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

Saturday July 31, 2010

Kimbell Art Museum
Family Festival 1PM – 4PM
Michelangelo, Matisse, and Me

This is a great free event for the whole family. From the Kimbell:

Discover your inner artist through creative activities and films inspired by European art in the Museum’s collection. Don’t miss a fun “informance” by the Fort Worth Jazz Orchestra as musicians engage audience members to present different styles of jazz.

Treat your kids to some hot dogs and custard from Curly’s before visiting the museum. Even with the heat the water misters and shade kept us cool on a recent visit. Plus you can’t let summer escape without treating yourself to some unforgettable peach custard.

Another kid friendly option for a quick bite is the Love Shack. I’ve heard that they have also put up some extra shade as well, but I haven’t seen it for myself yet. My kids love their burgers with a little milk shake chaser. Grown ups can enjoy the Dirty Love Burger with a beer or a refreshing marg.

Saturday July 31, 2010

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
DaVinci after Dark $10, free for members
6PM -10PM

The FWMSH is hosting an after hours event for Adults Only. It is very clear billed as an adults only event so leave the kids with the sitter and get your hands on all the cool exhibits that your kids would normally be hogging. There will be a cash bar and snacks available as well as Italian wine tasting. Best of all they’ve booked one of my favorite local bands, Seryn, to play at 9PM. Here’s some deets from FWMSH:

Explore our exhibit Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius, dance to local bands Eyes and Ears and Seryn. Then try your hand at backwards writing, journal making and building catapults. Watch local Makers demo their inventions, meet contact jugglers, and observe sculptors in action.

Saturday July 31, 2010

Lola’s Sixth
The Good Show Live Music Series 10PM-2AM, $8
Little Black Dress, RTB2, and Stella Rose

The Good Show guys have another great lineup for all your live music needs. If you’re a regular listener of KXT radio you’ll have heard some great tunes from Little Black Dress and RTB2, here’s your chance to catch them live along with Fort Worth locals Stella Rose.

Food options are plentiful around Lola’s. Some of my pre-show faves are The Love Shack, Fred’s, La Familia, and J&J’s Oyster Bar-they all serve quick and great food without a big pricetag. Other options are Terra Mediterranean, Tillman’s, Patrizio’s, reverse Happy Hour at Brownstone for $5/$6 apps and HH priced drinks all conveniently located on the other side of 7th in the W7 development.

No Weekend Happenings today, I feel like I need to catch everyone up on local food news.

Ellerbe’s
From Ellerbe’s Newsletter:

Copper River Salmon is here! We are excited to serve this amazing, seasonal fish, fresh from Alaska. The fish are pulled from the water and flown to our doors in less than 24 hours. We will start serving this spectacular fish on Saturday, July 17, through the rest of the season (while supplies last).

I can’t wait to taste what Ellerbe’s does with the Salmon. Also note that they will be closed Saturday, July 24 – Tuesday, July 27. If you didn’t already know Ellerbe’s is one of the few restaurants in town that focuses on incorporating seasonal and local ingredients in their dishes.

Bistro Louise
Chef Louise Lamensdorf will also be featuring Alaska Copper River Salmon while it’s in season. It will be served pan seared with a saffron sauce and fresh mango and spinach salad. Also in season is fresh Ruby Trout, which will be prepared with pinot noir syrup and grilled Parker County peaches.

Texas Toast Culinary Tours
Did you know there’s a bustling row of restaurants in Roanoke? Explore the tastes of Roanake with Texas Toast Culinary Tours on Tuesday July 20th at 6:30. Gerhardt’s kick off the tour with sampler appetizer platter with potato pancakes, fried pickles, fried pickled beets, bratwurst, Bavarian meatballs and a surprise dish. Then move onto Classic Cafe with a tasting menu that includes applewood-smoked quail, grilled lamb chops with an herb crust and rosemary pomegranate molasses, and pan seared breast of duck with a spiced zinfandel glaze, served with roasted garlic mash potatoes and garden fresh squash casserole. Desert is served at Cowboy Chow and includes brownie s’mores with homemade marshmallows and fried ice cream; baked warm cookies with ice cream on top; and berry crisp. Best of all each course comes with an adult beverage pairing. $85 per person includes tax and tip, $5 goes towards Meals on Wheels in Roanoke.

Ferre
Half-off dinner at Ferre on Thursdays through August 26. All food items (excluding alcohol) on their regular menu are 50% off. To participate in this special you must make a reservation and mention “Summer Sale Thursday”. Also, every Friday and Saturday night Ferre offers a romantic three-course dinner featuring menu favorites for only $30 per person and a complimentary glass of champagne-that is a great deal if you ask me.

Buttons
Buttons has revamped their menu and this includes the lunch menu as well with most items $10 and under. They are also bringing back the lunch burger and the Button’s Brownie. They also have a great happy hour, which I enjoyed recently with some appetizers and cocktails.

Cafe Modern
Get to the Cafe Modern while you can before August 16, they will begin renovations that will keep them closed until the end of September. From Cafe Modern:

Renovation plans include the installation of a stylish cocktail bar and updated sound system, improving the acoustics throughout the restaurant space. The new, sophisticated, upscale bar will bring the addition of a martini and special cocktail menu, extended dinner hours as well as new items on Café Modern’s seasonal menu.

A great reason to visit now is to enjoy their summer menu. Some of the options include the Texas Sampler with Grilled Peaches, Melon, Latte Da Goat Cheese, Texas Olive Oil and Aged Balsamic and the “You Name the Cheese” Cheeseburger with Burgundy Pastures 100% All Natural Grass Fed Beef, Challah Bun, and House-made Fries. Chef Dena Peterson uses seasonal and local produce in her dishes and the Cafe itself is a beautiful spot for lunch.

Brownstone
I haven’t made it back to the Brownstone since the opening party. I look forward to dining there soon, but in the meantime I may have to check out their “Reverse Happy Hour”. Reverse Happy Hour begins at 9 until close and you can get $5 Wines by the glass, $3 Premium draft beer & $6 specialty cocktails – an elegant spot for a nightcap that’s for sure.

Restaurant Week
Last but certainly not least, now is the time to make reservations for Restaurant Week! $35 for a 3 course meal at some of Fort Worth and Dallas’s best restaurants. Restaurant Week doesn’t officially happen until August 16-22 (with some restaurants beginning earlier) but reservations are now being accepted. Pick your favorite participating restaurants and get on the horn if you haven’t already, popular places get all booked up early. Reservations can be made through OpenTable from a list of participating restaurants. Check out the KRLD website for all the other restaurant week details.

If you are looking to stock up on goodies for your Fourth of July celebrations check out the 2 Farmer’s markets happening on Saturday morning: The Cowtown and The New Public Market.

Every Saturday you will find plenty of fresh produce at The Cowtown Farmer’s Market from 8AM – Noon. Last Saturday there were plenty of delicious peaches available. Along with that I saw leeks, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, blueberries, plums, apricots, and blackberries. This is just a sampling of the fresh produce available, check out The Cowtown Farmer’s Market website for a full list of available produce.

In addition you’ll find jarred preserves and salsas, Coffee and Tea from Aduro Bean and Leaf, bread from Artisan Baking Company, Cheese from Latte Da Dairy, soaps and bath products, cut flowers, tamales, and even dog treats.

The New Public Market takes place once a month. It’s current location is at 4600 Dexter Avenue from 8am until sold out. On my last visit the produce selection was not as large as what you’ll find at The Cowtown Farmer’s Market but there were plenty of other great products. Take a look at their vendor list for full details on the products available.

The Honeybee Guild has a variety of products available and they even have live honeybees for you to observe. Look for the guy in the bee suit and he’ll answer just about any question you’ve ever had had about honey and bees.

Brazos Valley Cheese had a booth at the New Public Market and we were won over by the unique flavors of the Rosemary Garlic Jack and the Gouda. They give out samples so you can see if you like the flavors before you buy.

Check out the beautiful soaps from Soap Addict. I love my oatmeal soap I got from them last month – it has a nice exfoliating effect. They also have a bargain bag filled with all their leftover odds and ends – a great way to save a few bucks.

This next go round I’ll definitely be picking up some olive oil from the Texas Olive Ranch.

Cowtown Farmer’s Market
Saturday 8AM – Noon and also Wednesday 8AM – Noon
3821 Southwest Blvd. (parking lot of Edelweiss Restaurant)
Fort Worth 76116
Fresh Line: 817.462.1426
Twitter: cowtownfm

The New Public Market
First Market day – Saturday May 15th
8 am until sold out (or 4 pm)
Into the Garden parking lot
4600 Dexter Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas
(near the corner of Camp Bowie and Hulen)

Kick off the Fourth of July Weekend with First Friday at The Modern from 5Pm – 8PM.  Enjoy the specialty cocktail, The Firefly, and music from The Tom Reynolds Trio.  This is a fun event and a casual way to enjoy the exhibits at The Modern.  Cafe Modern is also open for dinner and reservations are no longer necessary.  Chef Dena Peterson features seasonal and local ingredients in many of her featured dishes.

Magnolia at The Modern- Mic Macs
Friday 6 and 8 pm, Saturday 5 pm, Sunday NO SCREENING
Tickets are $8.50, $6.50 for Modern members. Advance sales begin two hours prior to the show.
I saw a preview for Mic Macs last weekend and it looks highly entertaining. The film is from the same director who brought us Amelie (one of my all time favorite movies) and it looks to have the same quirky and endearing elements. But then again I’m no film critic, here’s what The Modern has to say about the film:

A David-and-Goliath tale, Micmacs is the story of a man and his friends who come up with an intricate plan to destroy two big weapons manufacturers.
R, for some sexuality and brief violence; 105 minutes

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
3200 Darnell Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.738.9215

Chef Point Cafe, the gourmet restaurant inside a gas station in Watagua, brings it’s nationally recognized food to the streets of Fort Worth. Literally to the streets, they have gone mobile with their Chef Point on Wheels concept.

Whether this is a nod to the food truck trend or just a way to help spread the word about their downright good, down home cuisine, it’s worth the trip to the Medical District to check them out.

Every Wednesday you can find Chef Point on Wheels at 1220 Pennsylvania Avenue from 11AM – 3PM (across the street from Harris Hospital and in the parking lot of Gordon Boswell Flowers). My husband and I went last Wednesday to try out Chef Point on Wheels. We were pleasantly surprised that by 11AM people were already placing their orders. Even though the sun was out and in full swelter mode that didn’t stop folks that work at Harris from checking out this novel lunch spot. Several had heard about Chef Point on Wheels through Facebook.

The menu is an abbreviated version of their gas station menu and looks to be focused on their “greatest hits”. We placed our orders of the “Sexy Chicken” and Creamy Pasta Primavera. The Bread Pudding looked tempting and a lot of people were ordering it. If you’re looking to eat on the cheap, the Burgers fit the bill at $5. The prices go on up from there.

Once our order was ready we took our food to our car and dug in. There was no place to sit outside, not that we would want to in the heat of the midday sun. Let me just say that it was one of the best car meals ever. The “Sexy Chicken” which was proclaimed to be “better than sex” on the side of the truck had a perfect crust and the most tender chicken inside. The fried chicken was beyond perfect. As if it couldn’t get any better the mashed potato with gravy proved to be a worthy accompaniment to the fried chicken.

The Pasta Primavera was equally sublime with nice chunks of summer squash and zucchini bathed in a beautifully rich asiago cream sauce. The portions were fairly large and we ended up with leftovers. Next time I will bring my own drink because I would have loved some sweet iced tea instead of the canned and bottled drinks they offered.

All in all a fantastic meal and a great example of “gourmet to go”.

Chef Point on Wheels
1220 Pennsylvania Avenue
Wednesdays 11AM – 3PM

Chef Point Cafe in Watagua serves up Southern specialties as well as Italian dishes. Chef Franson Nwaeze has also introduced an “Acquired Taste” menu that includes adventurous dishes such as oxtail and and goat meat.
Chef Point Cafe
5901 Watauga Road
Watauga, TX 76148
817.656.0080

Fort Worth loves it’s fro-yo. With the summer heat in full force many find cool relief in the soft serve folds of frozen yogurt. Throw in some fresh fruit on top and you have yourself a pretty refreshing summer treat.

Adding to Fort Worth’s growing fro-yo options is Yogurtland in Montgomery Plaza. Yogurtland is the newest fro-yo concept in Fort Worth. They are open already but you can join in their Grand Opening festivities on Friday June 25th from 6PM-9PM for yogurt samples, free t-shirts, balloons, and drawings for prizes.

If you are new to the “new” frozen yogurt scene here’s what you need to know. This ain’t TCBY anymore, the new fro-yo concept stores strive for fresh and modern decor with a hint of hipness – some even fashion themselves to look like lounges.

Some fro-yo stores use the “self-serve” concept. Self-serve spots have a variety of yogurt to choose from along with all sorts of toppings (I’ve even seen mochi at Yogolait) and you pay by the ounce. Kids love the self-serve spots but keep on eye on the amount of yogurt and toppings they are serving themselves otherwise you might end up paying $8 for your yogurt (unfortunately I speak from experience). Other spots use the “Full Service” concept where they serve the frozen yogurt and toppings for you.

Yogolait
A favorite self-serve spot that is locally owned. Nice loungy area with magazines and TV. Flavors and toppings of the week are listed on their website.
3250 Hulen St #130
Fort Worth, TX 76107
M-Th 11AM – 10PM
Fr 10AM – 11PM
Sat 11AM – 10:30PM

Menchies
Franchise self-serve spot that is open late. Not too many tables inside. Very bright and colorful interior.
University Park Village
1620 South University Dr. Suite A200
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817.332.9866
Sun – Thurs: 11am-11pm
Fri – Sat: 11am-Midnight

Frogberry
This locally owned fro-yo spot is “full service” and prides itself on serving guiltless desserts. They are eco-friendly and have free Wi-Fi.
3043 Greene Ave.
Fort Worth, TX
817.926-0266
Mon – Sun: 11am – 10PM

Yo Frozen Yogurt Lounge
This franchise is self-serve and another fro-yo spot for the TCU area.
3021 University Drive South
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
Open 7 days a week 11am- 11pm

Berriblu
This locally owned place is “full service” frozen yogurt with a lounge and free Wi-Fi.
6008 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX

Yofe Cafe
Locally owned Yofe offers frozen yogurt as well as fresh yogurt that you mix with fruit for a parfait. They also offer smoothies, fresh fruit, sandwiches, and salads. Yofe is set up like a cute cafe with a lounge area and TV-also free Wi-Fi.
817 Currie Street
Fort Worth
817.332.5888

Yogurtland
Franchise that is self-serve. Grand Opening party Friday June 25th from 6PM-9PM: free yogurt smaples, balloons, t-shirts, and drawings for prizes.
2600 W. 7th Street
Fort Worth
817.870-4689

Pinkberry
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the yogurt shop that started it all. Pinkberry or “Crackberry” as some call it has not made it’s way to Fort Worth but you can find it in the Arlington Highlands Shopping Center. Full service franchise with a variety of expanding flavors including the new summer flavor, watermelon.
Arlington Highlands Shopping Center
4000 Bagpiper Way 130
Arlington, TX 76018
P 817 468 5200
Swirling Daily
Sun – Thurs 11 AM – 11 PM
Fri + Sat 11 AM – 12 AM

If I’ve missed a spot please include it in the comments section.

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.

Friday June 18th

Brownstone Opens
Brownstone restaurant opens in the W7 development in Fort Worth. Chef Casey Thompson of Top Chef fame heads the kitchen and brings us Southern inspired cuisine. Read my recap of their Grand Opening event here.

Juneteeth Celebration, Sundance Square
Everyone is invited to the inaugural Juneteenth Music Festival & Celebration June 18th and 19th in Sundance Square. You’ll discover great art, music, food and so much more! The festival opens to the public Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Featured performers include the Bar-Kays, one of the original bands on the Stax label, and the SOS Band, famous for Take Your Time (Do It Right), as well as a number of local bands. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Renaissance Cultural Center Scholarship Fund.

Saturday June 19th

The Thrift Art Gallery Show and Auction

On Saturday June 19th, from 6-9pm Gallery 414 will host the 10th Annual Thrift Gallery Show and Auction.  The event will feature 25 painting and a 20 minute video from artist Frank Artsmarter which will be auctioned off at 8pm with bids starting at $.50 cents. Gallery 414 is located at 414 Templeton Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76107. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.

Sunday June 20th

Father’s Day
Forego brunch and take your Dad out for a hearty breakfast at diner breakfast hotspots like Paris Coffee Shop, Old Neighborhood Grill, or Ol’ South. Or try out the all you can eat Vegan Pancake breakfast at Spiral Diner every Sunday.

Concert in the Garden and picnic from Los Vaqueros
The 19th annual Fort Worth Symphony Concert in the Garden series continues this weekend at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. This weekend’s concerts spotlight the Beatles, Elvis and some Big Band music.

To enhance your concert experience order a picnic from Los Vaqueros. For $14 per person Los Vaqueros will pack a picnic dinner that will include chips and fresh salsa, a chicken salad stuffed avocado, and a tender beef OR chicken fajita wrap, grilled to perfection with onions and bell pepper and served in an oversized jalapeno cheddar tortilla. They even through in Mexican cookies or cheesecake for dessert. Add a bottle of Spanish sparkling wine for $12. Call 817-769-3070 or email Vicki@losvaqueros.com. (Pick ups are from the Los Vaqueros University location only-2880 W. Berry St.)

Fort Worth Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Try and keep it local and shop at places like Docs Records and Vintage and pick up a sweet vintage concert tee and album for dear old Dad. Backwoods is a great place for the outdoorsman in you your life-guys always need knives or a technical, breathable shirt to keep them cool in what remains of the long Texas summer, they also carry Reef sandals with a bottle opener built into the bottom of the sole. A bike or bike accessories from our beloved Panther City Bicycles would also be a welcome treat for any Dad. Central Market is also a great spot for rounding Dad’s BBQ set up whether that’s cooking gadgets or a collection of new spices and rubs is up to you. Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there!

Many thanks to Becca K. Good for her contributions to this post.

I’m not going to write about Father’s Day Brunches because frankly none of the Dads I know are into “brunches”. Most Dads, mine included, love a good barbecue though. Even though we all have our local favorite BBQ spots like Angelos, Coopers, or Cousins why not take a drive down to the BBQ capitol of Texas in Lockhart.

Some fellow foodies and I recently took a road trip that included a stop at Smitty’s BBQ in Lockhart. Smitty’s Market is just one of four fine BBQ establishments in Lockhart. Smitty’s Market ranks as one of the top 5 BBQ establishments according to Texas Monthly magazine and has been in operation for over 50 years.

Walking into Smitty’s from the gravel parking lot behind the building you will most likely find a long line- but don’t worry it moves at a fair pace. The long line gives you plenty of time to formulate the perfect BBQ order. Half a pound of ribs or a full pound? These are the questions you must debate while in line.

Rounding the corner into the “pit” area you will see and feel the actual fire pit just inches from the folks in line. Consider the heat grazing your legs and added Texas summer heat part of the price of admission. Kids will find the exposed fire pretty cool (no pun intended).

Once you survive the fire, you place your order. Behind the counter you can watch how all the meats and sausages are expertly and efficiently sliced.

Your order is then thrown with little fanfare onto butcher paper and topped with slices of white bread – but what a welcome sight. Plastic knives are the only utensil (don’t bother asking for anything else, they might laugh at you).

The dining area is a large open, sparsely decorated, cafeteria style space. Honestly, after surviving the long hot line the only thing that matters about the dining room is the air conditioning, which is on in full force.

You sit on long tables next to strangers where you won’t feel embarrassed about eating with your hands and sucking tasty rib bones dry. And yes, the ribs were that damn good! The house made sausages were another favorite with a chunky texture and spicy flavors. I was looking forward to the brisket and though it was tasty with its infused smoky flavor and nice crust the meat was a tad dry for me.

Don’t forget to load up on pickles, onions, jalapenos, and chunks of cheddar. This quintessential Texas meal was washed down the quintessential Texas brew, Lone Star. If you still have room for dessert, Smitty’s has got you covered with scoops of Blue Bell ice cream.

Smitty’s is a spot where it’s truly all about the food-not the decor or the service. They do BBQ and they do it well enough so that nothing else matters.

Smitty’s Market
208 South Commerce
Lockhart, Texas 78644
512.398.9344

Mon. – Fri. 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat. 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.