Having a morning show on WBAP and being the voice of TCU keeps Brian Estridge on a tight schedule.
The last thing Brian has time for is shopping all day for a new vehicle, which is why he has been a loyal D&M Leasing customer for the past ten years.
Brian also knows the value of a dollar, and with D&M Leasing he saves 40-50% each and every month compared to buying a vehicle.
Leasing a new or pre-leased vehicle with D&M Leasing is easy. They’ve been based in Tarrant County for 34 years, and now with an office in Fort Worth, it’s easier than ever.
Contact D&M Leasing today and they will even deliver your new car or truck to your home or office.
June 2015
Best Of 2015
Each year, we ask the readers of Fort Worth, Texas magazine to name their favorite places to shop, play, drink and eat in a variety of categories. Many worthy places are no doubt excluded, but we now present the Fort Worth, Texas magazine Best Of 2015 list as determined by our readers and editors. by Paul K. Harral
46 Inventors’ Alley Fort Worth visionaries dream big with their own unique technology, designs and products. by Sean Chaffin
54 A Blessed Home The 2015 Dream Home in Colleyville combines talent, vision and dedication to create an elegant home in an elegant setting. by Paul K. Harral
The Fort Worth Zoo won Reader’s Pick for "Local Attractions" in this year's Best Of list.
Snapshots Behind the ropes and on the red carpet, the photos of the personalities and parties that have everyone talking 139 fwevents From the mustsee live concert to the highly esteemed art exhibit, a month of events worth checking out
fwdish Culinary ventures in and around town
Dish Listings The most sought-after restaurant guide to navigate the area’s diverse dining options 176
Is This? How well do you know Fort Worth? Can you guess where this photo was taken based on the clues?
Hometown Heroes
Presented by TXO
Joy Ann Havran
2014 Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteer of the Year
Joy Ann Havran has no plans to slow down. A community volunteer most of her adult life, she has chaired scores of charity fundraisers including Jewel Charity, Mayfest, March of Dimes, Cook Children’s Charity Classic, and the Arts Council of Tarrant County. Joy Ann says, “I am blessed with abundant energy and the ability to work on a variety of wonderful causes.”
Joy Ann balances her philanthropic energies with being a wife to Bob Havran, mother to Blake and a CPA. A former TCU accounting faculty member, Joy Ann says, “I feel my greatest achievement in the volunteer section is the ability to use my financial background to enhance the profits raised and given back to the community by my charity fundraising endeavors.”
Working with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Joy Ann planned and orchestrated an event, First Fête of Fall, that raised more than $1 million to endow its educational program, the Barrett Havran Little Steps Big Futures Program, named after her late son. For that effort and for her work as the Honorary Chair of the Barrett Havran Memorial Taste of FW for BBBS, she received the Volunteer of the Year from BBBS Lone Star’s 22 county areas in 2014. Joy Ann says, “The most rewarding part of my community activities is helping others while working with other volunteers, making lifelong friends and giving back to this incredible and generous community of Fort Worth.”
Inside Scoop
I don’t lIke Ice cream. I know it’s weird, and most often when I tell people, they look at me strangely like I’ve just said, “I hate puppies.”
On our cover this month is a sweet treat from one of our 2015 Best Of winners, Melt Ice Creams. Owner Kari Crowe Seher may just change my outlook on the frozen dessert. Offering unique flavors such as Strawlapeño, Mint to Be (Hill Country lavender mixed with fresh mint) and Cup of Texas (Avoca coffee), Melt creates all ice cream from scratch using local and seasonal ingredients. Receiving four times the number of votes than the runner-up, Melt has obviously already made a name for itself with the Fort Worth crowd.
Our readers weren’t shy this year with their opinions about who/what they believe to be the best in Fort Worth. We had a record-breaking 82,073 votes in 116 categories. In addition to the reader picks, the magazine staff members wanted to voice their perspectives on what they considered to be the best in shopping, service providers, nightlife, and food and drink. For the 2015 results, turn to page 60.
To honor our winners, we have an annual Best Of bash. It’s honestly one the hottest events in town, and this year’s Party in the Square was on May 28 in the Sundance Square Plaza and featured the band, Downtown Fever, entertainment from Four Day Weekend comedy troupe and Pete’s Dueling Pianos, as well as a delicious smorgasbord from the premier restaurants in Sundance Square. If you weren’t able to attend, visit fwtx.com/videos to see a recap of the festivities. You won’t want to miss next year.
Casseday-Blair Executive Editor
stayconnected
Ice House
This is a spectacular piece of journalism and an even more spectacular home (not just house) renovation. Congratulations Jamey Ice, Melissa Ice and Gail Bennison! —Ann Louden
Shout out to Gail Bennison & Alex Lepe for being awesome and writing a great story and taking killer pics. You guys rock! —Jamey Ice
As a longtime Fairmount resident, I remember when this house was vacant and neglected. Glad to see it brought back to life! Great article. —Matt
Inspiring story. These two are doing great things. Really enjoyed reading this. —Jon McDonald
Transportation Troubles
I enjoyed reading the Fort Worth, Texas
magazine article on mass transit and high-speed rail. It seems that some members of our legislature are blissfully ignoring the fact that our 25 or so million population today is destined to swell to more than 40 million in a couple of decades. Basic infrastructure issues like transportation and water are either being ignored or inadequately addressed. To try to kill high-speed rail as a mode of transportation to meet our future mobility needs, which is what some members are doing, I would call as something short of visionary.
—William W. Meadows
If someone beat you to the last newsstand copy, don’t worry. The virtual editions of both current and previous issues are available on our website. Flip through the pages to read more about the great city of Fort Worth by visiting fwtx.com.
Tweet, Tweet MayDayDC @MayDayDC @jameyice @FWTXmag OMG… Beautiful home, Jamey…Wish I could buy a copy of the mag!!
Janus @Janus @jameyice @FWTXmag Great Article, Jamey. You guys are an inspiration.
Historic Fairmount @FairmountFTW Thanks @FWTXmag for promoting our home tour!
Katie-Rose Watson @krwatson Just saw the photos from Wendy’s @FWTXmag #Derby photo shoot and my heart seriously skipped a beat.
FreshPoint Dallas @FPDallas Great line up of chefs…@ FWTXmag Top Chef 2015.
UT
UT Southwestern’s renowned Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center now offers its leading-edge treatment at the Moncrief Cancer Institute in Fort Worth. One of only 68 nationally designated cancer centers in the country, UT Southwestern is home to many of the nation’s top cancer specialists. Physicians, surgeons, oncologists, therapists, and more work in tandem to carry out groundbreaking research and deliver the latest, most promising therapies to fight your cancer. And now, that world-class care is conveniently located close to home.
Trust your cancer care to one of the nation’s premier treatment and research centers.
outsidevoice
3 5 2 4 6 7 1
1Gail Bennison mostly enjoys writing about people, art and culture, health, and history. This month Gail contributes a culture feature on what our friend Bill Paxton has been doing lately on film (page 26). She also gives readers an up-close look at Red Steagall (page 118).
2Style extraordinaire, Holland Sanders, is a blogger who loves celebrating the evolving world of fashion. Through her blog, Haute Holland, she introduces readers to the hottest trends and latest fashion topics. This month Holland shares her picks for the perfect gift for Dad in our Father’s Day Gift Guide (page 32).
3Having lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for the majority of her life, Kacie Galloway is a Texas native. She is now a Fort Worth resident, and she loves writing about both big issues, especially in politics, and the smaller-scale, more intimate stories. When she is not busy writing, she enjoys spending time outdoors, playing with her goldendoodle, trying new recipes and traveling. This month she contributed a piece about how having pets can improve your health (page 36).
4Intern Jessy Diamba moved here from France when he was 8 years old. He plans on someday working as a journalist for a major English or French TV news network. Jessy wants to travel the world and cover breaking news on topics that matter. This month, he contributed a write-up about a popular salad from a local restaurant (page 158).
5Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas. In this issue, Sean writes about fascinating locals that have invented products that have bettered the community (page 46). His new book is Raising the Stakes: True Tales of Gambling, Wagering & Poker Faces, available at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.
6Food columnist Nancy Farrar is not trained, but she has been an accomplished home cook for many years. She grew up in an Italian family where most family parties welcomed 30 or more guests. In this issue, she shares her secret to grilling the perfect steak. Nancy says the secret is in the pan-searing and butter-basting, but it’s also about the choice of meat. That’s why we set off to Burgundy’s Local – Grass Fed Meat Market & Grill and cooked up a huge Texas Top Sirloin. If you are hungry for more, turn to page 40.
7Jessica Llanes gives readers a taste of Tokyo this month with her review of Hanabi Ramen & Izakaya. The new restaurant in the Cultural District gives its guests an authentic ramen house experience. Jessica says that those only familiar with cheap noodle bricks and powdery flavor packets will be blown away by what Chef Takao is serving up. Read more on page 154.
Let’s team up to save water
G etting on some teams requires lots of huffing and puffing. That’s not our style. Getting on Team Lawn Whisperer is a breeze. Just water two days a week or less, use the “cycle and soak” method when irrigating, and check the Lawn Whisperer’s Facebook page for weekly watering advice and helpful tips.
C’mon join the team and let’s save water. Nothing can replace it.
Power Hungry
We are looking for the most powerful folks in town to feature in the August issue of the magazine. If you think you know someone that fits the description, visit fwtx. com to make your nominations through July 1.
Calling All Interns Make the most of your summer with an exciting internship at Fort Worth, Texas magazine. We are currently filling spots for editorial and advertising internships. Please send resume and cover letter to jcasseday@ fwtexas.com.
Best of Party Recap
If you missed our 2015 Best Of party, don’t fret. You can check out the party recap at fwtx. com/videos. We bet after seeing all the fun you missed, you will get your tickets for next year’s party.
Perfect Steak
Cooking columnist Nancy Farrar has a great time this month visiting Burgundy Pasture Beef and teaching readers how to grill the perfect steak. For a behind-the-scenes look at her day and Nancy in action, visit fwtx.com/videos.
Hot tickets
Don’t miss out on some of the magazine’s hottest upcoming events. Our Top Chef Final Challenge will be held on July 21 at Cendera Center. Guests will watch some of the area’s best chefs compete for the title of Top Chef 2015. To purchase your tickets, visit fwtx. com/topchef.
FoodIe FootAge
For an up-close look at Panther Island Brewing and the new Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge, check out our videos at fwtx.com/videos. online Medical directory: Fort Worth’s No. 1 online source for finding doctors and hospitals
Bountiful Blogs
From foodie news and stylish entertaining ideas to reviews of local art happenings and Western heritage, visit fwtx.com to read the musings of our many blog writers.
For years, Fort Worth, Texas magazine readers have used the annual Top Docs issue to select a doctor. These same readers can now go to fwtx.com/ directory/docs to locate a physician in the area with our new Online Medical Directory that is searchable by the doctor’s name, practice name, location and specialty.
Are you ready for a little breathing room? We can help. When it comes to financing land, a country home, hunting and recreational property, an ag operation or just about anything else in Texas, Heritage Land Bank is the name to know. For almost 100 years, Heritage has helped Texans make the most of rural living. If you’re looking to buy, talk to the lender who knows how to help. “Find
Jay Novacek
Texas Rancher
Former All-Pro Tight End
Dallas Cowboys
★ Chef Jon Bonnell Head Judge ★ The CoMPeTITorS MeT ANd Four AdvANCed : Kalen Morgenstern Tillman’s Roadhouse
Jerrett Joslin The Wild Mushroom
Charles Youts The Classic Cafe
Stefon rishel Max’s Wine Dive
FINAL rouNd Final Round: July 21, 6pm – Cendera Center, 3600 Benbrook Hwy. To purchase tickets and for more information, go to
Staying connected with the latest local happenings
thescoop
he fought for What Was Wright
| by gail bennison |
Jim Wright Was the standard-bearer of the ‘greatest generation’. so feW remain With us today, but their legacy shapes our today, our every day. –Pete Geren, former representative of the 12th Congressional District, former U.S. Army Secretary, now president and CEO of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation
Friends, family and dignitaries gathered on Monday, May 11, at First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth. They came to honor a legend. Jim Wright, the 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, died in Fort Worth on May 6. He was 92. Wright was buried at City Greenwood Cemetery in his beloved Weatherford. He is survived by his wife, Betty, along with a son and three daughters.
Wright was one of 53 people in American history to hold the office of U.S. House Speaker and the third Texan ever to hold that high position.
James Claude Wright Jr. was born in Fort Worth on Dec. 22, 1922. He represented his hometown in Congress from 1955 through 1989. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit, Wright was elected to the Texas Legislature at age 23. At 26, he became the youngest mayor in Texas, in Weatherford, his boyhood home. Wright was elected to Congress at 31, where he served 18 consecutive terms.
Under Wright’s leadership over the historic 100th Congress, he helped fashion the gain of an active war on drugs and assisted in the legislation of the first major trade bill in 50 years.
Landmark legislation was passed during that session on shelter for the homeless, safer highways and bridges, affordable housing, clean water and catastrophic medical assistance for the elderly. Wright received worldwide recognition for his efforts to bring peace to Central America.
He believed in good works with no expectation of recognition.
On May 13, 2014, the Exchange Club named Wright Fort Worth’s outstanding citizen for 2013.
Congresswoman Kay Granger served as one of the three keynote speakers at the Golden Deeds Awards banquet that evening. Granger said: “It’s truly remarkable to think of all of these changes to our city and developments to Fort Worth happened during Jim Wright’s time in office. And, for every one of the defense contracts secured, federal buildings constructed, airports and roads built, it took community support and strong leadership by people like Jim Wright to make it all possible. If there was anyone ever worthy enough of our sincere gratitude and appreciation for a lifetime of service to Fort Worth, it’s certainly Speaker Jim Wright.”
Wright said to the gathering that he needed to be thanking them, not the other way around.
Wright resigned the speakership in 1989. He returned to Fort Worth where he taught at Texas Christian University for nearly two decades.
Wright had three wishes for the nation, he said in an interview with this magazine in 2014. He wished for greater educational attainment, political kindness and respect, and better efforts to preserve and protect our planet.
Going Home
Known as the “unofficial greeter” of Fort Worth, Charlie Joyner became a meaningful fixture in the city. He passed away in May after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Joyner was a homeless double amputee and spent most of his time over the last two decades sitting downtown, greeting everyone that walked by him at the corner of 3rd and Houston streets. He would often tell people that he was “houseless,” not homeless, because his home was in Heaven. Upon learning of his passing, the community had an overwhelming response.
What a warm soul. He sincerely cared for everyone he saw and felt like an old friend. He will truly be missed. —Wes Stevens, District Sales Coordinator at Aflac
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of Charles. It was always uplifting to see his cheerful smile downtown. —Fort Worth Downtown Neighborhood Alliance
You are never guaranteed another day, and you have every day to make a difference – just like Charlie did. —Toby Owen, CEO of the Presbyterian Night Shelter
Loved seeing him on my way to work every day. Always had a smile and waved at everyone! —Stacy Terrell Beeson
Such a shame he will never realize how he touched everyone’s life in such a positive way. God sends us people to bring a blessing to our day. Charlie was one of God’s blessings. —Kathy Knox Lingle
I used to pass by him often when I worked downtown. He never asked me for anything. He always gave me a friendly smile and kind greeting. What a generous soul. R.I.P. Charlie. —Teresa Rangel
Charlie once told me, “Losing my legs was the best thing that ever happened to me. It let me meet all these wonderful people.” —Jody Dean
Droning On
Cowtown’s own BNSF Railroad Co. announced in May that it would be partnering with the FAA on a new drone program for its railway system.
Company spokesman Roxanne Butler says the company will soon be in the testing stage. Plans call for small, unmanned aircraft systems to assist in the inspection of railroad infrastructure and operations.
“The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is intended to allow BNSF to maximize safety in railroad operations,” the company said. “The use of UAVs does not, however, eliminate the need for inperson visual inspections required by the Federal Railroad Admin-
Hop, Skip and a Beer
The Near Southside is about to welcome another brewery. HopFusion Ale Works has started construction on its new home at 200 East Broadway, located just one block from Main St. The brewery is the brainchild of Macy Moore and Matt Hill, both longtime Fort Worth residents with a passion for home brewing. They’re hoping to open their doors in late 2015 or early 2016, when they’ll join Rahr & Sons, Martin House, and Chimera Brewing Company in the trendy Magnolia/ South Main district.
HopFusion’s initial lineup will include four brews - Feisty Blonde Honey Vanilla Ale, Hairpin Session Ale, Steampipe Black Rye IPA, and Fur Slipper Imperial Milk Stout. The 8,500-square-foot brewery is also planning to have a taproom, an elevated backyard patio, a gallery featuring works by local artists, and, of course, plenty of bicycle parking.
—Brittany Ryan
istration.” Approval by the FAA allows BNSF to supplement those inspections with aerial surveillance. The company believes using drones will allow safer inspection procedures for BNSF personnel as well as a safer and more efficient railroad network.
The FAA has been working with industry partners like BNSF on three focus areas including: visual line-of-sight operations in urban areas; extended visual line-of-sight operations in rural areas; and beyond visual line-of-sight in rural and isolated areas.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in March when the department initially announced the program, “This is a big job, and we’ll get to our goal of safe, widespread unmanned aircraft systems integration more quickly by leveraging the resources and expertise of the industry.”—Sean Chaffin
Your smile is more than just a response; it’s the symbol of your personality and the centerpiece to your overall look. As a pioneer in the field of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Mitch Conditt combines technical skill with artistic vision to create a smile that will represent who you are and fit your lifestyle and aspirations.
An instructor to thousands of dentists from all over the world, Dr. Conditt takes a great deal of pride in having built a practice where patients—like you—feel rejuvenated simply because of the amount of care and experience that has been invested in their personal smile needs.
Contact Dr. Conditt’s practice today to schedule your smile consultation. We are ready to help you start the journey to a smile that is unlike any other.
New Dean
Dr. Kristie Bunton, TCU dean of Schieffer College of Communications
| by Sean Chaffin|
Dr. Kristie Bunton was recently announced as the new dean of TCU’s Schieffer College of Communications. Since 2011, Bunton served as associate dean and professor at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.
Can you tell us about your background? I’m from a farm where the radio ag report, daily newspaper, and my grandmother’s weekly column were sacred rituals. I fell in love with journalism through these channels, so it was a no-brainer to attend Missouri’s j-school. I became more intrigued by ethics in journalism than by being a journalist, so I pursued a Mizzou master’s and an Indiana Ph.D. I’ve been teaching ethical issues for 22 years.
What are your thoughts on the Schieffer College? The teaching, mentoring and research skills of its faculty, coupled with the resources and technology it enjoys, make the college exceptionally strong, as do Mr. Schieffer’s name and reputation. I’m most drawn to it because of its central purpose of educating students for lives as skilled, responsible communicators and ethical leaders.
What are some goals for TCU? My key goals will come from faculty, whose teaching and scholarship tell them what our students must learn. I want to keep faculty and the college student-centered, and then identify programs to enhance, or new ones to launch, that will propel us to national significance. More graduate and community outreach programs? More ethics education? These are all possible.
How have journalism departments changed to keep pace with everchanging technology and industry? We’ve had to acquire and learn new technologies and roles. But no matter how the professional world changes, we have to steep students in the fundamental purpose of communication – telling the human story in truthful, responsible ways – while giving them practical tools to use in that world. The changes offer exciting opportunities. They let students pursue careers in a more flexible, entrepreneurial and less rigid way than in the past. If we help students become critical thinkers and lifelong learners, they will adapt successfully to whatever their professional environment holds.
Vaqueros Find Home
Fort Worth’s professional soccer team, the Vaqueros, has found a new home. When the Fort Worth Cats lost their lease at LaGrave Field, the city’s fledgling football club (who were subletting from the Cats) found themselves field-less as well. Fortunately, Texas Wesleyan has stepped up and offered them space at Martin Field just in time for the 2015 season.
The partnership is anticipated to be fruitful for both sides. Vaqueros owner, Michael Hitchcock, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Texas Wesleyan…They share our vision of serving the Fort Worth community. We see this as the first step in a potentially larger arrangement that will benefit the community, our supporters and the Texas Wesleyan students. We will be able to create an intimate soccer atmosphere similar to community stadiums in Europe and South America.”
Texas Wesleyan President Frederick G. Slabach views the partnership as a boon for Wesleyan students and athletes as well. “The Vaqueros are a strong Fort Worth brand that offers community and familyfriendly entertainment,” he says. “Just as important, this partnership will provide opportunities for our athletic training students, who will have a chance to work with upper-level athletes, and for our soccer team, who will have opportunities to scrimmage with the Vaqueros.”
The Vaqueros will play their first home game of the season against the Houston Regals on May 16.
—Brittany Ryan
Don Davis is having a garage sale.
“The 26th Annual Don Davis Garage Sale” June 19th and 20th. 9:00 a.m.
With over 3,000 new and used cars on sale, “The 26th Annual Don Davis Garage Sale” is sure to be an event of epic proportions. You’ll find great bargains on every new car and truck in stock. Jeep, Lincoln, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, Ford, Nissan. And quality used cars and truck in every price range. Family cars, sports cars, luxury cars, sport utility vehicles, pickups. Even classic cars.
With all prices clearly marked. And all clearly priced to sell.
If you’ve never attended a Don Davis Garage Sale, make plans to do so today. You’ll find out why this one-and-only Don Davis sale has been the Fort Worth/Dallas area’s biggest sale event weekend for 25 years. And like all good garage sales, you should plan to arrive early. Make your best new or used car deal at Don Davis Auto Group.
fwliving
Bill Paxton
fwliving escapes
take a hike: pacific Crest trail
| by Kyle whitecotton |
Y our journey begins in the small town of Campo, Calif., near the m exi C an border. The air is hot, and the landscape is crowded with desert scrub and chaparral; thoughts of water are routine. But
you’ve packed light, and stretching out before you are all 2,650 miles of the greatest wilderness route in the western U.S.—the Pacific Crest Trail.
From here you will traverse the shaded forests of the San Bernardino and San
Gabriel ranges, cross the brushy folds of the Sierra Pelona, and then dip into the western arm of the Mojave Desert before entering the Sierra Nevada and the central and northern California sections of the PCT.
Before you’re done with California, you will have ventured through expansive meadows and conifer forests of the High Sierra, sauntered through Sequoia National Park, and briefly joined the John Muir Trail through Yosemite National Park. The southern Cascades yield lush forests through which the trail winds on its way to Lassen Volcanic National Park, onward to Mount Shasta, then north to the Marble Mountain Wilderness and the Klamath River.
The Oregon section offers the shortest and easiest portion of the PCT. Here you will encounter a comparatively docile traverse through a volcanic landscape demanding little elevation change except for a 3,160-foot descent into the Columbia River Gorge. Lakes abound throughout the Oregon section, inviting you onward. You’ll pass through Crater Lake National Park and a host of lake-filled wilderness areas like Diamond Peak and Three Sisters Wildernesses. The Oregon section’s crown jewel is Mount Hood and its shady fir forests.
After crossing the Bridge of the Gods and climbing your way out of the Columbia River Gorge, you’ll encounter the lakes and huckleberries of the Indian Heaven Wilderness and enter the PCT’s home stretch—the Washington section. The Cascades offer up colossal peaks like Mount Adams and the awe-inspiring mammoth Mount Rainier. But venturing into the North Cascades will prove to be a challenging endeavor north to Canada. The topography here is riddled with deep canyons, several high mountain passes, perennial snowfields, and the memorably rugged route skirting Glacier Peak, not to mention that Washington is the PCT’s wettest section with year-round storm potential.
The Pacific Crest Trail offers 2,650 miles of the greatest wilderness hike in the western U.S.
By the time you cross the Canadian border and conclude the PCT, you will have traversed 19 major canyons, passed more than 1,000 lakes, crossed 57 major mountain passes on your way through five state parks, four national monuments, six national parks, 25 different national forest units and 48 federal wilderness areas. In fact, more than half of the PCT is in federal wilderness—that’s more tread in wilderness than any other trail. In short, when you finally complete the PCT, you will have conquered the country’s most remote and untamed wilderness trail—a trail that purposely avoids roads and towns as often as possible.
Not interested in disappearing into the backcountry for a multi-month mega hike? That’s fine. The PCT is broken up into 29 sections of manageable distances offering hikers the opportunity to tackle this trail piece by piece over a lifetime of wilderness outings. On second thought, who really cares if you hike all 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada? If the PCT consists of mostly wilderness, then the purpose of the trail must be simply to provide a way for you to leave the city behind, detach from the increasing demands of everyday life, and feed your soul with a healthy dose of unadulterated, undomesticated wilderness. So whether you set out for a whole summer-long undertaking of the trail or little more than a long summer afternoon stroll, just step foot on the Pacific Crest Trail and see where it takes you. You might just find a reason to not turn back.
The PCT is broken up into 29 sections of manageable distances, which give hikers the opportunity to tackle the trail piece by piece over a length of time.
Bryce Canyon Hoodoos, which formations carved
fwliving culture
For more information on exhibits and performances, go to fwtx.com and click on culture.
love letter to texas
Texas Rising, starring Bill Paxton, premieres on Memorial Day
| by Gail bennison |
It’s been more than a year since we last spoke with film and television actor b ill p axton. The interview with the Fort Worth native led to a feature called Texas Rising for the May 2014 issue. At that time, Paxton was preparing for what he says today is one of the most exciting things he’s ever done.
On Memorial Day, the long-awaited TexasRising, a 10-hour event series will premiere on the History Channel. Episodes will air May 25 and 26, and June 1, 8 and 15. General Sam Houston, the rag-tag Texas Rangers, and the legendary “Yellow Rose of Texas,” lead the story of the Lone Star State’s fight for independence.
Paxton, who has starred in more than 50 films, including Twister,Titanic, True Lies and Apollo13, in addition to awardwinning television projects such as History’s Hatfields & McCoys, plays the starring role of Sam Houston in Texas Rising.
Two-time Oscar-nominated director Roland Joffé, best known for The Killing Fields and The Mission, directs the allstar cast including: Paxton, Brendan Fraser, Ray Liotta, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Olivier Martinez, Thomas Jane, Christopher McDonald, Jeremy Davies, Chad Michael Murray, Max Thieriot, Robert Knepper, Rhys Coiro, Crispin Glover, Jeff Fahey, Rob Morrow, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Trevor Donovan and Kris Kristofferson. Bill’s son, James Paxton, is set in a couple of scenes as an outlaw kid.
guration of Texas president, Sam Houston. Paxton graciously answered questions and talked in general about the filming of Texas Rising in a lengthy and interesting interview. This is an abbreviated version.
Texas Rising is produced by A+E Studios, ITV Studios America and Thinkfactory Media for HISTORY. Leslie Greif (Hatfields & McCoys) serves as executive producer. Dirk Hoogstra and Julian P. Hobbs serve as executives in charge of production for HISTORY.
The program’s title song, “Take Me to Texas,” is performed by George Strait and written by Brandy Clark. The soundtrack includes Kristofferson’s remake of the Tom Petty classic “Won’t Back Down” and new tracks from Jose Feliciano.
The series begins just after the fall of the Alamo and ends with the inau-
Q. Bill, thank you for this second interview. Can you describe what it was like filming in Durango, Mexico?
a . I really didn’t know what to expect in Mexico. I flew to Durango with my son, James, on May 15. There was a travel advisory, which turned out to be completely erroneous. When we got to the hotel about 9 o’clock that night, I was checking the doors and windows in my room. For the next five-and-a-half months that I spent there, I had one of the greatest film and cultural experiences in my life. I was worried about being able to stand up to the heat of the summer. As it turns out, Durango has a kind of micro-
Fort Worth native Bill Paxton plays the starring role of Sam Houston in the History Channel's new series entitled Texas Rising
fwliving culture
For more information on exhibits and performances, go to fwtx.com and click on culture.
cosmic climate. It rains a lot and cools things off. We would not have been able to pull this off had we been in Texas. We shot predominantly in the daylight, so most of the picture is in natural light. About a week into the show, I was on horseback in front of a line of men, telling them what would happen if we got any deserters. I had to go up and down the line on a horse for several hours. It was hot. Suddenly, I couldn’t formulate a sentence. I thought I was having a stroke. They took me in the tent and put me on Sam Houston’s bed. I thought: Oh, my God, am I going to be able to do this? It never happened again.
It was like going back to old Hollywood. Here was Durango, Mexico, where John Wayne had shot many films, like the Sons of Katie Elder. This was where Sam Peckinpah made Billy the Kid
So for me, it was really intriguing because I always thought I missed Hollywood by a few decades. This crew, the art department, and the wardrobe department were wonderful. Everything had to be from 1836. All the costumes and the uniforms were handmade.
When I showed up on my first day of filming at the top of a huge canyon, there was the Texas army camp of 1836. It was just magnificent. We had a scene where a lone rider rides in to tell us the tragic news that the Alamo is falling, and I got goosebumps in the scene. I am standing as Sam Houston on the edge of my tent looking across as this rider comes in, and I thought: Wow, this is probably what it felt like to get that news.
From that first week on, for the next five-and-a-half months, every set we showed up on was amazing. Another thing is these scenes were so massive, we shot widescreen, and they’re going to premiere the piece widescreen. It will be the first in television history.
Q. Did you have any concerns about the production itself?
A. One of my big hesitations about the production was the script. The document itself was over 400 pages. I’m thinking as I read it: Wait a minute. This says the charge of the Battle of San Jacinto, hundreds of men, cavalry, charging across the field toward Santa Anna’s camp. You jump into something like this, and you’re reading these beautiful big action scenes, but you’re wondering: Are they really going to pull this off—the props, the horses, the extras, the costumes? Well, let me tell you, boy, they brought this. They brought the Texas Revolution to life. This piece opens as the Alamo has just fallen. Santa Anna and his officers are riding into the garrison. And oh my God, that’s just an opening scene. This set is huge with the bodies, the wreckage, the fire strewn around. It takes off from there. Then, you meet Sam Houston. There I am with the Texas army and several hundred extras in canvas tents up on a big bluff.
I have to get to the man who really was the maestro of all of this, and that was the British director, Roland Joffé. He is one of the greatest filmmakers I’d ever worked with—one of the greatest artists and directors, but also a consummate gentleman. We were all eating out of his hand. Ultimately, I felt like he had Sam Houston’s integrity.
Q. We learned in our last interview that you aren’t exactly an expert horseman and had a problem with a stallion when you were filming Hatfields & McCoys. How did you make that work in this film?
A. I had a little reservation about the horsemanship involved, that’s for sure. Houston went through three horses in the Battle of San Jacinto in about 20 minutes. They put us into a cowboy boot camp when we got there, and we were riding every morning. We had Mexican and American wranglers who were terrific. The horses were magnificent. I was hoping I wouldn’t be riding a stallion, but I’m playing Sam Houston, so I’m back on a stallion. Whereas most of the actors got to get used to one mount, I must have had eight different horses in the course of several months. I remember about two-thirds of the way into shooting, we were doing the Battle of San Jacinto. And I was leading this cavalry charge. Jeff Fahey is on horseback next to me. They had three different swords we would use: a rubber sword if we were actually fighting somebody, an aluminum sword that we could also use with some of the stunt guys. And then, there were the real swords—big, long swords. So I’m going to be in front of about 40 horses and several hundred men behind us. I said to Jeff: Are we really going to do this? He said: Well, it sure looks like it. God, I hear “Action!” from
Left to Right, Top Row: Vern (Rhys Coiro), Billy Anderson (Brendan Fraser), Sam Houston (Bill Paxton), Kit Aklin (Trevor Donovan), Henry (Christopher Macdonald), Deaf (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), Knowles (Jeremy Davies); Left to Right, Bottom Row: Gator Davis (Stephen M. Taylor), and Beans (Joe Egender)
the megaphone, and we take off. We have our sabers pointed out. I used my left hand because Houston had limited mobility in his right arm. After it was over, I told Jeff that only the laundry men knew how scared I was.
Q. How did you get the part as Sam Houston?
A. Roland Joffé and I met months before, and he talked about the project. I said I’d give anything to play Sam Houston. I was born to play Sam Houston. He told me he’d be glad for me to play that part. At that point, Leslie Grief, the producer, was scrambling to put a cast together to get him the green light to go into production. So we really didn’t know if we were going into production until the end of March.
Q. Let’s backtrack to before Mexico and how you studied to play the role.
A. I went down to Huntsville. The mayor of Huntsville, Mac Woodward, is also the director of the Sam Houston Museum there. He and his wife were so hospitable to me and my son, James. They took us to the museum. Houston is buried nearby, but it also is where he had his final home. I got to go in the museum’s vault. I held a copy of the four Shakespearean plays, the little booklet that Houston kept in his saddlebag. I got to try the crutch— the one he used after he was wounded at the Battle of San Jacinto.
I started at the end of his life at the Steamboat House, where he died. From there, I had to go to New York to promote Texas Rising, where they trot the actors out and talk about upcoming shows for next year.
On the way back, I flew to Chattanooga, Tenn., and drove to the Hiwassee River. A guy meets me in a gas station in a big truck, takes me down to the river to a barge to Hiwassee Island. We’re walking on the land where Sam Houston had run away to live with the Cherokee Indians when he was about 18 years old. I’m trying to picture him there. Then I go to Maryville, Tenn. General Sam Houston was the son of Major Sam Houston and Elizabeth Paxton. I’m second cousin to Sam Houston, three times removed. I knew we were related but found out
fwliving culture
For more information on exhibits and performances, go to fwtx.com and click on culture.
how we were related on this trip. When Major Houston died, Sam Houston’s mother moved the family to Maryville to farm and run a little store.
From Maryville, I went to Lexington, where Houston was born, so I was kind of reversing the trip he had made as a boy with his family. In Lexington, I looked up my cousins. That’s where I concluded the trip on researching Houston. I also read three biographies. But nothing prepared me for the physical challenges of the role—the horsemanship and sword fighting, and all of that.
I still can’t believe I played Sam Houston. He really is the spine of this piece. This is a guy that was besieged by all sides. Not only was he fighting an insurmountable foe, Santa Anna, with 5,000 combat veteran professional soldiers versus his not even 1,000 men, who were not even regular army. He’s trying to drill these men so that he maybe he can get one battle out of them, which he was able to do. He realized that the only way he’s got any shot at all is if he picks the battlefield, the time and the place. He’s waiting to see if this Mexican general is going to make a mistake. Santa Anna did make a mistake when he decided to go with a partial army. The battle only lasted about 18 minutes and is one of the most important battles in American history in terms of its consequence and how it paved the way for Texas and for the United States to grow all the way to the Pacific. Houston knew once they routed the enemy, they couldn’t control the men. The battle was brief, but the killing went on into the night because there was so much pent-up rage because of the Alamo. It’s quite a story, but I have to tell you again that Roland Joffé was the general, with so many actors and crew members. If I was with another actor, there’d be five layers of background action going on. Most of the things they do nowadays, they add digital stuff in the background. It’s just not as organic as this looks. We had a brilliant cinematographer, Arthur Reinhart, who I also had worked for in Romania. He shot Hatfields & McCoys. It was great to team up with him and his camera operator, Casper.
I have to credit Leslie Greif, who put this whole thing together with a lot of other great people. It was his dogged determination and never-say-die attitude that not only got the circus down to Durango but kept the circus going the whole time. We were fighting a lot of elements down there.
This was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done. It wasn’t just making this incredible epic in Mexico, but also that it was a period piece. It’s a Western war movie. Everything was on such a big scale. And then to be playing this man who was an epic human being on so many levels. This was a man who had true insight into human nature and human weakness. Houston said at the end of his life that no red man ever went against his word to him, but his own people had done so all his life. He had two sides: the side where he liked to hang out with the Texas Rangers, who really were Houston’s scouts and his elite guards. On the other side, he loved to have someone read Shakespeare to him.
Q. Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about Texas Rising?
A. At the end of the day, this is historical fiction. They’ve got me in a love triangle with the Yellow Rose of Texas and Santa Anna. But at the same time, it’s all rooted in actual events. I’m hoping that the integrity of the man I portray as Sam Houston comes through in the piece.
When we think of the John Wayne Alamo, it almost feels like the Anglos versus the Mexicans. Historically speaking, a lot of the Tejanos were Mexicans. When Santa Anna threw out the Mexican constitution and declared himself dictator, there was an uprising where he slaughtered a lot of Mexican people.
Houston was not fighting for Texas to become part of the United States. He was fighting for Texas to be Texas. This wasn’t Anglos fighting Mexicans. There are a lot of Hispanics and Texans fighting side-by-side in this piece. I hope this comes across.
I’d like to say a little bit about the actors.
The role of Deaf Smith, who is considered to be the first Texas Ranger, is played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. “He does a good job as Deaf,” Paxton says. “He lost about 30 pounds to play the part. Through the whole piece, he’s dying of consumption.”
Olivier Martinez plays President Gen. Santa Anna, the tyrant dictator of Mexico. “He was magnificent,” Paxton says. “He has the strut of a peacock and a real machismo attitude about war.”
Cynthia Addai-Robinson portrays Emily West, the Yellow Rose of Texas. She does a terrific job, even though the character is an amalgamation and mostly fictional. She really brings a great light and depth and drama to the piece. She’s the lady that has the eye of both generals.
Ray Liotta is set as Lorca, a character that’s a product of fiction. An Alamo survivor, he symbolizes the soul of the Texas spirit during the war. He’s the guy who has lost everything, including his family, and he just lives to fight and kill. His is a redemption story. To Roland Joffé, he symbolizes what happens to men in war, where he loses his humanity.
Brendan Fraser depicts Billy Anderson, a Texas Ranger with Comanche Indian ties. He’s the product of an Indian mother and a white father, and he has an interesting story through the course of the piece. He’s one of the original Texas Rangers.
Jeff Fahey and I go way back. We did a movie together several years ago. He’s a great actor and great guy. He plays Thomas Rusk, the Texas Secretary of War.
And, Kris Kristofferson does a great job of portraying President Andrew Jackson.
I haven’t seen it cut together, but I hear they are very excited about it. It became so much bigger than the script and went from eight hours to 10.
Sam Houston came to Texas to resurrect himself. To me, it’s a redemption story of a man who had everything, including a fast-track to the White House, and lost everything. He’s not a Texan. He’s a VirginianTennessean, and he’s willing to die for a cause that he’s leading. Sam Houston is by far the most fascinating man I have ever studied. Obviously, he is an extremely beloved Texas figure, but really, he should be a beloved national figure. I’m very proud to be playing this role.
Father’s Day Gift Guide
| by Holland Sanders | photography by Alex Lepe |
In tHe CAve: This Father’s Day, add a little swag to your favorite dad’s sacred sanctuary. From cigars to whiskey, Fort Worth has some of the finest items to transform any ordinary space into the coolest (and classiest) man cave around.
The Executive Humidor; $199.99; Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge, silverleafcigar.com
Book Lamp, Dark Walnut, Lumio; $190; Kimbell Art Museum, kimbellart.org
Wood Bowtie, WOODTHUMB; $42; Kimbell Art Museum, kimbellart.org
In the WIld: If your dad is a campfire chef or outdoor adventurer, this list is for you! We’ve rounded up a few of the newest must-haves for fathers who like ditching the hustle and bustle of the city and spending their weekends in the wilderness
64-ounce Stainless Steel Growler, Black Matte, Drink Tanks; $69; Backwoods Fort Worth; backwoods.com/fort-worth
Corbina Gunstock Sunglasses, Costa; $249; Backwoods Fort Worth; backwoods.com/fort-worth
Magnetic Bottle Opener, Solid Walnut, WOODTHUMB; $62; Kimbell Art Museum, kimbellart.org
BBQ Tool Set, Williams-Sonoma; $99.95; Williams-Sonoma University Village, williams-sonoma.com
Rockout 2 Red Outdoor Speaker, Goal Zero; $59.99; Backwoods Fort Worth; backwoods.com/fort-worth
Craft BBQ Sauce, Williams-Sonoma; $12.95; Williams-Sonoma University Village, williams-sonoma.com
Assorted Specialty Rubs, Williams-Sonoma; $10.95 each; Williams-Sonoma University Village, williams-sonoma.com
ARE HEATING UP.
The sun is shining, the craft cocktails are flowing and the patio is calling your name.
So grab your friends, order some shareable apps and chill on the hottest patio in town.
pet perks
Our furry friends can always bring a smile to our faces, but they can also be important in more than just lifting our spirits. Various studies have suggested that our pets can aid in improving our health in a variety of ways.
| by Kacie galloway |
We most often see animals in relation to human health in the context of exercise, explained d r.
Jimmy d avis of a rlington h eights a nimal h ospital.
“You see people running all the time with their dogs,” he said, “and I think people look for a companion to be physical with. I think having that dog that will go the extra mile helps drive people’s physical health.”
The American Heart Association recommends that adults get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days each week, a goal easily met by walking the dog — or interacting with other pets like cats and horses. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, “Dog owners walk an average of 300 minutes per week, whereas people without dogs walk only about 168 minutes.”
These simple daily walks can help your body stay limber, prevent heart disease and stroke, improve heart, brain and muscle function and make your pet happy and healthy too. Your pets need to be exercised just like you, though their activity requirements will vary depending on their weight, age, breed and species.
Some people do not think they can own pets because of allergies. However, animals without fur can be fun companions too. If you want a furry friend, there are hypoallergenic breeds of cats and dogs — such as the Devon Rex cat, Labradoodles and Malteses—that may work for you. In addition, research has shown that children who grew up in a home with animals had a lower chance of developing allergies. They also showed better immune systems and were less likely to develop eczema, according to a study cited by the Austin Humane Society. In addition to physical health, animals have been shown to help improve our mental and emotional wellbeing. According to several researchers, spending time around your pet for just a few minutes can help relieve stress and anxiety and improve your mood. As explained by the Austin Humane Society, this research has shown that cortisol, a hormone related to stress, is lowered when you are with an animal. At
the same time, serotonin, a chemical associated with happiness, is released. This is one of the reasons why some schools and universities bring in animals such as cats and dogs for students to play with when final exams are approaching.
“After a long day of work, you have your pet that you come home to,” said Davis. “And they don’t expect anything of you, but they bring you joy. They love you and don’t care what kind of day you’ve had.”
Pets have also been shown to help people in rehab. This is why animals are sometimes used in forms of therapy, such as Cook Children’s Medical Center’s animal therapy program. Children who interacted with a therapy animal after undergoing major surgeries have been shown to exhibit significantly reduced levels of perceived pain. “It’s amazing how animals involved in therapy can break through barriers that humans can’t,” Davis said.
Pets give elderly owners reasons to get outside, go for a walk and spend quality time playing, which can help reduce pain in those with arthritis and lower chances of osteoporosis. Pets are important companions to many, including people with major illnesses, homeless people and elderly people who live alone. This special bond between a pet and its owner can give someone a sense of purpose and decrease depression.
Davis explained this bond, saying, “Who hasn’t met a dog with a wagging tail and doesn’t smile? It’s an amazing bond that we have with animals that we can’t put into words. They give us hope and joy.”
Nancy Farrar cooks up a Texas Top Sirloin this month at Burgundy's Local - Grass Fed Meat Market and Grill.
Steak & Potatoes: Texas Style
| by Nancy Farrar, Chef Impersonator | photography by Alex Lepe |
H ow do ThoSe hIgh-eNd STeAk houSeS geT
TheIr STeAkS So juICy, TeNder ANd Cooked
To PerFeCTIoN every SINgLe TIme? If you’re looking for the answer, you’ve come to the right place. The secret is pan-searing and butter-basting, and you can do it right there on your stovetop. I know it’s summer, and we all want to grill. On those days when you can’t or it’s just too darn hot outside, indoor stovetop cooking may be your new best friend.
The other big factor in making the perfect steak is your choice of meat. So I went to Jon and Wendy Taggart at Burgundy Pasture Beef’s retail store on West 7th Street, called Burgundy’s Lo-
cal – Grass Fed Meat Market & Grill, and we cooked up a huge Texas Top Sirloin (cut into the shape of the great state of Texas, no less) and pan-seared and butter-basted it right there in the store. The results were nothing shy of amazing. Their beef is 100 percent grass-fed, raised in lush pastures in Grandview, Texas, and cut and packaged right there at The Burgundy Boucherie (fancy French word for butcher market). They deliver in DFW and ship anywhere in the United States.
And since we’re in Texas and all love our steak and potatoes, I’ve added a healthy potato option to the menu – my Baked Sweet Potato Fries, made with garlic powder and cayenne. Don’t be
It doesn't get much more Texan than this month's cooking column. Nancy brands the letters TX into the Texasshaped sirloin.
fwliving cooking
tips for the Perfect Steak
• Bring your steaks to room temperature
30 minutes before cooking
• Be generous with the salt and pepper
• For the perfect sear, use a cast-iron skillet.
• Be sure the oil is very hot before adding your meat. High heat = good caramelization.
• Sear at a high temperature for 3 minutes per side for medium rare.
• Don’t touch the steak once you put it into the pan until you turn it.
• Cook for 3 minutes per side for perfect medium rare.
• Always allow your steak to rest for 10 minutes before serving or cutting.
afraid of the cayenne pepper. In small amounts, it gives just the perfect little tinge of heat that makes these sweet potato fries addicting. Also, there is no need to peel your potatoes. That’s where all the vitamins are.
I topped the menu off with a salad I’ve been making for maybe 25 years, my Mandarin Orange and Slivered Almond Salad, to create the perfect meal.
Pan-Seared, Butter-BaSted
texaS toP Sirloin
• 1-inch-thick steak - cut of your choice
• 4 Tbsp. olive oil
• Coarse sea salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed with the butt of your hand
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
Bring steak to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Generously salt and pepper both sides. Add olive oil to a cast iron skillet (or any skillet you have) and heat well, until just starting to smoke. Add the steak, and don’t touch it for 3 minutes (for medium rare). Turn and cook for another 1 minute. Add butter, smashed garlic and thyme. Lift the handle of the pan to tip the pan away from you so the butter pools at the low end of the pan. Continuously spoon the hot butter over the steak for the remaining 2 minutes of cooking time. Remove steak from pan and set aside for 10 minutes before serving. Clean pan before cooking consecutive steaks to avoid butter burning.
Baked Sweet Potato FrieS
• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into long thin strips (uniform size = uniform cooking)
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• Coarse sea salt
• Fresh cracked pepper
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Add oil, salt, pepper, cayenne and garlic powder to a gallon-size plastic bag and mix together well. Add fries to the bag and shake to coat. Place onto ungreased baking sheet, being sure they don’t touch. If they touch, they’ll boil rather than fry. Bake for 15 minutes and then turn them one by one. Cook another 15 minutes. Be sure to check often to be sure they don’t burn. Remove from oven and place onto wire rack to cool and serve.
Mandarin orange and Slivered alMond Salad
• 1 bag spring mix (or your favorite greens)
• 1/8 cup sliced red onion
• 1 can Mandarin oranges in syrup, drained
• 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
• Bottled or homemade Italian dressing to taste
Toss together greens, red onion and Italian dressing in a salad bowl. Plate the greens on a small, flat salad plate. Top with Mandarin orange slices and slivered almonds, and serve.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier alternative to regular Frency fries.
Jon Taggart at Burgundy Pasture Beef's retail store
Bank With
BEST
Corey Whitney
INVENTORS’ ALLEY
Fort Worth visionaries dream big with their own unique technology, designs and products.
|
by Sean Chaffin | photography by Alex Lepe |
Business shows are everywhere on television right now, extolling the glories of invention, entrepreneurship and utilizing one’s passion for a product or business to fill a role in the marketplace. Thomas Edison once noted: “To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” Several Fort Worth area inventors certainly have that imagination and are trying to make a difference with their ideas, designs and, certainly, hard work.
Corey Whitney Corey Whitney is a former Marine who had a big dream. As a teenager, his first job, flipping burgers, led to a passion that would continue well into adulthood – and lead to a unique music industry invention.
“I grew up in a musical family but not necessarily a family that had the resources to dedicate all of our time to music,” he says. “I actually had to buy my first guitar with my very first paycheck from my very first job at Burger King. I bought a guitar and I never looked back. The next paycheck, I put gas in my car and bought an amp.”
Whitney would go on to serve in the Marines for 13 years and received an assignment in Florida that allowed him to have some extra time on his hands. He got back into playing guitar, and soon found he began to reach a barrier where he wasn’t improving. Whitney began shopping for better amps and gear – including guitar picks.
“One of the local shops turned me on to a better guitar pick, and I played with that for a while. I was like, ‘Wow, guitar picks really improve your playing a whole lot,’ ” he says. “So I started researching all the guitar picks out there because I really didn’t know anything about them at the time. And I bought all these guitar picks on the Internet and local shops because it was an easy thing to invest in because they’re not that expensive.”
By 2010 Whitney had already gotten into building his own guitars as a hobby, and a year later decided manufacturing his own guitar pick would
be the next step. With a MythBusters-like analysis, he began researching and then settling on a material he thought would work best and then moved on to the perfect shape.
Guitar-playing friends were quickly asking for their own custom-made picks. As more and more were produced, Whitney realized he may have just “built a better mousetrap,” as they say.
“Eventually, it was like, ‘Okay, enough people are into this; maybe I need to look into refining it and take it to the next level,’ ” says Whitney, who describes himself as a math and science type of guy who enjoys making things better.
After leaving the Marines in 2013, Whitney (originally from Lansing, Mich.) was ready to take his guitar pick business seriously. He began designing in his garage after moving to Fort Worth with his fiancé (whose family lives in the area) and worked to receive his patent. The business really got rolling in 2014, and after researching the entire manufacturing process, Whitney went ahead with his first production run.
“We got them back, and I was just blown away,” he says. “I did a lot of homework to make sure we didn’t make a lot of mistakes. I was really glad we did.”
The name of the company, Dragon’s Heart, came from the picks’ unique heart-like shape, and they were soon live online and available in several area retail locations. Producing something and selling it proved to be different things entirely. Whitney learned quite a bit about marketing.
“When you’re starting out and launching a product live online to the world, it’s really so up and down,” he says. “Initially, sales were very disappointing, but that’s because no one knew about it. The instant we got any kind of media recognition, sales went through the roof.”
The company has now been through several more production runs since debuting the guitar picks, and sales continue to grow. Whitney works full time with the company and is staying busy. He still builds guitars and is currently working on another pick design. And, of course, Whitney works in some guitar playing when time allows.
Cheri Garcia Successful inventors are problem solvers. They create something not currently in the marketplace or a solution to a problem. In 2010, Cheri Garcia’s solution hit her while lounging in the pool on a relaxing afternoon, soaking up some sun to improve her tan. But there was a problem. It was early spring, so the pool wasn’t quite warm yet, and the float would sink partly into the water – cold water coming in, giving her a chill.
“I wanted to get a good tan, but tanning lotion would have rubbed off anyways,” she says. “That’s when I came up with the idea for Luminous Envy. It’s a tanning float that sits above the water, made with angled side panels and reflective material.”
Garcia jumped out of the pool soaking wet and began searching Google for any patents similar to her idea. Realizing her idea was unique, she was soon patenting her invention, designing and building a prototype – and Luminous Envy was born. The float’s unique design keeps the tanner warm and dry, perfect for any month of the year. But getting the product from the idea stage to manufacturing stage was no easy process.
With most inventors, money is a big factor. Garcia didn’t realize how much it would cost to market her invention, and before she knew it had already spent $75,000.
“You know how the old saying goes, ‘It takes money to make money,’ ” she says. “That’s the truth, because filing for a patent and getting inventory is not a cheap process. I had to prove myself to family to get them to loan me the money so I could move forward. The invention process is not an easy road to travel. I had to go through quite the learning curve.”
Sales proved to be a learning curve as well. Garcia faced a harsh reality staring at a storage unit full of thousands of units she wasn’t able to sell as quickly as she hoped.
“Every inventor thinks they have the next best thing since sliced bread, and everyone will want a piece,” she says.
Pessimists added to her stress. In the beginning, several people told Garcia her idea was stupid, would cost too much and wouldn’t sell. But she persevered. Family believed in her and loaned her capital to get Luminous Envy off the ground.
Despite the learning curve, Garcia was able to sell her product and learned that being tenacious helps. Leslie’s Pool Supplies turned her down the first few times she reached out but eventually relented and now is her best selling retail location.
Marketing was another challenge. After a few costly mistakes, getting the product featured on TV segments got the ball rolling.
Looking back, Garcia believes she was born to be an inventor. In second grade, she created bookmarks out of yarn and sold them door-to-door. When she got older, Garcia created a peanut butter-flavored maple syrup and sold it door-to-door. The bookmarks proved a more successful venture. Strangers were a bit leery about her. In high school, she started a newscast to air before school each morning and worked at CBS after graduation.
Garcia’s inventiveness and entrepreneurism hasn’t slowed down. Recently she won a CodeLaunch.com competition for an investment in her app called RentEval. The app simplifies the walk-through process for property management companies doing move-out inspections. She was also accepted into a Dallas-based accelerator called Tech Wildcatters, which gave her $25,000 and space for three months to build her start-up. She also received an outside investment and hopes to take the app to the next level.
As an inventor and entrepreneur, Garcia enjoys mentoring others – even creating an online course called InventorAdventures.com that walks new inventors through the process.
Cheri Garcia
“I want to inspire people of all ages to reach for their dreams. I didn’t have an easy path, and I stumbled a few times,” she says. “Now I take pride in teaching others how to find their passion.”
Dr. John A. Schetz Currently there are more than 41 million Americans age 65 and older. And among those, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia or loss of intellectual function – affecting 5.1 million people, a number that is expected to triple by mid-century. According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Americans spend between $157 and $200 billion annually on dementia care. And researchers like Fort Worth’s Dr. John A. Schetz are on the front lines of battling these types of diseases through the discovery and development of therapeutic or disease prevention agents. He and his team’s research could have a direct impact on an aging population of baby boomers.
Schetz, an associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, says his work focuses on preventing the initial damage or facilitating the recovery from neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and ischemic stroke.
“In the case of neurodegenerative disease, the goal is to prevent or slow the progression of disease; while in the case of stroke and other types of traumatic brain injury, the goal is to improve recovery,” he says.
Schetz’s research goes beyond neurodegenerative disease. In 2012, the Metroplex was ground zero for West Nile virus and cost the state $47 million to combat it. There are new fears that dengue fever, another mosquito-borne disease, is on the rise in Florida and Texas. Another current interest among Schetz and his team concerns the discovery and development of safe mosquito and tick deterrents for the prevention of the transmission of these types of disease (such as West Nile, dengue, Lyme disease, and malaria) to humans, livestock and pets. Among some scientists, there is a growing concern that insects may become resistant or tolerant to the common repellant DEET and similar chemicals.
“Most people probably do not realize that mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animals, causing more deaths to people every year than any other animal,” he says. “The process of innovation can be quite messy and often requires a level of commitment that few are willing to make but that many are happy to share, analogous in a way to the making of sausage.”
Even from an early age, Schetz has always been interested in repairing things and experimenting. Growing up, he enjoyed taking apart mechanical and electrical devices, repairing broken items and building things in his father’s workshop. At one point, he and his older sister built a small cottage industry. He created wooden dolls, and she sewed clothes for them. One summer, a professor who lived nearby needed fireflies for some experiments and paid neighborhood kids for each live firefly they could deliver. All the kids were trying to invent new ways to catch more fireflies, Schetz included. That idea of invention and improvement stuck with him.
“As I got older, I had three newspaper routes,” he says. “As you
might imagine, I delivered a lot of newspapers, and I was always experimenting with new ways to deliver them faster under the different weather conditions.”
While his current projects are not yet at the product stage, Schetz continues to advance science in many areas in hopes that “sausage-making” approach to science will lead to breakthroughs in the future. Other current research areas include: novel treatment strategies for aggressive forms of cancer such as lung and pancreatic cancer; and the sustainable control of aquatic and marine nuisance species ranging from bacteria and algae to zebra mussels and barnacles. Little by little, Schetz believes research will make a difference in these areas.
“Usually the bottleneck to progress is due to two things: technical/operational challenges and inadequate sources of funding,” he says. “My guess is that most people likely do not fully appreciate that the whole process may require many failed attempts before success is ultimately achieved, like a child first learning to walk.”
Debra Weidanz An enthusiasm for research and interest in science were part of the catalyst for Debra Weidanz’s eventual decision to pursue her own invention. As an undergraduate at the University of Texas-Arlington in the Department of Electrical Engineering, she conducted research
Dr. John A. Schetz
through Dr. Robert Magnusson and others, brainstorming new ideas and technology in optics.
Out of that graduate work at UTA came the initial research for what would become Weidanz’s company, Resonant Sensors. Her colleague, Sorin Tibuleac, and Magnusson were also involved in the invention development. An advanced piece of technology, the sensors offer a method of measuring biochemical interactions using light. The sensor element acts fundamentally as an optical filter that changes its response depending on what is around it. The sensors monitor changes at the sensor surface in real-time by measuring the color of light reflected or transmitted, allowing the viewing of a biochemical reaction.
In layman’s terms, the sensors can determine what’s in the air or in a liquid rapidly, without having to send samples to a lab. This means diagnostic tests can be performed quickly (typically less than 15-30 minutes) and be done with minimal labor since many processing steps are eliminated. The devices can be important for detecting toxins but are also useful to help speed new drugs to market by making it faster to test them. Several agencies and foundations provided small business funding for product development and research.
“The invention came about by looking at conventional laboratory diagnostic approaches and coming up with a better way,” Weidanz says. “Standard immunoassay [tests that can be used on-site and in the labora-
tory to detect specific molecules] approaches are very labor intensive and require many hours and extensive chemical processing steps before you obtain results. Our approach allows the user to monitor their test while it happens. This has many profound applications in discovering new drug compounds in the pharmaceutical industry, biotech research and development, and ultimately in the medical, veterinary and industrial diagnostics areas.”
Weidanz and her research partners filed their final patent application in 2000 and licensed the technology from UTA in 2004. The group received a small grant in 2006 from the National Science Foundation to get the business off the ground as well as funding from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund and other investors followed, allowing for the launch of the first beta product around in 2012. The company is now also working on new applications in medical diagnostics and in point-of-care applications.
There were many challenges in getting the product to market, including the manufacturing process development. Producing a sensor is easy, but being able to manufacture in mass with low cost proved tough. Family and friends were supportive, although sometimes concerned about the stress and financial risks associated with being an entrepreneur. In the end, the product is being utilized in many locations.
“Most people who start a technology company for the first time don’t realize how tough it can be to get to the stage of selling a product,” Weidanz says. “There are many roadblocks along the way – funding, personnel, technical, et cetera. Truly, whatever you can think might go wrong probably will. Perseverance is key. As a small company with limited funds, you don’t have the luxury of having people dedicated to particular roles. You have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone, including being willing to empty the trash.”
Rick McAdoo and Russ Campbell The average person swallows once every two minutes, about 720 times a day. But what if you couldn’t? Dysphagia, difficulty with swallowing, affects 18 million people in the U.S. It’s a problem most people rarely think about until food or liquid enters the airway or “goes down the wrong pipe.” In healthy people, the problem is usually overcome with a cough or throat clear, but for many with a preexisting condition such as a stroke, head and neck cancer, or progressive neurological disease such as Parkinson’s, this scenario could be life threatening.
Pneumonia, largely arising from swallowing problems, is the fifth leading cause of death of Americans over 65 years of age. Each year, according to the Agency for HealthCare Policy and Research (AHCPR), more than 60,000 Americans die from complications associated with swallowing dysfunctions. Dysphagia can lead to choking, malnutrition, long-term nursing care, aspiration pneumonia, and death. Current treatment strategies have included wooden tongue blades and cups of ice for a sensory stimulation technique.
Business partners Rick McAdoo and Russ Campbell knew there had to be a better way to treat these patients. While working together in a rehab unit at a local hospital, the two took notice of physical therapists using electrical stimulation for patients with muscle weakness.
Debra Weidanz
“The speech therapy industry was well behind in the training and use of electrical stimulation devices,” McAdoo says. “My background is in speech therapy, and it was after learning how physical therapists use these treatments that the idea to create a device that would work for swallowing musculature instead of the larger muscle groups.”
The two men got to work and developed the Effective Swallowing Protocol (ESP), a specialized form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation, which delivers electrical current through two uniquely designed external electrodes while the patient is performing resistive exercises using a neuroorthotic posture device.
The men then established Ampcare in 2007 with Campbell as president and CEO, and McAdoo as vice president. The company aims to help patients rehabilitate and regain the ability to swallow after strokes, progressive neurological diseases, and head and neck cancer complications.
“This product will revolutionize the treatment of dysphagia to speech therapy that historically has spawned limited innovation,” McAdoo says. “As a result, we anticipate a dramatic rise in the number of clinicians that will require education and certification on this protocol globally to improve the quality of life for their patients.”
The product has been in use since 2012, and currently Ampcare is FDAcleared and has launched the product to companies providing long-term care rehabilitation services across the U.S. Family and friends were instru-
mental in providing emotional and financial support.
“Our sales have been on a continual positive trend, and this is typical for this type of device, which requires training prior to being used by licensed clinicians,” McAdoo says. “With the product being used only by certified clinicians, the process of getting them trained is the first hurdle.”
So far, Ampcare has trained professionals from Washington, California and Maine with interest outpacing the company’s ability to train them. Campbell and McAdoo plan on adding additional trainers as well as an online option for clinicians. One of the biggest challenges the Ampcare founders faced was taking their health care idea and turning it into a business. They sought out Tech Fort Worth, a non-profit business incubator program, to assist with developing a business plan and commercialization. The decision was instrumental in overcoming regulatory affairs and defining the market.
“As clinicians, we look to provide every service possible in the best interest of the patient, not to determine the business value inside an innovation,” McAdoo says. “We chose to be experts in our chosen fields, but had to become business people by necessity.”
Ampcare has grown from an idea in 1993 to a globally marketed product with the potential to help more than 20 million people. Through it all, Campbell’s and McAdoo’s passion and vision for caring for patients continue.
Rick McAdoo and Russ Campbell
“The
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A Blessed Home
The 2015 Dream Home in Southlake combines talent, vision and dedication to create an elegant home in an elegant setting.
| by Paul K. Harral |
Dream Homes push builders and contractors to showcase their very best efforts and products to demonstrate what they can do to others in the trade and to the benefit of the eventual owner.
A case in point is the garage door. “The builder wants a really interesting design on these doors that we’ve never done before,” said Bret Westbrook of Fort Worth Overhead Garage Door. “That’ll be fun for us.”
The 2015 Dream Home is on a corner lot overlooking a lake in the estate section in the Southlake planned community of Carillon, developed by Hines, a privately owned global real estate investment firm. Jon Atwood of Atwood Custom Homes is the builder. The interior design is by Stacy Furniture and Design, a family-owned and operated company with showrooms in Grapevine, Allen and Plano.
Proceeds from tour ticket sales benefit a Wish with Wings, a locally based non-profit that makes wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses. It is the third consecutive year for the charity.
“We love to be involved with the a Wish with
Wings charity,” said Westbrook. “We’re a local company, and we do business with everyone around here that’s local. It’s one way to give back and get some publicity. You know, kill two birds with one stone.”
Jon and Michelle Atwood, owners of Atwood Custom Homes, the builder of the Dream Home, practice something they call “Stud Ministry.” They pray over and bless the homes they build. In this case, they invited other people to visit the home, April 19, to write blessings and scripture verses on the exposed studs before they are covered with drywall.
The community involvement part of it appeals to Renee Cremean of Texas Tile Roofing, roofer on the previous two Dream Homes. “It’s being part of something that is just a little bit bigger than you,” she said. “Everybody’s always worried about money, profit, this, that and the other. People need to think about not doing that every once in a while.”
2015 Fort Worth, texas
DreAm Home
The company does “anything above the roofline,” she said. “We do not like putting on a shoddy roof,” Cremean said. “If we’ve done something wrong, we’ll go back and fix it.” Dream Homes are built on tight deadlines, but she doesn’t think of them as difficult. “Rewarding,” she said.
1100 Lake Carillon Lane, Southlake 76092
Benefiting: a Wish with Wings
Touring: Sept. 26 - Oct. 25
Wed.-Sat.: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun.: noon-5 p.m.
Admission: $10; Free with a $20 subscription ($10 goes to the charity)
This is the 10th Dream Home for Interceramic Tile & Stone Gallery. Bret McIntire says that part of the reason is to show off their products so people can see them in a home setting. “We do get some walk-ins who say that ‘we do want that product that we saw at the Dream Home,’ ” he said. But giving back to the community is also part of the reason.
From washing the dishes to showering and bathing, chances are that you use your hot water heater many times throughout the day. If you have noticed that your current water heater is not meeting your household demand, it may be time to switch over to a tankless water heater. This style of water heater creates endless hot water, so you can rest assured that you will not run out of hot water when you least expect it. Pro Serve Plumbing can design a hot water system that is specifically tailored to your needs and select the best tank less water heater to meet your daily demands.
Factors to consider when deciding between tank and tankless water heaters.
¡ Innovative technology provides an endless supply of hot water whenever and wherever it’s needed
¡ Provides maximum efficiency, and uses up to 40 percent less energy* than a traditional tank.
¡ Increase your home’s value with tax rebates that are available
¡ Save space with a compact design
Interceramic is one of the largest ceramic tile manufacturers in North America and also deals in natural stone. It is a distributer for products from other companies as well.
This year, as it has been for the past seven years, Aaron Ornamental Iron Works is partnering in the Dream Home, supplying stair and porch railings and some fencing. “It’s taking a stake in our hometown,” said Todd Brock, the founder and co-owner.
An uncommon feature in this Dream Home is what is called a mono-beam stair system. That means that a single exposed beam in the center supports the stairs, rather than structural supports on either side. “It’s a little bit more of a modern look, a cleaner look,” he said.
You can visit showrooms, look at pictures in books and surf the Internet all day, but nothing beats seeing a product in place. That’s one reason Dannie Loveless of Loveless Gutter participates. And that’s also a reason that Dream Homes have better furnishings than a comparable custom home. Companies put their best product forward.
Loveless is installing ordinary half-round gutters, but with a plus. “We’re going to do some collection boxes for the downspouts that gives it a lot of curb appeal,” he said. Some builders and homeowners may not know these are an option, and he wants to show them off.
2015 DREAM HOME PARTNERS
Aaron Ornamental Iron Works
Alliance Drywall Inc.
Atwood Custom Homes
Durango Doors of Fort Worth
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Fort Worth Billiards
Fort Worth Overhead
Garage Door
Gladiator Fence
Hunter Trim and Cabinets
Ideal Partners
IMC by The Stone Collection
Interceramic Tile & Stone Gallery
J & S Air Inc.
Loveless Gutters
Masonry Custom Design
Pierce Decorative Hardware and Plumbing
Prewitt Electrical Services Inc.
ProBuild Building & Construction
ProServe Plumbing
Red Oak Insulation
Stacy Furniture and Design
Steinway Hall - Fort Worth
Texas Custom Window and Door
Texas Tile Roofing
The Kitchen Source
The Sherwin Williams Co.
Universal Systems
Vintage Floors
Wells Glassworks
BEST OF LIST 2015
Each year, we ask the readers of Fort Worth, Texas magazine to name their favorite places to shop, play, drink and eat in a variety of categories. It becomes a contest among businesses in our area, as they urge their patrons to name them. Participants can vote more than once, and many do so. We got 13,226 votes in one category alone — Best Photographer. When voting closes, we add up the votes and then review the list as a staff. This year, we selected one winner in each category and added picks from our staff in a second position. Once we have the final list, we check to make sure that the locations mentioned are still in business and the website addresses and telephone numbers are working. Many worthy places are no doubt excluded, but we now present the Fort Worth, Texas magazine Best Of 2015 list as determined by our readers and editors.
| Paul K. Harral |
FOOD & DRINK
ASIAN
Reader Pick: Piranha
Killer Sushi
Piranha’s is a great before or after the theatre place because of its hours. It is popular among the downtown folks for two
things, both excellent: martinis and sushi. 335 W. 3rd St., Fort Worth, 817.348.0200
859 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, 817.261.1636
309 Curtis Mathes Way, Ste. 149, Arlington,
BEER PUB WITH GOOD GRUB
Reader Pick: The Bearded Lady
817.465.6455, piranhakillersushi.com
Staff Pick: Shinjuku Station
This neat place offers indoor and outdoor seating in the Near Southside and
Looking for a neighborhood tavern on the Near Southside? Well, here it is. The Bearded Lady features an extensive selection of craft beers, as well as a full bar. Some go here to drink. Many go here for the food. All go for the atmosphere. 1229 7th Ave., Fort Worth, 817.349.9832, tinyurl.com/ BeardedLady-FW
Staff Pick: The Pour House
The atmosphere is great, the beer selection is staggering, and the food is good. What’s your question? 2725 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 817.335.2575, pour-house.com
The Bearded Lady
serves small dishes that might best be described as Japanese comfort food and an extensive selection of sakes. The design was inspired by the train station of the same name in Tokyo. You can make reservations on a limited basis. 711 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817.923.2695, shinjuku-station.com
BAKERY
Reader Pick: Bluebonnet Bakery
This is Old Fort Worth, tracing its lineage to 1934 and the Harper family. The Hart family bought the bakery in 1993, and in mid-2010 moved the establishment a short distance to a renovated 1920s-era church with 7,600 square feet of space. Everything here is good. 4705 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.731.4233, bluebonnetbakery.com
Staff Pick: McKinley’s Fine Bakery and Café
Eat-in, take-out, breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering, this popular place specializes in from-scratch baking. There are sandwiches, soups and salads on the menu — and, of course, cookies, pies and cakes. 1616 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, 817.332.3242, mckinleysbakery.com
BBQ
Reader Pick: Billy’s Oak Acres
In a city where debates
BRUNCH
Reader Pick: Max’s Wine Dive
For the second year in a row, our readers picked this place as a favorite because of the unusual menu and the attitude. Consider Fried Bologna Sliders with onion jam and house-made Cheez Wiz, or PB&J Wings with Thai peanut sauce and blackberry coulis. There are gluten-free options as well. 2421 W. 7th St., Ste. 109, Fort Worth, 817.870.1100, maxswinedive.com/fort-worth-west-7th-st
Staff Pick: Righteous Foods
Lanny Lancarte is well known around Fort Worth as a member of the Joe T. Garcia family, and his latest venture on the site of his Lanny’s Alta Cocina Mexicana emphasizes healthy eating with organic and non-processed foods. But it’s not a vegan joint — witness the organic beef burger and pork tacos on the menu next to Organic Sweet Potato and Mung Bean Soup and Kelp Noodles. 3405 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 817.850.9996, eatrighteously.com
about the quality of barbeque can lead to, if not blows, at least hot tempers and raised voices, this joint has developed a passel of loyal fans who swamped us with votes.
1700 Las Vegas Trail N., Fort Worth, 817.367.2200, billysoakacresbbq.com
Staff Pick: Angelo’s
How do you describe this place? Homey? A hunting lodge? (That’s because of the trophies everywhere.) Or as a world-famous barbecue joint? All fit. And the beer is cold — really, really cold. Skip the trendy parts of town and visit a place that is familyowned and been earning
its reputation for food since 1958. You can buy Angelo’s seasoning in the restaurant, at several stores around town and online. You really can try this at home. But good luck with that.
2533 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, 817.332.0357, angelosbbq.com
BEER SELECTION
Reader Pick: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
It’s not just the beer selection — although we did count 327 on the website list (but we might have missed a few). It is also the location in the Sundance area and the food. Take the challenge: Try all of
Max’s Wine Dive
the beers, just not in one setting. 111 E. 3rd St., Fort Worth, 817.336.7470, beerknurd.com/stores/ fortworth
Staff Pick: The Social House
If beer on tap is your passion, this is the place for you. The Social House offers more than 100 beers on draft. Only the alcohol keeps them from freezing solid; they’re drawn at 32 degrees. 840 Curie St., Fort Worth, 817.820.1510, socialhousefortworth.com
BURGER
Reader Pick: Rodeo Goat
Big, noisy, bustling Rodeo Goat is great fun for the entire family, and the lineup of burgers is interesting, surprising and stunning. (And you can get just a plain-old hamburger here as well.) But the homemade Goat Chips may someday be listed as an illegal drug. 2836 Bledsoe St., Fort Worth, 817.877.4628, rodeogoat.com
Staff Pick: Kincaid’s
There are a number of locations, and the food is good in all of them, but if you want to get your “True Fort Worth” card punched, you’ve got to visit the original
location at 4901 Camp Bowie Blvd., housed in the grocery store where this burger place began. Multiple Locations kincaidshamburgers.com
CATERER
Reader Pick: Z’s Café and Catering Catering from Z’s is always innovative and pleasing, especially where there is a generous portion of Z’s Chicken Salad included. (You’ll be tempted to spread in on your body, but that would be wasteful.) By the way, the vote on this category wasn’t even close. 1116 Pennsylva-
BREWER/DISTILLERY
Reader Pick: Rahr & Sons Brewing Co.
If you haven’t done this yet, don’t miss one of the tours and taste testings at the brewery. They are held 5-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Saturdays. Fritz and Erin Rahr founded the brewery in 2004. It’s grown to producing 20,000 barrels a year and has collected a passel of awards. 701 Galveston Ave., Fort Worth, 817.810.9266, rahrbrewing.com
Staff Pick: Revolver Brewing
Revolver Brewing features three flagship beers and three seasonals with interesting names like Blood & Honey and High Brass, a nod to the name. And you can also visit and tour on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. in what is described as a family-friendly event. Check out the website for musical events as well. 5650 Matlock Road, Granbury, 817.736.8034, revolverbrewing.com
nia Ave., Fort Worth, 817.348.9000, zscafe.com
Staff Pick: Bistro Louise
We love Louise Lamensdorf. If you attend a Fort Worth, Texas event, odds are that you will be eating something she prepared. She also teaches cooking classes. Check out the website for dates and subjects. 817.922.9244, 817.291.2734, bistrolouise.com
COFFEE SHOP
Reader Pick: AVOCA Coffee Roasters Coffee shops these days
are experiences for the senses. You come to AVOCA for the coffee, but each month, the shop features works by a different artist. That’s a plus, as well as the roasting coffee smell of the place. 1311 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 682.233.0957, avocacoffee.com
Staff Pick: The Cup
The full name is Sip Wine Bar & The Cup Espresso Bar. What’s not to like about that? Throw in tapas-style food and a deck and patio; life on the West Side is good. 3909 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.735.5226
Revolver Brewing
FROZEN TREAT
Reader Pick: Melt Ice Creams
Word spread quickly among the Near Southside neighborhoods when Melt opened. There’s more than 5,000 likes on the Facebook page in just over a year. The varieties of ice cream are innovative — lavender and honey, for example — and the staff makes this a favorite happy place. 954 W Rosedale St., Fort Worth, 817.886.8365, melticecreams.com
Staff Pick: Steel City Pops
You can visit the shop or look for the rolling carts downtown for this recent addition to the sweetness of the city. The pops are made in small batches from the freshest allnatural or certified organic ingredients, local if possible. All are gluten free and vegetarian. You can also hire carts for a special occasion. 908 Currie St., Fort Worth, 817.744.8544, steelcitypops.com
Melt Ice Creams
COMFORT FOOD
Reader Pick: Buttons
This is sort of your ultimate in Southern comfort food, with music thrown in. And it’s probably the first place most people in Fort Worth ever had chicken and waffles. 4701 W. Freeway, Fort Worth, 817.735.4900, buttonsrestaurants.com
Staff Pick: Tillman’s Roadhouse
This is an upscale take on the traditional Texas roadhouse, although the Vegan Chili Relleno might give you pause. What never gives you pause here is what these people do to potatoes. And Shrimp N’ Grits. 2933 Crockett St., Fort Worth, 817.850.9255, tillmansroadhouse.com
DELI
Reader Pick: Carshon’s Deli
Staff Pick: Carshon’s Deli
Anyone can tack “deli” onto a restaurant’s name. But this is a real deli, and the only kosher-style one in Fort Worth. Immigrant David Carshon established it in 1928, and it truly is legendary. 3133 Cleburne Road, Fort Worth, 817.923.1907, carshonsdeli.com
DESSERT
Reader Pick: The Wild Mushroom Steak House and Lounge
The meal will be excellent,
and the wine outstanding. And then Choose from among Gourmet Cheesecake (the server will tell you your options); triple layered devil’s food cake with a chocolate mousse icing drizzled with chocolate ganache; triple layer lemon cake with citrus filling, topped with a thick layer of white coconut frosting; or crème brulee. What the heck, just have all of them. 3206 Winthrop Ave., Fort Worth, 817.570.0340, thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Staff Pick: Cacharel Restaurant & Grand Ballroom
Watch the sunset over Fort Worth and Arlington from the restaurant while you finish off your meal with a choice of six desserts that includes apricot soufflé served with roasted macadamia nuts, warm Texas peaches with vanilla bean ice cream and fresh raspberries and New York-style cheese cake with raspberry coulis. 2221 East Lamar Blvd. - 9th Floor, Arlington, 817.640.9981, cacharel.net
FOOD TRUCK
Reader Pick: Yatai Food Kart Yatai means “food cart” in Japanese, so we are told. You often find this cart along Magnolia, and the Japanese, Chinese and Korean offerings are cooked on the spot and succulent. facebook.com/yataifw
Staff Pick: Sauzy’s Food Truck
Hot dogs and hamburgers with a flair. Consider the Angus burger with Sauzy Sauce, a nine-hour, slowcooked, beer-based sauce with onions and fresh jalapeños. Or the Beet Me Burger, a veggie-vegan burger of roasted beets, quinoa, panko bread crumbs and toasted walnuts. tinyurl.com/sauzy-s
HAPPY HOUR DESTINATION
Reader Pick: Kona Grill
The drinks are complicated and interesting, and the sake selection is one of the best — if not the best in Fort Worth. 3028 Crockett St., Fort Worth, 817.210.4216, konagrill. com/restaurants/fortworth-tx.aspx
Staff Pick: Bar Louie
Start with the live Blues at 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Add in the convenient location in the hot West 7th Street area, the rooftop deck, the extensive bar and food service, and you have the perfect after-work wind-down place. 2973 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 817.566.9933, Other Tarrant County Locations, barlouieamerica.com
ITALIAN
Reader Pick: Aventino’s Italian Restaurant
This restaurant is just a few blocks from the
original that made it one of Fort Worth’s most popular for 28 years. It was reopened in 2012 by Erica Paez Hight, daughter of Olga and Al Paez, the founders of the original Aventino’s Ristorante, and her husband, Chris Hight. The fare here is traditional central Italy cooking, and the reviews of the restaurant are rave. It’s small, so reservations are recommended. 5800 Lovell Ave., Ste. 170, Fort Worth, 817-570-7940, aventinos.com
Staff Pick: Piccolo Mondo
The food and atmosphere are excellent, but another reason to like this place is that it is the perfect east-meets-west location for Dallas and Fort Worth residents to meet for fun or for business. Maybe someday, peace in the Metroplex will be negotiated here. 829 Lamar Blvd. E., Arlington, 817.265.9174, piccolomondo.com
MARGARITA
Reader Pick: Rio Mambo Tex Mex Y Mas
There’s a full bar here, but why would you bother when you are in the home of the best margarita selection in the area? We should note that with some of these servings, you need to exercise a little restraint. But we also want to recognize that last September, Rio Mambo
expanded the bar at the Fort Worth flagship restaurant and renamed it bar9eleven in memory of victims and survivors of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. 6125 SW Loop 820, Fort Worth, 817.423.3124, riomambo. com
Staff Pick: Yucatan
Taco Stand
This place has been packing them in since before Magnolia was a hot destination for the rest of the city, and one reason is the margaritas. You can tell, because the decibel reading goes up as the evenings wear on. Be sure to eat some of the delicious food if you plan to be there awhile. 909 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817.924.8646, yucatantacostand.com
MEDITERRANEAN
Reader Pick: Terra Mediterranean Grill
Open for lunch buffet and dinner, and eat in or take out, you can just start at the top of the menu and eat your way to the bottom. Be sure to include the hummus, rated by locals as perhaps the best in the city. 2973 Crockett St., Fort Worth, 817.744.7485, terramedgrill.com
Staff Pick: Jazz Café
This Greek-oriented restaurant — there are other things on the menu remains unchanged through the years, and that’s a good thing
judging by the ratings customers post on various websites. Throw in jazz on Sunday morning, and the package is complete. 2504 Montgomery St., Fort Worth, 817.737.0043
NEW RESTAURANT
Reader Pick: Righteous Foods
Even after Lanny Lancarte closed his Alta Cocina Mexicana, people continued to nominate it in various categories. They’ve obviously discovered his new venture and followed him there. 3405 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 817.850.9996, eatrighteously.com
Staff Pick: Spice
The more Thai restaurants there are in Fort Worth, the better your chances are at living close to one. This location on Magnolia is a prize addition to the hip food scene along the street, for both the authenticity of the food and the quality of the service.
411 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817.984.1800, m.mainstreethub.com/ spice
PATIO DINING
Reader Pick: Joe T. Garcia’s We might as well retire this category. No one else ever comes close. And no one else will ever be able to come close. 2201 N. Commerce St., Fort
SEAFOOD
Reader Pick: Waters
Waters — Bonnell’s Coastal Cuisine
Raw bars are hard to come by this far inland — and then Jon Bonnell opened this restaurant in West 7th. The raw bar lines the dining room with a selection of oysters, clams, shrimp and crab. But that’s not the only reason to come. The menu has something for every taste. 2901 Crockett St., Fort Worth, 817.984.1110, waterstexas.com
Staff Pick: Daddy Jack’s New England Lobster & Chowder House
Daddy Jack’s says it brings together East Coast traditions with a Texas flair. We wouldn’t know about that. What we do know is that the place features lobster, fresh seafood, pasta and steak. Nice before theatre place. 353 Throckmorton, Fort Worth, 817.332.2477, daddyjacks.org
Worth, 817.626.4356, joets.com
Staff Pick: The Harbor at Possum Kingdom
Of all the places you can dine in Fort Worth, not one of the can match the view from this lovely restaurant in Graford, Texas. 3415 Point Road, Graford, 940.779.7600, harborliving.com/amenities/the-grill
PIZZA
Reader Pick: Cane Rosso
If you are a pizza freak, you know that there are different styles. This one is Neapolitan — and it is good Neapolitan. It’s wood-fired and uses imported Italian flour,
house-made mozzarella and house-made tomato sauce. And the crust is thin — something sometimes difficult to find. 815 W Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817.922.9222, ilcanerosso.com
Staff Pick: Mama’s Pizza
This is East Coast-style pizza that has been around since 1968 when the original owner, then a student at Texas Wesleyan University, opened a pizzeria right across the street from the university. He sold out two years later, but the pattern for the food was set and remains true to its founding. It’s a Fort Worth institution. Multiple locations, mamaspizzas.net
STEAKHOUSE
Reader Pick: Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Strange to say, but the elegantly appointed setting at Del Frisco’s is almost homey in atmosphere.
And the servers treat you that way. From a variety of seating areas to the more than 1,200 wines to — of course — the steaks, this is a place to truly dine. 812 Main St., Fort Worth, 817.877.3999, delfriscos.com/fort-worth
Staff Pick: The Capital Grille
The steaks are one reason to come here. But then so are the offerings on the rest of the menu. Capital Grille prides itself on the preparation of the meat
Waters
Citrus Salmon Gavlax
Dessert Buffet
Riviera Paella
WINE EXPERT
Reader Pick: J.R. Clark and Team/Central Market
Jonathan “J.R.” Clark takes pride in his team at Fort Worth’s Central Market. Amber, Miles, Bob, Jenna, and Joye — his store Partners in wine — blend their knowledge with J.R.’s years of expertise to grow one team lead each customer to the perfect wine for any occasion. 4651 W. Freeway, Fort Worth, 817.989.4700, centralmarket. com/Home?store=fort_worth
Staff Pick: Chester Cox at Kent & Co. Wines
Chester Cox started in the food and beverage business at 15 before he was old enough to drink. He was a busboy and graduated to waiting tables when he was old enough. He worked at Del Frisco’s for 11 years and joined Kent & Co. for its opening. “Wine is about having fun,” he says. 1101 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817.632.6070, kcowines.com
prior to cooking — handtrimmed and dry aged on site. 800 Main St., Fort Worth, 817.348.9200, tinyurl.com/capital-fw
SUSHI
Reader Pick: Blue
Sushi Sake Grill
Blue Sushi is more than a restaurant. It is an experience, and deliberately so. It’s a high-energy place with an extensive menu. And Happy Hour in Sake Bombers Lounge is, well, happy. 3131 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 817.332.2583 bluesushisakegrill.com
Staff Pick: Sushi
Axiom
Locally owned Sushi Axiom is less frenetic than Blue Sushi, but is still a top-of-the line restaurant with interesting dishes and one of the best fried calamari appetizers around. And it does serve excellent martinis as well. 4265 Donnelly Ave., Fort Worth, 817.735.9100
2600 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 817.877.3331
12650 S. Freeway Burleson, 817.295.9559 sushi-axiom.com
MEXICAN
Reader Pick: La Familia
Back when the Near West Side was maybe not even a dream in a developer’s mind, La Familia Mexican Restaurant opened in what was mainly an industrial area. Fred’s Texas was down the road
apiece, but that was pretty much it in 1997. But family recipes passed down from generation to generation and the familyfriendly atmosphere have made this a destination restaurant among locals and visitors. 841 Foch St., Fort Worth, 817.870.2002, lafamilia-fw.com
Staff Pick: Revolver Taco Lounge
Regino Rojas and his family provide a different take from Tex-Mex, utilizing as it does a menu inspired by his mother’s home cooking when he was growing up in Mexico. It’s the food you’d find in small towns. 2822 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 817.820.0122, revolvertacolounge.com
WINE LIST
Reader Pick: Ellerbe Fine Foods
People like this intimate Southside restaurant for a number of reasons, and one is the well-crafted wine list available across a variety of price ranges. A recent glance at the regular wine list showed 45 labels ranging from $28 to $130. There were 43 labels on the reserve list ranging up to $850. That’s quite a range for a relatively small restaurant. 1501 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817.926.3663, ellerbefinefoods.com
Staff Pick: Bob’s Steak and Chop House
The Omni Hotel is also
home to the Wine Thief, so you are dealing with people here who know both food and wine. What else do you need?
1300 Houston St., Fort Worth, 817.350.4100, omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/ FortWorth.aspx
LATE-NIGHT BITE
Reader Pick: Ol’ South Pancake House
Every college town has something like this 24hour place, and aren’t we thankful for TCU? Ol’ South opened in 1962 and claims more than 10 million customers since. The food is plain but good, the service is friendly, and the coffee is hot. What better place to cram for that physics test? 1509 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, 817.336.0311, olsouthpancakehouse.com
Staff Pick: Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop started on Berry Street near TCU and now has 38 shops in the Metroplex, so there’s one near just about anywhere you are when the late night munchies strike. But not all of them are open late. Make a note of the 2917 W. Berry St. address. It’s open until midnight, Monday-Wednesday; 1 a.m., Thursday; and 3 a.m., Friday-Saturday. Multiple Locations fuzzystacoshop.com
Chester Cox
NIGHTLIFE
BAR WITH GAMES
Reader Pick: Barcadia
Cold beer. Vintage arcade games. Patio and Giant Jenga. Food. Are we missing anything on the inner-kid checklist? 816 Matisse Drive , Fort Worth, 817.348.8606, barcadiabars.com/barcadiafortworth
Staff Pick: Landmark Bar and Kitchen
The new kid on the block opened last year with what it claims as West 7th’s biggest patio and 29-degree beer. There are 15 vintage arcade games, lots of HDTVs, a mechanical bull and live music and DJs. Oh, water and treats on the patio for your pooch. 3008 Bledsoe St., Fort Worth, 817.984.1166, landmarkfw.com
BIRTHDAY PARTY
Reader Pick: Cowtown Cycle Party
Pick up to 15 best friends and use human power to pedal around town on a two-hour pub crawl or tour that is pretty much roll-your-own. There are five pedaling seats on each side. The company supplies the driver. 950
Calhoun St., Fort Worth, 682.422-9253, cowtowncycleparty.com
Staff Pick: Main Event
This place is an assault on the senses with lots of games and activities for kids of all ages — plus comfort food and a full bar for kids of legal age.
4801 Citylake Blvd. E., Fort Worth, 817.292.5555, mainevent.com/locations/fort-worth-tx
DOG
FRIENDLY BAR
Reader Pick: Woodshed Smokehouse
The Trinity Trails location of Chef Tim Love’s
Landmark Bar and Kitchen
COCKTAILS
Reader Pick: Bird Café
Other than specialty drinks, bars are bars. Where they differ is in ambiance — and readers recognize that in this selection. Bird Café is a split-level restaurant with more than 6,400 square feet of indoor space and 2,300 square feet of patio space overlooking Sundance Square Plaza. 155 E. 4th Street, Fort Worth, 817.332.2473, birdinthe.net
Staff Pick: Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Speaking of ambiance, Ruth’s Chris has it in spades for a date or a celebration, or after work wind-down or before the theatre. 813 Main St., Fort Worth, 817.348.0080, ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/fort-worth
Bird Café
place makes it natural for you and your pets. You can just sit there and watch the world run, walk or cycle by. 3201 Riverfront Drive, Fort Worth, 817.877.4545, woodshedsmokehouse.com
Staff Pick: Fort Worth Food Park
This is a great way to sample among the variety of food trucks available in Fort Worth, with outdoor games, live music and other special events. There’s an on-site cantina. Fido is welcome here, and we’re sure a good time will be had by all regardless of the number of legs on the guest. 2509 Weisenberger St., Fort Worth, 972.850.8736, fwfoodpark.com
EVENTS VENUE
Reader Pick: Sedona Productions at Cendera Center
Often the venue for Fort Worth, Texas magazine events, this versatile events center can handle anything in more than 16,000 square feet of space for groups up to more than a thousand people. It is excellent adaptive reuse of what one was an ice skating rink. 3600 Benbrook Highway, Fort Worth, 817.984.6800, cenderacenter.com
Staff Pick: Pavilion at Sundance Square
Located on the northwest side of Fort Worth’s
version of Rome’s Piazza del Popolo —Sundance Square Plaza — this venue provides for around 50 guests for a seated event and up to 150 for a cocktail-style reception. Movable glass doors open to an outdoor patio. Sundance Square Plaza Downtown Fort Worth sundancesquare.com
FIRST DATE
Reader Pick: The Capital Grille
You can create your own cocoon within this elegantly appointed dining location that surrounds you with reminders of icons of Texas and Fort Worth. 800 Main St., Fort Worth, 817.348.9200, tinyurl.com/capital-fw
Staff Pick: Grace
American classic food, an outdoor terrace and a front seat on Fort Worth’s Main Street make this an outstanding experience for those first small steps in a relationship. 777 Main St., Fort Worth, 817.877.3388, gracefortworth.com
GUYS’ NIGHT OUT
Reader Pick: Whiskey and Rye
OK, you need some history here. This is located in the vicinity of Fort Worth’s famed Hell’s Half Acre — a raucous place for cowboys, outlaws and others of ill repute, if you get our drift. It’s safer now the city’s last Western-
style gunfight occurred nearby on Feb. 8, 1887. But a guy can fantasize while he’s watching sports on HDTV, right? Omni Hotel, 1300 Houston St., Fort Worth, 817.535.6664, whiskeyandryefw.com
Staff Pick: Fire Oak Grill
This traditional but also innovative restaurant on the square in Weatherford is well worth the drive. (Girls like it, too.) 114 Austin Ave., Weatherford, 817.598.0400, fireoakgrill.com
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Reader Pick: Panther Island Pavilion
If you want to visit a waterfront stage in Texas, your choices are limited to here. In addition to music, there are a variety of other opportunities for celebrating the Trinity River. 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth, 817.698.0700, pantherislandpavilion.com
Staff Pick: Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge
They call the Music Hall portion of the Live Oak a “listening room,” in sharp contrast to other more noisy venues. Check the website for a schedule of performers — and hear them perform in what once was the Lion’s Club building in the Historic Near Southside. 1311 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth, 817.926.0968, theliveoak.com
GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
Reader Pick: A Piece of Work
If you and your friends have a restless urge to paint, this interactive art lounge is the place for you. Bring your friends and favorite wine, and everything else is provided for an artistic evening. Best of all, no artistic experience is necessary. 5714 Locke Ave., Fort Worth, 817.737.7700, apieceofworkonline.com
Staff Pick: Winslow’s Wine Café
Except for the other people in the room, you might think this is a gathering of friends in someone’s home. It’s a place for visiting and talking, and, of course, for eating and drinking. 4101 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.546.6843, winslowswinecafe.com
A Piece of Work
Fort Worth, Texas: The City’s Magazine
MAKE-OUT SPOT
Reader Pick: Coyote Drive-In
The first drive-in in the United States opened on June 6, 1933, and the concept spread rapidly across the country. And then there were only a handful left. But Coyote has reversed that, taking people of a certain age back to their teen years, and introducing a new generation to a rite-ofpassage experience. Pet friendly. No outside food and drink allowed. 223 N.E. 4th St., Fort Worth,
817.717.7767, coyotedrivein.com
Staff Pick: The Water Gardens
This oasis is next to the Fort Worth Convention Center and was designed by Phillip Johnson, the architect for the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. It is a place to sit and talk and contemplate. But we might caution you that some of the make-out activities that might occur at the Reader Pick could land you in trouble here. 1502 Commerce St., Fort Worth
NEW BAR
Reader Pick: PRoPER Fans of the Near Southside were thrilled to see this place open to the east of the original redevelopment along Magnolia, and they are making it a favorite neighborhood bar. It’s cozy and comfortable, with a patio. 409 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817.984.1133, propermagnolia.com
Staff Pick: The Local
The Local is the latest launch by the owner of The Durty Crow, also in
LOUNGE
Reader Pick: Scat Jazz Lounge
All the coolest clubs have been underground, and Scat carries that on in the basement of what once was the Woolworth building in Downtown Fort Worth. It’s a club for adults — a place to enjoy music and have a cocktail. No neon beer signs here. 111 W. 4th Street, Ste. 11, Fort Worth, 817.870.9100, scatjazzlounge.com
Staff Pick: Wine Thief
This is a relaxed and lovely spot for a glass of wine and some appetizers at the start or the end of your evening in Downtown Fort Worth. And there is patio seating overlooking the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Omni Hotel, 1300 Houston St., Fort Worth, 817.535.6664, omnihotels. com/hotels/fort-worth/dining/wine-thief
West 7th on Crockett, and Durty Murphy’s, downtown on Houston. It’s spacious inside with a separate outdoor patio with its own bar, which we’ll predict is going to get a lot of traffic as the year wears on. 2800 Bledsoe St., Fort Worth, facebook.com/thelocalwest7th
PLACE TO DANCE
Reader Pick: Billy Bob’s Texas Texas Two-Step, Fort Worth Shuffle, Swing, Waltz, line dances. What more can you be looking for? And if you don’t know how, resident dance instructor Wendell Nelson has been teaching here for 20 years. Check the website
under the Entertainment link for more information and schedules. 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 817.624.7117, billybobstexas.com
Staff Pick: Vee Lounge
If Country/Western isn’t your thing, head over to this high-energy weekend nightclub with a state-ofthe-art light and sound system and DJs playing the best in electro dance house music, Thursday through Sunday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 500 Taylor St., Fort Worth, 817.332.4833, veelounge.com
PLACE TO EXCHANGE
VOWS
Reader Pick: Oak Water Ranch in Granbury
This is on a 400-acre pri-
Scat Jazz Lounge
vate ranch just seven minutes south of Granbury. Events are limited to one a day, so you’ll have it to yourself. Oak Water can handle up to 300 guests and has recently added an outdoor dance floor so you can celebrate under the stars. 3001 Neri Road Granbury, 817.279.8223, theoakwaterranch.com
Staff Pick: Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
One of the truly most lovely and serene places in Fort Worth traces its history to 1912 and Rock Springs Park. There are a variety of venues on the grounds, and wedding packages are available.
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. Fort Worth, 817.392.5510, fwbg.org
SPORTS BAR
Reader Pick: Frankie’s Sports Bar
If it’s being broadcast, you can see it here. And in the quiet times — seldom, we’ll admit — it’s a neighborhood bar with music supplied by a digital jukebox with access to more than a quarter of a million songs. 425 W. 3rd St., Fort Worth, 817.870.9090, frankiesbar.com
Staff Pick: Reservoir
With 38 HDTVs and
TRIVIA NIGHT
Reader Pick: Baker St. Bar
Wednesday night is the night here, starting at 6:30 p.m. with a round of 10 questions, followed by a tiebreaker question if necessary. There’s the potential of serious money — first prize is $50, either cash or gift card; second prize is a $50 gift card. Each week, Baker Street puts $50 in a cash box that accrues until someone wins it. The winner, the second-place winner and a wild card team get a shot at it each week. Teams are limited to six people. Crowd is good, managers say. 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.377.9772, bakerstreetpub.com/Ft-Worth
Staff Pick: Ginger Man
Thursday, 7 p.m., is trivia night at Ginger Man, following Pint Night starting at 6. That ought to loosen up the brain cells for some deep and reasoned thinking while you compete. 3716 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.886.2327, ftworth.gingermanpub.com
everything else that goes with a sports bar, Reservoir has rapidly developed into a destina-
tion for sports fans and many others. One major attraction is the patio open year around and
facing Foch Street. 1001 Foch St., Fort Worth, 817.334.0560, bar-reservoir.com
Ginger Man
PEOPLE & CULTURE
ATHLETE
Reader Pick: Trevone
Boykin — TCU
Staff Pick: Trevone Boykin — TCU
The TCU Horned Frogs are hoping for — and expecting — great things from senior Trevone Boykin. There’s no reason to think he will disappoint. Minor wrist surgery on his non-throwing hand earlier this year isn’t expected to affect him. We’re still talking about the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl against Ole Miss where he completed 22 of 31 passes for three touchdowns and ran for 65 yards on 10 attempts. gofrogs.com
111 Hampton St., Fort Worth, 817.692.3228, artspace111.com
Staff Pick: Fort Worth Community Arts Center
ATGALLERY
ART GA
r
Reader Pick: pce 111
Artspac Artspace t ous b wha wh
e 111’s unpreteni building belies at goes on inside, hat has become a community for artists. The
galley focuses on emerging and mid-career Texas artists. Plus, it has become a venue for parties, corporate events and weddings. Fort Worth’s skyline serves as a backdrop to events in the sculpture garden.
The Community Arts Center exists to provide an affordable and quality event, visual and performing arts venue for all of the community. It presents a series of art shows from a wide variety of artists. Check the website for current and future exhibitions. There’s a satellite gallery at 2956 Crockett. 13009 Gendy St., Fort Worth, 817.738.1938, fwcac.com
ARTIST
Reader Pick: Don Bell Cowboy Images Don Bell graduated from West Texas A&M
in the Panhandle city of Canyon and has seen his work featured in a number of locations, including the magazines Western Horseman, Horse and Rider and Southwest Art. He works in graphite and clay. His Facebook page has more than 15,000 likes. 903.651.5615, donbellcowboyimages.com
Staff Pick: Nancy Lamb
If you go anywhere in Fort Worth, you are likely to run into Nancy Lamb and her camera. And if you do run into her and she snaps your picture, you may wind up in one of her paintings. People who visit her exhibitions are always on the lookout for someone they know or themselves. She admits that she paints people un-posed and off-guard. She’s represented by Artspace 111. artspace111.com/nancylamb
ATHLETIC COACH
Reader Pick: Gary Patterson
No wonder he was picked. Gary Patterson became head coach at TCU in 2000 and is now the school’s all-time winningest football coach with 132 victories. Under him, TCU won a 2014 Big 12 championship in its third season in the conference. He has led TCU to six conference
championships in three different leagues, and the 2011 Rose Bowl championship. Long may he live. gofrogs.com
Staff Pick: Jim Schlossnagle
TCU baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle is only the ninth baseball coach at TCU since 1940. He became head coach in 2003 and has won more games 465 — than any coach in TCU history. He is 465-221 (.679) as the head coach at TCU. gofrogs.com
BLOGGER
Reader Pick: Maricia
D. C. Johns/This is Your Best Year
Maricia D. C. Johns lives in the Fort Worth/Dallas area and writes for the Fort Worth Black News on a variety of topics. She says her blog is for and about women of a certain age, sharing suggestions on living life to the fullest. thisisyourbestyear. com
Staff Pick: Piece of Toast
FESTIVAL
Reader Pick: MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival
The MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival marked its 30th year in 2015. Started as a way to showcase what was then a downtown in distress, it has grown into the largest festival in the Southwest and is a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft juried art fair. Downtown Fort Worth Inc. 777 Taylor St., Ste. 100, Fort Worth, 817.336.2787, mainstreetartsfest.org
Staff Pick: Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival
Fort Worth, once a sort of restaurant food desert with some notable and famous exceptions, is that no more, and this festival recognizes and celebrates that. It also raises money for local grant programs and culinary scholarships and seeks to bring national recognition to the Fort Worth food scene. Contact is through the website. fortworthfoodandwinefestival.com
Two sisters — Sally Ann and Molly Bernadette, who live and work in Dallas — do this lifestyle and fashion blog. They describe this as a virtual sketchbook that archives what catches their eyes and fuels their appreciation for things they like. Items featured link to the stores that carry them. Sally is a teacher’s assistant and Molly manages A Piece of Toast full time. apieceoftoastblog.com
CHEF
Reader Pick: Jon Bonnell
Chef Jon Bonnell is
Staff Pick: Todd Phillips
J.R.’s Steak & Grill’s executive chef, Todd Phil-
widely admired in Fort Worth and not only because of his skill as a businessman and a chef. He’s also deeply involved in community events, often showing up himself to staff his booth at charity events, rather than delegating that to staff. He founded Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine and Waters — Bonnell’s Coastal Cuisine. bonnellstexas.com
Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival
lips, walked away with the top honor at the Fort Worth, Texas magazine Top Chef Competition in 2014. He’s a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. jrssteaks. com
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM
Reader Pick: Aledo High School Football Team
The proof is on the playing field. Against Temple, the Bearcats were down three points, facing fourth-and-1 with about a minute left. They went for it, made it, scored on the next series and then intercepted a desperation pass into the end zone to win 49-45 in the Class 5A Division I championship game. Five state titles in six years. Six overall. aledo. schoolfusion.us
Staff Pick: All Saints’ High School Football Team
Since 2001, All Saints’ has played for the Southwestern Preparatory Conference championship and won it five times, losing the playoffs last season. The team hasn’t lost a district game in three years. Colleges recognize this as well. In 2014, 14 of 17 seniors went on to play at the college level. This year, eight of 16 got college offers. aseschool.org
LOCAL WRITER/ AUTHOR
Reader Pick: Dan Jenkins
Dan Jenkins was born in Fort Worth, attended R.L. Paschal High School and then TCU and, while still in college, began writing for the Fort Worth Press. He later switched to the Dallas Times Herald, then Sports Illustrated, and then Golf Digest. He’s written books, including Semi-Tough and Dead Solid Perfect. He’s among a small group of media people in the World Golf Hall of Fame. And he’s graced the pages of Fort Worth, Texas magazine on several occasions.
Staff Pick: Tom Huckabee Writer and filmmaker Tom Huckabee is a Fort Worth native. He’s known for films such as Carried Away (2009), Frailty (2001) and Prophecies (1998).
LOCAL JEWELRY DESIGNER
Reader Pick: Three Bishops Jewelry
The name comes from the family name of the three sisters who founded the company — Melody Bishop, Jennifer Bishop Blumenstock and Natalie Bishop Martin. They were born in Dallas, and Natalie now lives in Fort Worth. Each piece of jewelry is
handcrafted and ranges in price from $65 to $3,000. The line is carried locally by Maven, 3811 Camp Bowie Blvd.; Portfolio, 5224 Camp Bowie Blvd.; and You Are Here, 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 224. threebishops.com
Staff Pick: Megan Thorne
Megan Thorne founded her company, Megan Thorne Fine Jewels, in 2007, creating unique items inspired by Greek mythology and the Victorian age. Brides especially seek her out for a unique look. 1517 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817.920.7623, meganthorne.com
MUSEUM
Reader Pick: Kimbell/ Modern — tie
Sometimes we just take Fort Worth for granted until that moment when it dawns on us that we have two world-class museums next door to each other, each with stunning buildings, great cafes and worldrenowned art. Do you know how many cities would kill to have something like that?
Kimbell Art museum 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, 817.332.8451, kimbellart.org
modern Art museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth, 817.738.9215, themodern.org
Staff Pick: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
What is now the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History opened in early 1945 in two rooms in De Zavala Elementary School. Compare that to today’s amazing facility, which has something for every age. Kids, parents and grandparents love this place equally. 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth, 817.255.9300, fwmuseum.org
MUSICIAN
Reader Pick: Luke Wade
Luke Wade was a finalist in Season 7 of The Voice, and although he didn’t win, he drew enough attention to start landing some really good gigs. That includes a June 28 performance with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at Concerts in the Garden. He’s from Dublin, but because he’s sung at The Woodshed, we’ll claim him. lukewademusic.com
Staff Pick: Regan James Burleson’s Regan James made it to finals on Season 7 of The Voice, and the Star-Telegram’s Preston Jones reports that she has just released a single from an upcoming album. She’s played local venues since the show, including one appearance at the Live Oak
Music Hall & Lounge. reaganjames.net
PUBLIC SERVANT
Reader Pick: Betsy Price
If Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price has her way, you are going to live a long time. But you’re going to have to help. She’s made health and fitness a centerpiece of her administration, and it’s something she practices as well as preaches. fortworthtexas.gov/mayor
Staff Pick: Ann Zadeh, District 9 Ann Zadeh, elected in June 2014 to replace Joel Burns, is a whirlwind of activity in District 9. Just reading her Facebook posting can tire you out because she is seemingly everywhere all the time. She’s a welcome addition to City Council with her background in environmental studies and city and regional planning. fortworthtexas.gov/district9/bio
RADIO PERSONALITY
Reader Pick: Erin Wilde, Wakin’ Up the Wilde Way on 92.1 Hank FM Erin is a small-town girl from South Dakota who completed her degree in broadcasting at a Minneapolis college. Her favorite part of her job is interacting and meeting her loyal listeners.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Reader Pick: Fort Worth Zoo
Let’s say it is a Saturday and you want to get from Forest Park to University Drive. Don’t try to cut through the zoo. Traffic jams the area on good weather days. It’s the oldest zoo in Texas, founded in 1909 with a handful of animals, including a coyote and a peacock. And now it is a nationally ranked zoo with nearly 7,000 native and exotic animals. And during Spring Break, it seems like most of the rest of the world wants to visit it. 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, 817.759.7555, fortworthzoo.org
Staff Pick: Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
In 1896, the first Fort Worth stock show on record took place on the banks of Marine Creek in North Fort Worth. In 2015, 1,248,500 people attended the stock show. If you live here — or even near here — and don’t go, you should be ashamed of yourself. This is the essence of Fort Worth in more ways than one. 3400 Burnett-Tandy Drive, Fort Worth, 817.877.2400, fwssr.com
Fort Worth Zoo
Fort Worth, Texas: The City’s
The ARTEC Group, Inc. specializes in Interior Design and Remodeling services in the DFW Metroplex. Debbie Chirillo and her staff provide unparalleled interior design services for residential and commercial interiors. Work ranges from new construction selections to remodels and the creative use of existing spaces. One of the greatest personal achievement is that The ARTEC Group was featured in Beautiful Homes of Texas, an exclusive collection of the finest designers of Texas. The ARTEC Group combines great design, comfort, function and balance into an aesthetically pleasing environment. We believe it is essential that our client’s personality be reflected in the design whether the look is traditional, transitional or contemporary. As one of Fort Worth’s leading interior design firms, we provide outstanding designs for every client. Please visit us on Houzz.
SPORTS FACILITY
Reader Pick: Amon G. Carter Stadium
You could argue for Cowboys Stadium or The Ballpark in Arlington or whatever they are calling them now. But you would be wrong. The readers have spoken, and it’s Amon G. Carter Stadium, which opened in 1930 and underwent extensive renovation between November 2010 and September 2012. 2850 Stadium Drive, Fort Worth, gofrogs.com
Staff Pick: Game On Sports
This organization bills itself as Fort Worth’s first and largest indoor soccer arena and offers an equipment shop as well as a venue for birthday parties and other special events as well and league and team play. 251 Settlement Plaza Drive, Fort Worth, 817.367.7800, gameonarenasports.com
In addition to being the morning show host on 92.1 Hank FM, Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-10 a.m., Erin is also the voice of country stations across the U.S. and the show voice of Power Source Country. Don’t forget to tune in!
921hankfm.com/ErinWilde
Staff Pick: Hal Jay
In an uncertain world, one thing is certain. Tune in the Morning News on WBAP 820 AM, and you will hear Hal Jay’s
trademark laugh. You’ve been hearing it ever since 1981. He’s a native of Fort Worth, and it shows in his dedication and devotion to the city. In case you are wondering, he really did start as a teenager. wbap.com
SOCIAL MEDIA GURU
Reader Pick: Social Factor
Confused about how to boost your business in the fast-changing and complex social media world? Readers say you don’t have to do it on your own. They suggest Social Factor, which creates, activates and executes social strategies to guide you through the cyberspace jungle. 1412 W. Magnolia Ave., Ste. 210, Fort Worth, 817.708.2500, socialfactor.com
Staff Pick: Haden Shibley/Encore Live
Encore Live is a special events company with a broad range of experience and services. Haden
Shibley, the marketing manager, is a TCU product, has broad experience in digital media and marketing, and has worked with a range of musicians during his career. 1635 Rogers Road, Fort Worth, 915.820.8793, encorelive.com
THEATRE
Reader Pick: Rose Marine Theater
Artes de la Rosa, formerly the Latin Arts Association of Fort Worth, manages the historic 1920s theater, which was originally a movie house. It is on the National Register of Historic places. 1440 N. Main St., Fort Worth, 817.624.8333, artesdelarosa.org
Staff Pick: Bass Performance Hall
The Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall was built entirely with private funds and serves as the home of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and Cliburn Concerts. It opened in May 1998, and its signature angels overlook a vastly revitalized downtown. Tours are available Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. if there is no scheduling conflict. 4th and Calhoun Streets, Fort Worth, 817.212.4325, basshall.com
Amon G. Carter Stadium
SERVICE
BOOT CAMP
Reader Pick: Fort Worth Fit Body Camp Fitness fanatics must also be Internet fanatics, because this category draws a lot of interest. More than 1,600 readers picked Fort Worth Fit Body Boot Camp. And that’s a lot of votes. 6481 Southwest Blvd., Ste. B, Benbrook, 682.704.9698, fitbodybootcamp.com/fortworthfitnessbootcamp
Staff Pick: Gladiator Boot Camp
Camp Gladiator is a four-week adult fitness boot camp with a variety of training sessions that let participants push the edge toward a total body workout. Multiple locations, campgladiator.com
BOARDER
Reader Pick: Arlington Heights Animal Hospital
Click on “Retreat” on the website and you’ll be treated to a variety of options for boarding your pet that will remind you of booking accommodations at a luxury resort. You might be tempted to book one for yourself. 1712 Montgomery St., Fort Worth, 817.735.1381, cowtownvet.com
Staff Pick: Spa Paws
Hotel
They refer to the animals under their care as “guests” and compare themselves to a five-star hotel. Moreover, some members of our staff swear by Spa Paws. 251 Carroll St. , Fort Worth, Texas 76107, 817.850.9000, spapawshotel.com
CAR WASH
Reader Pick: Classic Auto Detail Shop Well, 4,237 of you picked Classic as your go-to
Gladiator Boot Camp
ers teaches social and competition ballroom dancing, Latin dancing, Salsa dancing, country dancing and swing dancing, and provides wedding choreography. You’ll need this when you are selected for Dancing with the Stars. 6201 Sunset Drive, Ste. 630, Fort Worth, 817.244.8500, dancemakers.com
DAY SPA
Reader Pick: Salons of Volterra-Montserrat
CAR REPAIR
Reader Pick: Lone Star Bavarian
This is the fourth year in a row for Lone Star to make the Best Of list. It’s a local family-owned BMW, Mercedes and Mini service facility with factory-trained specialists. 3800 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.732.4888, lonestarbavarian.com
Staff Pick: Park Place Bodywerks
Park Place opened its newest full-service body shop in Fort Worth in Fort Worth last year to service all the brands Park Place represents. 5760 Bryant Irvin Road, Fort Worth, 817.263.3965, bodyshop.parkplace.com
place for car care, nearly six times as many as the No. 2 nominee. We admire passion. 2713 W. 5th St., Fort Worth, 817.335.2011, tinyurl. com/CLASSIC-FW
Staff Pick: Red Carpet Car Wash
This perennial Best Of pick features touchless wash, a quality detail department and a lube center to make it a one-stop destination
for the routine services we need for our vehicles. 5829 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.732.8651, redcarpetftw.com
DANCE STUDIO
Reader Pick: To The Pointe Dance Academy
More than 1,700 readers voted for To The Pointe, which teaches classes in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop and tap in a 1,600-square-
foot dance studio equipped with a floating hardwood floor to prolong dancers’ joint health and aid in injury prevention. 1700 S. Cherry Lane, Ste. 104, Fort Worth, 817.360.5255, tothepointe-fw.com
Staff Pick: DanceMakers of Texas
Getting ready to dance at a wedding? Or just want to learn some new steps or a new style? DanceMak-
specialty cleaning among many Fort Worth generations. It first opened in 1958 and remains in the family. Multiple Fort Worth Locations, kitescleaners.com
Staff Pick: Twin Kell Cleaners
Pamper yourself with the wide variety of services and professionals at this easy-to-access facility just off Loop 820 in Southwest Fort Worth. 9336 Team Ranch Road, Fort Worth, 817.244.2245, salonsofvolterra.com/ montserrat
Staff Pick: Relache Spa
This is a huge Europeanstyled day spa with a variety of services in 12 treatment rooms. The spa caters to men, as well as women, and promotes specialty services for expectant moms. Gaylord Texan resorT & ConvenTion CenTer, 1501
Twin brothers Kent and Kevin Kell — that explains the name — opened this business in 1989. But the family first went into business in 1932 in East Fort Worth and the third generation is in the business today. 4011 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.738.9975, twinkellcleaners.com
EXTERMINATION COMPANY
Reader Pick: Ideal
Pest and Lawn
Ideal is a multi-service company providing pest control, landscape design and installation, fire protections and security. Coincidentally, Ideal is a partner in the 2015 Fort Worth, Texas magazine Dream Home. 6913 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 181, Fort Worth, 866.573.1795, idealpartnerstx.com
Staff Pick: Metro Guard Termite and Pest Control
Something bugging you? Metro Guard has been fighting bugs in North Texas since 1991 and offers same day service in many cases. Multiple Locations, gotbugs.com
Lone Star Bavarian
HAIR SALON
Reader Pick: Lemongrass Salon & Spa
Full-service salons are located in Fort Worth and Southlake, offering haircuts, hair color, skin care, makeup and waxing services. Multiple Locations, lemongrasssalon.com
Staff Pick: Hair on the Common
Hair on the Common specializes in hair and its treatment, including spiral perms and color weave. 6459 Southwest Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.738.6686, haironthecommonftw.com
FACIAL
Reader Pick: European Skincare & Med Spa
Pampering is the order of the day here in this well-established spa. Services include laser hair removal, anti-aging and acne treatments, plus half-day or full-day pampering packages. 6038 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.731.0707, euroskincare.com
Staff Pick: Camille Brown
Pamper yourself in luxury with treatments by Camille Brown at the luxurious Salons of Volterra. 9336 Team Ranch Road, Fort Worth, 817.244.2245, salonsofvolterra.com/montserrat
FITNESS PROGRAM
Reader Pick: Pure Barre
A ballet bar is a hip-high handrail used to maintain balance during practice.
And Pure Barre utilizes that to perform small isometric movements set to music in an hour-long routine to tone the hips, thighs, seat, abdominals and arms. Lots of readers apparently love the procedure. 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 220, Fort Worth, 817.677.8731, purebarre.com/tx-fortworth
Staff Pick: ZYN22
ZYN22 uses an indoor cycling class that combines cardio and weight training for a full body workout for 45 minutes. 3236 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 817.778.4133, zyn22.com
HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Reader Pick: The Cryo Spa
Athletes have long known the benefits of ice baths and therapy to work through injuries. But now the extreme form of that cryogenic therapy — is
available in Fort Worth for ordinary people. We’re just going to have to take their word for it, but Cryo Spa of Fort Worth says the subzero temperatures of the cryosauna stimulate the natural responses of your body, resulting in significant long-term medical and cosmetic benefits. 1011 Foch St., Fort Worth, 817.332.2796, thecryospafortworth.com
Staff Pick: The Wellness Center of Fort Worth
The Wellness Center was established Dr. Kari Rollins in 1986 and focuses on the prevention and treatment of illness by integrating ancient
medicine with modern technology. Treatment options can include massage, yoga, acupuncture and herbal medicine. 2481 Forest Park Blvd. Fort Worth, 817.926.9642, wellnesscenterfw.com
HOME BUILDER/ REMODELER
Reader Pick: HGC Residential Development/John Askew Custom Homes — Tie HGC Residential Development HGC started by building a garage in 2000 and has now morphed into one of Tarrant County’s most popular builder of highend homes. HCG built
the 2014 Fort Worth, Texas magazine Dream Home. 200 Bailey Ave., Ste. 309 Fort Worth, 817.336.5172, hgcdevelopment.com
John Askew Custom Homes
The fact that John Askew lists a series of very hard questions about choosing a builder speaks to his belief that he can meet every one of those challenges. He and his team have more than 30 years of experience in the home building industry and a well-known track record in the custom home category. 817.441.2350, johnaskewhomes.com
Staff Pick: Sean
Lemongrass Salon & Spa
Knight Custom Homes
Sean Knight has been a Certified Master Builder and Remodeler since 1996 and has more than 25 years of experience in the building industry. He does custom home construction and renovation in Tarrant, Hood, Johnson and Parker counties and at Possum Kingdom Lake. 109 S. Ranch House Road, Ste. 107, Aledo, 817.560.0828, seanknightcustomhomes.com
HANDYMAN
Reader Pick: Spot On Services
In 1998 Jimmy Cox picked up where his father left off in the plumbing business and doing some other jobs on the side, and the company just grew from there. Amanda Cox says no job is too small, and they’ll do everything from hanging your ceiling fan to remodeling your bathroom or kitchen. 817.682.7112, facebook. com/spotonremodeling
Staff Pick: Mr. Handyman of Tarrant County
Mr. Handyman is a nationally franchised home repair service for homeowners who either cannot or don’t have time to do their own work. There are four in Tarrant County. The company says no job us too small and that the repair workers will arrive on time and get it right the first time. Multiple Locations, mrhandyman. com (Select “Locations”)
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Reader Pick: The Artec Group Inc.
Owner Debbie Chirillo started her design firm in 1995 and moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2000. Her interior designs have been published in books, magazines and newspaper articles. She lives in Fort Worth. 6040 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 43, Fort Worth, 817.528.1027, artecgroupinc.com
Staff Pick: CWI
Design Group-Exquisite Interiors
Celeste Wegman, who has a store and design studio in Door County, Wis., partnered with HGC Development in Fort Worth in 2009, and opened a design office and studio here. She was the designer for the 2014 Fort Worth, Texas magazine Dream Home. She says that it is important to embrace the clients’ vision and help them achieve it, while remembering that sometimes, less is more.
200 Bailey Ave., Ste. 309 Fort Worth, 817.336.5172, cwiinteriordesign.com
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Reader Pick: The Skin Clinic
Laser hair removal ends the endless and sometime painful process of plucking, shaving and waxing. The experts here say it is fast and long lasting. 400
W. 4th St., Ste. 404-B Fort Worth, Texas 76102 817.500.9403 theskinclinicinc.com
Staff Pick: Bella Retreat Spa and Salon Bella opened in 2003 after Neiman Marcus announced it was closing the beauty salon at its Ridgmar Mall store in Fort Worth. Kay Geis Rose, the skin care aesthetician/manager, immediately began work to secure another location — and that happened in three days. Bella says its laser hair removal and skin restoration services return youthfulness to the skin. 5031 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.377.2457, bellaspaandsalon.com
MANICURE OR PEDICURE
Reader Pick: Nail Time and Day Spa
You’ll find all the normal nail and pedicure procedures here, but you’ll also find something cute. There’s a specially designed children’s spa chair for both boys and girls. 6353 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.377.2282, nailtimedayspa.com
Staff Pick: Daireds Salon & Spa Pangea Daireds is a full-service salon, spa, med spa and café in 18,000 square feet. Its Spa Pangea offers a range of mani-pedi options — and a whole bunch of other stuff as well. 2400 W. I-20 , Arling-
ton, 817.465.9797, daireds. com
MASSAGE
Reader Pick: Mokara Spa
You don’t have to be a guest in the Omni Hotel to enjoy a massage here. Options include Swedish massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage and mother-to-be massage, as well as many other offerings. Omni Fort Worth 1300 Houston St., Fort Worth, 817.350.4123, mokaraspas.com/fortworth
Staff Pick: Hideaway Spa
Located at Bella Ranch in Southwest Fort Worth, Hideaway Spa offers Swedish massage and a couple’s Swedish massage, therapeutic massage and geriatric massage among its options. 12201 Bella Italia Drive, Fort Worth, 817.443.3890, hideawayspaandsalon.com
MOVING SERVICE
Reader Pick: Firefighting’s Finest Moving and Storage
If you can’t trust a fireman, whom can you trust? This locally owned moving company is staffed by firefighters, whose 24-hour scheduling shifts give them chunks of time-off to help you move down the block, across town or across the nation. 4021 Highway 377 S. Fort Worth, 817.737.7800, fortworthmovers.com
Staff Pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage
This is an employeeowned company, offering residential and corporate relocations and office moves across the Metroplex and the nation. 2165 E. Loop 820 N., Fort Worth, 817.583.7740, allmysons.com/fortworth
PAINTER
Reader Pick: Southern Painting Co.
Southern is licensed, bonded and insured and backs its work with a three-year transferrable warranty 4701 Altamesa Blvd., Ste. 2A, Fort Worth, 817.732.0055, southernpainting.com/fort-worth
Staff Pick: KGs Paint and Texture
We thought enough of painter Kevin Godbey to make him the Official Painter for the Fort Worth, Texas magazine office remodel. And he proved our trust. 3105 Sappington Place, Fort Worth, 817.696.7914
PET GROOMER
Reader Pick: Whisker Washers Mobile Pet Grooming
This is the rolling service provided by Your Pet Staff that offers professional grooming for pets at your home, office, hotel or apartment. No more struggling to get Spot into the car when he’s suspicious of your intentions.
HGC transforms dreams into one-of-a-kind homes of distinction…stunning footprints in desired and prestigious neighborhoods to reflect the homeowner’s style and personality.
3340 Pelham Road, Fort Worth, 817.735.3811, yourpetstaff.com
Staff Pick: Kristy’s Pampered Paws
Mobile Pet Grooming Services offered range from the basic bath for the stinky dog to the deluxe spa package complete with massage and “pawdicure.” And there’s a de-shedding treatment that gets rid of 90 percent of that hair of the dog you find everywhere. 817.350.7297, bestmobilepetgrooming.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Reader Pick: Brian Luenser
This was our hottest category this year with 13,226 votes. The nod went to Brian Luenser who chronicles the life of Fort Worth from his highrise condo and by walking the streets and neighborhoods of Cowtown. We are forever indebted to early photographers who recorded Fort Worth. Future generations are likely to feel that way about Brian Luenser. brianluenser.com
Staff Pick: Honey
Russell
Honey Russell describes herself as a photojournalistic/lifestyle photographer. That leads her to shoot what her clients want, but also to look for capturing something they could not have imagined. Technical talent is neces-
sary as a photographer. More elusive is unique creative work through the lens. 817.896.3069, honeyrussellphotography. smugmug.com
PLUMBER/ HEATING & AIR
Reader Pick: Hawk Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning
The runaway favorite in this category is a fullservice family-owned business backed with more than 40 years of experience, servicing both residential and commercial customers. 8506 Spring St., Fort Worth, 817.236.8482, talkwithhawk.com
Staff Pick: J&S Air Inc.
Easy call for us here. J&S Air is a consistent partner in our Dream Homes, and we’ve come to know and respect both the owners and the work that they do. 7307 Business Place, Arlington, 817.717.4374, jsair.com
POOL COMPANY
Reader Pick: Westside Pools & Service Inc.
The team at Westside Pools has a combined 85 years of experience in the industry, with several who date back to 1979. The company is full service and has been building and maintaining custom pools for decades. 9617 Santa Paula, Fort Worth, 817.560.0081, westsidewatershapes.com
LANDSCAPE DESIGN/YARD CARE
Reader Pick: Mean Green Lawn and Landscape
Mean Green Lawn and Landscape is a full-service landscape design and yard care company, and brags that all its projects are owner-operated and supervised. The mission is to create outdoor environments that are durable, practical and visually pleasing. 1525 W. Ripy St., Fort Worth, 817.995.0324, meangreenlawncare.com
Staff Pick: ProScapes Lawn and Tree Care
ProScapes is a full-service company including lawn care, landscaping, maintenance and mosquito control. 11865 Alta Vista Road, Fort Worth, 817.337.3336, proscapeslawnandtreecare.com
Staff Pick: Outdoor Living and Pool and Patio
From design and build through total renovation and maintenance, Outdoor Living is a turnkey supplier for a backyard environment meant for years of enjoyment and service. 2340 FM 407, Ste. 101, Highland Village, 972.317.3500, outdoorliving-poolandpatio.com
ROOFER
Reader Pick: Texas Tile Roofing
Texas Tile Roofing has put roofs on residential and commercial buildings for more than 30 years. The company has access to supplies of what are called “historic tiles,” meaning that it can repair and match tile on vintage homes in older neighborhoods. We should also mention that the company has been a consistent participant in Dream Home projects for the magazine. 2616 Weaver St., Fort Worth, 817.838.6100, texastileroofing.com
Staff Pick: Ramon Roofing
From wood through metal and new construction to renovation, Ramon Roofing is an experienced and respected company. 3027 Ramona Drive, Fort Worth, 817.924.1645, ramonroofing.com
SUNLESS
TANNING
Reader Pick: Tan 2 Glow Fort Worth Airbrush tanning avoids the dangers of sun-based
Mean Green Lawn and Landscape
tanning, and individual application of the spray as is done here can achieve a natural look. The tan lasts one or two weeks depending on skin condition, maintenance and lifestyle. 4824 S.W. Loop 820, Fort Worth, 817.400.4569, tan2glow. com
Staff Pick: Bronze
YOGA STUDIO
Envy Tan
In addition to sun beds, Bronze Envy provides spray tanning for those who wish to avoid real or artificial sun. It’s locally owned and brags that it has the first and only Pura Spray tan machine in Fort Worth. 3000 S. Hulen St., Ste. 113, Fort Worth, 817.763.8707, bronzeenvytan.com
TAILOR
Reader Pick: Tailoring by Rios
You don’t have to go to Hong Kong for custom shirts and suits — let Rios do it right here. Tailoring by Rios has been around for 35 years now and always finishes at or near the top in our Best Of list. It’s full service, but the
Reader Pick: Sumit’s Hot Yoga
When you exercise, your body produces heat as a byproduct, in part to protect its critical areas. In hot yoga, the heat is introduced ahead of time in a heated practice environment. That’s from Sumit Banerjee, who also says that the heats leads to more efficient burning of fat. 6370 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 112, Fort Worth, 817.924.1334, sumitshotyogafw.com
Staff Pick: Indigo Yoga
Indigo Yoga teaches the Baptiste style of yoga, described as “a powerful flow that will challenge your body and mind.” 4812 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.735.9642, indigoyoga.net
specialty is bridal and evening wear alterations. 6717 Calmont Ave., Fort Worth, 817.732.5235, tailoringbyrios.com
Staff Pick: Angel’s Tailor Shop
Lose weight, gain weight, buy new clothes. But Angel’s Tailor Shop has a better idea. Bring them in and they can take a nip here and a tuck there and make them fit again. Angel’s offers many alteration options including reweaving. Since the company went into business in 1982, it has dealt with people of all shapes and sizes, in some cases several times. 4831 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.735.4346, angelstailorshop.com
BEST TEETH WHITENING
Reader Pick: Mitch Conditt, DDS
Cosmetic dentist Dr. Mitch Conditt works on a variety of conditions, among them teeth whitening. He cites a study by Kelton Research that showed that after teeth bleaching, the majority of participants were more likely to be hired and receive a higher salary, feel more confident and appear more outgoing on a simulated first date. 6316 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.900.0706, drmitchconditt.com
Staff Pick: Susan Hollar Art of Dentistry
Dr. Susan Hollar, DDS, limits her practice to restorative and cosmetic procedures, including teeth whitening. But she also provides a broad range of services within the limits of her practice. She is the first female dentist in Texas to become a Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. 2411 Westwood Road, Arlington, 817.261.3392, susanhollar.com
VETERINARY CLINIC
Reader Pick: A+ Animal Clinic
People are passionate about their pets, and they also are passionate about who they will let doctor them. Readers tell us that they trust this clinic greatly. 4990 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.731.1494, vetfortworth.com
Staff Pick: Chisholm Ridge Pet Hospital
This clinic serves Saginaw, Haslet, Blue Mound and Fort Worth. One special feature is that the vets will try to arrange for pet adoptions when they come across unwanted animals. 1100 N. Blue Mound Road, Ste. 160, Saginaw, 817.234.9919, crpethospital.com
Sumit’s Hot Yoga
SHOPPING
ANTIQUE STORE
Reader Pick: Montgomery Street Antique Mall
There’s 61,100 square feet of booths at this location on the edge of the cultural district. A special treat is The Secret Garden Restaurant. 2601 Montgomery St., Fort Worth, 817.735.9685, montgomerystreetantiques.com
Staff Pick: Historic
Camp Bowie Mercantile
This is just down the street from the Fort Worth, Texas magazine office. As with most such places, there are multiple booths of goods to wander. But we like the history of early Fort Worth in the painted murals on the outside. The restaurant here is The Rose Tea Room, and if you are a first timer, you’ll want the
Readers overwhelmingly picked this Frenchinspired bridal boutique. Consultation is by appointment only. 2964 Park Hill Drive, Fort Worth,
ATHLETIC ATTIRE
Reader Pick: Backwoods
People who love the outdoors can get lost in here just wandering around and touching stuff. Guys love it. There’s lots of stuff with straps and zippers around. 2727 W. 7th St. , Fort Worth, 817.332.2423, backwoods.com
Staff Pick: lululemon athletica inc.
This is a serious place for serious workout clothes that also look good and are high style for both men and women. 1540 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, 817.882.8075, lululemon.com/ fortworth/fortworth
817.921.2964, demafille. com
Staff pick: Pence & Panache Bridal Boutique
Pence & Panache offers wedding fashions for both women and men, as well as special event and prom dresses. Walk-ins are welcome to browse, but brides are urged to make an appointment. 113 N.E. Johnson Ave., Ste. 500 Burleson, 682-224-3484, penceandpanache.com
CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE
Reader Pick: Lovin Ewe at the Mercantile
You’ll find seasonal offerings and trendy clothes with a vintage flair at this shop. Collections are from newborn to 18 months for babies and 2 to 5 for toddlers. Plus there are
lululemon athletica inc.
FINE CIGARS
Reader Pick: Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge
Want to kick back and enjoy a cigar with a glass of wine, beer or a signature cocktail? Look no further. The lounge is also available for private events. 426 Commerce St., Fort Worth, 817.887.9535, silverleafcigar.com
Staff Pick: Pop’s Safari
Pop’s is a Fort Worth institution, in business and well-loved before cigar bars became a trend. It’s a must-see location on your Fort Worth punch card. 2929 Morton St., Fort Worth, 817.334.0559, popssafari.com
Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge
bibs, burp cloths and much more. You may also shop online. 7200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.377.0910 (For The Mercantile), lovineweboutique.com
Staff Pick: Babies on the Boulevard
This store offers a wide selection of children’s apparel, shoes and accessories. Clothes are sizes Preemie-6X for girls and Preemie-4T for boys. 6323 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 145, Fort Worth, 817.737.7171, babiesontheboulevard.com
DESIGNER JEWELRY
Reader Pick: Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott Jewelry started in 2002 on a shoestring and is now a global, multimillion-dollar brand sold at major retailers and in specialty boutiques across the world. Her Fort Worth store is in University Park Village. 1612 S. University Drive, Ste. 401-C, Fort Worth, 817.484.5580 kendrascott.com
Staff Pick: Haltom’s Fine Jewelers
Haltom’s has been around for a hundred years and for much of that time has been the place of choice for shoppers looking of high-end and unique jewelry. The owners have three stores in Tarrant County but have resisted the temptation to expand
to concentrate on their hometown. Multiple Locations, haltoms.com
FURNITURE
Reader Pick: Adobe Interiors
Readers overwhelmingly voted for this mecca of custom rustic furniture for every room in your house or your office. Words do not do it justice. It’s a visual experience. 4651 Bryant Irvin Road Fort Worth, 817.294.0053 adobeinteriors.com
Staff Pick: WRARE
WRARE offers a collection of furniture, home accents and gifts at its store in the Fort Worth Cultural District. 2955 Crockett St. Fort Worth, 817.885.8881, facebook. com/WRARE
GARDEN SHOP
Reader Pick: Archie’s Gardenland
When Archie’s moved to its current location in 1952, the area was pasture with barbed wire fences. The company dates from 1934 and has evolved into Fort Worth’s premier garden center. Just visiting it calms the soul. 6700 Z. Boaz Place, Fort Worth, 817.737.6614, archiesgardenland.com
Staff Pick: Guardado Garden Center
Guardado’s is a fullservice company that can sell you the plants or design your landscaping
GROCERY STORE
Reader Pick: Trader Joe’s
You are not in Hawaii, but the shirts might fool you for a minute. This is serious shopping for food in a fun environment. Beyond that, the company works hard to keep prices down. This is home of Two-Buck Chuck, although that price is an approximation rather than a hard promise. 2701 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth, 817.922.9107, 1492 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake, 817.251.0360, traderjoes.com
Staff Pick: Central Market
This is the kind of place where you take out-of-town guests if they are so unfortunate as not to have one in their own hometown. True, it is a grocery store, but it’s on steroids. And if you are looking for a big chunk of cheese for, say, a present, they’ll cut it from a wheel right before your eyes. And give you the center crumbles. 4651 W. Freeway, Fort Worth, 817.989.4700, centralmarket.com/ Home?store=fort_worth
and install it for you. Services offered include both hardscaping and water features. The company carries plants that are comfortable in the Fort Worth area. 3228 Alta Mere Drive, Fort Worth, 817.732.3434, guardadogardenshop.net
GOURMET GOODS
Reader Pick: Kendra’s Kreations Kendra Myers makes
small batch artisan jams, jellies and pickles, and it all started from a bumper crop of jalapenos that became Jalapeno Jelly. She sells at the BRIT Farmers Market and Mansfield Farmers Market, and at festivals. She also has organized drop-off sales in the off-season. kendraskreations.net
Staff Pick: Sprouts Farmer’s Market Sprouts exists to help
you in your effort to eat healthy by offering fresh, natural and organic foods in variety. Multiple Locations, sprouts.com
HARDWARE STORE
Reader Pick: Westlake Ace Hardware
There are many Aceaffiliated hardware stores around, but our readers like this one enough to make it their choice this
Trader Joe’s
Rahr's BLONDE BEER
GUN SHOP
Reader Pick: Shoot Smart Indoor Range and Training
Calling this place a “gun shop” is like saying J.J. Henry hits golf balls. There are firearms for sale, but this indoor range is a shooting experience. And if you aren’t exactly sure what you want to buy, you can rent one of a number of models to try one before you buy. 10305 N. Freeway, Fort Worth, 817.984.8020, shootsmart.com
Staff Pick: Cabela’s
If you want it, they’ve got it. This is a destination kind of place where people route driving vacations through the area so they can stop and shop. And both adults and kids will love the wildlife exhibition, which is a Cabela’s signature in its stores. 12901 Cabela’s Drive, Fort Worth, 817.337.2400, cabelas.com
Elkins has been the supplier of hardware and repair services in northwest Tarrant County for more than four decades. 128 S. Saginaw Blvd., Saginaw, 817.232.1416, elkinshardwareandauto.com
HEALTH FOOD STORE
Reader Pick: Sunflower Shoppe
Staff Pick: Sunflower Shoppe
It often happens that Best of picks are from locally owned stores that have been in business for some time. That’s true here, with a store run by the third generation of the Bradford family. Service is friendly and delivered by knowledgeable people. 5817 Curzon Ave., Fort Worth, 817.738.9051 5100 Highway 121, Colleyville, 817.399.9100, sunflowershoppe.com
KITCHEN ACCESSORIES
Reader Pick: Ace Mart When cooks die, they want to go to Ace Mart. It has all the delights of Heaven. You may recall that this company is a consistent participant in Fort Worth, Texas magazine’s Top Chef Competition. 1605 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, 817.226.0005
5600 N. Denton Highway, Haltom City, 817.498.5900, acemart.com
Staff Pick: Domain XCIV
Domain is recognized as a destination home furnishings store with a selection of cookware and baking dishes and other accessories. 3100 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 817.336.1994, domainxciv. bridgecatalog.com
LIQUOR STORE
Reader Pick: Spec’s In an effort to define the size of a Spec’s, we went to the thesaurus. Pick one or two from the following list: Brobdingnagian, cyclopean, elephantine, enormous, gigantic, humongous, leviathan, monumental, super-duper or walloping. You get the idea? 2750 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth, 817.923.2700 1600 Eastchase Parkway, Fort Worth, 817.801.3000, specsonline.com
Staff Pick: Goody Goody Liquor Goody Goody Liquor started in Dallas, but we won’t hold that against the company because it has great selections, and the staff is always willing and able — to provide advice on pairing with rattlesnake or chicken or whatever. 6393 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.289.1657
A men’s clothing shop for those in the know in Fort Worth. The selections are many and varied, and the service is legendary. 4516 Hartwood Drive, Fort Worth, 817.927.8722, thesquireshop.net
Staff Pick: Overland Fort Worth
An amazing assortment of leather and fur goods await you in an Overland store, ranging from sheepskin house slippers to blankets made of fox fur. Best thing? The closest Overland store in now just down the street rather than in Santa Fe. 115 W. 2nd St., Fort Worth, 817.820.0701, overland.com/stores/ fortworth.aspx
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Reader Pick: Pallet Smart
Shipping pallets multiply profusely with little reusable ability. But not at Pallet Smart, where John Zaskoda and Kevin Rennels and their crew rip them up and make them into custom-made rustic furniture. They’ve expanded to other recyclable materials as well. 5321 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, 817.945.1584, palletsmart360.com
Staff Pick: Yard Art Patio & Fireplace
Everything you need to create a dream backyard
Shoot Smart Indoor Range and Training
is here. There’s outdoor furniture galore and everything that goes with it. Multiple Locations, myyardart.com
PLACE TO BUY SHOES
Reader Pick: Stanley Eisenman Fine Shoes
This is a second-generation store, and when you consider the competition from big box stores, department stores and other small shoe stores, the fact that is has succeeded over the years says something about both the quality of service and the quality of the goods. 3000 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth, 817.377.9399
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.731.2555, stanleyeisenmanshoes.com
Staff Pick: Lane Boots
Arlington-based Lane Boots makes lovely and elegant footwear for cowgirls. The boots are available through at least nine retailers we know of in the area. Enter this link: laneboots.com/storelocator/index/index, and then your ZiP code. 1101 Ave. G, Arlington, 888.302.6687, laneboots.com
VINTAGE CLOTHING
Reader Pick: ReVint Boutique
Clothes from yesteryear and designer items from today inspire a love for things from the past in this relatively new West
7th shop. 931 Foch St. Fort Worth, 817.882.8223, revint-boutique.myshopify.com
Staff Pick: Junker Val’s
Self-described as a shop of antiques and vintage junk and jewelry, this small shop deserves a visit. It might also be a place to sell your old stuff, and the website offers a long list of the kind of things Junker Val’s is interested in acquiring, including “any kind of taxidermy.” 3458 Bluebonnet Circle, Fort Worth, 817.266.6403, junkerval.com
WESTERN SHOP
Reader Pick: Maverick Fine Western Wear Western wear is generally considered casual, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be elegant. The offerings at this Historic Stockyards shop run the gamut. And it’s a fun place to visit whether you are a cowgirl or a cowboy. 100 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 817.626.1129, maverickwesternwear.com
Staff Pick: M.L. Leddy’s
M.L. Leddy’s has been in Fort Worth’s Stockyards since 1941, and the thrust today is still the thrust of yesteryear — quality handmade boots and saddles. But it also is a complete Western store with a full range of clothes and accessories. And if you can’t make it to the Stockyards, there’s a
TOY STORE
Reader Pick: Toy Works
The fact that toys are more than just things to play with is the thrust of the store. It carries unique dolls, educational games, crafts and toys that encourage creativity, logical-thinking skills, strategic planning and spatial perception. Learning can be fun. 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.737.8697
Staff Pick: Legoland
Admit it. You are an adult, and you still like playing with Legos. You think your kid is any different? 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, 877.818.1677, legolanddiscoverycenter.com
satellite shop in Downtown Fort Worth. 2455 N. Main St., Fort Worth, 817.624.3149, leddys.com
WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE
Reader Pick: Esther Penn
Esther Penn is drawing rave reviews from custom-
ers for its product array and its price point. “Blown away. So chic it hurts,” says one. “Just what Fort Worth has been craving.” 3328 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 682.841.1360, facebook. com/Estherpennfw
Staff Pick: Hip Chic Boutique
This popular women’s
clothing store specializes in unique clothing lines across all ages and sizes. Products are available online or at the booth in The Mercantile. 7200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.733.6301, hipandchicboutique.com
Legoland
Monroe Mendelsohn Research examined readers in the D/FW area and asked them how they feel about magazines they pay for versus free regionals mailed to their homes. The study found free magazines “proved to be significantly less likely to be read and significantly less likely to be valued than paid magazines.”
The study also states that a significant number of respondents indicated they wanted to be taken off circulation lists of the freebies saying they receive too many UNSOLICITED catalogs, brochures, magazines and newspapers in the mail.
So, consider paid versus free distribution when you are deciding how to spend your advertising dollars. Just looking at the bulk numbers isn’t enough.
goodwill
To
Changing lives
Girls cannot dream what they cannot imagine. Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County helps them understand their possibilities.
| by paul K. harral |
If in the future there is a female president of the u nited s tates from t arrant County, she might have been set on that path by g irls i n C . “Our mission,” says CEO Jennifer Limas, “is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.”
Last year, the organization served 11,685 girls in a variety of programs. Of those, 44 percent were Hispanic and 36 percent were African-American. The girls are drawn from neighborhoods where without outside intervention, the cultural stereotypes limit their perceived choices for adulthood.
“Girls are reluctant to step up and be leaders in their classrooms for different reasons than boys are afraid to do that. Girls are hesitant to take risks in science and math classes,” Limas said. “Our prevention programming needs to address those specific behaviors and obstacles.”
She’s particularly proud of the STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program. “We’re not just trying to raise girls’ knowledge,” Limas said. “We’re trying to change their attitudes about science, math and technology, so they see it as a field with careers they are interested in.” Professionals in those fields mentor the girls so they can see a successful role model of their same gender.
College becomes a possibility and even a priority with girls who participate in the program long-term, says Amy Rasor, the director of development. “This is our fourth year to have national scholars,” she said. “It changes the trajectory of their lives.”
The organization celebrates program participants going to college with a Summer Shower. “It’s just what it sounds like,” said Limas. “It’s just like a baby shower or a wedding shower, where we shower these girls with the supplies that they need to level the field for their first day of school. Last year we honored 59 college-bound girls the month before they begin college. Laptops, flash drives, paper, printers, towels, laundry baskets, all those things that we would buy for our children if they were starting their college experience.” This year’s shower is scheduled for July 30.
Those young women worked hard for that achievement, said Rasor. “We don’t want them to start that first day feeling less than,” she said. “We want them to not be thinking about that. We want them to be thinking about their education.”
Girls Inc. is trying to prepare girls for the challenges they will face in life. “Our vision is to empower girls in an equitable society,” said Limas. “As we’re building these leaders, we are informing them that the world isn’t fair. The world isn’t equal.” The girls face gender, educational and economic barriers, and the organization tries to give them the skills to meet and defeat those barriers.
Girls also need to be able to deal with the images of women that they see projected in society, and that’s the thrust of a media literacy program that looks at how women are portrayed in television, films, music videos and music and magazines. “They learn how to critically analyze those messages,” Limas said. “We don’t develop those critical thinking skills — if we ever do — until later in life. So when we empower our young girls at a young age to have those critical thinking skills, it empowers them to live a more authentic independent life.”
Rasor said what sets Girls Inc. apart from other programs is that it is curriculum-based and focused on outcomes. “It’s not an afterschool program; it is not a childcare program,” she said.
It is about making changes in the lives of young girls.
About 600 women and girls marched on Main Street to observe Day of the Girl in October 2014. Courtesy Girls Inc.
Science camps encourage girls to develop interest in science and math through hands-on experiences. Courtesy Girls Inc.
College Acceptances for the Class of 2015
The Class of 2015 was awarded more than $11 million in merit-based scholarships and awards.
University of New Mexico
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Texas
University of North Texas at Dallas
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Oregon
University of Redlands
University of Richmond
University of South Alabama
University of South Carolina
University of Southern California
University
Texas Tech University
Trinity University
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
University of British Columbia
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Colorado at Denver
University of Dallas
University of Denver
University of Edinburgh
University of Georgia
University of Glasgow
University of the Incarnate Word
University of Kansas
University of Leicester
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Miami
University of Mississippi
University of St Andrews
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Texas at Austin
University of Tulsa
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Vanderbilt University
Virginia Military Institute
Wake Forest University
Washington and Lee University
Washington University in St. Louis
Western Oregon University
Willamette University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
goodwill
Charity of friends
Black Dog Charity was founded to support a friend facing a terrible disease and to raise money for leukemia research.
| by paul k. harral |
Five years ago, a small group of guys gathered around Jason and a shley Baganz to stage a skeet shoot to raise money to help in her fight against leukemia. After that first year, they decided that it needed to be an annual event, and Black Dog Charity was formed.
On March 26, Ashley lost her battle with cancer, just days after Black Dog’s most recent fundraiser. But Ben Wallace, one of the executive committee members who helped start the charity, says Black Dog will continue to raise money to fight the disease that ultimately killed their friend.
“We are now an established charity and plan to continue to pursue growth,” Wallace said. “We are considering having more than one event in the upcoming years. Ashley fought a very good fight, and we need to do the same.”
The name of the charity came as the
result of a chance connection among the founders. “Most, if not all, of the founding committee members had a black Lab and it just fit,” Wallace said. “We auction off a black Lab puppy every year and consider it our signature item.”
Ashley Baganz was the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of North Texas’ 2014 Fort Worth Light The Night Walk Honored Hero. Black Dog Charity is a Gold Level Sponsor for Light the Night.
“The charity was started for her and has always been about her,” Wallace said. “There have been years where Ashley’s condition was stable, and we distributed funds to other places in her name, such as The Light The Night Walk and Cook Children’s Hospital.”
The first two events in 2011 and 2012 were an all-day sporting clays shoot with live music and an auction party held on Saturday. “In 2013, we turned it into a two-day event with a Friday night auction party and a Saturday sporting clay shoot, and have had kept it that way for the past three years,” Wallace said.
Ashley’s memory will guide the future of Black Dog Charity. “The charity will absolutely remain in force, and we plan to continue to break records,” Wallace said. “This is what Ashley would have wanted, and so that is what we are going to do.”
And maybe because a group of friends gathered around her, the money Black Dog raises will make her dream come true — a cure for the disease she fought so bravely.
The twin sons of Jason and Ashley Baganz, Blake (left) and Tagg, play with the 2015 Black Dogs. Courtesy Black Dog Charity
From left: Jason Baganz, Ben Wallace and David Dike, Ashley’s father, at the 2015 Black Dog Shootout. Courtesy Black Dog Charity
David Dike, Ashley Baganz’ father, competes at the 2015 Black Dog Shootout at Heart of the Ranch. Courtesy Black Dog Charity
goodwill
breaking stereotypes
Fort Worth’s single-sex school for young women focuses on preparing students to be admitted to and successful in college.
| by Paul K. harral |
When Deborah Ferguson, co-anchor o F the nbc 5 t o D ay morning show, first walked the halls of the Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Fort Worth, what she saw led her to commit doing whatever it takes to see that the Fort Worth ISD’s single-sex school for girls is a success.
The school first opened in August 2010 as a partnership with what is now the Young Women’s Preparatory Network. The school will graduate its first seniors in 2016. Its goal, however, is not graduation. It is college graduation.
Then-Superintendent Melody Johnson had invited Ferguson and others to join an advisory committee for the school. Turned out that Johnson had more than community ambassadors in mind. She wanted them to raise money for educational enhancements in the school that the ISD could not afford to fund.
Ferguson, as do many people in television, has the opportunity to be part of many community events. “But this one? This one is the one that really spoke to me, and I decided that whatever energy, or financial resources, or whatever it is that I can invest into this school, I’m going to do that,” she said.
The Young Women’s Leadership Academy is housed in a renovated four-story building downtown with five specialty science labs and a state-ofthe-art motion-capture digital animation studio. Courtesy Fort Worth ISD
She was “volun-told” to chair the group and oversee its transition into a foundation that could solicit and accept donations. The Foundation for the Young Woman’s Leadership Academy received its non-profit status last December. The Young Women’s Preparatory Network put up the seed money. It’s up to the locals to sustain it.
“While not common, the arrangement is not entirely different from a parent booster club or an alumni group that many of our schools have,” said Michael Sorum, Deputy Superintendent, Leadership, Learning, and Student Support Services for the Fort Worth school district. “It is different in the sense that it has a board and a tax-free status, but the goals are very similar.”
The district also has the Young Men’s Leadership Academy, started a little later than the women’s school, and Sorum says there’s a demand for single-sex education. And one of the district’s goals is to provide school choice for its families.
“There is a community of parents with a strong desire to have their son or daughter in a single-gender educational setting,” he said. “In the case of YWLA, we have far more applicants than space in the school.”
Prior to becoming a non-profit, Ferguson’s group was able to receive donations through the Young Women’s Preparatory Academy. But now the organization can receive them directly.
“YWLA has a strong message and culture of high expectations for its students, and one of its goals is to ensure that young women have the academic preparation to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics — as well as any other fields of study the young women wish to pursue,” Sorum said.
Ferguson’s mother only had a second grade education, and she doesn’t remember her particularly stressing grades to her daughter.
“Somewhere along the way, I learned that education is kind of a great equalizer, kind of an invitation to a party,” she said. So becoming involved was an easy choice for her. She considers it a gift to invest her time and energy in a group of students where more than 70 percent come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Does Someone You Love Need Hospice?
Dad wasn’t doing well. His doctor suggested VITAS Healthcare. We resisted—wasn’t it too soon for hospice? But VITAS came to the house, got to know Dad, and we all talked about what was important to us.
Finally, Dad’s comfortable. We all are. Dad is smiling; he has more energy. And VITAS is helping us make the most of this gift of time together
To schedule a complimentary vein education consultation appointment, call 817-250-4590
TexasHealth.org/VeinClinic
Did you get snapped?
If you attended an event recently sponsored by Fort Worth, Texas magazine and we took your snapshot, you can find it and purchase it even if it didn’t make it in the magazine. Go to fwtx.com and click on Party Pics at the top!
according toheywood
road to recovery
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We've all heard stories about great athletes Who for some reason get hooked on drugs and alcohol and Wind up losing their career, their money, their families and sometimes their lives. My friend John Corker's scenario was pretty similar to that.
An All-American out of Oklahoma State in the late ’70s, John was one of the top linebackers in the nation when the Houston Oilers drafted him in 1980. Although he was already using, his drug use escalated during the four years he played in Houston. He then went to the newly formed United States Football League, where he played alongside future NFL great Reggie White on the Michigan Panthers. During his time there, John set the all-time professional football record for sacks in one year. What makes that especially amazing is that he got all 28 and a half of them while he was sky high on cocaine.
But the drugs began taking their toll. After the USFL, there were stints in the Arena football league. He played off and on until he was 45 years old, but by then, all the big money was gone. His friends and his family had given up on him. He was a full-blown drug addict living on the streets of Baltimore.
You're probably thinking that this is just another sad ending for someone that had Hall of Fame potential. But you'd be wrong. Against all odds, John declined death's offer to come inside again and finally decided to leave that doorstep for good. That was just more than 10 years ago. And now he might be the most content and well-adjusted person I've ever known.
I first met John through Nancy Woodson, a mutual friend who works for the Salvation Army. I had reached the end of my rope due to a family situation, and she thought it would be
a good idea if I spoke with him. The first thing you notice about John is his size. He's 6 foot 7 inches and weighs a rock-solid 290 pounds. I'm no small guy, but standing next to John made me feel like Gulliver. I felt even smaller when I reached out to introduce myself. His huge hand totally engulfed mine. I might as well have been an ant trying to high five a catcher's mitt. But what you really notice about John is an immediate sense of well-being when he begins speaking. For the next two hours, I sat in that restaurant totally mesmerized just listening to him talk about his addiction. And did he ever have some stories.
During his playing days with Houston, he woke up one morning in a hotel room and immediately decided to get high. A few hours later, he flipped on the TV and casually started watching a football game. The pounding on his door a few minutes later turned out to be the general manager of the football team. He was a little curious as to why his semi-coherent linebacker was watching the Oilers on television instead of being on the field with them. He made it to the game by halftime that day, but
there were other incidents. Despite all his talent, Houston finally had enough after four years. It got scarier. In the later years when he was broke, he tried to pass off pine needles as marijuana for $20 to feed his habit. When the buyer figured it out, he pulled out a 9-millimeter and emptied the magazine. As big as he was, John managed to dodge every bullet. He leaned back in his chair and let out a big laugh when he told that story. John laughs a lot now, and when he does, the room shakes. The city of Denton blames it on fracking. Nope. It's just John.
By the time John was 47 years old, the drug use had cut his weight down to 170
by heywood | illustration by charles marsh |
pounds. He was so thin, if he'd been standing on a green while you were putting, you would have instinctively tried to tend him. Yet he had somehow managed to land one last job as a long-haul trucker It included a layover in Fort Worth on the way to Memphis. But while he was here, John got ripped again. The next day, he couldn't find his truck. It's probably because the little old lady whose driveway he'd been blocking decided to have it towed. John was quickly fired and spent the next two nights sleeping in an abandoned gas station on East Lancaster. When he came to that second morning, he decided he'd finally had enough and moved into the Salvation Army just down the street. For the next eight months, he gradually got his life together while mentoring others with similar problems. He became a motivational speaker, and I can attest that he's second to none. John also came to realize that addiction is really about being possessed, and the only way you can beat the devil is through the positive forces in the universe. I used to think that was nonsense, but now I believe it. He's living proof. John channels his energy from a place we all wish we could find.
For centuries, mankind has been searching for hidden treasure. But to find it, we've never really needed a ship, a map or even a shovel. The real hidden treasure in this world is an individual who changes other people's lives for the better. And fortunately, you can find that treasure on the east side of Fort Worth. Just go to the Salvation Army on any Sunday evening and listen to the guy leading the prayer meeting. Or you can go down East Lancaster and wait for the 89 Spur bus on The T. You see, that's the one John drives for a living. And if you seek him out, he'll always find time to talk to you.
Since that first meeting a couple of months ago, my family situation has gotten a tiny bit better. That's why every day I've started saying a up and smile and g ive a spec ia l t han k s t hat John Corker never found that truck.
upclose
Extraordinary
personalities shaping Fort Worth
Red Steagall
| by gail bennison | photography by alex lepe |
When Red Steagall began WRiting poetRy, he wrote about things that were important in his mind and heart. His mother was a school teacher. In addition to proper grammar, she taught him two things: “First, to ride for the brand,” Steagall says. “If you tell a man you’re going to do a job, break your back to do that. If it’s too tough for you or you don’t like it, you have two options: You can either quit, or you can grit your teeth and do the job you told him you’d do. Second: You should always be the kind of man to
ride the river with. Be dependable. These things molded me to who I am today.”
Songwriter, poet, recording artist, television personality, film actor, and radio host, Steagall’s entertainment career has spanned over four decades. More than 200 of his compositions have been recorded both by him and other artists, including Ray Charles. Steagall released his 24th album, Classic Red Steagall, in September 2014.
He was inducted into the Texas Music Hall of Fame, the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Tex Ritter Museum, America’s Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame, and Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame, along with numerous special awards for his music.
While Steagall is best known for his Texas Swing dance music and country songs, writing poetry is what he loves most.
In 1985 Steagall attended the first National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nev. “I found where I belonged,” he says. “My heart and soul are with the men and women who make their living on horseback working cattle, providing beef for the dinner tables of America. They live in a society that is dedicated to honesty, integrity, loyalty and work ethic, dedication to family, conviction about their belief in God and most importantly, practice common decency and respect for their fellow man every day they live,” he continues. “Those are the kind of people I admire most. I write about things that I’ve seen. Edgar Guest wrote a poem one time, and there’s one line: ‘I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.’ ”
The Texas State Legislature named Steagall The Official Cowboy Poet of Texas in 1991, the year he hosted the first “The Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering” in the Stockyards National Historic District of Fort Worth. The 25th anniversary of this authentic Western event is scheduled for Oct. 23-25.
Steagall is a proud fourth-generation Texan from Montague
County on both sides of his family. He graduated from West Texas A&M University with a degree in animal science and agronomy. Steagall married the love of his life 38 years ago. He and Gail run a ranch in Parker County.
In recognition of Steagall’s contribution to the Western way of life, he was inducted into the Texas Trail of Fame, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. His numerous honors include the Charles Goodnight Award, the Boss of the Plains Award, and the W.A. “Bill” King Award for Excellence in Agriculture.
“They don’t come any better than Red Steagall by any measure,” says W.R. “Bob” Watt, Jr., president emeritus of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. “Red is a highly respected, wellknown, multi-talented entertainer whose knowledge of the history of the West and the cowboy way of life is most impressive.”
Steagall launched his one-hour syndicated radio show, CowboyCorner, in 1994. Among the show’s featured artists is country music singer, songwriter and actress, Reba McEntire.
Steagall discovered McEntire when she was singing the national anthem at a rodeo in the late 1970s. “I’m so proud to call Red my friend, and I’m even more proud to be his friend,” she says. “He told me early on that he would help keep me out of the chug holes and on the straight and even path. He did that by introducing me to the right people—people like him, that care about other folks, our country and God. Red is an American treasure, along with his music, his stories and his love for Texas. We both agree he was born a century too late. But I think we all are so lucky to have him in this day and time. He’s sure taught me a lot.”
Steagall was named Poet Laureate of Texas in 2006.
In 2009, he launched his first television show, In the Bunkhouse with Red Steagall His current show on RFD-TV is titled RedSteagall Is Somewhere West of Wall Street.
“I am so proud when people ask me where I’m from, that I can say ‘Fort Worth, Texas,’ ” Steagall says. “Fort Worth has a heart, a soul and a character.”
Veterinarians Worth KnoWing
Your pets are members of the family, and you want to ensure they receive the highest quality care. This includes personalized service and treatment by a professional veterinarian who knows and understands your pet. To help you select the professional that will best meet your needs, the following veterinarians want to tell you more about themselves, their clinics and how partnering with them will help improve your pet’s quality of life.
The information in this section is provided by the advertisers and has not been independently verified by Fort Worth, Texas magazine.
port folio
Fort Worth Veterinary Surgical
FOCUS: Dr. Paul Dean specializes in surgery, being Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Bachelor of Science and D.V.M. from Texas A&M University; Master of Science and surgical residency from The Ohio State University; Board Certified by ACVS. AWARDS/ HONORS: Speaker at professional meetings; publications in refereed clinical journals. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: American Veterinary Medical Association, Tarrant County Veterinary Medical Association, American College of Veterinary Surgeons. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Having the honor of applying my craft in nearly all types of animals, including large, small, zoo and wildlife. PRACTICE INNOVATIONS: Minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopy and arthroscopy, which reduce pain in animals, making both owners and
pets satisfied with the results. UNIQUE APPROACH: Dr. Dean cares about and prays for the human being as well as his or her pet. DURING HIS OFF HOURS: Builds and flies model airplanes and remains a student of the Scriptures. FREE ADVICE: Decide whether or not you believe this: Acts 17:33, “He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom he has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” PICTURED: Dr. Paul Dean and Gayle Dean.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
fortworthveterinarysurgical.com paulwdean@msn.com
Veterinarians Worth Knowing portfolio
University Animal Hospital
FOCUS: Dr. John Minnerly: Pain management. Dr. Kim Wise: Small animal internal medicine, especially endocrine diseases and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Clare Williamson: Small animal. EDUCATION: Dr. Minnerly - B.S. Veterinary Science, TAMU, 1984; DVM, TAMU, 1986. Dr. Wise – B.S. Biomedical Science, TAMU, 1986; B.S. Veterinary Science, TAMU, 1988; DVM, TAMU, 1990. Dr. Williamson – B.S., TAMU, 1987; DVM, TAMU, 1992. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Dr. Minnerly: AAHA, AVMA, TVMA, TCVMA. Dr. Wise: TCVMA, AVMA. Dr. Williamson: TVMA, TCVMA, AVMA. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Dr. Minnerly: Taking over University Animal Hospital from my mentor and friend. Dr. Wise: Returning a sick or injured pet to its family after successful treatment. Dr. Williamson: Helping pets and their owners. PRACTICE INNOVATIONS: Our practice offers therapeutic and surgical laser modalities, medical
massage therapy, and digital x-ray. UNIQUE APPROACH: We take special care in listening to owners, getting a thorough history, and assessing the patient as a whole, not focusing only on one concern. We include the owners in treatment decisions as often they will be administering the medication. FREE ADVICE: Age is not a disease. If your pet is older and arthritic, we have medications, supplements, and treatment modalities that can relieve the pain. Preventative care can help your pet live longer and healthier. PICTURED: Clare Williamson, D.V.M.; Kim Wise, D.V.M.; John Minnerly, D.V.M.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
portfolio Veterinarians Worth Knowing
Veterinary Referral & Emergency Hospital of Arlington (VREHA)
FOCUS: VREHA is the only veterinary referral and emergency hospital located in the heart of Dallas/Fort Worth. We offer 24-hour emergency and critical care, internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, physiotherapy/rehabilitation service, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery.
ACHIEVEMENT:
EDUCATION: Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine; completed rotating internships at Universities of Missouri and Tennessee, and Michigan State University; completed residencies in Neurology & Neurosurgery and Internal Medicine. GREATEST PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
Started as a dream, we have expanded a veterinary neurology and neurosurgery practice into a state-of-the-art, 24-hour veterinary emergency and specialty hospital. PRACTICE INNOVATIONS: We perform spinal cord and brain surgery, chemotherapy and much more. We have on-site CT and MRI imaging units, a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
chamber, an ultrasound unit and an endoscopy unit. Our physiotherapy/ rehabilitation department houses an underwater treadmill, therapeutic ultrasound, neuromuscular electrical stimulation unit, and a cold laser (K-Laser) therapy unit. Soon we will be offering stem cell therapy. FREE ADVICE: In the summer months, be mindful of heat stroke. Make sure your pets have access to fresh water and a cool climate environment. If you take your furry friend for a jog/walk, do not take them during the hottest part of the day. PICTURED: (left to right) Dr. Antonio Bowens, Dr. Forrest Cummings, and Dr. Jantzen Strother.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
snap shots
To see all the photos from the hottest events in town, visit fwtx.com/party-pics
The Scene Voices for Children Awards Dinner
The 21st Annual Judge Scott Moore-Voices for Children Awards Dinner was held on April 7 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The event recognized volunteers, community leaders and professionals who fight for abused and neglected children in foster care. Photos courtesy of Mayda Arista
Who WaS Seen (1) Chris Jeans, Ana Rojas, Allison & Ken Kirby, Nina & Randy Cleveland, Susan & Terry Perkins, Chris & Monte Dobson, Andree Griffin, Peter Tunnard (2) Charlotte Kauffman, Lisa Grady, Christina Johnson (3) Blake & Heidi Cox, Carol McQuien,
Mike Thayer, Robyn & James Blake (4) Mary, Hallie & Tim Hoch, Edward Green, Robert Molloy (5) Timothy Menikos
The Scene Wish Upon a Par
The 5th Annual Wish Upon A Par Golf Tournament was held at River Crest Country Club on April 27. Photos courtesy of Klunck Kreations Photography
Who WaS Seen (1) Dan Heinrich, Scotty Landry, and Malcolm Louden, Jr. (2) Jerri Watt, Betsy Price, Lisa Nussbaum, Regan Haggerty (3) Rosie Moncrief, Marsha Hilcher, Ruth Ryan, Hilda Darwin
The Scene
Jewel Charity Member Party
The Jewel Charity Member Party at the gorgeous home of Paula and Bob Brockway was a perfect way to celebrate the new members of Jewel Charity. Guests were greeted with exquisite floral arrangements and tasty treats. Photos courtesy of Sara Donaldson
Who WaS Seen (1) Teri Kramer, John & Talley Scott (2) Lynn Nezworski, Jeanetta & Randall Schmidt, Tom Nezworski, Lue Stroud (3) David & Valrie Eberstein, Julie & James Hayes (4) Jason & Ro Rynd, Darron & Mary Collins
(2)
The Scene Doing the Most Good Luncheon
PGA Champ Lee Trevino won the crowd at the Salvation Army Doing the Most Good Luncheon held at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth. He aced the keynote speech with funny stories from his life and years on the PGA tour. Photos courtesy of
Who WaS Seen
(1) Joe White, Jennifer Anderson, Bobby Patton (2) Mike Wegl, Bob Tofan, Sarah Tofan, Frank Tofan, Diane & Frank Provenza (3) Caren Parten, Mary Lee Cruz, Lynne Ebeier, Sara Scheideman (4) Lauren & Jeff Harwell, Melissa Williamson
The Scene Let’s Play Bingo
Alliance for Children’s annual Let’s Play Bingo! event took place on March 24 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. Proceeds go to protect the children of Tarrant County from abuse through teamed investigations, healing services and community education. Photos courtesy of Chip Pierce
Who WaS Seen
(1) Spring Johnson, Mary Bonham, Nelda Mullenax (2) Kathy Presbaugh Wood, Lori McCarty, Shelby McCarty (3) Kathy Booth, Barbie Williams (4) Brenda Sanders, DelRae Schickedanz, Kristin Vandergriff
Plastic and cosmetic surgeons Worth KnoWing
While choosing any health care professional is a personal decision, selecting a cosmetic surgeon requires careful thought and detailed research. To help you make your decision on which specialist is right for you, some area professionals have purchased space to tell you more about themselves, their practice and how they can improve your appearance and self-esteem.
The information in this section is provided by the advertisers and has not been independently verified by Fort Worth, Texas magazine.
port folio
portfolio Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons Worth Knowing
Accent on You
Cosmetic Surgery Center and Medical Spa
Y. Anthony Nakamura, M.D., P.A.
SPECIALTY: Plastic Surgery. EDUCATION: B.A., UT Austin; M.D., UTMB, Galveston; Intern resident and general surgery, LSU School of Medicine, Charity Hospital New Orleans; Plastic Surgery resident, UTMB, Galveston. CERTIFICATION: Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Texas Medical Association, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dallas Society of Plastic Surgeons, Fort Worth Society of Plastic Surgeons. WHAT SETS US APART: Our fully accredited on-site facility utilizes the most advanced surgical methods and technology, allowing me to provide you with optimal results in a caring and safe environment. In addition, our full-service medi spa and laser center offers injectables and non-surgical correction, as well as traditional spa procedures. COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER SERVICES:
Breast Enlargement, Breast Lift, Tummy Tuck, Lipo Selection Lipo Suction, Facial Rejuvenation. MEDI SPA SERVICES: High Speed Laser Hair Removal, Restylane/Perlane/Juvederm, Sculptra, Botox/ Dysport, Medical Facials/Peels, IPL Photorejuvenation, Microdermabrasion/Microdermapeel, Active FX, Cool Sculpting. FREE ADVICE:
“Check your surgeon’s credentials, and make sure your doctor is certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Medical Specialties.” AFFILIATIONS: Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Medical Center of Arlington. CHARITABLE WORK: GRACE.
CONTACT INFORMATION: accentonyou.com
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons Worth Knowing portfolio
Arlington Cosmetic Surgery Center
David L. Rasmussen, M.D., P.A.
SPECIALTY: Dr. Rasmussen has provided cosmetic surgery to satisfied patients throughout the Metroplex for more than 20 years. PROCEDURES: Breast enlargement, uplift and reduction; face and neck lift; eyelid and brow lift; nasal reshaping; tummy tuck; liposuction; and mommy makeover. COSMETIC SERVICES: Botox and an extensive variety of the latest facial fillers injected with precision; broad range of medical grade skin care products and medical peels to rejuvenate skin. CERTIFICATION: American Board of Plastic Surgery. MEMBERSHIPS: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and American Society of Plastic Surgeons. PATIENT CARE: Rasmussen listens carefully and understands his patients’ desires allowing him to develop a plan that is safe and meets their expectations. INNOVATIONS: Fully accredited, private in-office
surgery center with the latest techniques and procedures to safely enhance the appearance of his patients allowing them to rapidly return to work. TRUSTWORTHY: Rasmussen achieves cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatment results that can be astounding. “My staff and I sincerely enjoy educating patients about procedures because the results can make a real difference in their lives. At the end of the day, it is great to recall the smiles.”
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: “The repeated trust my patients put in my hands when we plan and then achieve the transformation that they dreamed about.”
CONTACT INFORMATION:
portfolio Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons Worth Knowing
Louis L. Strock, M.D., P.A.
SPECIALTY: Cosmetic surgery of the breast, body and face, and breast reconstruction. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: B.S., Amherst College; M.D. and residencies in Surgery and Plastic Surgery at UTMB Galveston; Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Recertified 2006. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), American Society of Plastic Surgeons, TSPS, TMA, TCMS. INNOVATIONS: Strock is an internationally recognized authority on transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation, an approach that allows patients to have silicone gel or saline implants placed using a short incision in the armpit, avoiding any incisions on the breast. By invitation, he recently demonstrated the procedure live during two major educational symposia sponsored by ASAPS, using round and shaped gel implants.
Dr. Strock is also an internationally known authority for techniques of breast implant revision and replacement, treatment of complications of previous breast implant surgery, breast lift with and without implants, and breast reconstruction. He recently completed a 3 year term as ASAPS Traveling Professor, teaching plastic surgery residents the latest concepts and techniques in cosmetic and reconstructive breast implant surgery. While Dr. Strock enjoys teaching to maximize his own learning, he most enjoys applying that knowledge to help his patients to the best outcomes possible.
CONTACT
INFORMATION:
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons Worth
Mansfield Cosmetic Surgery Center
Michael L. Thornton, D.O., FACOS
SPECIALTY: Cosmetic surgery procedures of the face, breast, body, and non-surgical aesthetic surgery. EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, Baylor University; medical degree, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth; residency, General Surgery - Michigan State University; fellowship, Surgical Critical Care and Trauma Surgery, R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore; AACS accredited advanced fellowship, Cosmetic Surgery, Little Rock, AR; Double Board Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery. AWARDS/HONORS: Fellow, American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (FACOS) and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (FAACS); Associate Fellow, American College of Surgeons; President, Texas Cosmetic Surgery Society; Chairman, General Surgery Section, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center; featured surgeon, Best Docs Network program, Dallas/ Fort Worth. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVE-
MENT: Being able to perform revision cosmetic surgery on patients who have undergone misfortunate and substandard cosmetic plastic surgery elsewhere and being able to improve their appearance to a level of acceptability and normality. INNOVATIONS: Our office provides ThermiAesthetics RF radiofrequency procedures including TermiTight® and ThermiSmooth® PATIENT CARE: I choose not to use a patient coordinator, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant to perform my patient consultations, Botox injections, or dermal filler injections. Also, I personally see my patients during every post-operative visit. PICTURED: Michael L. Thornton, D.O., FACOS.
CONTACT INFORMATION: mansfieldcosmeticsurgery.com
Aspiring designers from the community were tasked with designing wearable garments using materials from Goodwill Fort Worth stores. Judges from all aspects of the fashion industry evaluated the designers’ work based on expression, design and technique. Now they’ve chosen their winner. Congratulations Cherylnina Stewart and to all the contestants whose designs walked the runway.
Project Goodwill proceeds will benefit Goodwill of Fort Worth’s Moncrief – Ryan Scholarship fund which supports the mission of Goodwill to empower people with disabilities, disadvantages and barriers through the power of work.
Designer Cherylnina Stewart and model
Things to do in June
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Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella will be at Bass Performance Hall from June 23-28. The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical features an incredible orchestra, jawdropping transformations and all the moments you love - the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more - plus some surprising new twists To learn more, turn to page 144.
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For more information on area events, go to fwtx.com and click on events.
to list an event
Send calendar information to Fort Worth, Texas : The City’s Magazine, c/o Jennifer Casseday-Blair, executive editor, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116, or e-mail ideas to jcasseday@fwtexas.com. Special consideration will be given to submissions that include photographs. To meet publishing deadlines, information must be received two months prior to monthly magazine issue.
MuseuMs
FOCUS: Mario Garcia Torres, through June 28
Mexico City–based artist Mario García Torres creates cinematic narratives that explore obscure histories and personalities associated with conceptual art of the 1960s and 1970s. He presents his projects in a variety of media, including video, installation, photography, and sculpture, and he often uses antiquated technology, such as 16-mm film and slide projections, to parallel the era he is revisiting. For each work, García Torres researches evidence and myths related to relatively unknown events
from the larger, more well-known moments of that specific period in art history. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. 3200 Darnell St. themodern.org. 817.738.9215.
Botticelli to Braque: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland, June 28- through Sept. 20
The 55 paintings in the exhibition span a period of more than 400 years (1490–1932) and include some of the greatest holdings of the Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art—the three institutions that comprise the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh. Kimbell Art Museum. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. kimbellart.org. 817.332.8451.
American Still Life, through Aug. 2
This exhibition showcases approximately thirty works from the museum’s collection of nineteenth- and twentieth-century still lifes. Organized in celebration of the recent acquisition of Raphaelle Peale’s Peaches and Grapes in a Chinese Export Basket (1812), the exhibition includes works from across the collection including paintings by the trompe l‘oeil masters William Harnett and John Frederick Peto, vibrant floral subjects by Georgia O’Keeffe and Arthur Dove, prints by Louis Lozowick, and photographs by Wynn Bullock and Carlotta Corpron. Amon Carter Museum of American Art. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. cartermuseum. org. 817.738.1933.
Audubon’s Beasts, through Aug. 2
Industrious field mice, frolicking squirrels, fierce otters, and fearsome wild cats are just some of the stars of this selection of handpainted prints by famed scientist and artist John James Audubon (1785-1851). Although we know Audubon today primarily for his devotion to birds, he was more than a chronicler of flying creatures. This exhibition features some of his greatest depictions of North America’s four-legged animals in their natural habitats, from swamps to savannahs. Amon Carter Museum of American Art. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. cartermuseum.org. 817.738.1933.
Toulouse-Lautrec & La Vie Moderne: Paris 1880-1910, through Aug. 16
Toulouse-Lautrec and La Vie Moderne: Paris 1880-1910 contains almost 200 pieces from avant-garde Post-Impressionist artists working in a new French “modern” style. Built around the work of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, painter of scenes and artists from the famed Paris theatre the Moulin Rouge, this expansive exhibit will explore the anti-establishment movement among artists seeking alternative means to bring their art to a broad public and break out of the traditional molds. Arlington Museum of
Henry Raeburn. Reverend Robert Walker (1755–1808) Skating on Duddingston Loch. Oil on canvas, 30 x 25 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm) National Galleries of Scotland
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Art. 201 West Main St. arlingtonmuseum.org. 817.275.4600.
FRAMING DESIRE: Photography and Video, through Aug. 23
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents FRAMING DESIRE, an exhibition showcasing over 40 recent acquisitions alongside iconic photographs and videos from the permanent collection. The artists included in FRAMING DESIRE each use their medium in ways that transcend what the imagery literally depicts to intensify the idea of desire. Interweaving the documentary, subjective, and symbolic, these artists address sexuality, gender, longing, catharsis, and transgression, among other subjects. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. 3200 Darnell St. themodern.org. 817.738.9215.
Like Father, Like Son: Edward and Brett Weston, through Aug. 23
Edward Weston (1886–1958) and his son Brett (1911–1993) were both master photographers. Yet rarely is their work shown together. Featuring 23 prints, this exhibition offers an unusual opportunity to compare the visions of these two artists and to see how each balanced recording the world’s direct appearance with a sense of abstraction. Amon Carter Museum of American Art. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. cartermuseum.org. 817.738.1933.
In the Moment at the Modern: A Program for People with Memory Loss, Fourth Wednesdays
Designed for people with memory loss and their caregivers, the monthly program enables participants to experience works of art at the Modern through intimate conversations with docents and thoughtful projects designed by the museum’s education staff. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with space for up 20 participants at both times. Free. Includes admission to the galleries and all materials. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. 3200 Darnell St. themodern.org. 817.738.9215.
American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum, Ongoing
The C.R. Smith Museum takes visitors on a flight through American Airlines history, with interactive exhibits that entice participation by all age groups. The museum features hundreds of historical artifacts, photographs, full-scale aircraft engines and a rare Douglas DC-3 airliner. In addition, the museum’s state-ofthe-art digital theater features “The Spirit of American,” a film featuring the history of commercial aviation as well as breathtaking aerial photography. Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. $0–$7. 4601 Texas Highway 360 at FAA Road. crsmithmuseum. org. 817.967.1560.
Leonard’s Department Store Museum, Ongoing
Visitors can view displays featuring hundreds of vintage items from the iconic downtown retail giant. Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Fort Worth Screen Printing Building. 200
Carroll St. 817.336.9111. fwscreen.com. Texas Civil War Museum, Ongoing Featuring 15,000 square feet of exhibits, this is the largest Civil War museum west of the Mississippi River. The museum consists of three separate galleries that display a Civil War collection, Victorian dress collection and United Daughters of the Confederacy Texas Confederate collection. Along with the exhibits, the museum includes a 75-seat movie theater that hosts a commissioned movie, “Our Homes Our Rights – Texas in the Civil War.” Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $0–$6. 760 Jim Wright Freeway N. 817.246.2323. texascivilwarmuseum.com.
Galleries
Casual Luxury Complex: Devon Nowlin, through June 20
For this exhibition of new works, Nowlin has created paintings, photographs and small sculptures that speak to the personal and market-driven desire to curate environments and personas that aspire for a lifestyle of “casual luxury”. The intersection between art and commerce is an important aspect of her work, where she is interested in drawing parallels between today’s art industry and the world of marketing, personal image, and cultural attainment. This parallel is something
Henri de Toulouse- l autrec’s “Queen of Joy” 1892 color lithograph, Toulouse-Lautrec & La Vie Moderne: Paris 1880-1910.
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and magazine advertisers have been so effective at inspiring among the public. Nowlin will be creating an environment suggestive of a comfortable residential space inside of a commercial art gallery that evokes the style and nature of popular lifestyle marketing retailers. Artspace111. 111 Hampton St. artspace111.com. 817.692.3228.
Gallery Reception at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, First Fridays
Monthly reception for art exhibits opening at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center. 6–9 p.m. Free and open to the public. 1300 Gendy St. fwcac.org. 817.298.3021.
Films
Family Film Series, Second Saturdays
Stop by the Central Library for a familyfriendly flick on the second Saturday of every month. Check website for details on titles and descriptions. 1 p.m. Free. Fort Worth Central Library. Youth Center Discovery Theatre. 500 W. 3rd St. Parking is free on the streets and in the Third Street garage after 6 p.m. fortworthlibrary.org. 817.392.7323.
Films at the Modern
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth offers a variety of events and programs on films. Check the website for details on titles, times, tickets and descriptions. 3200 Darnell St. themodern.org/films/upcoming. 817.738.9215.
First Sunday Film Club
This series showcases the Fort Worth Library’s large and vibrant media collection. 2 p.m. Free. Fort Worth Central Library, Tandy Hall. 500 W. 3rd St. Parking is free on the streets and in the Third Street garage after 6 p.m. fortworthlibrary.org. 817.392.7323.
Magnolia at the Modern Magnolia at the Modern is an ongoing series featuring critically acclaimed films shown weekly on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check the website for titles and times, as well as for info on other film-related happenings. Tickets: $6–$9. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. 3200 Darnell St. themodern.org. 817.738.9215.
Omni Theater and Noble Planetarium
Check the museum website for times and dates. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. 1600 Gendy St. fwmuseum.org/calendar. 817.255.9300.
music
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, June 23-28
Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of THE SOUND OF MUSIC and SOUTH PACIFIC that's delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love - the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more - plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/It's Possible" and "Ten Minutes Ago," in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who's ever had a wish, a dream...or a really great pair of shoes. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $44-$93.50. Bass Performance Hall. 525 Commerce St. basshall.com. 817.212.4300.
Billy Bob’s Texas Fort Worth Stockyards. 2520 Rodeo Plaza. billybobstexas.com. 817.624.7117. (Ticket prices are general admission/reserved.) Thursday concerts at 9:00 p.m, Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. unless noted otherwise.
June 5: Robert Earl Keen. Tickets: $16-$25.
June 6: Clint Black. Tickets: $16-$55. June 13: Jamey Johnson. Tickets: $16-$28. June 19: Mark Chesnutt. Tickets: $14-$20. June 26: The Great Divide and Cooder Graw. Tickets: $16-$30.
June 27: Corey Smith. Tickets: $15-$20. Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge
Check the website for upcoming shows. 1311 Lipscomb St. theliveoak.com. 817.926.0968.
sports
Texas Rangers texas.rangers.mlb.com
June 2: vs. White Sox, 7:05 p.m.
June 3: vs. White Sox, 7:05 p.m.
June 4: vs. White Sox, 7:05 p.m.
June 5: @ Royals, 7:10 p.m.
June 6: @ Royals, 1:10 p.m.
June 7: @ Royals, 1:10 p.m.
June 9: @ Athletics, 9:05 p.m.
June 10: @ Athletics, 9:05 p.m.
June 11: @ Athletics, 2:35 p.m.
June 12: vs. Twins, 7:05 p.m.
June 13: vs. Twins, 3:05 p.m.
June 14: vs. Twins, 2:05 p.m.
June 15: vs. Dodgers, 7:05 p.m.
June 16: vs. Dodgers, 7:05 p.m.
June 17: vs. Dodgers, 7:05 p.m.
June 18: @ Dodgers, 9:10 p.m.
June 19: @ White Sox, 7:10 p.m.
June 20: @ White Sox, 1:10 p.m.
June 21: @ White Sox, 1:10 p.m.
June 23: vs. Athletics, 7:05 p.m.
June 24: vs. Athletics, 7:05 p.m.
June 25: vs. Athletics, 1:05 p.m.
June 26: @ Blue Jays, 6:07 p.m.
June 27: @ Blue Jays, 12:07 p.m.
June 28: @ Blue Jays, 12:07 p.m.
June 29: @ Orioles, 6:05 p.m.
June 30: @ Orioles, 6:05 p.m.
s tage and theater
Sunset Baby, through June 28
Kenyatta Shakur, former Black Revolutionary and political prisoner, is desperate to reconnect with his estranged daughter Nina. If Kenyatta truly wants to reconcile his past, he must first conquer his most challenging revolution of all - fatherhood. Sunset Baby is an energized, vibrant and witty look at the point where the personal and political collide; written by one the most exciting and distinctive undiscovered voices in America, Dominique Morisseau. Check the website for dates and times. Tickets: $18-$26. Jubilee Theater. 506 Main St. jubileetheater.org. 817.338.4411.
A staple of the local entertainment scene for many years, this popular Fort Worth-based improvisational comedy troupe performs skits and songs based on audience suggestions. It’s a must for visitors. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. 18 and older are welcome. Tickets: $20. 312 Houston St. fourdayweekend. com. 817.226.4329.
Hyena’s Comedy Night Club, Ongoing
Various performances each week in downtown Fort Worth, ranging from local to national stars. 425 Commerce St. hyenascomedynightclub.com. 817.877.5233.
clint Black Check out the Country Western legend at Billy Bob's Texas on May 15. Tickets are $16-$55.
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Other Attr ActiOns And events
150 Years of Fort Worth Satellite Exhibit, Ongoing
The exhibit traces the city’s development, from its beginning as a frontier outpost, through its rowdy youth as a cattle town, to present day. Created by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, in cooperation with City Center Development Co. Open daily from 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Free. Historic Fire Station No. 1. Second and Commerce streets. fwmuseum.org. 817.871.7686.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Ongoing
The museum has a full slate of fun and informative public programs for its visitors, from lectures by visiting artists and scholars to extended education opportunities, family events, children’s programs and a book club. Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Check the website for details. Amon Carter Museum of American Art. 3501 Camp Bowie
Blvd. cartermuseum.org. 817.738.1933.
BRIT First Saturday, Ongoing
Free family fun and activities on the first Saturday of the month, including a farmers market that features a variety of fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local gardens based around Fort Worth. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Botanical Research Institute of Texas. 1700 University Drive. brit.org/firstsaturday. 817.332.4441.
BRIT Tours, Ongoing
Lace up your sneakers and learn about Botanical Research Institute of Texas’ history, present and future, research programs, herbarium, libraries, educational programs and its sustainable building. Thursdays 1:30 p.m., first Saturday of the month 10:30 a.m. Free. Botanical Research Institute of Texas. 1700 University Drive. brit.org. 817.332.4441.
Cattle Baron Mansions, Ongoing Tour the Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House and Thistle Hill mansion and stand where the famous cattle barons stood when livestock was king and ranching ruled the Southwest.
Wednesday–Friday, hourly, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, hourly, 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Tickets: $15/ adults, $7.50/children 12 and under. BallEddleman-McFarland House, 1110 Penn St. Historic Fort Worth. historicfortworth.org. 817.332.5875.
Clearfork Food Park, Ongoing
This waterfront and woof-friendly park features a variety of food trucks and live music in a laid-back, alfresco setting. Thirsty folk can swing by the Cantina, which boasts a full selection of beer and wines. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday. 1541 Merrimac Circle (located on the Trinity Trail just off University Drive across from the Fort Worth Zoo). clearkforkfoodpark.com.
Coyote Drive-In, Ongoing
View flicks the “old-fashioned way,” in an under-the-stars setting that’s anything but antiquated. The Panther Island locale provides stunning views of downtown Fort Worth
Fort Worth Zoo Don't forget to visit the Fort Worth Zoo this summer. It was founded in 1909 and has grown into a nationally ranked facility, housing nearly 7,000 native and exotic animals. There are new baby animals to see, but they won't stay little for long.
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6:15p.m. Wine Reception 7:00p.m. Awards Dinner Gr G and Ballroom Renaissance e Worthington H Hotel
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along the Trinity River near the Panther Island Pavilion, where concerts and tubing are regularly happening. Coyote Drive-In is a joint collaboration between Coyote Theatres, the Tarrant Regional Water District, Trinity River Vision Authority and the city of Fort Worth. Check the website for movies, times and special events. 223 N.E. 4th St. coyotedrive-in.com. 817.717.7767.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Ongoing
A peaceful haven nestled in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District, the Garden is home to more than 2,500 species of native and exotic plants that flourish in its 23 specialty gardens. Open daily from dawn until dusk. Free. Admission fees apply to Conservatory and Japanese Gardens. 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. fwbg.org. 817.871.7686.
Fort Worth Food Park, Ongoing
Enjoy a variety of gourmet dishes served up by some of the area’s top local chefs — all in one serene, park-like setting in the heart of Fort Worth’s cultural and entertainment district. Park features outdoor games, live music and other special events. It’s also pet-friendly and has free wireless Internet. 2509 Weisenberger St. Thursday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5 p.m.–8 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. fwfoodpark.com.
Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive, Ongoing
The world’s only twice daily cattle drive. Historic Fort Worth Stockyards on East Exchange Avenue in front of the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange Building. 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, Ongoing
The 3,621-acre refuge is one of the largest city-owned nature centers in the United States with more than 20 miles of hiking trails. The center provides a variety of regular and special programs. Check website for details. Refuge: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Hardwicke Interpretive Center: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily. Admission: $2–$5. 9601 Fossil Ridge Road. fwnaturecenter.org. 817.392.7410.
Fort Worth Water Gardens, Ongoing
Designed by famed architect Philip Johnson, the 5-acre downtown park features a peaceful oasis of fountains and pools. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. 1502 Commerce St. Free. 817.871.5700. Fort Worth Zoo, Ongoing
The oldest zoo in Texas, the Fort Worth Zoo was founded in 1909 and has grown into a nationally ranked facility, housing nearly 7,000 native and exotic animals. Open daily at 10 a.m. Tickets: adults (13+), $12; children (3–12), $9 (2 and under free); seniors (65+), $9. Wednesdays: half-price. 1989 Colonial Parkway. fortworthzoo.org. 817.759.7555.
Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour, Fridays and Saturdays
Hour-long walking excursion around Granbury’s historic downtown square guided by actors dressed in Civil War-era attire. 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. $7–$10. 116 W. Bridge St. granburytours.com. 817.559.0849.
Lectures and Discussions at the Kimbell, Ongoing
Year-round evening, weekday and Saturday lectures by staff and guest speakers explore various topics relating to the permanent collection and special exhibitions on view at the Kimbell Art Museum. Some programs require advance reservations. Kimbell Art Museum. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. kimbellart.org. 817.332.8451.
Log Cabin Village, Ongoing
Step back in time to the 1800s at Log Cabin Village, a living history museum devoted to the preservation of Texas’ pioneer heritage. And be sure to keep tabs on the website, which details the Village’s ever-changing array of special events. Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1–5 p.m.; closed Monday. Tickets: $4–$5. Log Cabin Village. 2100 Log Cabin Village Lane. logcabinvillage.org. 817.392.5881.
Martin House Brewing Co. Tours and Tastings, Saturdays
Admission includes a souvenir pint glass, guided brewery tour and three complimentary pints (must bring your ID). $10. 2–5 p.m. Martin House Brewing Co. 220 S. Sylvania Ave., Ste. 209. martinhousebrewing.com. 817.222.0177.
Panther Island Pavilion, Ongoing
Self-billed as “the only outdoor entertainment venue in Funkytown,” PIP caters to a wide variety of uses, including concerts, festivals and events — all staged along the banks of our beloved Trinity, with stunning views of the best downtown in the country (aka, ours, of course!). Besides boasting the only waterfront stage in Texas, it’s also got a main stage for year-round events and two additional band shells for multi-act festivals. In addition to attending a multitude of live events throughout the year, guests also can rent stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats and take part in some watersports fun. Check the website for specifics. 395 Purcey St. pantherislandpavilion.com. 817.698.0700.
Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. Tours and Tastings, Wednesdays and Saturdays
There’s a $10 tour admission fee for anyone over 18, but a tour of the brewery and a Rahr & Sons pint glass that holds up to three free beer samples are yours for no additional charge. Wednesdays, 5–7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 1–3 p.m. Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. 701 Galveston Ave. rahrbrewing.com. 817.810.9266.
Revolver Brewing Tour and Tastings, Saturdays
Great beer, fresh country air, picnic tables, a band, barbecue or fajitas, corn bag toss and an informative tour of the brewery. Noon–3 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes a Revolver Brewing pint glass. Food vendors will be on site. Revolver Brewery. 5650 Matlock Road, Granbury. revolverbrewing.com. 817.736.8034.
River Legacy Living Science Center, Ongoing
The 12,000-square-foot nature center offers interactive exhibits, terrariums, aquariums, nature trails and Saturday events. Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission. 703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. riverlegacy. org. 817.860.6752.
Southside Urban Market, Ongoing
Their mission is to foster relations among a diverse group of people, promote local artisans, encourage eco-friendly food production and promote healthy living. Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Southside Fort Worth on the corner of South Main and East Daggett. southsideurbanmarket.com.
Stockyards Championship Rodeo, Ongoing
Full-on rodeo action Friday and Saturday night, year-round at the historic Cowtown Coliseum. 121 E. Exchange Ave. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15–$20.
Stockyards Walking Tours, Saturdays
Wrangler Walking Tour: Historical facts, culture and stories of the Stockyards. 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets: $6–$8. Available in Spanish, French, German, Japanese and English. Stockyards Station, 130 E. Exchange Ave. stockyardsstation.com.
Vintage Railroad: Trinity River Run, Thursdays–Sundays
Hit the rails in an authentic Victorian-style coach between Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards. From the Fort Worth location, visitors can ride on a trip to the Trinity River and back, enjoying beautiful scenery and the 19th-century ambience of a steam locomotive. 3:15–4:15 p.m. $6–$10. Grapevine Vintage Railroad – Fort Worth. 140 E. Exchange Ave. grapevinetexasusa.com. 817.410.3123.
www.thumbtechs.com
Culinary ventures in and around town
fwdish
At Hanabi Ramen & Izakaya, diners can choose from traditional, miso or spicy broths. Accompaniments are traditional but may be unfamiliar to the uninitiated— pork belly, soft-boiled egg, nori sheets and green onion—and extra items can be added for a small charge. If you are hungry for more, turn the page.
154 Hanabi Ramen & Izakaya / 156 Trio New American Cuisine / 158 The Tavern
Fort Worth, Texas:
City’s
a taste of tokyo
Japan’s hottest noodle trend hits the Cultural District thanks to ramen expert and Head Chef Ito Takao, who brings the traditional flavors of his native Tokyo to the Fort Worth dining scene.
| by jessica llanes | photography by alex lepe |
Open just more than a year,
h anabi r amen & i zakaya is the only restaurant in the city that offers diners an authentic ramen house experience. Billed as a noodle shop and izakaya, a casual bar that also serves food, Hanabi provides a full ramen menu and a separate izakaya menu of sides, salads and shareable dishes. Plus, a full bar includes cocktails and a small sake list.
The sleek, dark wood interior and soft lighting give the space a sophisticated feel, but the floral print booths and long bank of tables in the center of the dining room keep the vibe casual. An open kitchen in the back of the restaurant includes barstools for diners who prefer to watch the cooks in action.
Professionals may enjoy the subdued atmosphere of a late weekday lunch, but dinnertime is preferable for diners craving more action. Weeknight diners shouldn’t have to wait long for a table during prime hours, and even in a full dining room, service is fast and friendly. Hanabi doesn’t appear to favor a particular sort of clientele either. Tables include diners of all ages, as well as couples on date night and large gatherings of friends and family.
Ramen is a must for the first-time diner. Those only familiar with cheap noodle bricks and powdery flavor packets will find that a real ramen bowl is an eye-opening experience. The complex quality of the broth and superior noodle texture will be immediately noticeable.
Chef Takao slow simmers all broths from scratch and uses fresh noodles. Diners choose from traditional, miso or spicy broths, and pork, seafood and vegetable bowls are on the menu. Accompaniments are traditional but may be unfamiliar to the uninitiated—pork belly, soft-boiled egg, nori sheets and green onion—and extra items can be added for a small charge.
Our table selected the karami tonkotsu ramen ($10), a spicier version of the pork noodle classic, and a “dipping ramen,” kara miso tsukemen ($13). Dipping ramen offers a larger noodle, and the broth and noodles are served separately so that diners can dip noodles in the broth as they eat. Our table preferred the rich, meaty pork broth to the spicy miso, and the larger dipping noodles are quite filling, but both bowls offered a balanced, satisfying depth of flavor and fresh ingredients with lip-tingling spiciness.
Perhaps most daunting to a beginner is how to eat the dish properly. Each steaming noodle bowl is served with a set of chopsticks and an oversized spoon that looks more like a ladle. We found our preferred method after surreptitiously observing a group of Japa-
Head Chef Ito Takao makes all of his broths from scratch and only uses fresh noodles. He is successfully bringing traditional flavors of his native Tokyo to Fort Worth.
nese youths at the next table who dipped the spoon into the broth and then used the chopsticks to load noodles and veggies onto the spoon before eating. No matter how you choose to attack the bowl, rest assured it will probably not be elegant and will likely involve some slurping.
Location: 3204 Camp Bowie Blvd. for info Call: 817.420.6703
price range: $$
hours:Mon.-Sat. 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
What We Like: Hearty ramen bowls and a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes designed to share make Hanabi an instant classic.
What We Don’t: Although there is a very nice bar area at the front of the restaurant, it stood mostly empty each time I visited. our recommendation: The ramen bowls are definitely big enough to share, so if you want to sample the izakaya, consider bringing a large group or making a separate trip.
A bowl of ramen is a meal in itself, but the izakaya menu shouldn’t be missed. In addition to familiar items, like gyoza, edamame and tempura, more adventurous dishes are also available. We tried the tako yaki ($7), savory pancake balls filled with octopus and topped with eel sauce, miso mayo and bonito flakes. Although not what most Americans would describe as “pancake-like,” the fried dough was surprisingly light and creamy, and worth trying.
The dinner menu also includes a selection of kushi yaki ($3.50-$4.00), flash-fried stick meats with subtle teriyaki flavor. We tried the chicken and beef and found the meat tender and slightly sweet, without being overwhelming.
Considering the variety of savory dishes available, dessert won’t be top priority, but there is a small selection of ice cream on the menu. Three scoops of green tea ice cream topped with whipped cream ($4.50) are perfect for sharing. Rest assured, with a gem like Hanabi in town, diners will fall in love with the ramen, but stay for izakaya.
Word of Mouth
Residents in-the-know around Colleyville and Southlake flock to Trio New American Cuisine. When in search of casual lunches, elegant dinners or impeccable catering, they are happy to have fine dining right in their own backyard.
| by Courtney Dabney | photography by Alex Lepe |
Trio offers one-stop shopping to M eet ALL its CL iente L e’s CA fe, b A kery A n D CA tering nee D s. Executive Chef and Owner Jason Harper says, “I also love doing three-way preparations...like duck breast served three different ways.” All of the desserts and pastries are made in-house by lead baker Dulce Langston, who executes on Co-Owner and Pastry Chef Miriam Harper’s inspirations.
Harper says, “Business is evenly balanced between cafe dining and catering.” The team provides private dining experiences for 10 or caters events hosting thousands. The word has gotten around with little to no advertising budget.
The mostly neutral palette of the cafe makes the perfect backdrop for a relaxing lunch, but the space transforms for the evening service, complete with live music. Reservations are a must, and don’t forget to BYOB. Trio’s monthly seven-course Chef’s Tastings ($90-
The Chef's Crudo Concoction at Trio New American Cafe is a unique raw preparation of the freshest seafood available. It changes weekly.
Tako Yaki is a dish that features savory pancake balls filled with octopus and topped with eel sauce, miso mayo and bonito flakes.
$100 per person) routinely sell-out and give the chef a chance to explore. They are considering hosting them twice a month in the near future.
Location: 8300 Precinct Line Road # 104, Colleyville for info call: 817.503.8440
price range: $-$$$
hours:
One recent weekend dinner special featured Asian-influenced Diver Sea Scallops with pork pot stickers, broccolini and a spicy mango lemongrass broth. Not only is Harper incredibly fluent in international cuisine, his execution and flavor profiles are spot-on.
On a recent lunchtime trip, I sampled the special, a Moroccan Chicken ($11) with an almond-laced rice pilaf, grilled carrots, zucchini, red peppers and heirloom tomatoes. The charred tomato sauce was rich and acidic.
The Hydro-Greens Salad ($9 or $12.50 with the addition of chicken salad) is a big seller with diced strawberry, shaved fennel and macadamia nuts. Salty shaved, aged Manchego cheese balances nicely with the tart strawberry Key lime vinaigrette. The fluffy chicken salad is dense with pecans and green apples.
Getting Fresh
Located on South huLen St. and LeSS than five minuteS away from tcu, the tavern offerS freSh, contemporary american cuiSine in a SophiSticated and StyLiSh atmoSphere. The amount of care the restaurant’s chefs put into each dish really speaks for itself: The Tavern is ranked sixth on Yelp.com in the category “Best Restaurants in Fort Worth.” One of the most requested items on the menu is the Crab Cake Salad, and manager Jennifer Crossland discussed with us how the dish is prepared.
“Our crab cake salad is the most unique salad in town — in terms of crab salads — because everything is made from scratch: all the dressings, sauces, you name it, we make them every day by hand. The crabmeat we receive to make the actual crab cakes is lump crabmeat and has really good chunks to it,” she says.
Dessert is not to be missed. Save room for a decadent slice of Coconut Cream Pie ($4.25). The French meringue is the richest, creamiest and sweetest that I have ever tasted. The hefty slice, dusted with toasted coconut and a flaky scratch-made crust, was heavenly.
extrabites
“We make our own fresh bread and then grind it to crumbs for the outside of the crab cake. We then pan sear it with butter, and we finish it in a salamander [broiler] to get the crab cake really crispy and hot. After that, we put it on a bed of Pomeranian mustard sauce, which — combined with cream — gives a really robust taste.”
Crossland later goes into detail on the salad: “For the salad, we use six different types of lettuce: Arugula, Frisee, Radicchio, Lola Rosa, Romaine and green cabbage. We chop all our vegetables by hand.” To that, the chefs add Reggiano cheese, bacon vinaigrette, avocado, cucumber, tomato, corn, croutons, and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece.
“Everything about our crab cake salad is so good, because it’s all fresh. Our cooks know how to cook!” Crossland
adds. “We have the crab cake salad, and then we take the same crab cakes and can put them in an entrée.”
“There have been days when maybe the delivery didn’t come in, or the crab just wasn’t up to our standards, so we don’t serve it, and people will leave. Some do come just for that.”
The Tavern is located on 2755 South Hulen St. and is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Mondays-Fridays; 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturdays; and 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays. The restaurant also serves brunch, Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, log on to thetavernftworth. com.
The Tavern explains how it makes its signature Crab Cake Salad.
| by Jessy diamba |
A trio of lamb steaks sit atop an incredibly tasty rice pilaf.
The Tavern's signature Crab Cake Salad
Thank You!
The Gladney Center for Adoption, along with the event chairmen, are pleased to thank all of our Sponsors, Blossoms Committee, Gladney Babies, Vendors, Production Staff, Gladney Staff & all Volunteers for making the “Blossoms in the Dust” and “Blossoms in the Rough” a wonderful success!
It takes all of us to make a “forever and always” difference in the lives of so many children throughout the world.
BENEFITING
Blossoms in the Dust Honorary Co-Chairs
D’Ann Walsh Bonnell
Laura Bonnell Alexander
GLADIOLA ($10,000.00+)
Dr. and Mrs. William Bonnell
Fort Worth Texas Magazine
Mary Potishman Lard Trust
ROSE ($5,000.00+)
Design by Harold Hand
Dillard’s, Inc.
Lindsey Merrill
The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel
LILY ($2,500.00+)
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Alexander
Brown Pruitt Wambsganss Ferrill & Dean, P.C.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Duncan, Jr.
Hillwood Alliance Group, L.P.
LBL Architects
Mission Restaurant Supply
J. Taylor & Associates, LLC.
Radiology Associates
Mr. and Mrs. David L. Simpson
Texas State Utilities
TULIP ($1,500.00+)
Mr. and Mrs. David W. Amend
AST Landscape Service
Mr. and Mrs. Edward P. Bass
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bass
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Brockway
Frost Bank
Dr. and Mrs. John Kelley
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lowrance
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Markwardt
Mr. and Mrs. Herd A. Midkiff
Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Miller
Mrs. Daphne Motheral-Jose
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Penshorn
Pier 1 Imports
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Reeder
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Schumacher
Sites Barricades
Southwest Bank
Texas Health Resources/Southwest Fort Worth
Mr. and Mrs. David Tracy
Ms. Judy Williamson
fwdish restaurant listings
For more information on area restaurants, go to fwtx.com and click on dish.
The Listings section is a readers service compiled by the Fort Worth, Texas magazine editorial staff. The magazine does not accept advertising or other compensation in exchange for the listings. Listings are updated regularly. To correct a listing or request a restaurant be considered for the list, contact Jennifer Casseday-Blair at jcasseday@fwtexas.com.
pricing: $ - Entrees up to $10, $$ - Entrees $10-$20, $$$ - Entrees $20-$25, $$$$ - Entrees $25 and over
american Arlington/Mid-Cities
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House 230 N. Center St., 817.801.0300. Lunch Hours 11am-2pm Mon.Fri.; Dinner Hours 5pm-9pm Mon.-Fri; All Day 11am-9pm Sat. and Sun. $
BITE City Grill 2600 W. 7th St., 817.877.3888. 11am10pm Mon.-Thur.; 11am-11pm Fri.; noon-11pm Sat.; 11am-9pm Sun. $$
Bj’s Restaurant And Brewhouse 201 Interstate 20 E., 817.465.5225. 11am-midnight Mon.-Thur.; 11am-1am Fri.; 10am-1am Sat.; 10am-midnight Sun. $-$$
Chef Point Cafe 5901 Watauga Rd., Watauga, 817.656.0080. 11am-9pm Mon.-Thu.; 11am-10pm Fri.; 7am-10pm Sat.; 10am-9pm Sun. Breakfast Saturdays. $-$$
Chapps 2045 N. Hwy. 360, 817.649.3000. Other locations: 153 Southwest Plaza (1-20 & Little Road), 817.483.8008. 2596 E. Arkansas, 817.460.2097. 11am-9pm daily. $ Chop House Burgers 1700 W. Park Row Drive, Ste. 116, 817.459.3700. 11am-9pm Mon.-Sat. $
fort Worth residents are notably passionate about their red meat, so to paraphrase the lyric from new York, new York, “if you can make it here, you’ll make it anywhere.” With Capital Grille in town, the rest of our great steakhouses may need to stay on their toes. We had a great experience on the night we visited, which is exactly the kind of thing that wins a loyal clientele.
The starters were amazing. The Wagyu Beef Carpaccio ($15) was sliced razor thin and fanned around a mound of peppery arugula salad with a hint of wasabi horseradish in the lemony dressing, then topped with fresh Parmesan shavings. Likewise, the signature appetizer of Pan Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers ($13) was a crowd pleaser.
We sampled steaks and lamb chops that could easily feed a family; they have very generous portions here. You will not go home underfed. The Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin ($44) was one of the best preparations at the table.
The coffee-rubbed sirloin was imparted with a unique flavor from the Kona coffee grounds still visible on top. flavor from being grilled with the bone in.
The Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake ($9) was smooth and rich, with bitter cocoa dusting the top of the wedge, and the plate was decorated with fresh raspberries, whipped cream and mint. This chocolate indulgence would be worth stopping in for all by itself.
La Madeleine 2101 N. Collins St., Arlington, 817.461.3634. 6:30am-10pm daily. Other location: 4201 S Cooper St., Arlington, 817.417.5100. 6:30am-10pm Sun.-Thu.; 6:30am-11pm Fri.-Sat. $ Fort WortH
La Madeleine 6140 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817.654.0471. 6:30am-10pm Sun.-Thu.; 6:30am11pm Fri.-Sat. Other locations: 4626 SW Loop 820. 817.717.5200.; 900 Hwy. 114 W., Grapevine, 817.251.0255. 6:30am-10pm daily $ Saint-Emilion 3617 W. 7th St., 817.737.2781. 5:30pm-9pm Tue.-Thu.; 6pm-9pm Fri.-Sat. $$$
Buca Di Beppo 2701 E. State Hwy. 114, Southlake, 817.749.6262. 11am-10pm Mon.-Thu.; 11am-11pm Fri.-Sat.; 11am-9pm Sun. $$
Ferrari’s Italian Villa 1200 William D. Tate Ave., 817.251.2525. 5pm-10pm Mon.-Fri.; 5pm10:30pm Sat.; 4:30pm-9pm Sun. $$-$$$ Fireside Pies 1285 S. Main St., Grapevine, 817.416.1285. 11am-10pm Sun.-Thu.; 11am-11pm Sat. $$
Hacienda San Miguel 2948 Crockett St., 817.386.9923. 11am-10pm Sun.-Thu.; 11am-midnight Fri. & Sat. $-$$ Joe T. Garcia’s 2201 N. Commerce, 817.626.4356. Cash only. 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm Mon.-Thu.; 11am-11pm Fri.-Sat.; 11am-10pm Sun. $$ La Familia 841 Foch St., 817.870.2002. 11am-10pm Tues.-Fri.; 8am-10pm Sat. Closed Sun.-Mon. $ La Playa Maya 6209 Sunset Dr., 817.738.3329. Other locations: 1540 N. Main St., 817.624.8411. 3200 Hemphill St., 817.924.0698. 11am-10pm Sun.-Thu.; 11am-11pm Fri.-Sat. $ Los Molcajetes 4320 Western Center Blvd., 817.306.9000. 11am-9:30pm Mon.-Thu.; 11am10pm Fri.; 9am-10pm Sat.; 9am-9pm Sun. $ Los Vaqueros 2629 N. Main St., 817.624.1511. Other Location: 3105 Cockrell Ave., 817.710.8828. 11am-9pm Mon.-Thu.; 11 am-10pm, Fri.-Sat.; 10:30am-9pm Sun. Other location: Crown Valley Golf Club, 29 Crown Road, Weatherford. 817.441.2300 $ Mambo’s 1010 Houston St. in the Park Central Hotel, 817.336.3124. 11am- 2pm Tues.-Fri.; 4pm10pm Wed.-Sat. $ Mi Cocina 509 Main St., 817.877.3600. Other
locations: 4601 W. Freeway (I-30 and Hulen), 817.569.1444. 9369 Rain Lily Trail. 817.750.6426. 11am-10pm Sun.-Thu.; 11am-11pm Fri.-Sat. $ The Original 4713 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817.738.6226. 11am-9pm Sun.-Thu.; 11am-10pm Fri.-Sat.; Breakfast tacos: 6am-10am Mon.-Fri. $ Paco & John 1116 8th Ave., 817.810.0032. 7:30am10:30am & 11am-2:30pm Mon.-Fri.; 10am-2pm Sat. $$
Pappasito’s Cantina 2704 W. Freeway, 817.877.5546. Other location: 321 W. Road to Six Flags, Arlington, 817.795.3535. 11am-10pm Sun.Thu.; 11am-11pm Fri.-Sat. $$ all locations Pulidos 2900 Pulido St., 817.732.7571. Other location: 5051 Hwy. 377 S., 817.732.7871. 11am9:30pm Mon.-Thu.; 11am-10pm Fri.-Sat. $ Revolver Taco Lounge 2822 W. 7th St., 817.820.0122. 4m-10pm Tue.-Thu.; 4pm-midnight Fri.-Sat. $$
Rio Mambo 6125 SW Loop 820, 817.423.3124. 1302 S. Main St., Weatherford. 817.598.5944. 11am9:30pm Sun.-Thu.; 11am-10:30pm Fri.-Sat. $$ Salsa Fuego 3520 Alta Mere Drive, 817.560.7888. 11am-9pm Mon.-Thu.; 11am-10pm Fri.-Sat.; closed Sun. $
Salsa Limon 929 University Drive, 817.820.0680. 7am-11pm Mon.-Thu.; 7am-3am Fri.-Sat.; 7am9pm Sun. Other locations: 4200 S. Freeway, Ste. 1099, 817.921.4435. 10am-9pm Mon.-Thu.; 10am2:45am Fri.-Sat.; 10am-10pm Sun.; 2916 W. Berry St. 817.675.2519. 11am-11pm Mon.; 11am-2am Tue.-Sat. $
Truluck’s Seafood, Steak & Crab House 1420 Plaza Pl., 817.912.0500. 5pm-10pm Sun.Thu.; 5pm-11pm Fri.-Sat. $$$ WilloW Park
Fish Creek 4899 E. I-20., 817.441.1746. 11am-9pm Sun.-Thu.; 11am-10pm Fri.; noon-10pm Sat. $$
southwest
Fort Worth
Blue Mesa Bar & Grill 1600 S. University Dr., 817.332.6372. Other Location: 550 Lincoln Square, Arlington, 682.323.3050. 11am-10pm Mon.-Thu.; 11am-11pm Fri.-Sat.; 9am-10pm Sun. $$
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Teresa’s Bartending & Serving
Teresa’s Event Staffing & Bartending will do whatever it takes to make everything perfect for your special day. What sets Teresa and her staff apart from the rest is their willingness to go that extra mile. From coming at the last minute when somebody doesn’t show to thinking fast on her feet when a bride drops the cake, Teresa’s Event Staffing & Bartending will make sure your party goes smoothly.
The best use us for their catered events! Contact us at 817-688-7335
Beauty is more than skin deep...
Lovely ladies are abundant in Fort Worth. We want your help deciding which are the fairest of them all, inside and out, for our 2016 Most Beautiful in Fort Worth feature appearing in the January issue. Go to fwtx.com/MostBeautiful and submit your nominations through Sept. 15.
Entrants must be at least 21, and each submission must include three photos and an explanation of why that woman is the most beautiful in the city.
Ruth’s Chris 813 Main St., 817.348.0080. 5pm-10 pm Mon.-Thu.; 5pm-11pm Fri.-Sat.; 4pm-9pm Sun. $$$
Silver Fox Steakhouse 1651 S. University Dr., 817.332.9060. Other location: 1235 William D. Tate, Grapevine, 817.329.6995. 4pm-10pm Mon.-Sat. $$$ grApevine/SouthlAke/
Old Hickory Steakhouse Restaurant Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, 817.778.2215 (after 5pm, 817.778.2280). Nightly, 5:30pm-10pm. $$$$
Critical care when yo u need it most, split decisi on s made with wisdom, working together to turn tears and fear into joy and laughter…
THE TRAUMA CARE TEAMS ARE THE Treasures JEWEL CHARITY of
The Cook Children’s emergency department is one of the busiest in the country. This year Jewel Charity is working to help raise this caliber of care. With our help, Cook Children’s will expand its emergency department with 76 larger exam rooms, 10 intake rooms, two X-ray rooms, and a new CT room. Make this special care available to every child by becoming a Jewel Charity Angel donor today.
To learn more about Jewel Charity, visit jewelcharity.org or call (817) 732-9333 extension 4.
THE 62ND ANNUAL JEWEL CHARITY BALL DECEMBER 12, 2015 AT THE FORT WORTH CONVENTION CENTER
Each month we will present our readers with an obscure detail shot from somewhere in fort worth, courtesy of photographer brian luenser. We will provide the clues, and you will have the opportunity to guess where the shot was taken at fwtx.com/articles/where-june-15. The following month we will include the full photo as well as a new obscure detail shot. Here are this month’s clues:
1. This popular dining destination has grown from seating only 16 people in 1935 to a more than 1,000 person seating capacity today.
2. The line for the patio might be long, but it’s not too bad if you sip a few of the tasty margaritas while waiting.
reveal from last month Trinity Park, 2401 University Drive
A FAmily Custom
Recent Flower Mound residents, Bruce and Joan Mickey, a.k.a. Mercedes guy and gal, have been loyal Mercedes-Benz owners for 30 years. Former natives of Cincinnati, Ohio, the retired couple shares a love for family, moving to North Texas in 2012 to be near their two daughters and three grandchildren. And the entire family shares an admiration for Mercedes automobiles from Park Place Motorcars Grapevine. The exceptional customer service exhibited by the Park Place staff has made the Mickey family steadfast customers. “Everyone there is very service-oriented and gracious,” said Bruce.
Whether Bruce is spending time with the family, working out at the gym, or watching his grandson play football at Coppell High School, a Mercedes-Benz gets him to his destination.
Bruce says his most recent purchase from Park Place Motorcars Grapevine, a 2014 E350 Mercedes sedan, drives and handles smoothly. “When we travel from Texas to Cincinnati, it’s especially comfortable for long driving trips.”
“My wife loves driving her sports 2014 SL63 AMG roadster; it’s a wonderful automobile.” Bruce is keen on the luxury-laden SL’s dynamic handling with its “souped-up suspension, especially made for high performance automobiles.” He said, “It’s a family thing. Both daughters drive cars from Park Place, and my wife Joan would never have any other car in the world than a Mercedes!”
