenge:

The Fort Worth Urban Challenge is a wacky urban adventure. Teams of two solve twelve clues, have a wild city adventure and complete fun challenges while discovering the city in a fresh way during a fun day.

More details can be found on the website for Fort Worth Urban Challenge, $45 per person registration fee. Proceeds benefit Kidd’s Kids.

Central Market
If you’d rather stay in for Valentine’s Day Central Market has you covered. Set the mood with a lovely flower arrangement from Central Market’s flower department. Fragrant Oriental Lillies provide a nice alternative to traditional roses and are on sale for $7.99 a bunch. Also check out the Third Annual Chocolate Festival from February 12-14 and pick out some chocolates for your Valentine. Central Market has delicious dinner selections and you get your choice of movie. From Central Market:

Nesting on V-day? Let Central Market cater to you with a special Valentine’s Day dinner for two and the movie of your choice. After you decide on your menu and movie, give your store’s Catering department a call. Then on V-day, swing by the Catering Desk to pick up a little love to go!

Movie choices are: 500 Days of Summer, The Proposal, or Ratatouille and menu choices include:
Chateaubriand with Red Currant Demi Glaze
Vegetarian Twice Baked Potato
Baby Vegetables
Crispy Chopped Romaine, Grilled Portabella, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, and Tomato Vinaigrette
2 Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Heart Shaped Crème Brulee for 2
~$69.99~

Chicken Wellington with Demi Glaze
Roasted Fingerlings
Haricot Vert Amandine
Field Greens, Asparagus, Maytag Blue Cheese, Cashews, Dried Cranberries and Sherry Vinaigrette
2 Strawberry Tuxedo Strawberries and 2 Individual Vanilla Cheesecakes
~$59.99~

Beef Tenderloin and Grilled Shrimp
Boursin Potato Soufflé
Grilled Asparagus
Baby Spinach, Toasted Walnuts, Stilton and Port Dressing
2 Strawberry Tuxedo Strawberries and 2 Individual Vanilla Cheesecakes
~$59.99~

Oven Baked Cold Water Lobster Tail with Lemon Butter Sauce and Tarragon Linguine
Sautéed Spinach and Tomato Florentine
Mixed Field Greens, Southwest Tortilla Croutons and Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette
2 Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Heart Shaped Crème Brulee for 2
~$79.99~

Valentine Dinner and a Movie meals will also be available “on the wall” across from the Chefs case, but we encourage you to call and place your order with your store’s Catering desk..

Texas Toast Tours
Foodies will want to hold off until February 16 to celebrate Valentine’s. Texas Toast Tours will be hosting a tour of Forest Park area Restaurants. This is a great chance to get an insight into these restaurants with special wine and food pairings with an explanation from the Chefs of Saprisiti, Ruffino’s, and Grady’s. All this and you are guided by the local diva of dining, June Naylor, and Texas Toast partner Cynthia Wahl. From Texas Toast Culinary Tours:

First course
We start at Sapristi!, a charming bistro where chef Carlos Cavazos makes magic.

Second course
We’ll cross Forest Park to enjoy our second course, offered by the inspired Asdren Albanese at Ruffino’s.

Third course
Then we’ll walk around the corner to Grady’s, where Grady Spears will show off his creativity with sweet endings for our evening.

Each course will include just the right adult beverages, too. You’ll have time to talk with the chefs and hear their stories.
It’s $75, tax and tip included.

Webb Gallery (Waxahachie)
February 12, 7PM – 10PM
If you are a couple with artistic or musical leanings , you will want to take a little road trip to Waxahachie on Friday February 12. Take in the art of Esther Pearl Watson as her solo show, “Space is the Place paintings of UFOs and such”, opens at The Webb Gallery in Waxahachie. As a bonus catch the Darktown Strutters in an intimate venue before their self described “demonic disco” sounds hit the big time. Also the lovely DJ Wild in the Streets rounds out the entertainment for the evening. Afterwards take a romantic little stroll around the quaint, old square of downtown Waxahachie. Check out details on the Facebook Event Page. 209-211 W. Franklin Waxahachie, TX 75165

The Webb Gallery features self taught artists or “outsider art” as well as a vast collection of antiquities and bizarre collectibles that they have gathered over the years: carnival banners, fraternal lodge items, memory jugs, tramp art and many more little oddities that will keep you entertained. A little more about Esther Watson from the Webb Gallery:

Another artist whose work was new to me, Esther Pearl Watson, paints faux Outsider Art. Her Garland TX (1985) depicts a backyard scene with kids fighting, chain-link fences and trash scattered about the place. Suburban stuff, except for the massive silver UFO sitting smack bang in the middle of the lawn. Is her work a metaphor for the acceptance of Outsider Art? Insider or outsider, the scratchy imagery is engaging.Emma Gray, L.A. Confidential, Artnet

Esther Pearl Watson was also recently profiled on Boing Boing.

The Kimball
Friday February 12th from 5:30 – 7:30PM they will feature live music by The Tom Reynolds Trio. From the Kimball:

light dinner buffet feature a light dinner buffet of soups, salads, pasta dishes, and a vegetable torte, with a selection of wines and other beverages. After dinner, take a stroll through the galleries or settle in for some of the best live music in town in front of the beautiful Maillol Courtyard.

With Valentine’s Day arriving soon it’s that time of year to take a peek at some romantic restaurants in Fort Worth.  During Valentine’s Day some restaurants host a prix fixe menu (fixed price menu) with a corresponding special menu.  Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year so look for restaurants to be crowded with lovebirds all weekend.

Restaurants with special Valentine’s Day menus are noted.  Keep these restaurants in mind all year round when planning anniversaries, birthdays, or other special events.

Lanny’s Alta Cocina Mexicana
One of my favorite spots in town and the Valentine’s Menu sounds like quite the treat. An amuse of Goat Cheese Stuffed Medjool Date starts off the meal. Tapas offers a choice of Lobster Chilpachole or Rabbit Loin in Serrano Ham. For your Entree select between Prime Bone-In Ribeye, Sweet Potato Gratin, Haricot Verts or Sea Bass, Braised Oxtail, Tubers. Desert does not disappoint with these options: Chocolate Marquise Cake, Meyer Lemon Creme Fraiche or Key Lime Goat Cheesecake, Praline, Cajeta. Plus there is desert bonus with a Mignardises of Chocolate Strawberry Truffles. $95 per person. 817.850.9996 for reservations. Read my review here.

Lili’s Bistro on Magnolia
This cozy spot is featuring their Valentine’s Day Menu on Saturday the 13th as well as Sunday the 14th. You can view their Valentine’s Menu online here. The Duck Egg Rolls offered as the app sound delicious. They offer a choice on salads. Lili’s offers a variety of entrees to suit many tastes: Rasberry Infused Roasted Duck, Chicken Oscar, Beef Wellington and Brie, Saffron Halibut, and Lamb on the Vine. $42 per person, Reservations Required. Seatings on Saturday are from 6:00-6:30PM and 8:00-8:30PM, open seating after 9PM. Seatings on Sunday are from 5-5:30PM to 7-7:30PM. Read my review here.

Bistro Louise
Bistro Louise will be offering a Valentine’s Day Brunch in addition to a Valentine’s Day 4 course dinner. Brunch is from 11AM-2PM on Sunday. The 4 Course Valentine Dinner is offered from 5pm – 10PM. Check the website for all the details. Start your dinner with a shooter of Red Bell Pepper Soup and Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese Crostini. You have a choice of 5 Appetizers and they range in flavors from Carrot Risotto with Sauteed Apples, Red Wine Onions, Danish Blue and Toasted Walnuts to Sashimi Hawaiian Kona Kampache and Wok Seared Tuna with Wasabi Creme Fraiche. The 4 Entrees offered seem delightful particularly the Crepe Croustad of Lobster, Orata, Chestnuts, Jicama Piquillo Peppers, finished with Cave Aged Gruyere. Deserts offered are Strawberry Craquelin and French Marjolaine Layer Cake. Once again make sure and check out the website for all the menu details. $75 per person. Reservations recommended duet to popularity. 817.922.9244. 2900 South Hulen.

Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
Bonnell’s always offers stellar food and Valentine’s Day will be no exception. The Menu can be found online. Starters include Shellfish Sampler featuring Broiled Maine Lobster Tail. Entree choices are Center Cut Beef Tenderloin with Cognac and Peppercorn Sauce, Exotic Mushrooms, Baby Spinach, Grilled Tomatoes and a Trilogy of Twice Baked Potatoes: Bacon Cheddar, Sour Cream and Chive and Truffle with Herb Lemon Butter Sauce, Jumbo Lump Crabcake with Scallion Lime Aioli and Oyster Texasfeller. Chef’s Chocolate Sampling. $90 per person. Reservations can be made at 817.738.5489.

Ellerbe Fine Foods
The newest addition to Magnolia Avenue will be featuring a Valentine’s Day Menu on Saturday and Sunday for $65 per person. The meal starts off with Grilled Country Bread with Truffles and Bechamel (hello, decadence!). Your next options of Creamy Carter Farm Tomato Soup or Texas Bay Shrimp Limestone Salad. Entrees include Sauteed Gulf Grouper or Red Wine Braised Shortribs. Brown Butter Crepes will be served for desert. 817.926.3663 for reservations.

Ferre
Ferre will be serving a special 4 course Valentine’s Menu all weekend. Check the website for full menu details. The Amuse is a Bay Scallop with golden gazpacho and avocado. The Starters include salads, or a Pomodoro Soup, or a decadent sounding Tortellini Fonduta with a fontina fonduta filling and black truffle butter sauce. Entrees include Seafood dishes like Pink Peppercorn Crusted Scallops and with spinach parmesan risotto with white truffle oil. Beef dishes include a Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin and a Char Grilled Angus Rib Eye. Deserts include Dark Chocolate Polenta Cake (Yum!), Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Tiramisu Chocolate Espresso Sponge Cake. $45.

Zambrano’s
Zambrano’s will be hosting Valentine’s Day Dinner Friday through Sunday. Receive a complimentary rose and Champagne. Dinner is 3 courses for $55, with wine pairing dinner is $75. First Course is either soup or salad. The second course is Prime Rib or Mahi Mahi with Mango Chutney. The third course is Chocolate Cheesecake or Lemon Pound Cake. Scheduled Reservations are from 5:30 – 7;45PM and 8 – 10PM. 817-850-WINE.

Buttons
Buttons will have live music as usual, with the band Natural Change. They are offering a 3 course meal for $50. Call for reservations and details 817-735-4900.

Bistro Lightcatcher
Bistro Lightcatcher is one of my favorite romantic spots. It’s slightly off the beaten path which adds to it’s charm. You dine among large oak wine barrels. They will serve Valentine’s Dinner on Saturday and Sunday from 6PM – 8PM with music by Tony Hakim. $95, call 817.237.2626 to reserve.

Scampi’s
Scampi’s offers a bittersweet Valentine’s Day Dinner. Scampi’s will be closing with the retirement of family members and revamping their concept. Enjoy one of Chef Theo’s last delicious meals cooked up at Scampi’s for their Final Salute to Magnolia Avenue Valentine’s Day Dinner. Friday and Saturday special features will be added to their regular menu. Sunday features a brunch from 10:30AM – 2:30PM with ala carte menu items. Valentine’s Day Dinner is 3 course dinner for $45 from 5PM – 9PM. My husband and I first ate at Scampi’s for Valentines Day 10 years ago. Reservations required for Brunch and Dinner, 817.927-1887. Read my review here.

St. Emillion
3617 W. 7th
817.737.2781
What says romance better than little French hideaway. This cozy cottage on 7th is a great spot for l’amour. Food and Fort Worth reviewed this spot and the melting cake sounds like perfect date night food. Leslie Brenner of the Dallas Morning News also recently gave it 3 stars.

Sardines
509 University
817.332.9937
This Cultural district restaurant is a classic Fort Worth spot for romance. Candlelit tables are about the only illumination and live jazz definitely sets the scene. Classic Italian dishes complete the recipe for romance.

Pops Safari Room
2929 Morton Street
817.334.0559
The Cultural district gem has only a few tables nestled within aged wooden wine racks and that makes for amazing ambiance if you ask me. If it’s intimate you’re looking for, this is it. Trust the server’s wine recommendations here, because they are usually spot on. There is also a small casual patio outside. Read more about the food at Fort Worth Hole in the Wall.

Sapristi
2418 Forest Park Boulevard
817.924.7231
Want to pretend you’re in a neighborhood European bistro? You need go no further than Forest Park, Sapristi’s is the spot. The main dining room sports sunny yellow walls and rich wood accents (the secondary dining room has a bit of catching up to do). It can get loud but the setting is charming. The tapas plate varies and is a great way to start off the meal. The staff know wine, so I trust their judgment and am never disappointed, I’ve discovered some of my favorite wines here. Their mussels and fries are unbelievable.

The Italian Inn
I’d be remiss if I didn’t include this Fort Worth institution. The booths have little doors for extra privacy, it’s the custom to scrawl you and your sweetie’s name on the wall, if you’re lacking conversation you can always read what others have graffitied on the walls. There’s also the famous singing waiters. The food is standard Italian fare, but it’s all about the fun and romantic (if you get a booth) atmosphere at this spot.

Grace
777 Main Street
817.877.3388
Fort Worth’s newest hot spot restaurant also exudes romance with its rich and sophisticated atmosphere. Grace is an elegant spot for your romantic dinner. Luxury comes at a price though so bring some bank. Steak and seafood are the specialties here.

Simply Fondue
111 W. 4th Street Suite 15
817.348.0633
What’s sexier than dipping stuff in melted cheese or chocolate – I think that’s about as good as it gets. Simply Fondue is in the old Woolworth building downtown. Before you think this is your Mom’s 70’s fondue, they offer several varieties of fondue which include a Traditional Fondue, Fondue Grill, Mediterranean Sangria, Shiner Bock Bayou Cajun, and Thai Coconut-check out their website for details. If you want to know what you’re in for – read West and Clear’s Kevin Buchanan’s excellent review, he found that it was vegetarian friendly and the photos that accompany the review are wonderful. After dinner head to the Scat Jazz Lounge and make a Simply Fabulous evening of it.

Nonna Tata
1400 W Magnolia Ave
817.332.0250
I love Nonna Tata, and though it may not be romantic to wait for a table, nothing’s stopping you from making out in your car while you wait. Once seated you’ll be transported to Italy with authentic flavors and a warm atmosphere. BYOB. Check out my review for all the details for dining at Nonna Tata.

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.

FEATURED EVENT

Saturday January 30, 2010
Good Show Live Music Series
Lola’s 6th 10:00pm, $8.00 cover
Pablo and The Hemphill 7, Katsuk – EP Release!!, and The Keite Young Band
The Good Show Guys are at it again. Join them as they kick off to the 2010 Good Show Live Music Series at Lola’s 6th.
The lineup features local royalty Pablo & The Hemphill 7, KatsuK and the R&B/Soul sounds of Keite Young.

Lola’s 6th
2736 West 6th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107-2209
(817) 877-0666

Saturday January 30, 2010

Rahr Chili Cookoff 1-3 PM
The Chili Appreciation Society (CASI) holds their second annual Chili Cook-off at the brewery. 701 Galveston Ave.

Saturday January 30, 2010

William Campbell Contemporary Art – Artist Reception 6PM
Ranall Reid – In Times Past
From William Campbell:

Randall Reid’s experiences, from the earliest to the most recent, are integrated into every work of art he creates. He has been searching out and gathering bits and pieces of the natural and manmade environment for forty years, waiting for the exact composition that a particular object will bring to fruition. He refers to all his finished pieces as “earth symptoms” because he either incorporates natural weathering or distresses each fragment by hand, setting up a process by which wood or steel begins its journey back to nature.

A quick look at what’s going on in the Fort Worth food scene.

Grace

Tonight’s Celebrity Bartenders at Grace feature local artists: Nancy Lamb, Gregory Story, and Pamela Summers. I’m sure in between making drinks Nancy Lamb will be snapping tons of overhead crowd shots with her camera that might later be used in one of her lively paintings of revelers. Join these artists from 5PM – 7PM as they raise money for EASL (Emergency Artist Support League).

Ferre

Ferre introduces new chef inspired dishes that include appetizers, soup and salads. All their pasta dishes will feature seasonal ingredients and their pizzas have undergone a change as well with hand stretched crusts and artisinal ingredients.

They will also be adding new wines to their menu, which means some bottles will be discounted as they make room for more.

Ovation

Sad to report that another Fort Worth restaurant has shut its doors. This time it’s Ovation in the westside of Fort Worth. I’ve heard rumors of troubles at Ovation, but this time it’s official. As always the ever intrepid Teresa Gubbins has the scoop.

Taverna

Taverna in Downtown Fort Worth will donate 10% of all food sales today (Tuesday January 26) to American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Effort and Friends of the Orphans.

Bonnell’s

Make your reservations for the David Arthur Vineyards Wine Dinner February 11th at Bonnell’s. Dinner is $120 per person and reservations can be made at 817-738-5489. From Bonnell’s:

David Long, Owner of David Arthur Vineyards, is hitting the open road to share his passion for life and the wines he creates at David Arthur Vineyards. Driving a 30-foot Tour Meritaggio Bus (see below), he will visit 13 of the southern states including Texas!

Join us in welcoming him back to Fort Worth with a five-course wine dinner prepared by Chef Bonnell!

House Coffee Bar

If your looking for a Starbuck’s substitute check out the House Coffee Bar downtown. It’s affiliated with with City Life Center Church. Food and Fort Worth recently checked it out, I’ll have to pay a visit soon. 915 Florence Street.

I’m working up a list of restaurants with special Valentine’s day menus so be on the lookout for that soon.

If I missed anything please add in the comments section or email me at Josie@eatthisfortworth.com. Chow!

Friday January 22, 2010

The Moon Bar
Rivercrest Yacht Club
Check out the Rivercrest Yacht Club’s hilarious and nerdishly hip rap stylings at the Moon. Grab some Fuzzy’s Tacos before or after the show. 2911 W. Berry Street.

Friday January 22, 2010

The Ginger Man
Rahr Pint Night 6PM – 9PM
Here’s a great deal and another excuse to drink Rahr. It’s Iron Thistle (brewed by Rahr) Pint Night at The Gingerman. If you buy a pint of Iron Thistle you’ll get to take home a Rahr and Sons Pint Glass. 3716 Camp Bowie.

Saturday January 23, 2010

Gallery 414 – Artist Reception 6:00 – 9:00PM
Lance Jones - There’s a feeling that lingers in the afterward
I first saw Lance Jone’s work in the now defunct Gallery Art Cafe on Jennings about 7 years ago and his work still lingers in my memory-beautifully organic pieces that draw you in. I’m excited that he’s got a solo show here in The Fort. Don’t miss this one, this one will draw a crowd as Lance has quite a local following. 414 Templeton.

Saturday January 23, 2010

Artspace 111 – Artist Reception 6PM – 9PM
Greg Miller – On The Road
Make it a mini-gallery night with another artists opening exhibition. Greg Miller’s work consists of bold and eye-catching images, some have a slightly vintage feel to them. Sip some pinot and mingle with the art crowd at this unique gallery space. Don’t forget to stroll around the outdoor sculpture garden as well. 111 Hampton Street.

Sunday January 24, 2010

Visit the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Sunday’s weather promises to be perfect for hitting the midway, pleasant weather is a rare treat during Stock Show season. Check out my guide to Stock Show area eats if you’re seeking something besides festival food.