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

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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

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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

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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.