My Favorite....NIGHT OUT

What could be better than hopping from place to place to get all of my favorites? Since my favorites are all so decadent, I only need drinks, appetizers, and dessert. Even better? All of my favorite things are in the same area, hardly any driving required! Since we are restaurant hopping, just pull out a bar chair and lets get to eating and drinking!

TILLMAN'S ROADHOUSE

Our first stop on the delicious restaurant tour is Tillman's Roadhouse for drinks (previously mentioned in "My Favorite....PASTA). The best spot to sit is at a small table near the bar which is made of stacked, round logs. Cozy up on the blue velvet couch nestled below a wall of frames. Mismatched chairs finish off each table to accommodate 2-4 people. Once seated, the server will bring a drink menu and the most delicious truffle popcorn and warm salted peanuts served in oversized, crossed spoons. My favorite cocktail in all of Fort Worth is the Low Country. I am a vodka girl, but this drink is the perfect blend of masculine and feminine. The base of the drink is Buffalo Trace Bourbon served with muddled fruit consisting of cherry, lemon, muddled fruit puree, a sugar cube, bitters, and simple syrup topped with a splash of club soda. This sweet 7th street spot is perfect before heading down to Bailey's for an appetizer....my next stop on the perfect night out!

2933 Crockett
Fort Worth, TX 76107
T: 817.850.9255

Tillman's Roadhouse Website

BAILEY'S PRIME PLUS

Within walking distance sits a Dallas import, Bailey's. The rich interior reminds me of a blend of Vegas with the velvet high-backed booths, Japan because of the zen fountain, and a 70's pop feel with the lime green modern chairs. Despite the cooky but cool design, this restaurant serves my FAVORITE appetizer...the Lobster Stuffed Avocado ($15). Bailey's removed the pit and a little more of an avocado, stuffs a creamy mash of lobster (maybe a little cheese in it too?), and deep fries the creation and tops it with a cilantro lime cream sauce and pico de gallo. Another great appetizer is the Crispy Asparagus, crusted with Romano cheese and served with the Bailey's house ranch ($9). These appetizers, paired with the popcorn and nuts from Tillman's, are all you need before a sweet treat. For the best dessert, hop in the car (or walk if your adventurous) to Eddie V's down the street.

2901 Crockett Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
T: 817.870.1100

Bailey's Website

EDDIE V'S

Sometimes it's hard to save room for dessert. But this dessert is so important, that's why on my perfect night out I only have appetizers and dessert. Get ready for the BEST Banana's Foster a flambe! I have only had this dessert 3 times and have been put into a coma every time. I can't remember what it looks like because its gone in 5 minutes! All I know is it's served with some of the best butter pecan ice cream brought in from Dallas that melts beautifully with the upside down banana cake. DELICIOUS!

3100 West 7th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
T: 817.366.8000

Eddie V's Website



Each restaurant can be enjoyed for a full dinner. My favorites from each one are:
Tillmans- Trio of Fries, Southwest Caesar Salad, Chicken Fried Hanger Steak, and Tableside Smores


Bailey's- "That" Salad, Jalapeno Crusted Bass, and Jumbo Onion Rings (voted best by D Magazine)


Eddie V's- Maryland Style All Lump Crab Cake, Caesar Salad, and Chilean Sea Bass Roasted Crisp

My Favorite....PITA

A staple in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Greek food, pita bread is a round, flat, pocket bread. Pita bread can be stuffed, topped, dipped, or chipped. There’s a lot to be said for this thin flat bread, so lets get down to my Fort Worth favorites.

JAZZ CAFÉ

Locate at 2504 Montgomery, Jazz Café serves creative pita’s and other traditional Greek food. A hole in the wall, and a little overwhelming as a first timer, Jazz Café is eclectic and crowded with mismatched tables and chairs with an outdoor area filled with what looks like antique junk. However, the quaint feel and charm make this one of my favorite lunch spots. Their Greek salads are phenomenal yet still traditional. Another favorite is their black bean soup or black bean enchiladas served with cold sour cream and pico de gaillo (which I usually don’t like, but it fits well with the thick hot black beans). However, my favorite is the Green Gobbler. They serve a thin, toasted pita topped with melted Swiss cheese, thick sliced turkey, and smothered with avocado. Stop into Jazz Café and give me your thoughts…no dress code but cash only.

2504 Montgomery Street

Fort Worth, TX 76107

T: 817.737.0043

PAK-A-POCKET

Some believe that there is nothing special about Pak-A-Pocket. I mean, they are sandwiches you could make in your own kitchen. But that is exactly the reason I love it! Plain and simple, this order at the counter restaurant keeps be coming back and day dreaming during class. As you walk in and browse the menu you will see traditional Greek food such as gyros, Greek salad, kafta and falafel. Although I am sure these items are great, I tend to order a plain ole “cold pocket” ($4.45). Every day, nicest woman in the world stands behind the counter to guide you through the construction of your pita. I like mine with turkey, cheddar cheese, lettuce (no tomato) and ranch dressing. She will ask if you want chips, and yes definitely get the pita chips ($0.69, even better dipped in ranch). Every time, I get a chocolate chip cookie ($0.50, nothing to write home about, but who doesn’t love a cookie?) and a lemonade ($1.29), which tastes like it came from a powder, but just like your momma used to make. The simplicity of the meal, the quick service, and the friendly atmosphere had me at “pita.”

 5512-D Bellaire Drive South

Fort Worth, TX 76109

T: 817.735.4363

http://www.pakapocket.com/

Pictures Coming Soon...

Let me know your thoughts! Greek House and Terra are 2 other favorites for me!

My Favorite....MEXICAN FOOD

The best type of food found in Fort Worth is Mexican food, hands down. The typical Texan Mexican (Tex-Mex) is served spicy and flavorful with plenty of chips and margaritas. If you know me well, you know I consider chips and queso as a food group and could eat it every day of my life. What could be better than fried tortillas dunked in melted, spicy cheese? And served with a sweet and sour margarita? I can hear the antacids calling my name, but every bite and sip is worth it.

JOE T. GARCIA'S

What began as a small family restaurant with seating availability for sixteen people has now grown into a booming restaurant with patrons willing to wait up to two hours for one of their 1,000 seats. The restaurant started in 1935 by Joe T. Garcia and his wife Jessie, and his legacy lives on in the generations that still own and operate it. For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to dine at Joe T.’s, I am very sorry. For those of you who have, I think you know exactly what I have to say about the restaurant and probably have your own input as well.

It is by far the best Mexican experience in the world. Not only is the food divine, but the margaritas are strong, and the atmosphere is lively. Joe T.’s is the chosen place for special occasions and nights out. However, I have been known to spend three hours on a lazy Saturday there as well. When the weather is nice….there’s always a crowd. Here’s how I do it:

When waiting in line, send one of the members of your party to the bar and get a pitcher of margaritas on the rocks. They will set you up with cups (salted, or unsalted), limes, and straws. This makes the wait more than bearable. Once you are ushered to your table by the pool or on one of the patios surrounded by lush landscaping, order another pitcher (you know your going to drink it anyways, right?) and get a bowl of queso (my life!). Enjoy the atmosphere and start eating chips, followed by an order of their killer nachos. A whole corn tortilla fried into a tosdada topped with melted cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeno relish. If you think you can take some more, ask what’s on the menu. The waiters will tell you only 2 items: the Enchilada Dinner, with two cheese nachos, two cheese enchiladas, rice, beans, guacamole, and corn tortillas; or the Beef or Chicken Fajitas (also available Combo) served with rice, beans, guacamole, pico-de-gallo, and homemade flour tortillas. However, locals know that this “limited menu” is not all they offer. For instance, I get the Childs Plate Chicken Fajitas or 2 nachos with beans, cheese, and chicken fajita meat. These are some alternatives to the large portions and the overindulgence on chips, salsa, queso, and nachos. Saturday and Sunday Joe T.’s offers a brunch menu, which is served until 3:00 including Migas and Huevos Rancheros.

2201 N. Commerce

Fort Worth, TX 76164

T: 817.626.4356

Check Out the Website

Joe T. Garcia’s is such a Fort Worth landmark, that I felt it rude to compare another favorite Mexican restaurant. However, a list of my favorites are the Original, Mi Cocina, Chuy’s, and Uncle Julios. Has anyone tried the new San Miguel’s on Crockett? List your favorites and comments on Joe T.’s below. 

My Favorite....PASTA

In my opinion, pasta could not be served without three essential Italian ingredients…cheese, wine, and bread. I love to cook with my friends, and we have created a pretty amazing Bolognese sauce to be served with spaghetti, but when I want to go out, Fort Worth has some great pasta dishes. So get ready to get dressed up, split a bottle of wine, have some olive oil and bread, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese, and enjoy your pasta! Bon Appetit!!!

PATRIZIO’S

A recent newcomer to the 7th street development located across from Tillman’s Roadhouse sits Patrizio, another borrowed Dallas restaurant. More formal than the Dallas location, the 7th Street restaurant is modern with a large bar and large dining rooms. The colors are teals and turquoises, with rich velvet fabrics and white crisp table cloths. A patio is located in the front for nice weather and people watching. The pizzas are thin and the pasta fresh. My favorite pasta is the Conchiglie con Pollo ($13.32), with super thin sliced grilled chicken, sweet roasted corn and peas, tomatoes and shell pasta tossed in a light white wine cream sauce and topped with a fresh herb and Romano cheese gratin. Every time I dine at Patrizio’s, I promise myself I will try something new. However, upon my discovery of the Conchiglie con Pollo, I haven’t been able to part with it. A favorite of my friends is the Tortellini with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto ($13.43) cheese tortellini with fresh tomatoes and basil in a sun-dried tomato pesto cream sauce. I recommend making a reservation on the weekends, but the low tables located near the bar offer a cozy alternative. Make sure and try a signature Bellini Grande Royale ($7.39) for a sweet, bubbly, frozen cocktail made from champagne, orange juice, and peach schnapps as the primary ingredients.

2932 Crockett Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
T: 817.698.0003

Check Out the Website

PIOLA

Chef Bobby Albanese, who got his start at Ruffino’s Italian restaurant, has blossomed as the head chef of Piola where he uses family recipes that have been recycled through the generations. The warm, cozy restaurant is located in a quant house with a large outside garden at 3700 Mattison Ave. in Fort Worth. Hardwood floors and small, intimate tables create the perfect date or double date environment, but is also a great place to dine with friends. Friday night I got together with three best friends, decided to go to Piola, and were the last ones there laughing and having fun. The menu ranges from Giant Calamari ($8.50) and Grilled Bruschetta ($5.95) to Veal Involtini ($18.95), Buffalo Meat Balls ($17.95), and of course, Albanese’s “Grandma’s” Lasagna ($14.95). I ordered the Stufffed Chicken ($15.95) with peppers, spinach, ricotta, pine nuts, baby vegetables (carrots and asparagus) in a caper artichoke sauce. But this blog is about pasta, right? I am not going to say I was out-ordered by my friends, but the Lobster Ravioli ($16.95) that I stole from the plate next to me was to die for. Next time I will definitely be ordering this dish, served with diced tomatoes, mushrooms, arugula, and terragon butter. Everyone’s meal was delicious, but I will have to order my own lobster ravioli next time. At the end of the meal, the Chocolate Lava Cake (pictured above) is a must!!

3700 Mattison Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76107
T: 817.989.0007

Check Out the Website

TILLMAN’S ROADHOUSE

One of my favorite restaurants in Fort Worth, Tillman’s Roadhouse also serves one of my favorite pastas. I have been waiting to write about this restaurant, so I won’t give away too much information yet. This restaurant is co-owned by Sarah Tillman, executive chef, and Todd Fiscus, owner of Todd.Events Creative Design. With Sarah’s eclectic menu and Todd’s modern design elements, Tillman’s Roadhouse opened their first “woods themed” location in Dallas. In November of 2009, Tillman’s opened their second location in the 7th Street development. The menu is seasonal, so it is hard to hold onto a favorite for long, but popular staples such as the Trio of Fries ($9.00), Chicken Fried Hanger Steak ($25.00), White Cheddar Mac-n-Cheese ($5.00), and Table-Side S’mores ($14.00). Last Thursday I went to Tillman’s and found a new favorite….the Sweet Potato Gnocchi ($17.00). Gnocchi is a potato based dumpling that is commonly referred to as a pasta. This Gnocchi is made of sweet potatoes, maple chipotle brown butter, atop roasted squash, spinach, and hazelnuts. The serving size is small and perfect because gnocchi tends to be a filling potato type pasta. As a starter, I always choose the Southwest Caesar Salad ($7.00), composed of Caesar dressed romaine lettuce sitting atop a huarache crisp (similar to a tostada) with roasted Poblano peppers and Parmesan cheese. On Thursday, this spicy salad balanced out the sweet gnocchi. Be prepared for more from this restaurant. And if you want to try the gnocchi, go now! You never know how long it will stay on the menu!

2933 Crockett Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
T: 817.850.9255

Check Out the Website

My Favorite....BURGER

There are many theories to when and who created the first hamburger. Most likely, the succulent meat between a sliced bun originated from the people of Hamburg, Germany who migrated to America in the 1800’s. This meat, served “Hamburg style” was cheap minced meat with spices, typically eaten raw. Various chain restaurants have changed the world and made hamburgers the ultimate American dish. I appreciate the way hamburgers have changed throughout history, but I care more about where I can get the best burger in Fort Worth.

DUTCH’S

In 2007, Dutch’s opened in the TCU area at 3009 S. University Dr. in the old favorite burger location of Jon’s Grille. The name is meant to remember TCU alum and famous football coach Leo “Dutch” Meyer. His famous inspirational quote can be found on the wall, “Fight ‘em till hell freezes over, then fight ‘em on the ice.” This simple and bright restaurant serves one of my favorite burgers, the #5 Bacon and Blue Cheese Burger ($6.85). The most interesting part of any Dutch’s burger is the signature sweet bun. They are very similar to the sweet Hawaiian rolls that are becoming more popular. Under the bun, my favorite burger is smothered with a spicy chipotle mayo and piled high with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, chopped onions, crumbled blue cheese, and smoked bacon. One might think all these flavors would cover up the most important part (the meat) but they compliment the burger so perfectly. The patty is thick, juicy, and flavorful. An option of fries, tator tots, or onion rings is available for another $2, and the onion rings are worth it! Dutch Meyer may have represented TCU, but now Fort Worth is proud to stand behind Dutch’s Burgers.

www.dutchshamburgers.com

3009 S. University
Fort Worth, TX 76109
T: 817.927.5522

KINCAID’S

It started as a small grocery store in 1946 that prided itself on fresh produce and fully stocked shelves. In 1964, Charles Kincaid’s Grocery and Market started cooking hamburgers from their fresh ingredients and meat market. As the hamburgers became popular, the store began focusing more on the burgers and cut down grocery shelves to provide make-shift countertops for dining. The small, original restaurant has expanded to five other locations around the area, but all keep their roots with the grocery style ambiance. Kincaid’s has won numerous awards, along with the Best Burger in the US out of 400 hamburger restaurants, and it ranks as one of my favorites too. The traditional burger is 8 oz. of Black Angus chuck served with the traditional toppings: pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onions ($5.25) However, I get the Jr. Cheeseburger ($4.10), a 4 oz. option so I can load up on my sides. Always a hard choice, their options are fries, fried okra, or onion rings. One of the signs that hangs in the restaurant reads, “Eat Your Vegetables. Fried. Your mom never said how they had to be cooked, did she?” And everything fried is absolutely delicious! If you can, follow up the feast with a chocolate Blue Bell milkshake. YUMMMM!

www.kincaidshamburgers.com

4901 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
T; 817.732.2881

4824 Overton Ridge Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76132
T: 817.370.6400

3124 Texas Sage Trail
Fort Worth, TX 76177
T: 817.750.3200

Also located in Southlake, Arlington, and Weatherford

My Favorite....BRUNCH

Sometimes the perfect ending to a weekend is a lazy Sunday spent with family and friends at home. Usually this type of Sunday begins with a delicious breakfast. However, if you want to leave the cooking and cleaning to professionals you have to try my favorite Fort Worth brunch place: Lambert’s. If you don’t mind getting dressed up just a bit (jeans are just fine), head on over, valet your car, and prepare to have the best breakfast of your life.

LAMBERT'S

I know a steak and seafood restaurant may not seem like the obvious place for a great Sunday brunch, but it is in fact the restaurant that inspired me to write this blog. I dined (more, ate the entire menu) earlier today and I am a very happy girl. When trying to choose my favorite thing on the menu, I absolutely couldn’t…even if I had a gun to my head. Chef Lou Lambert seems to understand this hard decision, and therefore doesn’t make you choose. You can order anything on the menu as many times as you want and have endless trips to the buffet all for $25. The experience is magical. Upon entering the Texas themed restaurant, you are welcomed by the staff and a cozy fire in the corner as you wait for your table. I recommend making a reservation for a large group, however if it’s just two of you, sit at the bar.

Waiters and waitresses in jeans and black tops are happy to help explain the process of how the Lambert’s brunch should be experienced. Give your drink orders to your server, and be whisked away to the buffet (or first course). Lambert’s offers bottomless mimosas for an additional $5 or fantastic Bloody Mary’s, charged per drink. The buffet begins with fresh fruit, a house garden salad, and fresh smoked salmon, very thin bagel chips, cream cheese, salmon, capers, and purple onion. The Tex-Mex migas are divine with a fresh cilantro salsa. Griddled breakfast red potatoes with onions and peppers are next on the plate, followed by the meats: crispy smoked thick bacon, country breakfast sausage patties, and a staffed carving station with salt crusted smoked prime rib with horseradish cream and maple glazed pork loin ham with Jezebel sauce. When you return to your table with what would have been a sufficient amount of food, your server will bring you menus, for items made to order.

This is where the fun really begins. Your options are the spicy green chili cheddar grits (and yes, they are green!), eggs ordered any style, classic eggs Benedict, salmon Benedict with dill Hollandaise, prime rib Benedict with chipotle Hollandaise (also referred to as the John Wayne eggs Benedict), four mini buttermilk biscuits covered in a sausage cream gravy, spinach mushroom omelet with goat cheese and herbs, and (the best!) brioche French toast with whipped cream, strawberries, and maple syrup. ODER EVERYTHING! Especially if you are with a large group, order everything, maybe double or triple. Pass each item around and taste. But be sure to save at least one extra bite at the end of the meal as the chocolate icebox pie is TO DIE FOR. Other desert options include a thick slice of red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting or the coconut cream pie.

You shouldn’t need any more convincing. Just reading the menu should be enough motivation to check it out. Your homework is to go next Sunday, and comment below. See if you can choose your favorite, as that will be your final exam.

2731 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
T: 817.882.1161



(Pictures coming soon! It will give me another excuse to go back!)

My Favorite....PIZZA

A simple and old Italian dish from the 1800s has become part of our culture in America. Mass-produced and frozen, pizza is also available as flavorings for goldfish and chips and even in DIY (do-it-yourself) luncheables. Inspired by the super bowl, I wondered how this 300 billion dollar per year industry made it. Instead of giving my money to the ever popular Pizza Hut, Domino’s, or Papa Johns, I choose to invest locally for a fresh, made to order pizza. Choosing my favorites was a tough choice, but I narrowed it down to Mama’s Pizza, Brix Pizzeria, and another favorite from Winslow’s Wine Café (see “My Favorite….SALAD” below).

MAMA'S

Some of my favorite memories from my childhood soccer team, "Sugar and Spice," were spent at the old location of Mama's Pizza on Camp Bowie in the second story party rooms. If there was ever a time to get kids together back then, all the parents brought them to Mama's where the parents would sit and drink pitchers of beer, the kids would arcade games, and we would all split 20 inch "Mama's Specials." Mama's is now located at 5800 Camp Bowie and the TCU location at 1813 West Berry Street. Every pizza is made with sweet, tangy sauce, fresh and melted mozzerella, and a garlic and butter-seasoned crust. The crust is stretched thin enough that the edges of the pizza have to be rolled over and become so large that it becomes a delicious, garlic and italian seasoned breadstick. Crunchy on the outside from the butter, but doughy on the inside. In my opinion, the crust cannot be eaten alone. It needs a heavy dipping in their homemade Creamy Italian salad dressing. My favorite topping is plain and simple pepperoni ($7.25- 8”, $13.50- 13”, $16.95- 16”). When out with a big group, or returning home to fill your house with a delicious aroma, the Mama’s Special will please everyone with 16 slices of pizza, 20” in diameter for $24.50. Make sure to get leftovers, because their is no better cold pizza than a slice of Mama's. (After this description, I can't help myself. I have already called it in to be devoured tonight!!)

Check it Out

1813 West Berry Street
Fort Worth, TX 76109
T: 817.923.3541

5800 Camp Bowie
Fort Worth, TX 76107
T: 817.731.MAMA (6262)

BRIX PIZZA AND WINE BAR

For a recently opened pizza restaurant, in February of 2009, Brix has definitely put itself on the list of favorites for many Fort Worthians. Brix is owned by Daniele Puleo from Palermo, Italy and is also owner of famous Dallas restaurant Danliele Osteria on Oak Lawn. The cozy, dim lit restaurant is located at 2747 Hulen. On a comfortable night, I like to sit on the outdoor patio, but most of the time, the nestled booths work just fine. The layout is somewhat modern, with a wine bar lining one wall and a view of the wood-fired oven in the back corner. Every pizza is delicious and depends on your mood for the evening, but my favorite is the Snow White Pizza ($12- 10”, $17- 14”, $22- 18”). The Snow White is on thin baked crust with creamy mozzarella, sharp flakes of parmigiano, flavorful gorgonzola, and salty, perfectly sliced prosciutto. Although this pizza is missing the standard tomato sauce, the bold flavors stand on their own. Two people would be the perfect combination to split either the signature Brix Salad ($6) or Ceasar salad ($7) before splitting the Snow White Pizza. The perfect wine pairing is the Renwood Zinfandel, not too heavy and not too tart ($25 for bottle).

(Pictured above is the Prosciutto and Spinach Pizza, similar to the Snow White.)

Check it Out

2747 S. Hulen
Fort Worth, TX 76109
T: 817.924.BRIX (2749)


WINSLOW'S WINE CAFE

As I have already described Windslow's Wine Cafe in the previous post "My Favorite....SALAD," for your sake, I will not repeat myself. Reminder: all my favorite dishes include bacon, along with my favorite pizza, the Jim Bowie. Another thin crust, wood-fired pizza, it is topped with BBQ grilled chicken, smokey cheddar, fresh jalapenos, crisp apple wood smoked bacon, and a sweet hickory BBQ sauce ($15- 10”, $19- 14”).

Check it Out

1401 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76107
T: 817.546.6843

What are your favorites?
I would love to hear your favorite pizza’s from around Fort Worth! Some other pizza restaurants I enjoy are Rocco’s, Fireside Pies, and Patrizio’s.

My Favorite....SALAD

Arugula, Spinach, Bibb, Romaine, Iceberg….a plain, boring vegetable? Not when these Fort Worth restaurants dress them. Although these salads may not be the healthiest options on the menu, they are my favorites. For lunch, I love going to Yogi’s Bagel Café or McKinley’s, and for a date night or night out with the girls, I go to Winslows for my favorite soup and salad combo.

YOGI'S BAGEL CAFE

It may be embarrassing, but I eat at Yogi’s two to three times per week and never get sick of it! The menu is endless and serves breakfast all day. Even though the Migas ($7.89) and enormous buttermilk pancakes ($4.69) are tempting at 12:30 pm, I can’t order anything else but the Oriental Chicken Salad ($7.25). The chicken is flavored with teriyaki sauce served over romaine lettuce with chow mein noodles, feta cheese, and sesame seeds all tossed in a sweet oriental dressing. Usually I do not like hot chicken on my cold salad, but any flavor this bold can make an exception. In the winter I get the half salad/half soup combination ($6.59+for chicken) with my favorite salad and the corn chowder. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make Yogi’s the ultimate everyday restaurant.

Check out the Website

WINSLOW'S WINE CAFE

Changing to a more upscale environment is Winslows Wine Café at 4101 Camp Bowie. I have met owner Joe Barry at Patrizio’s bar, his new competitor restaurant right down the road, as he was scouting out his competition. He serves one of the best salads in town. I always order the West Side Wedge ($8), a wedge of baby iceberg lettuce covered in a homemade blue cheese dressing, blue cheese crumbles, warm and crisp apple wood smoked bacon, and Roma tomatoes. I order this rich salad before splitting my favorite pizza, the Jim Bowie ($15 for 10”) with BBQ grilled chicken, smoked cheddar cheese, jalapenos, apple wood smoked bacon, and a hickory BBQ sauce. Or, if I am at Winslow’s more for the wine than the food, I will order a cup of the Roasted Tomato Basil Soup to accompany my salad. The soup is made with Roma, Beefsteak, and grape tomatoes, apple wood smoked bacon, and basil crème fraiche. I guess I can’t get enough of that apple wood smoked bacon!!

Check out the Website

McKINLEY'S FINE BAKERY AND CAFE

Located in University Shopping Center, McKinley’s bakery is perfect for a ladies lunch. Even though it has changed locations, the food is still the same, including my favorite…the Barbi Salad ($8.95). Large portions sometimes call for the downsized version ($6.50). The Barbi Salad is composed of fresh romaine lettuce, chopped roasted chicken breast, sweet sliced strawberries, toasted walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and a light honey vinaigrette. The lively atmosphere with green and purple walls make this order-at-the counter restaurant hard to beat. And good luck getting out of there without purchasing some sort of dessert or treat!

Check out the Website

My Favorite...BBQ

Inspired by the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, I am going to talk about two of my favorite restaurants to eat at during Rodeo season. Whether you call it BBQ, Bar-B-Que, or Barbecue, I call it simply delicious. Slow-smoked with savory spices and sauces, barbecue from Texas just can’t be beat. Home to the legendary stockyards, Fort Worth along with other tourist attractions such as the rodeo can bring in visitors from all over. My pre-rodeo staple is barbecue and beer from either Railhead or Angelo’s.

RAILHEAD SMOKEHOUSE

Located just a mile and a half down the road from Will Rogers Coliseum, home to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, stands Railhead Smokehouse at 2900 Montgomery St. Established in 1986, and owned by Charlie Geren, local celebrity and member of the Texas House of Representatives, District 99, Railhead has been serving some of the best barbecue around. They are known for their German style sausages with Texas spice and flavor and their pork ribs. My favorite is the tender chopped beef sandwich plate ($7.45), with sides of sweet sauced pinto beans and French fries (+$0.50). The flavor and texture of the meat smothered in the sweet and savory barbecue sauce makes for a mouthwatering treat. I order my sandwich without the mustard, pickles, and onions, but ask for extra barbecue sauce so the sandwich bun can be soaked in the sauce. If I am taking a group to the rodeo, I usually pull up to the drive-through and get chopped beef by the pound, packs of buns, and sides. I will have the group meet at my house and assemble our own dinner with a cold case of beer. If I ever eat at Railhead, it is usually on a Saturday afternoon and I sit outside with my family and my dog, staring at the rustic railroad tracks and signals. The restaurant has a wooden lodge feeling, with neon beer signs adorning the wall. Food and beer are ordered at the counter before sitting in the friendly and loud restaurant. Staff t-shirts promote Fort Worth pride and remind patrons “Life is too short to live in Dallas.”

ANGELO’S

Angelo’s Barbecue is a Fort Worth childhood memory for many who grow up in the area. One thing that sticks out in my memory is the mounted bears that are found all around the restaurant. The one shown above is the welcome bear, as people line up to give their order. Angelo’s was established in 1958 by Angelo George who sold well-seasoned beef brisket and ice cold beer at 2533 White Settlement Road. The seasonings and barbecue sauce are so famous that they are sold to the public at the restaurant and select grocery stores in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. My favorites are the rib plate ($12.95) which is served with ribs, sauce, beans, potato salad, cole slaw, pickles, onion, and bread. As a friend once described, “the beer is better at Angelo’s” because of the frosted schooners. The layout of Angelo’s is very casual and can accommodate large groups. The process of ordering begins with serving yourself various soft drinks and water out of a refrigerator and picking out cold sides and chips. The food is served cafeteria style on trays, and visitors seat themselves in the large wooden building. Menu items are served until they run out, so I recommend eating early to get what you want.

My Favorite....SUSHI

BLUE
Omaha based sushi restaurant, Blue, opened its Fort Worth location in September of 2010. The new restaurant, led by Executive Chef Ped Phommavong and run by General Manager Perry Parrigin is located in the hip museum district at 3131 W. 7th St. The lively blue and red toned contemporary eatery is great for a group, date night, or just drinks in the full bar that they call the “Sake Bomber Lounge.” My favorite starters are the sweet and savory Coconut Crab Soup ($6) which resembles a corn and crab chowder and the spicy Mango Crab Rangoon ($8). My favorite specialty Maki, or rolls, are the Cali King ($11) with king crab, avocado, and cucumber and the Snow White ($10) roll with crispy sea bass and avocado topped with a spicy sauce. If I’m feeling adventurous, I will get the house sake ($11.50) served hot. Blue offers 80 options of cooked and raw sushi and 17 Asian inspired entrées and small plates.

PIRANHA KILLER SUSHI
Chef and Owner Kenzo Tran opened Piranha Killer Sushi in Arlington in 2001. The restaurants popularity grew and by request Tran opened a second location in Sundance Square at 335 W. 3rd St. The orange glow from inside and the modern furniture give the sushi bar a warm and energetic atmosphere. I cannot eat at Piranha’s without getting my favorite signature rolls, the Marry Me Roll ($12.95) and the Wasabi Crusted Salmon Roll ($10.95). The Marry Me Roll hold most of its ingredients outside of the rice, as it is a plain shrimp tempura roll topped with sliced avocado, fresh tuna, and sweet strawberries. When I’m not in the mood for sushi, I choose the Chicken Teriyaki with Grilled Vegetables ($12.95) or the Vegetable Yaki Udon ($10.95).

SUSHI AXIOM
In 2001, Sushi Axiom opened on Hulen behind Central Market as a whole in the wall sushi restaurant. Fort Worth caught on, and the restaurant now serves some of the best sushi in the area and has opened five other locations, with one more coming soon. My favorite is the location in Montgomery Plaza at 2600 W. 7th St. Axiom is the perfect location for entertaining a large group any night of the week. Their clever menu changes among locations, but signatures such as the ever popular Colonial Roll ($9) and Tower of Pisa ($13.95) are Axiom staples. The names of items on the menu pay homage to Fort Worth: Colonial Roll and TCU Roll ($11.95). The Colonial Roll is an ordinary shrimp, crab, avocado, and cream cheese roll but is sautéed tempura style and then cut into pieces. This filling roll competes with the Tower of Pisa, a layered stack of spicy tuna, crab, avocado and cucumber, and sushi rice. Dinner cannot be complete without their famous Martini Axiom, a fruity pomegranate mixture.