What happens when you combine a cooking class with a dinner party? You get The Cookery. The Cookery offers a new cooking class concept to Fort Worth by way of Dallas, where the original is located.
A large farmhouse table is where you enjoy the dishes you make during the class
The Cookery opened up on South Main a few months ago and offers hands-on cooking classes. If you didn’t already know I’m a big fan of many businesses on South Main including Four Sisters, Game Theory and Hot Box Biscuit Club.
These interactive classes are meant to go beyond a cooking demonstration. Participants literally have a hand in making different aspects of the three to four course meal.
Hands on cooking station
What to expect at The Cookery
When you walk in you are greeted by the instructor or assistant. Usually you are offered water, tea or wine. The menu is hand-written on the chalkboard above the cubbies where you stash your stuff. You then grab an apron and are given hand washing protocol. Ie. If you are like me and tons of photos on your phone or camera, wash your hands after.
During the course of the class, the instructor casually explains the dishes, ingredients and techniques. The intimate setting and class size make it feel like you are almost in someone’s kitchen.
Cooking Class Structure
The structure of the class and the courses change depending on the theme of the class. Some class themes include Sushi, Elegant Dinner Party, Pasta, Indian and Farm to Table. I’ve taken the Caribbean Vacation class and the Farm to Table class.
Generally you prepare your first course and perhaps an accompanying cocktail and then sit down and enjoy that before moving on to the next courses. The intimate and collaborative structure of the class ensures that you will get to know the folks you are taking the class with. So, by the time you sit down you will get that “dinner party” feeling. The class-prepared dishes are shared family style.
Family style dining
Through the course of the evening the instructor drops a few cooking tips related to each dish. I’ve taken cooking classes around the world and consider myself a good cook and each class I’ve taken I’ve learned something new.
After sitting and enjoying the first course you get to work preparing the rest of the food. For both the courses I took I was pleasantly surprised that all the dishes were gluten free including the desserts. You then again sit and enjoy the fruits of your cooking labor while getting to know other attendees.
Highlights
I enjoyed the Caribbean Vacation class because it’s a cuisine I’m not familiar with. The dishes were full of unique flavors and easy enough to prepare that they could easily be integrated into a weekday meal or replicated for a dinner party. The Shrimp Asapao Soup was completely new to me and one that I will definitely replicate on my own. The coconut ice cream was decadent and easily made and the rum punch was refreshing.
Rum Punch
The Farm to Table class took simple farm fresh ingredients and elevated them to comfort level cuisine. The seasonal root vegetable bisque was simple and sublime and the crispy chickpeas were a revelation. The apple and pear pecan crumble along with the vanilla bean whipped cream was a delicious ending to the whole experience.
Seasonal Root Vegetable Bisque
The Cookery takes your traditional cooking class and makes it a comfortable, cozy and casual experience with the feeling of cooking in a friends kitchen. This friend keeps the wine flowing and shows you how to make some killer cocktails. This experience is great for couples and girl’s nights and welcoming of all skill levels.
Fall is upon us and there are many ways to celebrate the end of summer. October brings plenty of food events that take advantage of cooling temps. You can take advantage of cooler weather and visit local Farmers Markets or sample chili at a chili cook-off. Gather your own kitchen inspiration with a kitchen tour that benefits a great cause. Get to know the craft cocktail scene in Fort Worth with a series of special events including a Margarita Party. Celebrate October Holidays with a special beer and sausage event, a spooky dinner, cookie decorating or Halloween themed beer festivities.
Fall is in the air and the Clearfork Farmers Market celebrates the season with its annual festival. This family friendly event will have plenty of free activities and fall themed games. Shop products and produce from local artisans and farmers. The Little Art Bus will provide a falo inspired art project, there will be a tree giveaway, and even a pie eating contest with Sweet Lucy’s Pies.
The Culinary School of Fort Worth along with Just Encased Food Truck hosts a SOLD OUT Oktoberfest celebration. Feast on individual flights of sausage and family style sides that include warm potato salad and buttered spaetzle. Included in the meal is a giant Bavarian pretzel and an array of desserts. What’s an Oktoberfest celebration without beer? Food will be paired with brews from Cowtown Brewing Co. and you’ll get to take home a commemorative mug.
Is there such a thing as a Rock n Roll Farmers Market?! I’d venture to say that the Lola’s Local Farmers Market that takes place every second Sunday at Lola’s Trailer Park is as close as you’ll get. Check out the food, local artisans and artists AND live music at this funky and eclectic market. They also have a food truck onsite.
Ellerbe kicks off a series of “Sunday Suppers” this October. These suppers are meant to invoke Sundays at Grandma’s house with plenty of comfort food. The servings aren’t coursed and are shared “family style”. $32 for adults and $8 for kids is a great value.
Bird Cafe celebrates the “Spooky Season” with a 3 Course Haunted Wine Dinner and Ghost Tour of Fort Worth. Bird Cafe hosts a three course dinner in The Rook, the intimate space on the second floor of the restaurant. You’ll get to hear about the history of Fort Worth, the Land Title Building and the paranormal activities of the building. Included in your ticket is a bus tour of Fort Worth that stops at historically haunted sites.
Fort Worth Cocktail Week gives area mixologists an opportunity to show off their craft in various venues and events. This week-long celebration from October 14-18 celebrates Fort Worth’s craft cocktail scene and consists of five signature events. The Margarita Party takes place at local art venue Black House and will feature rare agaves and tequilas from South of the border. Their other events which include a Texas Spirits Tasting, Bourbon Bash, a Tiki Party and a Gin vs. Vodka event – check out their schedule here.
With the arrival of Fall, also means the arrival of chili season. If you’d like to sample some, you’ll want to make sure you put the Fort Worth Firefighters Chili Cook Off on your calendar. Attendance is free and open to the public and takes place in General Worth Square. Tickets for chili and beverages will be sold at the entrance. Proceeds benefit Fort Worth Firefighters Charities.
This month A Wish With Wings hosts its 8th Annual Kitchens Tour. Don’t miss your chance to tour beautiful kitchens in Walsh Ranch. Local chefs will provide tasty bites to attendees. Participating restaurants and chefs include Grace, Rise no. 3, Tributary Cafe, Taco Heads and Waters.
Learn how to decorate Day of the Dead themed cookies from a pro. Chef Alexis, a Food Network finalist, will teach you all the tips and tricks on how to turn simple cookies into edible art.
Cafe Modern at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The Modern Cafe presents and Oregon wine dinner that will give you a taste of the Pacific North West. Winemaker Steve Anderson from Eola Hills Winery will be the guest speaker. Five courses are paired with wines and include oysters on the half shell, seared scallops, halibut and a dessert course.
Get in the spirit of Halloween and get dressed up or even get your dog dressed up. Martin House will 20+ limited beers on tap. There will be live music, activities and food.
Enjoy a special evening that celebrates the Day of the Dead holiday and Tacos! This version of the Taco & Margarita Tour departs from the Fort Worth Black House, a cultural hub of Fort Worth. There will be art and Day of the Dead cultural installations and an artisan market. Attendees will enjoy these activities before departing on the Taco & Margarita tour. If you want to keep the party going the tour returns to the Black House in time for their After-Party (tickets are to be purchase separately from Food Tour Tickets).
In the spirit of back to school this month, September food events in Fort Worth offer plenty of opportunities for learning some new cooking skills. Though you may not be in school anymore, take some time this month to learn more about coffee, your garden, dumplings or create the picture perfect cheeseboard.
If you prefer to leave the cooking to the professionals you will want to see some of the best chefs in Fort Worth compete for the coveted title of Top Chef. Wine dinners this month range from the hills of Tuscany to Mexico or fill your stein with German beer and food at Oktoberfest. If ‘cue moves you, then you’ll want to check out the newest spot for craft barbecue. Work off your next brunch by hopping on a bike or taste the best tacos in Fort Worth. Lastly, check out a sweet collaboration combining tea and pie.
Level up your love of coffee by learning the process of cupping. Just like wine, coffee can be enjoyed through a tasting process that explores different flavor components. This free event focuses on single origin coffee.
Learn what to do with your prolific herbs in this hands-on class that will teach you how to use your late summer harvest. Go beyond basil with instructions on making several different types of pesto.
Want an epic start to your Saturday? Check out the Dusty Biscuit for their pop-up at Craftwork Coffee and grab your fried gold goodness. They will be serving their French Quarter, Cherry Cobbler, Everything Beignet-gal, and Craftwork exclusive Cinnamon Roll Beignet.
In case you didn’t know, the craft barbecue scene in Fort Worth continues to grow. Dayne’s Craft BBQ, a local barbecue pop-up, found a new home at Lola’s Tralier Park last month. You can try some of Dayne’s barbecue for yourself every Saturday beginning at noon and see why they regularly sell out.
Ever wanted to create an instagrammable cheese board? Visit Meyer and Sage for a demonstration from owner, Callie Salls, who’s known for creating some of the most stunning cheese boards in Fort Worth. During this event you can also shop local vendors while you snack on complimentary bites and sips.
Do you like bikes AND brunch? Join the newest Eat This Fort Worth Food Tour and hop on a Fort Worth Bike Sharing bike and enjoy a casual bike ride through the vibrant and historic Near Southside area of Fort Worth. Taste your way through the neighborhood with breakfast and brunch bites and beverages (non-alcoholic) at four locations. Bike rental from Fort Worth Bike Sharing is included in the ticket price. We will start at Salsa Limon on Magnolia with our first tasting and bike pick-up, then we will work our way to different spots in the neighborhood. Distance will be 1.5 to 3 miles.
Kent and Co. kicks off their inaugural food truck wine dinner with a stellar pairing: Tuscan wine and tacos by Taco Heads. Learn about Bibi Graetz, one of the stars of the Tuscan wine scene during this five course pairing.
No need to tune into cable TV when we have our own live culinary throwdown in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Magazine hosts this yearly culinary competition in which four chefs compete for the title of Top Chef. During this one night event hosted by Chef Jon Bonnell, you can watch chefs battle it out in several different competitions as sip on cocktails and enjoy some light bites.
We know it’s still September but Fort Worth’s Oktoberfest returns with three days of German food, biergartens, music and dancing. You will find plenty of German influenced festival fare but if you’re looking for something different check out Reata Haus. This German pop-up restaurant provides table service and air conditioning for festival attendees with menu items that include pork schnitzel, bratwurst and a Kasebrett charcuterie board.
Calling all dumpling lovers! You no longer have to wait for the next pop-up to enjoy these savory hand-held treats. Come learn from the dumpling darlings themselves, Hao and Dixya. This hands-on class will teach you how to master filling and folding these delicious bites and how to make the accompanying dipping sauces.
Sparkling Tea and Kringle (Three Danes Baking) at Leaves Book and Tea Shop
If you are looking for an evening out that does not involve being at a loud bar, check out Leaves Book and Tea Shop during their after hours event. This event features their signature teas plus a special collaboration with Sweet Lucy’s Pies. There will be an improv performance by L. Society as well.
Continue your coffee education at Craftwork with this specialty coffee class. Build on their previous cupping class and learn the art of the pour-over. You too can brew the perfect cup of coffee by learning the recipe, measurements and movements involved in the pour-over.
Get set for an exciting wine dinner at Cafe Modern that features Mexican wines. Not only do wines get produced in Mexico, but Casa Madero, the winery being featured operates one of the oldest vineyards and wineries in North America. Cafe Modern hosts Chef Alma Cervantes Cota from Sinaloa Mexico as the guest chef for the evenings seven course meal. Expect a sophisticated meal with serious Mexican influences.
You don’t have to be a tourist to take a food tour. Fort Worth’s vibrant food scene make it perfect for food tours. Close out August by visiting several taco spots throughout Fort Worth and learning what makes those places so special. The tour takes you by bus to four taco spots where you will try different taco varieties along with two margaritas. It’s a must-do activity for any taco fan. Buy Tickets Here.
It’s the biggest food event of the year for food lovers in Fort Worth. DFW Restaurant Week provides diners the chance to try a three-course meal at over 150 participating restaurants in the DFW area for $39 or $49 per person. (Tax and gratuity are not included, beverages and wine pairings also not included.)
Participating restaurants donate twenty percent of each meal to either the North Texas Food Bank or the Lena Pope Home. Over the years, some restaurants embraced the concept and extend their Restaurant Week menus to the whole month. This is the 22nd year for Restaurant Week!
Restaurant Week happens from August 5-11. Several restaurants will continue their special three course menus through August 18, 25 or even Labor Day. It’s best to check the official DFW Restaurant list website to confirm these dates. Some restaurants even offer a lunch option for $25. If you have further questions, check out their FAQ.
“Many restaurants offer a FREE additional “Fourth Course” dinner menu item when you present your Fourth Course Certificate. Beginning July 9, spend $10 or more at any FedEx Office location in DFW to receive a Fourth Course Certificate at the register with your qualifying receipt. Check out restaurants offering the Fourth Course on the official DFW Restaurant Week list.”
Fort Worth Restaurant Week participants
There’s many restaurants in all of DFW participating, here’s the list of Fort Worth participants. Remember that reservations must be made in advance and you must indicate that you are reserving for the special Restaurant Week menu.
Participating: Aug 2 – Sep 2, 2019 (4 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $49 | Lunch Experience $25 | MENU
If you are looking for a long lunch, I’d definitely go for the B&B lunch experience. Three courses and menu items like brisket ravioli, the butcher shop burger and croque monsier make for a decadent lunch. For an extra $5 you can add a dessert option like the New York Cheesecake.
Chef Tommy’s Bacon at B&B Butchers
The B&B Butchers Restaurant Week dinner menu will delight any meat lover. A 10oz. filet, bacon, chicken fried pork chops and surf and turf are menu standouts.
Participating: August 5 – 18 (2 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $49 | MENU
Chef Jon Bonnell’s Southwestern influenced cuisine is showcased in this Restaurant Week Menu. A roasted tomato and jalapeno soup is one of the offerings for the first course. Diners will have a hard time deciding on their second course with choices like beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin, quail and mushroom pasta or a fire roasted chile relleno. Finish off your meal with a margarita key lime pie or a chocolate amaretto cake.
Participating: Aug 5 – 25, 2019 (3 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $49 | LUNCH MENU | DINNER MENU
Del Frisco’s is a Fort Worth classic. Expect excellent meat and seafood options on both the lunch and dinner menus. Crab cake, lobster bisque, filet mignon and salmon are just a few of the stellar menu items available.
Participating: Aug 2- Sep 2, 2019 (4 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $39 | LUNCH MENU | DINNER MENU
Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to indulge in Del Frisco’s Grille New American cuisine. You will have a hard time deciding between crave-worthy appetizer items like deviled eggs and artichoke beignets. Filet mignon, grilled prime cheeseburger, salmon and chicken are a few of the second course options. The third course includes a personal favorite, the peanut butter chocolate pie.
Participating: Aug 2 – September 2, 2019 (4 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $49 | 4th Course | MENU
Eddie V.’s remains one of my go-to restaurant week favorites. The food and service never fails to impress me. The restaurant week menu has some of Eddie V.’s classics like crispy salt and pepper shrimp, lobster bisque, and Norwegian salmon. Special chef’s selections and sides are extra.
Hg Sply Co
Hg Sply Co | 1621 River Run, Suite 176 | Fort Worth, Texas 76107 | RESERVE at (682) 730-6070
Participating: August 5 – August 18, 2019 (2 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $39 | MENU
HG Supply regularly pops up in my restaurant rotation – whether it’s for a happy hour or a casual dinner overlooking the Trinity and the Trails. It also helps that their simple straightforward food is delicious.
Their Restaurant Week menu is full of HG favorites like Cochininita nachos, ceviche, shrimp and grits and steak frites. Don’t deny yourself the Banana Split offered as the third course!
Participating: Aug 2-18, 2019 (2 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $49 | Lunch Experience | 4th Course | MENU
Mercury Chophouse offers a solid Restaurant Week menu featuring some of their classic dishes. Ahi tuna, New York strip, filet duo and salmon. Desserts include apple cobbler and strawberry shortcake.
Michaels Cuisine Restaurant & Bar
Michaels Cuisine Restaurant & Bar | 3413 W. 7th St. | Fort Worth, Texas 76107| RESERVE
Participating: August 5 – September 2, 2019 (4 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $49 | Lunch Experience | 4th course | MENU
Restaurant week gives you a great chance to try or re-visit Michael’s contemporary ranch cuisine. Tortilla soup, Texas Gulf red snapper, beef tender and chicken are included in the special menu.
Piola Italian Restaurant
Piola Italian Restaurant | 3700 Mattison Ave. | Fort Worth, Texas 76107| RESERVE
Participating: August 5 – August 18, 2019 (2 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $39 | 4th Course | MENU
Piola’s casually elegant food and atmosphere makes it a solid Restaurant Week option. On the special menu you will fine mussels, arancini, octopus salad, salmon and lamb milanese. Dessert is the fourth course option and includes choco-vanilla biscotti torte, pistachio cannoli and strawberry panna cotta.
rise n°3
rise n°3 | The Shops at Clearfork | 5135 Monahans Ave. | Fort Worth, Texas 76109
Participating: August 5 – September 2, 2019 (4 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $39 | Lunch Experience | LUNCH MENU | DINNER MENU
Marshamallow soup at rise n°3
rise n°3 is the closest thing to France in Fort Worth. Soups and soufflés dominate the Restaurant Week menu. If you haven’t been yet, this is the perfect opportunity.
Participating: August 2 – September 2, 2019 (4 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $39 | Preview Weekend | 4th Course | MENU
Silver Fox is a menu of classic dishes for Restaurant Week. The menu options include lobster bisque, filet, salmon and prime pork chop. Choose from mandarin orange cake and chocolate ganache cake for dessert.
Participating: August 5 – September 2, 2019 (4 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $39 | MENU
Texas de Brazil is known for their extensive meat selection. They are all available on the Restaurant Week menu. As vast as their flame grilled meats are so are the salad options. Texas de Brazil is one of the few places that provides their full menu as part of the restaurant week menu.
Participating: Aug 2 – Sep 2, 2019 (4 Weeks) | Dinner Selection $49 | Lunch Experience | MENU
The Capital Grille is one of the premiere steak houses in Fort Worth. Enjoy steak house classics like a wedge salad, filet mignon, or bone in dry aged New York strip.
Participating: August 2 – September 2, 2019 (4 Weeks) | Features: Dinner Selection $39 | Lunch Experience | MENU
The Twigs Restaurant Week menu brings a variety of delicious dishes. Roasted curry cauliflower, tuna lettuce wraps or burrata are the starter options. Mains include seafood, chicken and beef. The menu ends with drunken donuts or a dessert martini.
Waters Restaurant
Waters Restaurant | 301 Main St. | Fort Worth, Texas 76102 | RESERVE
Participating: August 2 – September 2, 2019 (4 Weeks) | Features: Dinner Selection $49 | MENU
Chef Jon Bonnel’s Waters Restaurant is a Fort Worth favorite. The menu highlights some of Waters’ best dishes. Gumbo, blackened Arctic Char, Creole shrimp and grits and pecan crusted redfish are just a few of the stellar seafood dishes you can find on the menu. The churro funnel cake sounds like a must-order dessert item. Or you can keep it classic with a cinnamon apple crumble.
If there’s ever a reason to go out to eat during August, this is it! Don’t miss your chance to try some of these fine dining establishments at a discount. If you are looking for more food events make sure and check out my list of August food events in Fort Worth.
Have you got your Mother’s Day plans set? It’s also TCU graduation weekend so Fort Worth will be bustling with activity. Here’s a few options to honor the special women in your life.
While I love brunch as much as the next gal. Unless you have your reservations already, the pickings will be slim. Here’s some fun alternatives.
Jen Williams does a great brunch! This time she’s popping up at Rahr Brewery. The dishes all incorporate Rahr beers as well! You can find the menu and ticket sales here. I’m intrigued by the “Adios Pantalones” vinaigrette that tops the heirloom tomato and greens salad, the “Texas Red” brined Wagyu short rib and the “Triple Treat” beer battered donuts.
Stroll through Fairmount seeing some beautiful homes with mom then go enjoy a meal on Magnolia. “The Fairmount Historic District in Fort Worth, Texas will host the 37th annual Fairmount Tour of Historic Homes, May 11-12 this year. There will be 5 beautiful houses on this year’s tour as well as a special bonus property currently undergoing renovation.”
May 11-12, 2019 Noon-6 p.m. both days — RAIN OR SHINE $15 online / $20 weekend of the event AT SINACA STUDIOS ONLY FROM 11 AM – 5 PM
Maybe your mom is like me and has a black thumb and needs some new plants. Even if she is a plant lady, check out this cool collaboration between Melt Ice Creams and GROW (see what I did there, ice cream is cool). Bring a bottle of bubbly and have some mom-osas while picking out a lovely plant!
“Enjoy the Plant lounge on the Magnolia Patio (hint hint a great time to take mom plant shopping)! BYOB- we will have a limited amount of raspberry sorbet for mom-osa’s, our take on a mimosa is a frozen sweet sorbet topped with your choice of bubbles!”
Create a lovely brunch for mom in this hands on class. You’ll prepare brunch classics like Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon & Lemon Dill Hollandaise and Herbed Rosti Potato Cakes. Just a few spots left!
Dumplings, donuts and drafts. Say that three times fast! Sunday at Funkytown Donuts and Drafts, pop-up queens Hao & Dixya will be serving up their wonderful dumplings! Check them out Sunday from Noon- 3pm.
The photos from this event look stunning! A great evening activity.
Lantern festivals are a central part of Chinese culture and date back thousands of years. Join us as this ancient tradition comes to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden where you will see over 20 sets of lanterns crafted from silk, wire, and steel and where you can spend an evening filled with fun, food, and adventure. This event offers visitors the opportunity to experience an event rarely staged outside of Asia.
“For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.fwbg.org/events/lanterns-in-the-garden. Online ticket sales stop at 5:00 pm each evening, however, we sell tickets on-site from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm each evening.”
What’s more charming than picking up a “seed to vase” bouquet from Woodbine Flower Farm. Choose from ready-made to custom options.
Join us this Friday, May 10th & Saturday May 11th, from 12-3pm at The Shops at Clearfork Artspace111 Pop Up for a Bouquet Bar by Katie Toon of Woodbine Flower Farm. There will be ready-made bouquets as well as custom bouquets available for purchase. Come treat yourself and your mom, this Mother’s Day weekend! 5234 Marathon Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76109 (next to B&B Butchers)⠀
Shop local with Mom! May 10 at 10 AM – May 11 at 5 PM
Join us at 411 South Main for the second annual Market on Main. Winton and Waits, Alchemy Pops, The Greenhouse 817, DJ Dawn, Vintage Turkish Trucks, Devon Leigh Jewelry and more!
“What better way to celebrate all the rockstar mommas out there than with a day of great drinks, live music and boutique shoppin’! We’ll be releasing our lated Bellini Brut IPA: MotherLover, a Peach Bellini Brut IPA as well as slinging $2 mimosas and $5 MOM-osas! Live music by Zeus Madrigal and Eats by Homage Food Group. ”
“The Dusty Biscuit Beignet Bar is gonna kick up dust at Craftwork Coffee! We’ll have classic French Quarter beignets with more powdered sugar than should be legally consumed, as well as a handful of different flavors, glazes, and toppings. Wash it all down with Craftwork’s expertly crafted coffees and teas. “
Have you been to the new Morgan Mercantile brick and mortar? I’m obsessed with everything in there. I popped in the other day for a tee-shirt and walked out with way more!
They have teamed up with Faye Raven Collective for a fun pop-up. I follow Faye Raven on instagram and they have a covetable collection of jewelry. Moms, like me will love this pop-up!
Saturday,. 12pm-5pm *Complimentary beer (TBD) and whiskey cocktails provided by Balcones Distilling. *Family Friendly
We’re excited to host a POP UP with FayeRavenCollective on Saturday, May 11th, just in time for Mother’s Day! Shop from their extensive Native American jewelry collection and find the perfect gift for MOM (or yourself).
Treat mom to some amazing craft barbecue! Dayne’s is part of the growing craft barbecue scene in Fort Worth. “Texas barbecue, free beer, pup friendly, awesome music, and lots of family fun! Saturday May 11, 12pm”
Take mom to see DFW’s first and only all female Mariachi. They will be performing at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth. It’s a powerful performance that everyone can enjoy.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner and if you’ve got a sweetheart that expects to be wined and dined you best have a reservation locked in. If you don’t, I’ve got you covered. If you’ve waited this long, delay no longer and get that rezzy in – stat! To help you out I’ve rounded up some places with special menus and a few weekend events to keep the party going. For those looking to celebrate Galentine’s Day, I found some fun events that Leslie Knope would be proud of.
Fixture is running a week-long special (from February 10-16) prix fixe menu of 3 courses with the option of an additional wine pairing for $15 each. The Shrimp Bisque starter sounds particularly promising and the main course options are split evenly between seafood and steak options. A Red Velvet Cheesecake finishes off this meal.
Winslow’s Wine Cafe, $65
Winslow’s is offering a four course menu in their casually elegant space with one of the best patios in town. Choose from four seating times: 6:00PM, 6:30PM, 8:00 and 8:30PM. Any meal that starts off with a Mac and Cheese course is all right by me. Salmon and braised short rib options along with chocolate covered strawberries are included as well.
Ellerbe, $85++ per person
The always excellent Ellerbe is offering a three course menu. The first course options highlight the ingredients that they use from local farmers: B&G Garden sweet potato soup and Demases Farm shaved brussels sprouts and gorgonzola. Mains include a seafood and steak option and two dessert options.
Meyer and Sage
Anyone else have an addiction to Meyer and Sage (where’s that raising hand emoji?!)? It’s a great spot to pick up lunch or a chef-prepared dinner on the way home from work. This culinary studio is not slacking on the Valentine’s front with several grab and go gourmet meals that are sure to make your evening special. In addition to their fabulous entrees which include lump crab cakes, seared Niman prime filets, and a creamy Italian pasta bake they are featuring eight signature desserts created by their chefs. If you didn’t already know, Meyer and Sage is the source for cheeseboards and they will be offering mini Valentine’s grazing boards for the special occasion.
Cafe Modern, $65 per person
Count on Cafe Modern for an elegant and thoughtfully executed dining experience. They are offering a prix fixe menu with three-courses. You choose your appetizer appetizer, salad, and three options for the main course. One of their main course selections is vegetarian and sounds delicious: brussel sprout risotto with pecorino sardo cheese, seared trumpet mushrooms, roasted radishes, and toasted pine nut dukkah.
Nonna Tata, $75 per person BYOB
The inimitably cozy Nonna Tata is serving 6 courses for their Valentine’s Day event. What makes this meal special is that it follows the traditional Italian coursed meal structure. Even if you don’t know your “secondo” from your spaghetti the meal has several mouth watering options-crab parpadelle or a roasted half cornish hen? Wow.
Four Sisters, Taste of Vietnam $40
I’ve become a little obsessed with the food at Four Sisters, if you follow me on Instagram you’ll know that I’m having a bit of a moment with them. (Look for an upcoming more in-depth review coming soon.) Their 10 course, that’s right 10 courses, Dim Sum style meal dinner seems like a memorable experience.
Coyote Drive In, $6 tickets for a double feature
The weather on Thursday and through the weekend promises to be perfect for enjoying a night at the drive in. This is a fun and not to mention cheap Valentine’s Day idea. Coyote Drive-In is also giving out a free rose with the purchase of a bottle of wine.
For the Love of Food & Wine, Jaycee Hospitality
If you want to add a little adventure to your Valentine’s Day why not hop on to the TexRail from Fort Worth to Grapevine for a pop-dinner by Jaycee Hospitality (aka Jenn Williams). If you haven’t caught one of Jenn Williams’ brunches at Collective Brewing this is a great time to check her and her creative food out. She will be at Off the Vine in Grapevine. There will be duck and Meyer lemon olive oil cake, that’s all I need to know. Check out the full menu here.
The Food Hall at Crockett Row is a great spot for a casual date. The Dock has a special going on called the “Lovers Squeeze” where you get 2 lobster rolls, lobster mac n cheese, chowda and chips and a whoopie pie. The special is posted on their instagram and Facebook accounts.
Blue Mesa, $75 per couple
Blue Mesa’s Valentine’s 3 course special runs from February 14-16. It includes crab and shrimp cakes and 64 oz. of Top Shelf Margaritas. (I don’t know about you but Margaritas are my love language). Main course options are split between seafood and beef options with chocolate dipped strawberries finishing off the meal.
Central Market, starting at $49.99
Is sitting in your PJ’s and watching Netflix more your speed, then order in a chef prepared meal for two from Central Market. “Each meal includes a main dish, salad, sides, rolls, and dessert. Choose from lobster tails, beef tenderloin, or chicken picatta.” Reserve your meal at the catering desk, or simply pick up in-store, February 12-14.
Savor Patisserie
Looking for just a sweet little something? Give your sweetheart something to ‘gram about with a box of Valentine’s hued macarons from Savor Patisserie.
Lonestar Murder Mystery Dinner and Show (Billy Bob’s), $85
If you’d like to something more than just dinner, check out this interactive experience at Billy Bob’s. “Grab your shovels and watch your step! A millionaire silver miner, John Schmidt, has been murdered and Marshal Jim Courtright must dig for clues to find out who got the shaft. Special Valentine’s performance and gourmet buffet.” Doors and Dinner at 7 pm – Show at 8 pm (repeat performance February 16).
Doc’s Records and Vintage is hosting a local music showcase on Saturday, that starts at 2PM. If you’re like me and can’t get enough local music then you’ll want to head over to Pearl Snap Kolaches for their Hangover Valentine’s Concert and Dinner featuring Grady Spencer and kolache burgers on Saturday night (7PM, $40, BYOB).
About Me:
Howdy! I'm Josie, a Fort Worth TX native and food writer. I'm here to share my favorite Fort Worth food finds through my blog + food tours.
