Congratulations! We are delighted to recognize our Top 21 agents and Top 2 teams for their outstanding performance in 2016, closing 845 transactions for a total sales volume of $229,012,872, an average of $10,000,000 in sales volume for each agent. With over 200 agents, the culture of Century 21 Mike Bowman, Inc. is to provide the best services and tools for our agents, buyers, and sellers. Because of our outstanding sales agents, managers, and staff, we have been named the #1 CENTURY 21 ® office 18 times in the CENTURY 21 ® System. CENTURY 21® Real Estate is one of the world’s largest Real Estate brokerage franchises with approximately 6,900 franchise offices and more than 104,000 independent sales associates, located in 96 countries and territories.
CENTURY 21 Mike Bowman, Inc. 4101 William D. Tate Avenue Grapevine, TX 76051 customerservice@c21bowman.com (817) 354-7653
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
Photo taken at Boi Na Braza, Brazilian Steakhouse in Grapevine, TX.
Front Row (Sitting) From Left to Right: Mary Ellen, Kim Pulido, Denise Batdorf, Dana Meeks, Quan Baker
Second Row (Sitting) From Left to Right: Lisa Taylor, Penny Brackett, Toni Shiffer
Third Row (Standing) From Left to Right: Wendy Tockey, Melanie Hunt, Cindy Plano, Kerry Zamora, Aniko Pohlman, Tanya Lang, Diane Hood, Carolyn Peak, Linda Peterson, Gerry Jones, Mike Bowman
Fourth Row (Standing) From Left to Right: Daniel Robbins, Steve Kahn, Richards Noon, Fernando Ramsey, Cyndia Moore, Larry Chi, Terry Tremaine, Michele Litchfield, Al Gaither
Introducing Texas Health Hospital Clearfork.
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March 2017
features 54
Where to Buy Now
These 25 neighborhoods showcase everything that Fort Worth is all about – history, walkability, picturesque views, hot new developments all around and so much more. But don’t just take our word for it. Take a quick tour of the neighborhoods, and meet some of the families that call these places home. by Samantha Calimbahin and Kendall Louis
64 Sales Snapshot: Fort Worth’s Neighborhoods How do sales fare in Fort Worth-area neighborhoods? This handy home chart tells all. by Scott
Nishimura
66 Walsh Watch Grand opening day is coming for the 7,200-acre neighborhood being built on what used to be Walsh Ranch in west Fort Worth. Find out how developers are “future-proofing” the project to make it sustainable into the next century. Yes, century. by Scott Nishimura
72
Top Chef Masters
For the first time, Fort Worth Magazine brought together the best of its Top Chefs for a heated battle in the Stockyards. So who came out on top? by Jennifer Casseday-Blair
104 Top Realtors Need a Rea ltor? There’s a list for that.
New townhomes in Linwood.
Scoop Grab your purse. We’ve got the status of Fort Worth’s biggest retail centers under construction, how Neiman Marcus is using tech to enhance the shopping experience, and more.
23
fwliving Cook like a Cajun, dress like a Grammy-winner and rock like an Unlikely Candidate.
24
Escapes Everything you need to see on Route 66 by Kyle Whitecotton
32
Be Well Afterschool snacks just got a little healthier at Alice Carlson, all thanks to one mom’s creative idea. by Laura Belpedio
Culture A local rock band leaves a big-name label, earthquakes shake the C.R. Smith Museum, and live mural painting comes to The Foundry District.
42
Cooking Cajun meets Cowtown with these New Orleansinspired recipes. by Beth Maya
50
Style How to get the look of rising country star and local gal Maren Morris by Jennifer CassedayBlair
78
Heywood The comedic history of real estate, from caves to suburbs
82
Goodwill Get a bite of Fort Worth’s favorite Girl Scout cookies, and find out which charity race event is attracting teams of almost 200 members. by Samantha Calimbahin
92
Up Close Meet the man behind the motors, Jerry Durant. by Jennifer CassedayBlair
96
Snapshots Photos from the Top Chef Masters competition and more from Fort Worth’s biggest events
129
fwevents How to fish the Trinity River and eat the best Fort Worth food for a cause
147
fwdish Hot dogs and crêpes go together like tacos and popcorn...wait, what?
160
Dish Listings Blue Sushi Sake Grill rolls out new additions to the menu.
174
Parting Shot
“Bittersweet beauty” and where to find it
Amy Novacek
Texas Land Owner
A Love for the Land Financed by Heritage
There’s something about the land, something that tugs at our very being. For Amy Novacek, the feeling is almost spiritual. At Heritage Land Bank, we’ve helped people like Amy and just like you finance land in Texas for more than 100 years. If you’re ready to answer that long held desire to own your own piece of Texas, we’re ready to help. Talk to a Heritage lender today.
Home Sweet Home
I HAVE A REAL ESTATE BUCKET LIST. It’s a heavy and expensive bucket that’s filled with Fort Worth streets I would one day like to live on – Avondale Road, Elizabeth Boulevard, Alton Road, Tam O Shanter, Westover Terrace and Indian Creek Drive. A woman can dream, right?
The topic of Fort Worth neighborhoods is one of my favorite discussion points. In fact, I almost always spend a chunk of time driving guests from out of town all around. The way you can drive from the historic streets of Ryan Place to the scenic bluffs of Rivercrest, all while being in the same city, and just a few miles from downtown, thrills me.
So, it was easy and a joy to pen the feature story, Where to Buy Now, along with associate editor Samantha Calimbahin. It gave us yet another excuse to drive around town oohing and ahhing, plus some additional time at our desks virtually windowshopping for homes. I may have removed about 12 needles from a cactus with my ankle during a particularly nosy jaunt through Linwood, but it’s all in the name of journalism.
Turn to page 54 for our discoveries and choices for Where to Buy Now. FW Inc. Executive Editor Scott Nishimura elaborates on one of those 25 neighborhoods with his feature on Walsh on page 66. Learn about the buzziest new ‘burb and the developer’s truly forward-thinking approach to the neighborhood. Or town? Or suburb? I guess we will find out.
Finally, we asked and you answered. On page 104 find our 2017 Top Realtors List, which compiles 193 Fort Worth-area Realtors nominated by you, our readers, as well as other real estate agents in the area. These fine people were the inspiration for each page of this March issue.
If you’re searching for a home, you are in luck.
Happy hunting.
Kendall Louis Executive Editor
Where We Live
Whether it ’s a historic home in Ryan Place or the upbeat environment of downtown, we at Fort Worth Magazine love where we live. Check out what some of our staff members had to say about their neighborhoods But don’t come hiding in our bushes That ’s not cool
1. DOWNTOWN
Nat asha Freimark, Director of Events and Marketing
“I love the energy and lights of the city at night. I am steps away from all of the activity of Sundance Square and enjoy catching a show at the Scat Jazz Lounge or drink at Reata's rooftop bar on the weekend.”
2. WEST BYERS AREA
Kendall Louis, Executive Editor
“We live on a funky cul-de-sac near West Byers that's not really claimed by any one neighborhood. It's hilly and leafy, and we love it."
3. RYAN PLACE
Chad Horany, Chief Digital Officer & Amy Horany, Audience Development Manager
“We searched for nearly six months to find a 1920s charmer in the area. After months of no luck, we took fate into our own hands and started knocking on doors. Our efforts eventually paid off, and we purchased our home without it ever being on the market. We're currently remodeling our 1922 home as we speak.” -Amy
5. MISTLETOE HEIGHTS
Scott Nishimura, Executive Editor, FW Inc.
“My wife, daughter and I live in a 96-year-old bungalow in Mistletoe Heights. We bought the house in 1995 because it had three bathrooms, but we quickly discovered the rest of the appeal of this neighborhood: it's in the heart of the burgeoning hospital district, walkable and bikeable to West Magnolia Avenue, easily accessible to the Trinity Trail, just across the interstate from downtown, and, perhaps most importantly, in the Paschal High School feeder.”
6. ARLINGTON HEIGHTS AREA
Paige Edge, Digital Account Executive
“I live in a super modern home on Pershing Avenue. I love this area because it has quick access to all my favorite spots in Fort Worth, like Winslow's, the Cultural District, the West Seventh area and Magnolia Avenue.”
7. GRAPEVINE
St eve Reeves, Video Producer
4. ARLINGTON
Spray Gleaves, Art Director
“I live on a third of an acre on a woodsy hill near Lake Arlington. I used to dig with the folks at the Arlington Archosaur Site, and one time I thought I found a dinosaur bone in my backyard – it was a cow bone.”
“Not only are there many great restaurants and attractions in Grapevine, but it's near the airport and halfway between Fort Worth and Dallas. It’s the best of all worlds.”
You can follow their renovation on Amy's interior design blog. theblissfulbee.com
1 2 3 4 6 8 9 5 7
1
Spring brings perfect weather for a road trip. Head to page 24 for Kyle Whitecotton’s guide to an all-American adventure along Route 66. Just add country music and a top-down convertible.
2 Jennifer Casseday-Blair once served as executive editor at Fort Worth Magazine and continues to contribute via the writer’s chair. She heads into shaky territory on page 38, spotlighting the C.R. Smith Museum’s newest exhibit on the effects of earthquakes and tsunamis. Jennifer also met up with two local personalities – on page 50, she delves into the personal style of Grammy-winner and Arlington native Maren Morris, and on page 92, she goes one-on-one with renowned car dealer Jerry Durant. Jennifer then gives us a recap of Fort Worth Magazine’s first-ever Top Chef Masters Challenge on page 72.
3
Dreams do come true in New Orleans, especially if those dreams involve food. Food stylist, writer and home entertainment expert Beth Maya makes it all come true on page 42, giving her take on Cajun recipes like Oysters Rockefeller and shrimp, chicken and andouille gumbo.
4
Speaking of the Big Easy, New Orleans native Jessica Llanes takes her food expertise to Fort Worth. This month, she visits Bentley’s, a hot dog joint that also serves...crêpes? Turn to page 148 for her review.
5
Born and raised in Fort Worth, TCU alum Celestina Blok is a fitness instructor and freelance food news writer. On page 150, she gets a taste of the revamped menu at La Perla, now featuring smaller, shareable plates and a new(ish) name. @celestinafw
6 With a background in bonbon making, Fort Worth Magazine circulation manager Brittany Ryan knows her way around Cowtown's food scene. She lets us in on one of Fort Worth’s best-kept secrets, The Beignet Bus, on page 156.
7
World-romping writer Shilo Urban has found her way back home to Fort Worth after living in Maine, Paris, Seattle, New Zealand and Los Angeles. A lover of all things food (and extra pickles), she dishes the details of a pop-up brunch spot serving homestyle favorites like buttermilk pie and green bean casserole (page 154).
8
Hugh Savage is a distant twin cousin of our frequent columnist, Heywood. In the spirit of our real estate issue, he gives us a history of real estate on page 78 – well, a comedic history, anyway.
9
Born and raised in Kansas City with a passion for all things Royals and Chiefs, Laura Belpedio is now hanging out in Fort Worth as as senior journalism major at TCU. She contributes her first story to the magazine on page 32, crossing the street from campus to meet a go-getter mom with a one-of-a-kind fruit stand.
fwtx.com
TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL
Teachers are cool, and some of the coolest are found right here in Fort Worth. Show them your appreciation by voting for them to become one of our 2017 Top Teachers. Nominations are now open on our website. fwtx com/top-teacher-nominations
Good Neighbors
Fort Worth is a great place to live, but you knew that. We did, too. That’s why we built a comprehensive guide to every neighborhood in the city, featuring real estate info, fun facts, nearby attractions and everything you need to know about living in the Fort. Check it out at fwtx.com.
Busy Blog
From coffee and cocktails, to burgers and beer gardens, our bonappétit! blog has been stuffed with Fort Worth foodie news. Visit fwtx.com/ blogs/bon-appetit to get the latest.
In Case You
Missed It
If you aren’t following the fwtx.com blogs, why not? Here are a few of the exclusive online stories you missed this month:
fwculture
With Tourism Growing, Here Is What Fort Worth Is Doing About It
fwfashion
Fort Worth Barber Shop Owner to Open Men’s Grooming Store
fwvoice
5 Th ings to Expect From TCU Baseball in 2017
Got a cool shot of Cowtown? We want to see it. Tag @fwtxmag or use the hashtag #fwtxmag for a chance to be featured on our Instagram feed.
Salsa Limón
Staying connected with the latest local happenings
thescoop
The Shop Don't Stop
Shopping centers and mixed-use projects abound in Fort Worth. Here’s an update on some of the biggest ones.
|
by Fort Worth Magazine Staff |
THE FOUNDRY DISTRICT
Status: Phase Two in progress
Expected completion date: End of 2017
The Foundry District isn’t hard to spot, thanks to the Don’t Quit Your Daydream mural by artist Katie Murray. Located at 2708 Weisenberger and 200 Carroll streets (right behind Montgomery Plaza on West Seventh Street), the development will hold 63,000 square feet of retail, office and restaurant space once it’s completed. The first phase is done, and space is 100 percent leased with tenants including M&O Station Grill, City Surf Fitness, and the developers themselves, M2G Ventures. The second phase is currently underway and will include additional retail, office, restaurant and possibly event, market or brewery space. Phase Two is expected to finish at the end of 2017, with openings planned for early 2018.
photo by Michael Hunter
thescoop
THE SHOPS AT CLEARFORK
Status: Phase Two in progress
Expected completion date: Fall 2017
The Shops at Clearfork opened its anchor tenant, Neiman Marcus, in February, and additional retailers and restaurants are expected to open later this year. The shops, developed by Fort Worth-based Cassco Development Co. and global retail real estate company Simon, are located off Chisholm Trail Parkway and Edwards Ranch Road. It’s all part of the much bigger Clearfork development – a 270-acre community that will ultimately have 1.2 million square feet of retail, 2 million square feet of office space and 2,500 multifamily residential units once finished.
WESTBEND
Status: Phase One complete, expansion being planned
Expected completion date: Not yet determined
Home to retail, dining, office space and views of the Trinity Trails, WestBend is located at South University Drive and River Run, hosting tenants like CorePower Yoga, HG Sply Co., and Pax & Parker. With Phase One complete, developer Trademark Property Co. is currently planning expansion of the district. When finished, WestBend will span 278,000 square feet.
WATERSIDE
Status: Phase One complete Expected completion date: Not yet announced
With everything from retailers to housing units, Waterside is a walkable district developed by Trademark Property Co. at Bryant Irvin Road and Arborlawn Drive. The development celebrated its grand opening last November, with tenants such as REI, Whole Foods Market, Sur La Table, and Steel City Pops, along with 383 multifamily units, all part of the first phase. Once Waterside is fully built, the district will have 200,000 square feet of retailers and riverside restaurants, as well as hotels, office buildings and additional multifamily units. There’s potential for high-density, single-family housing as well. The timing for future phases has not been announced.
OUTLETS AT ALLIANCE
Status: Canceled
Expected completion date: None
For a while, it seemed like two outlet malls were heading to the Alliance area along Interstate 35 – the Tanger Outlets off Texas State Highway 114 and the Outlets at Alliance off State Highway 170. The City of Fort Worth approved incentives for both last year, but ground broke for the Tanger Outlets first, prompting Outlets at Alliance developer The Woodmont Company to call off its project. According to Woodmont Chairman Stephen Coslik, “There is only room for one outlet.”
TANGER OUTLETS
Status: Under construction Expected completion date: November 2017
Construction goes on for the Tanger Outlets, which will feature stores such as Banana Republic, Skechers and the Nike Factory Store. The outlets, located off Interstate 35 and Texas State Highway 114, will include more than 80 retailers and span 350,000 square feet.
LEFT BANK
Status: Grocery store and first phase of retail complete
Expected completion date: Varies per project
Located in the bustling West Seventh Street corridor is Left Bank, a 1.5-million-square-foot, mixed-use development by Dallas real estate company Centergy Retail. Centergy Retail President West Miller said Tom Thumb is expected to open at Left Bank in April, becoming the store’s first “urban grocer” in Texas, with features like a wine and craft beer bar and an expanded organic section. Along with retailers, Left Bank will also have 1,500 residential units, office space, a hotel and a park. Miller said the completion date for each part of the project varies. So where is everyone going to park, you ask? Miller said the development will also include a 300space surface lot open to all visitors.
WestBend
New in Town
Camp Bowie boutique You Are
Here is now carrying New Orleansbased Krewe Eyewear Inspired by New Orleans’ culture, the sunglass line has gained quick popularity, thanks to its frames frequently spotted on the faces of celebs Adair Eyewear is the only other Fort Worth retailer to carry the line
It ’s a questionable location but a genius product Chef Maritza Sepulveda, formerly of Eddie V ’s, opened Pinky’s Waffle Bar, inside Ridgmar Mall, in February. Located
Neiman Marcus at The Shops at Clearfork Opens With Technology at Forefront
| by Kendall Louis |
THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED NEW NEIMAN MARCUS FORT WORTH STORE OPENED FEB. 10 AT THE SHOPS AT CLEARFORK. The Dallas-based retailer partnered with several companies on the 95,000-square-foot store, including San Antonio-based Alamo Architects – the same firm behind Neiman Marcus at The Domain in Austin. President and CEO of Neiman Marcus Group, Karen Katz, describes it as “the store of the future.” It’s a well-deserved description as technology abounds throughout the store. It starts out simple. Digital directories at store entrances have touch screens that allow shoppers to search for the locations of departments, designers and vendors. But things get much more advanced the second customers step foot into the expansive first-floor cosmetics and fragrance department. Eight Memory Makeover Mirrors, from MemoMi Labs, record brand ambassadors applying makeup applications to customers. Short videos, categorized by face, eyes, cheeks
and lips, create a personalized step-bystep guide for use at home.
Upstairs, two Memory Mirrors record 360-degree views of customers trying on clothes. Shoppers can record themselves in two different looks before comparing side-by-side videos. A Sunglass Mirror in the eyewear department provides the same technology. In CUSP, shoppers can shop to their own background music by using the Rockbot app – the modern-day take on a jukebox. Customers download the free app and choose from a selection of songs to play across the second floor while shopping or trying on clothes.
“Neiman Marcus Fort Worth promises to deliver the perfect balance of innovative technology with the service and incomparable fashion and luxury that has been the signature of Neiman Marcus for 110 years,” Katz said.
Neiman Marcus Fort Worth 5200 Monahans Ave.
on the street level between Dillard’s and JCPenney, Pinky’s serves specialty waffles – think cinnamon roll and raspberry cheesecake, and Plano-based Henry ’s ice cream, served atop waffles, á la carte or in a frappé Sepulveda also serves Henry’s in inventive ice cream sandwiches, like a snickerdoodle with salted caramel ice cream and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Gather Café & Coffee opened in North Fort Worth near the intersection of Timberland Boulevard
and Alta Vista Road in January. Specializing in craft coffee and a made-from-scratch menu, Gather is the brainchild of Morgan and Scott Gonzales The “brew” side of the menu features items like Espresso served with Topo Chico, Chemex Pour Over and Oak Cliff soda Food items range from a Goat Cheese & Fig Parfait to Coffee-Braised Chuck The BYOB spot also offers a covered patio, surrounded by a garden used for ingredients The coffee shop and restaurant will also host events and artisan workshops
| by Fort Worth Magazine Staff |
photo by Jason Voinov
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fwliving
Chef Beth Maya's take on Cajun classics.
Route 66’s Best Kicks
| by Kyle Whitecotton |
LIKE RIVERS, WIND AND THE SETTING SUN, ROADS ARE RIPE WITH METAPHOR. They help us understand the twists and turns of life’s long journey and teach us to appreciate all those unexpected detours. But nowhere does the road-as-life metaphor offer more intrigue than the story of Route 66.
During the 1940s and '50s, Route 66 was known as “The Main Street of America.”
The glittery new blacktop stretched more than 2,000 miles over eight states from Chicago to Los Angeles, winding through small towns, past hundreds of cafés, motels, gas stations and tourist attractions along the way. It was a journey from the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt that drew throngs of travelers eager to see the sights of the open road and the open country.
Beginning in the late 1950s, though, Route 66 was slowly bypassed section-
by-section as construction of high-speed interstate highways drew travelers away. So far away, in fact, that in 1984 the road was decommissioned and removed from the U.S. Highway System altogether. But the story doesn’t end there. Not long after it was decommissioned, the all-but-forgotten two-lane road earned legendary status and a new moniker — Historic Route 66.
Today the two-week journey from end to end still retains its popularity with adventure-seekers and travelers longing for a forgotten America. What’s more, the roadsides of Route 66 are still sprinkled with some legendary attractions. Sure, the shine wore off years ago, but the worthy traveler may discover the old road still
Blue Swallow Motel — Tucumcari, New Mexico
fwliving escapes
sparkles in places. Here are just a few of those places.
CHAIN OF ROCKS BRIDGE
Illinois-Missouri Border
Built in 1929 and spanning one of the most scenic sections of the Mississippi River, the Chain of Rocks Bridge links St. Louis, Missouri, and Madison, Illinois, with a famous 22-degree bend in the middle and two notable water intake towers nearby. This mile-long pedestrian bridge also offers visitors an opportunity to cross this mighty river on foot or bicycle.
MERAMEC CAVERNS
Stanton, Missouri
Missouri is known as the cave state, so
it’s no surprise that one of the state’s best Route 66 stops is the impressive Meramec Caverns. Established as a tourist attraction in 1930, the caverns offer tours along with camping, canoe trips and gold panning nearby. Just as popular with travelers are the many roadside barns painted to promote the caverns.
ROUTE 66 MUSEUM
Clinton, Oklahoma
Route 66 is so much more than its roadside attractions. This stretch of blacktop is saturated with decades of American history from the Dust Bowl to the Big Band Era and beyond. And while each state has its own unique museum, Oklahoma’s fun and informative walk-through gallery is one of the finest.
BLUE WHALE OF CATOOSA
Catoosa, Oklahoma
In 1972, Hugh Davis built one of Route 66’s most recognizable attractions as an anniversary gift to his wife, Zelta. For decades after, the Blue Whale remained a beloved summertime hotspot for picnicking, swimming and fishing. Today this icon remains lovingly restored and maintained by Catoosa locals and offers a classic photo opportunity for travelers.
CADILLAC RANCH
Amarillo, Texas
Pair up a Texas billionaire with some art hippies from San Francisco, and the result is big, colorful and timeless. Legend has it, these 10 half-buried Cadillacs match the angle of the Great Pyramid of Giza; however, unlike the pyramid, visitors here are encouraged to supply their own artistic contribution using spray paint.
GLENRIO GHOST TOWN
Texas-New Mexico Border
By 1920, the small town of Glenrio thrived with grocery stores, cafés, service stations, hotels and a hardware store that sustained Route 66 travelers through the prosperous '40s and '50s. Today it stands as one of Route 66’s best ghost towns, home to architectural remnants and a still-intact main street reminiscent of the road’s bygone boom days.
THE BLUE HOLE
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
Halfway between Amarillo and Albuquerque, a deep pool of crystalline water suddenly appears in the arid desert. Connected to six other sister lakes by a vast underground network of water, Blue Hole is a natural wonder offering 100 feet of underwater visibility and a constant 62-degree temperature, perfect for a Route 66 swim break.
BLUE SWALLOW MOTEL
Tucumcari, New Mexico
Because the town has maintained its daysof-old charm, a stopover in Tucumcari offers 21st century Route 66 travelers one of the best opportunities to step back in time. And a night at the family-owned Blue Swallow — with a historic courtyard, restored rooms, attached garages and brilliant neon lights — is an opportunity to linger there a while.
METEOR CRATER
Northern Arizona
Route 66’s most impactful attraction is 50,000 years old and dubbed the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site. At
Blue Whale of Catoosa — Catoosa, Oklahoma
Wigwam Village Motels —
and Cal
Photo features Willow Bend™ Dark Brown 6 x 24 on the floor.
nearly a mile across and more than 550 feet deep, Meteor Crater offers three breathtaking lookout points, tons of interactive displays and exhibits, and a guided rim trail tour around the crater.
WIGWAM VILLAGE MOTELS
Arizona and California
Of the original seven Wigwam Village Motels popular during the 1930s, only three still remain today, and two call Route 66 home. Wigwam Village No. 6 in Holbrook, Arizona, and Wigwam Village No. 7 in Rialto, California, each offer individual rooms shaped like teepees and equipped with modern comforts. Additionally, Arizona’s village includes a classic car display.
ELMER LONG’S BOTTLE TREE RANCH
Oro Grande, California
Elmer Long, beneficiary of his father’s extensive bottle collection, has created a quirky, colorful roadside forest of more than 200 bottle trees spread across 2 acres of California desert west of Barstow. While the sun and wind bring the forest to life, the most unique installation might be the story-telling curator himself.
SANTA MONICA PIER
Los Angeles, California
Because most travelers of the 1930s and '40s were heading west along Route 66, the Santa Monica Pier often marked the end of a long cross-country journey. But with such a spirited variety of entertainment, food and shopping, it’s the most appropriate grand finale to an equally grand adventure.
Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch — Oro Grande, California
If you own or lead a business, you get it. Lots of big decisions – but never enough time, resources or trusted advice to make life easier.
I get it too. That’s why I created
Success Fort Worth
My name is Tony Ford and I designed Success Fort Worth to give you the critical tools needed to succeed:
- Personal introductions to professional service firms & funding sources
- Cost-effective strategic coaching
- Multi-generational business transition
- Maximum cash-out leverage at sale time
Over the last 30 years while creating my own award-winning Fort Worth based companies and serving as a coach/mentor to dozens of others, I have spent millions of dollars with professional service firms. Now I want to introduce you to the people, resources and strategies that have greatly accelerated our success.
Please take a moment to go to: www.successfortworth.com
Then, contact me to schedule a free faceto-face visit to discuss ways I can help to accelerate your success!
Tony Ford, President 817-832-5696
tford@successfortworth.com
Rad Apples
JULIE VITEK IS A MOM WITH BRIGHT RED WHEELS. Late last year Vitek started her own fresh fruit stand at the Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center that would serve as a place where kids could grab a healthy and free after-school snack. The market, dubbed Coyote Market after the
school’s mascot, is open every third week of the month and located in the courtyard at Alice Carlson. Coyote Market offers numerous fruit options that include the usual: apples, bananas, pears and oranges, with the addition of one interesting fruit option of Vitek’s choice.
“I’ll add something interesting each month,” Vitek said. “I’ve brought kiwis, Spanish plums, strawberries, grapes – and the kids love it because it’s something new.”
Vitek, an instructor at Arts Fifth Avenue and Urban Yoga, says she’s always been a healthy eater and fitness lover. She developed the idea of starting a fruit stand after becoming the healthy lifestyles chair on the PTA board at Alice Carlson, where her twins are secondgraders. She immediately knew she was going to need support and donations. Grocers, the PTA board and, most importantly, other parents became the main sources of fruit.
Vitek built the market with the help of her brother, constructing the seven-foot wooden stand and attaching a cherry-red wagon underneath so it would be easily portable. She got crafty while making the stand’s sign by cutting out wooden fruit and topping it off with a colorful flower border.
Vitek was pleasantly surprised by what happened next.
“I was blown away by everyone’s reactions,” Vitek said. “The first day it was open and every day since, there’s been a huge line around the corner. We just can’t believe how excited the kids get over it.”
Future plans for Coyote Market include getting a steady flow of donations from local grocery stores.
“I would just love to see it [the market] grow –and it is,” Vitek said. “One of my goals is to have a partnership with a grocery store so we can have an ongoing donation.”
Vitek also hopes the kids will eventually help with the stand one day.
“There are so many kids that have no snacks, have only unhealthy snacks or have never even had healthy snacks introduced into their lives,” Vitek said. “We wanted the kids to be introduced to a healthy option.”
One Fort Worth woman is tackling the topic of healthy food alternatives head on.
| story and photo by Laura Belpedio |
Julie Vitek serves fresh fruit at Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center
Truck Month is here. You’d better hurry.
Truck Month is on at Don Davis Auto Group. Factory incentives have never been better on Ford, Ram and Nissan trucks. And our selection is second-to-none. Look over the new 2017 Nissan Titan. And the new, military-grade aluminum 2017 Ford F-150. Or check out the new 2017 Ram Rebel. But hurry.
You’ll find the truck and the deal that’s right for you during Truck Month at Don Davis Auto Group.
2017 Nissan Titan XD Cummins Turbo Diesel
2017 Ford F-150 FX4 4x4 Super Crew
2017 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab
Tracy Autem Photography
Tracy Autem Photography
Dirty Rock 'n' Roll Stuff
The Unlikely Candidates talk new EP, living in the same house, and why they haven't made an album...yet.
| by Samantha Calimbahin |
JUST BECAUSE A BAND HAS BEEN AROUND FOR NEARLY A DECADE DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN IT’S HANGING UP PLATINUM RECORDS AND USING GRAMMYS AS PAPERWEIGHTS. For Fort Worth-based alternative rock quintet The Unlikely Candidates, the last nine years have been spent learning – honing their songwriting skills, while at the same time, getting a feel for the ins and outs of the music industry.
It’s been mostly the latter, frontman Kyle Morris says, which is part of the reason why The Unlikely Candidates haven’t released a full-length album yet. But now that they know a little more about the business (and have recently switched from a big-name label to a smaller label), the band is ready to get going, releasing its second EP, Bed of Liars, on Feb. 17, with plans to make its first album in the near future.
“We have enough material for at least
four very solid albums,” Morris said. Well, sort of. More like “three great ones and two very average ones,” he adds, laughing.
In some ways, making the switch from Atlantic Records to Another Century, a label owned by Sony, is like starting afresh. When the band signed with Atlantic in 2013, it couldn’t help but feel starstruck. After all, it would be working with the group behind names like Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Paramore. That same year, The Unlikely Candidates released their first EP, Follow My Feet, on which most of the music was co-written with a producer, Morris said.
After that, the band hit the road, performing around the country and “living the rock ‘n’ roll dream,” Morris said. But soon, he says, it hit a snag – the band had written a handful of new songs but couldn’t get a go-signal from the label to put anything out.
“When we did that whole Atlantic
photo by Zach Burns
thing, we wrote hundreds of songs, but we weren’t able to release them because we were waiting for an official release through them,” Morris said. “But that never panned out. We had so many songs that we needed to move on.”
So the band left Atlantic, having spent about three years on the label. It remained independent for a stint; then last October, it signed with Another Century, a smaller label founded just three years ago.
Still, Morris says the band has much more creative freedom than it had in the past. Working on its newest EP, Bed of Liars, was a different experience. While Follow My Feet was mostly written with a songwriter outside the band, Morris and guitarist Brenton Carney handled most of the songwriting for Bed of Liars on their own.
And with that came a brand new sound. Bed of Liars strays from the folk-infused, acoustic guitar-driven conventions of Follow My Feet, instead incorporating synths, distorted vocals and edgier hooks.
The band plays with sound effects, too. A careful listener jamming out to the clap-worthy anthem “Ringer” will notice the faint ding of a bell before the chorus; “Violence” appropriately opens with a police siren that reemerges throughout the song almost seamlessly.
The band is currently booking dates throughout the year. When it’s not on tour, it calls Fort Worth home, sharing the same house off Hemphill and Berry streets. Drummer Kevin Goddard admits they sometimes feel like the odd men out, especially in a city that tends to be a hotbed for country and blues artists.
But it’s okay. The Unlikely Candidates like being...unlikely.
“We just love dirty rock ‘n’ roll stuff,” Morris said.
Hold On Tight
The C.R. Smith Museum’s special exhibit, When the Earth Shakes, allows visitors to better understand the effects of earthquakes and tsunamis on the planet.
| by Jennifer Casseday-Blair
|
YEARS OF STUDYING VIOLENT ACTS OF NATURE SUCH AS TSUNAMIS AND EARTHQUAKES have brought forth innovative methods for predicting when and where an earthquake will strike.
Since January the C.R. Smith Museum has welcomed guests to experience a hands-on special exhibit, When the Earth Shakes, featuring the physics of earthquakes. Interactive events that display the Earth’s tectonics must be pieced together before time runs out and the pieces fall.
Museum-goers will have the opportunity to engineer structures that must withstand earthquakes on the Shake Table, jump on the Quake Karaoke plat-
form to match an earthquake seismogram, and build structures on a “beach” that can withstand the launch of a wave in the 16-foot Tsunami Tank. The destruction is captured on video, and builders can review the footage in slow motion to try to improve their design.
Since 1993 the C.R. Smith Museum has specialized in the mechanics and physics of the world and in aviation. Children who are fascinated by flight have the opportunity to touch, feel and experience (through simulators) flying. Interactive displays and exhibits showcase the history of American Airlines, along with how engineers are capable of modern-day flight through planes carrying hundreds of people every day. Artifacts, which began
Bright Alley
| by Samantha Calimbahin |
THE EYE-POPPING IMAGE OF A WOMAN IN BRIGHT BLUE SUNGLASSES graces the wall of the building at 200 Carroll St., but soon, Don’t Quit Your Daydream won’t be the only mural in the up-and-coming development.
On March 25, as part of Spring Gallery Night, six local artists will come together to paint five additional murals on an 80-foot wall in The Foundry District being dubbed “Inspiration Alley.” Artists like Hillary Dohoney, Jana Renee and Jeremy Joel will paint for six hours, from 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
The public is invited to watch the murals being painted live, as well as enjoy tacos from Salsa Limón, mixed drinks from a cash bar and live music from DJ Pop
with the Paul Kent Collection, were acquisitioned, catalogued and incorporated into the museum’s displays and archives by staff and volunteers.
The “star” and centerpiece of the C.R. Smith Museum is its restored 1940 Douglas DC-3, Flagship Knoxville. Visitors can get a realistic sense of what air travel was like in the ’40s when C.R. Smith and the DC-3 revolutionized commercial air travel.
The museum’s Flightlab features computer simulators and games for visitors with wind tunnels and interactive displays that educate on aerodynamics and how planes are capable of staying in the air.
Admission to When the Earth Shakes is $7 for adults and $4 for kids under 17 and seniors over 65, though special discounts are available for members, students and military, and large groups.
When the Earth Shakes
American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum Jan. 14 – Sept. 2 Tues. – Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 4601 Hwy. 360 at FAA Road Fort Worth 76155 | 817.967.1560 crsmithmuseum.org
Boy Etc. M2G Ventures, developer of The Foundry District, plans to turn the alley into an outdoor art gallery.
Spring Gallery Night is a one-day event in which Fort Worth art galleries, museums, retailers and restaurants open to showcase artists for free. Katie Murray, who painted the Dreamer mural series seen throughout town, is the event’s chief curator.
Down the road from The Foundry District, Fort Works Art, at 2100 Montgomery St., will host a free reception to celebrate the opening of its newest exhibit, #28grams. The show will feature 28 “Instagram famous” artists like Kit King (@ kit_king) and Dan Lam (@sopopomo). At press time, the full program of events had not yet been released. fwada.com/gallerynight.html
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Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler
NEW ORLEANS. BOY, DOES IT HAVE A FEELING AND A VIBE LIKE NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.
A few years ago, my husband and I packed up and flew to the Big Easy. We stayed in a fantastic hotel near the French Quarter called The Saint, and for four days we ate and drank everything in sight.
Cajun food can feel a bit out of reach for the home cook. Mastering a decadent roux and the perfect depth of flavor can be nerve-racking for anyone. Of course we all know
that one person who has a recipe straight from New Orleans, passed down from someone’s Cajun grandmother. No one wants to compete with that. But let’s do just that. Let’s tackle the amazing food of New Orleans, and bring it home to family and friends. Whether you try your hand at a festive crawfish boil or a savory slow-cooked shrimp, chicken and sausage gumbo, there’s no need to be intimidated by these incredible foods. Invite some friends over and get cooking.
Crawfish boil
| story and food styling by Beth Maya | photography by Alex Lepe |
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fwliving cooking
CRAWFISH BOIL
• 1 (35 to 40-pound) sack live Cajun crawfish
• 1 (26-ounce) box salt (for purging crawfish)
• Water
• 2 (1-pound) boxes/sacks crawfish boil seasoning
• 6 to 8 lemons, sliced in half
• 6 small onions, peeled
• 4 pounds of smoked sausage, cut up into large pieces
• 3 pounds small red or new potatoes, unpeeled
• 10-15 ears of fresh corn on the cob, shucked and broken in halves
• 6 heads of garlic, split in half, exposing pods
The cardinal rule is to purge and thoroughly wash the crawfish before boiling them. Pour the sack of live crawfish in a large tub or a large ice chest. Pour one (1) 26-ounce box salt over the top of the crawfish. Add water to just cover the crawfish. Gently stir with a large paddle to mix the salt and the water. Stir for 3 minutes, then rinse crawfish. Be careful not to let them purge too long. You do not want them to be dead when you add them to the boil. Throw away all crawfish that have already died (the dead crawfish should float to the top). You do not, I repeat, DO NOT want to add dead crawfish to the pot. After purging and cleaning, do not leave the crawfish covered with water, as they will die.
In a very large pot over high heat, add enough water to fill a little more than halfway. Squeeze the juice out of the lemon halves into the water, and throw the lemon halves into the water. Add crawfish or crab boil seasoning. Cover pot, turn on the burner to full blast, and bring water to a boil for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the spices to mix well. Make sure water is at a rolling boil. Using a large wire basket that fits into the
pot, add onions, sausage, corn, potatoes and any other vegetables you desire. Maintain a boil and cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add crawfish to the wire basket, stirring them a bit. Once the water starts a rolling boil again, boil 5 minutes. Regulate the burner so the rolling boil is maintained, but where the pot does not boil over. Add crawfish to basket. Turn the burner off, keep the pot covered, and let the crawfish soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
Remove wire basket from pot. Wait for crawfish to cook. Remove the strainer from the water, and rest it on the top of the pot using two boards laid on the top of the pot as a rack. Let the crawfish drain. Remove basket with cooked crawfish to serve the traditional way –cover a table (preferably outdoors) with thick layers of newspaper. Spill the contents of the basket (onions, potatoes, sausage and crawfish) along the length of the newspaper-covered table. Crawfish are best served steaming hot. Serves a large group.
OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 shallot, finely minced
• 2 cups loosely packed fresh spinach
• 1 bunch watercress, stems trimmed
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Pernod or other aniseflavored liqueur
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, ground
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 pound (about) rock salt
• 24 fresh oysters, shucked, shells reserved
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 450°F. Finely chop garlic in processor. Add spinach, shallot, watercress and green onions to garlic. Process, using on/off turns, until mixture is finely chopped. Transfer mixture to medium bowl.
Combine butter, breadcrumbs, Pernod, fennel and hot sauce in processor. Process until well blended. Return spinach mixture to processor. Process, using on/off turns, just until mixtures are blended. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover; chill.)
Sprinkle rock salt over large baking sheet to depth of 1/2 inch. Arrange oysters in half shells atop rock salt. Top each oyster with 1 tablespoon spinach mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake until spinach mixture browns on top, about 8 minutes.
BLACKENED SHRIMP PO’BOY
• 1 (12-inch) hoagie loaf or French baguette
• 12 large shrimp, a little less than 1/2 pound
• 2-3 leaves lettuce
• 1 cup of shredded cabbage
• 2 tomatoes
• A couple slices of onion
• Sauce: 2 1/2 tablespoons light mayo, 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon sweet relish, a squeeze of lemon, salt to taste.
Oysters Rockefeller
fwliving cooking
Preheat oven to medium high.While it's heating, season the shrimp with your favorite blackening seasoning, some lemon juice and a dash of olive oil. Set that aside.
Make the sauce by combining the mayo, ketchup, sweet relish, Worcestershire, a bit of lemon juice and some salt. Taste and adjust the seasonings if need be.
Place the shrimp on the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until opaque and cooked through.
Build your sandwich the way you like and enjoy.
SHRIMP, CHICKEN AND ANDOUILLE GUMBO
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large onions, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 green bell peppers, seeded, chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 2 (8-ounce) bottles clam juice
• 2 cups low-salt chicken broth
• 2 pounds andouille sausage, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat until very hot and almost smoking. Add flour and stir constantly until mixture is dark reddish brown, about 5 minutes. Add chopped
onions, chopped bell peppers and chopped celery, and cook until onions are soft and brown, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes. Add garlic and cayenne and stir 2 minutes. Add wine, thyme and bay leaves; bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes with juice, clam juice, broth, sausage and chicken; simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Add okra and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.
Add shrimp to pot, and cook shrimp until just opaque in center, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Season gumbo to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with minced parsley, and serve with steamed rice alongside.
Special thanks to Central Market for providing the food and to Shuck and Jive for providing the crawfish. For more on Beth Maya, please visit foodbybethmaya.com.
Shrimp, chicken and andouille gumbo
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Country Music Darling
While so much of her musical identity is shaped by her self-written lyrics and strong vocals, Grammywinner Maren Morris has a killer sense of style on and off the stage.
| by Jennifer Casseday-Blair | photo by Robby Klein |
RECEIVING A GUITAR AS A GIFT FROM HER FATHER AT THE AGE OF 12, MORRIS TOOK TO MUSIC INSTANTLY. Her prowess for writing began with poems and stories in school and eventually led her to working as a songwriter for artists like Tim McGraw and Kelly Clarkson. Joking that she was the only kid in school that had a job on weekends, Morris would play at any Texas bar or club that would allow her to perform.
Growing up in Arlington, Morris would often garner attention while dominating the karaoke machine when her parents, who owned a local hair salon, would throw parties. Morris was influenced by albums by Patty Griffin, Sheryl Crowe and the Dixie Chicks. While she loves country and roots music, she believes in breaking through genre limitations. Morris describes her style as “gangsta June Carter.”
Rejected from both The Voice and American Idol, Morris says
Q. How would you describe your style?
A. Laid back…at times a little rocker tomboy and other times really sexy and feminine. It depends on the day or occasion. I love the ’60s- and ’70s-era fashion, so that influences a lot of my style choices.
Q. How does your style differ offstage?
A. I'm more relaxed offstage with my clothing. No heels or a ton of makeup, obviously. I love cozy sweaters and skinny jeans, but then I'll kick it up with some cowhide ankle boots. I'm always balancing casual with edgy.
that being a celebrity was never the driving force of her ambition. Instead she spent her time composing hundreds of songs containing honest lyrics. At just 20 years old, Morris moved to Nashville with three hits already on the Texas Music Chart.
Slowly building an audience with her sheer talent and striking presence, her small gigs quickly evolved into opening acts for Sam Hunt, Loretta Lynn and Chris Stapleton.
Last year she released her 11-track album, Hero, which received rave reviews from critics and her fan base. Morris entered the Billboard Heatseekers’ chart at No. 1, has been racking up millions of spins on Spotify and was named one of Rolling Stone Country’s Artists You Need to Know.
Morris debuted on Saturday Night Live with host WWE star John Cena on Dec. 10. She also walked the 50th Annual CMA Awards red carpet wearing a tri-color metallic mermaid gown by Michael Costello alongside her hero, Dolly Parton, and won New Artist of the Year. Last month, Morris was nominated for four Grammys (Best New Artist, Best Country Solo Performance, Best Country Song, Best Country Album), winning one (Best Country Solo Performance). “It seems like almost every day that I’ve been able to cross things off my bucket list,” Morris said in a recent interview.
Always looking the part, Morris commonly lands on celebrity best-dressed lists and is making her mark as a fashion icon. While touring on the road, she took some time to answer a few of our questions about her unique style.
Q. Who is your style inspiration?
A. I love Kate Hudson. She can glide through so many different styles, but she makes it quintessentially her, which is inspiring.
Q. What’s your favorite article of clothing?
A. I love thigh-high boots. I wear them over cigarette jeans or with hot pants on stage. They always make me feel like a modern-day Bond girl.
RACIL Silver Brocade
Saving Landscape Water Usage = Saving BIG $
A l most one -th i rd of t he water your fam- r i l y consumes some 100 g a ll ons a day on average ends up on your yard and garden, accordi ng to the Envi ronmental P rotec t io n Ag ency. Nat i onw i de, more tha n 7 bi ll io n g a ll ons a d a y go to la n dscape i rr igation I f that we ren’t p robl em enou gh , as m uch as h a l f t hat wa ter is r wasted. It falls on sidewalk s or evaporates r into the air before r it reaches the g round. Wi th a few s i m p le ch an g es to t he way you water and r usi ng a l icensed i rr igator, you can sa ve a p rec i ous resource a n d lower your r bills r at the same time.
Why use a Professionally Licensed Irrigator?
F i r st a n d foremost, because it is t he law A person may not sell, design, i nstall, ma i nta i n,a lter, repa i r, se rvice or inspect r an i rr ig at i on system—or consult r i n these act i vit ies i n th is s tate un less the person is l icensed by the TCEQ.
It ’s i m p ortan t t hat you d eve l o p a pl an for smart r water usage r or evaluate r convert i n g yo u r cu rre nt l an d sca p e to i n cl ude pl ants a n d des ig n feat u res that are app rop r iate for our r zone. r
make a b ig diffe re n ce i n keep i n g yo u r
w i th out a lot of effo r t on yo u r part. T he key to water i n g la wn s is to a pply wate r i n f re q uentl y, yet t h orou ghl y Water i n g too heav i l y or too of te n can w eake n your lawn, r was te water, a n d carry so i l, fert i l i zers, a n d p est i c i des i nto s trea m s. Water i ng too l ittl e can also was te wate r because it does l ittle to alleviate stress on grass f rom d rought.
7 Solutions to Save
1. Your irrigation r system needs to be regular ly adjusted y and checked for leaks r by a y professional licensed irrigator to r ensure water is r being proper ly applied, y sprinkler heads r are free from debr is, and the system does not have leaks.
2. Run the i rr igation system within allotted city restr iction y times.
3. Ha ve a l ice n sed i rr ig ator re pl ace yo u r s ta n da rd i rr ig at i on clock t i m e r
co ntrolle r a n d sa ve near ly 8 , 800 g a ll ons of wa te r annua lly. New tec h no l o gy uses local wea t he r a n d l an d sca p e co n di t io n s to dete rm i n e yo u r yard’s wa te r n eeds.
4. Ensure spr inklers are not water ing sidewalks or driveways r and that the water output is reaching the desi red sur face.
5. Make sure your irrigation controller has r a rain / freeze shutoff device.
6. Consider alternatives r to spray irrigation y when possible such as dr ip i rr igation which can minimize evaporation and r unoff by 60 y percent or more. r
7. Conver t traditional spray nozz les to output water at r diffe rent rates, traj ectory, and patterns to ensure proper
I n order to r m ake every d ro p of wate r cou nt i n t he h ome, we m ust th i nk a n d act in conservation, adjust current equip-
l ea k s, i n s ta l l more efficie nt e q u ip ment, and even think of k water less ways to complete some tasks.
We can all w o r k to g et h er t o sa v e “ water bill” r d o ll ars, a n d even further by r us i n g our local p ro fess i onals to ensure we do this i n an effective and water con- r scious manner.
WHERE TO BUY NOW
| by Samantha Calimbahin and
Kendall Louis |
Fort Worth, Texas. The 16th largest city in the United States. Named “one of the great art destinations in the world” by Vanity Fair. Named “1st in the nation as a place for entrepreneurs” by Entrepreneur Magazine. Home to the TCU Horned Frogs, the Cultural District, Hell’s Half Acre, and some of the hottest neighborhoods in Fort Worth. Here, we profile 25 of the most walkable, buyable, livable, growable and, most importantly, lovable.
WALKABLE
While Fort Worthians rely heavily on cars for transportation, there are plenty of neighborhoods that really let you stretch your legs.
Linwood You could practically hear the tears falling on the tin cans when developers demolished the famous Fort Worth Beer Can House at the corner of Whitmore and Currie streets in Linwood last year. But twas also the sound of development. After rising from the rubble of two major floods and the 2000 tornado, many Linwood homes have finally succumbed to the growth surrounding them, but a handful of small colorful cottages remain among the construction...for now. And while some homeowners were disappointed to lose the battle to keep apartments and townhomes out, it’s hard to ignore the beauty of modern new townhomes looking across the historic Jesse D. Sandoval Park toward downtown. “It doesn’t feel as contrived as some of the other new builds because it does have a historic feel,” says Mary Carolyn Gatzke with Briggs
Freeman. Numerous developers are still in the process of erecting multi-family residential housing where low-income duplexes used to be, including Village Homes and Fort Capital. The area has become increasingly walkable over the years, thanks to the number of businesses that have flocked to the West Seventh corridor. Retailers are also popping up to the south, thanks to locally owned M2G Ventures. The company owns 4.5 acres of land and old warehouses adjacent to Linwood. Its vision for the space, which it coined The Foundry District, will result in even better walkability for Linwood residents. Its adapted reuse of old warehouses, plus two funky murals and a plan for an outdoor art gallery coined “Inspiration Alley,” is already home to numerous consumer-friendly spots including M&O Station Grill, Feathers Boutique and City Surf Fitness. Jonathan Morris, owner of Fort Worth Barber Shop, also announced in February that he will open a men’s grooming supply store in The Foundry District this year, proving that plenty of the cool kids and concepts are setting up shop in this area.
Lower Monticello (LowMo)
This small subset of the Monticello neighborhood, which includes streets to the east of Monticello Drive, butts up to the Cultural District and new Seventh Street developments, providing the perfect equation for walkability. More established joints, like Saint-Emilion and Michaels, are also holding strong among the surrounding growth. New townhomes exist alongside duplexes and historic bungalows with prices around $200/square foot that are more affordable than other parts of Monticello.
Fairmount Eight years ago this charming neighborhood would have held a spot firmly planted in the “up and comers” category. But, as of now, it has come. Thanks to nearby Magnolia Avenue and the bevy of bars, restaurants, food trucks, coffee shops and parks, it is certifiably walkable. Residents can leave the car at home, walk to Magnolia Avenue, grab some wheels from the B-cycle station and make it to most areas of Fort Worth without an engine. The thriving new businesses are juxtaposed by bungalow and four-square homes from the late 1800s and early 1920s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, structures are protected under a Historic District Overlay, meaning homeowners have to abide by a certain set of guidelines when rehabbing a home. But that hasn’t stopped numerous flippers from investing in houses in the area. The result is a picturesque and charming neighborhood with steadily climbing home values.
Arlington Heights While all parts of this historic neighborhood are walkable, thanks to its proximity to Camp Bowie which bounds the area on the north, it’s the easternmost edge, near Montgomery Street, that’s close to the newest action. Buzzy Taco Heads, the Cultural District and a new $450 million multipurpose arena, scheduled to open in 2019, are all driving activity, construction and home values up. The result is a combination of townhomes, condos and new builds
A modern townhome sits next to a historic cottage in Linwood.
mixed in with historic homes and bungalows. Long a go-to for starter homes, thanks to charming bungalows in the $300,000s, the area is now also attracting singles and investors. That’s evidenced by the zero-lot-line townhomes popping up throughout the neighborhood. And, if
ly hosts neighborhood events in the park that sits in the middle of the quaint traffic circle with a funky array of businesses. Those to the south of Berry, in the blocks west of University and north of Benbrook Boulevard, also benefit from some of the only 1,500 to 2,000-square-foot homes that are in the highly acclaimed Tanglewood Elementary zone.
UP AND COMERS
Where to buy if you want to get in early on the hottest new hoods in town.
The Arlington Heights Resident Jack Proctor, Attorney
The Purchase Date Land in 2015, Home in March 2016
The House A 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2,200 squarefoot condo
The Purchase Jack was looking to build a duplex near Camp Bowie with a rooftop patio overlooking downtown. “My brother, Jake, found a lot off the market being sold by Judge Thomas Lowe,” he says. After looking at zoning maps, Jack and Jake quickly realized they could build a series of townhomes if they could acquire the adjacent 6-plex next door. They tracked the owner down, purchased the neighboring lot, and reached out to Village Homes to joint venture on the project. They re-platted the two lots into six, and the perfect lot for new townhomes was born.
The Neighborhood Views of downtown from the top of the Crestline hill make the neighborhood for Proctor. “Millennials are looking for a more compact living space, and a townhome is perfect for that,” Jack says. “I can enjoy a nice view from the rooftop without a massive yard and required upkeep of a large property.” A home renovated by fixer-upper team 6th Ave homes in Fairmount.
you’ve ever wished Curly’s Frozen Custard was just a quick walk away, this part of Arlington Heights is for you.
Bluebonnet Hills and Bluebonnet Place Thanks to the Berry/University Urban Village Plan that launched in 2007, the once shoddy-looking blocks surrounding the Berry Street and University Drive intersection have transformed into a pleasing streetscape filled with bricked sidewalks, boulevards, newly planted trees and a B-cycle station. Enter Phase Two. Last year the City of Fort Worth was granted funding for the similarly motivated Berry/University Development Plan. Proposed plans include expanding pedestrian-friendly areas and fixing the gaps in viable businesses along Berry. Success also banks heavily on the new TEX Rail line (a 27-mile commuter rail project), and the potential for a TCU/Berry station — meaning nearby homeowners can walk safely to spots like Cafe Brazil, Toppers, TCU and even the TEXRail station, where they can hop on and ride the tracks to DFW airport. Bluebonnet Circle, which houses the popular Fred’s TCU, frequent-
Westworth Village Adjacent to Westover Hills, this still under-the-radar area is poised for a surge, thanks to the momentum of its neighbor, The River District. “This is a gem that’s long gone overlooked in Fort Worth,” says Chris Powers, CEO of Fort Capital, which has invested in the area over the last three years. The city of Westworth Village has also invested in itself, reconstructing prominent roadways, replacing utility lines and adding sidewalks. It’s also home to Airfield Falls, Fort Worth’s only natural waterfall. Airfield Falls trailhead, which will provide the public parking and easy access to the falls, is expected to be complete in April. Considered by many in the industry to be the next great play, Westworth Village prices are still low, low, low with some homes close to $100/square foot. Fort Capital is also developing Magnolia West in Westworth Village across the street from Shady Oaks Country Club. They will team with a luxury builder on 35 plats of land for high-end, custom, single-family homes starting at $550,000. An added bonus: Westworth Village is in the zone for Burton Hill Elementary, one of the city’s top performing elementary schools.
The River District The River District is one of Fort Worth’s hottest communities under construction, attracting both future residents and businesses alike. The buzzy new area is thanks to the vision of Fort Capital and its rezoning initiatives to reshape the area. In
The Westworth Village Resident Laura Hamilton, Real Estate Agent at Burt Ladner Real Estate
The Purchase Date November 2015
The House A 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 1926 farmhouse.
The Purchase Laura Hamilton was casually looking to purchase her first home. “I just knew I wanted a ‘fixer upper’ and that I didn’t want to tackle just any rehab job,” she says. “It had to be a home with a story, full of character and charm.” She had driven by her current home in Westworth Village many times, and it always piqued her interest. Finally, she decided to take a look to preview for clients. “I instantly saw so much potential in this little farmhouse and could tell it had been so loved,” she says. She submitted an offer the next day. “The fact that this farmhouse was in Westworth Village, which I knew was an ‘up-and-coming’ neighborhood and within close proximity to the new River District development, was just the icing on the cake.”
The Neighborhood The city website touts Westworth Village as “the hidden gem of the metroplex,” and Hamilton agrees, thanks to its prime location, exemplary elementary school, and some of the lowest ad valorem taxes in Tarrant County. Westworth Village is its own city with 3,100 residents. “We have our own police station and courthouse,” she says. “A small town yields quick emergency responders and leaves residents feeling safe. And Westworth Village trash service comes twice a week, as opposed to Fort Worth’s weekly service! ”
on The Grove at The River District, 16 luxury 1,800-2,000 single-family units that will start at $450,000.
Samuels Avenue (Rock Island)
addition to MU-1 zoning for apartments, Fort Capital is one of the first developers in town to take advantage of the City of Fort Worth’s new Urban Residential (UR) zoning designation.
“The UR zoning designation is paving the way for denser, pedestrian-oriented residential development that serves as a flexible buffer between single-family neighborhoods and denser developments oftentimes comprised of larger mixeduse, multifamily projects,” said Will Northern, broker-owner of Northern Realty Group and the mayor’s appointee to the City’s zoning commission. Located on a 276-acre stretch along the Trinity River near White Settlement and South Roberts Cut Off roads, those who call it home will not be far from restaurants like Salsa Limón and Heim Barbecue, as well as attractions like Truck Yard, a 15,000-square-foot outdoor food truck park and beer garden, and Crystal Springs on the River, an outdoor entertainment center that will host live music.
Among the housing projects in The River District are River Heights, built by Clarity Homes and Village Homes, and Rivercrest Bluffs, built by Village
Homes, Ramsey & Shaw and Landon Banks Construction. These two gated, luxury neighborhoods overlooking the Trinity River are already complete, with the homes at River Heights averaging around $500,000 and the homes in Rivercrest Bluffs averaging about $1 million. Village Homes also just broke ground
A rendering of The Grove townhomes, planned for The River District
The juxtaposition of old and new on Samuels Avenue contributes to the intrigue of this up-and-coming (again) neighborhood. It’s a street with plenty of history, lined with several 1800s homes, not to mention Pioneers Rest Cemetery, where Fort Worth founders like Major Ripley Allen Arnold and Edward H. Tarrant are buried. But the area is attracting plenty of
new development, too. San Antonio-based developer Embrey Partners, for one, is bringing an apartment project around the historic Garvey House, adding to the numerous multi-family options to what’s being called “uptown Fort Worth.” The term “uptown” originated with development partners Tom Struhs and Rudy Renda, who assembled 45 acres of land northeast of downtown in 1996 with the intention of bringing more development to the area. And development came, with projects like the Lincoln Bluff at Trinity Park Apartments and the Trinity Urban Bluff and District, to name a few. “Uptown” isn’t the most popular term among residents, however, says neighborhood association president Gwen Harper. Some residents prefer the name “Rock Island,” which refers to the Rock Island railroad that once ran through the area. But no matter what name it goes by, the area has shown no signs of stopping. The Panther Island development north of downtown is underway nearby, expected to bring a San Antonio-style riverwalk, dining and entertainment venues – as well as about 16,000 permanent jobs, according to the Trinity River Vision Authority. With Samuels Avenue at the heart of it all, this neighborhood is certainly worth keeping an eye on.
United Riverside Technically named United Riverside, many refer to areas just east of downtown as EaDo. Regardless, the neighborhood, dominated by Riverside Drive and Sylvania Avenue, is poised to become the next hot spot. Martin House Brewery already anchors the area with craft beer and views of downtown, while an absolutely enormous Topgolf is being built as we write. Just a couple of blocks over, real estate developers are in the very early stages of transforming a pristine 60,000 square feet of riverfront land into mixeduse luxury apartments. They are aiming for an early 2019 completion. But first, there must be zoning changes. “Several developer groups are working on zoning changes to facilitate a mix of residential and commercial development for that area, LaSalle to Fourth Street, west of Sylva-
nia,” said Charles Strand with CSC Equity, LLC. “There is a proposed grocery store, office and retail, condos, row houses and apartments.” The plans will no doubt up the cool factor of the area and make old and inexpensive nearby homes ripe for the flipping.
Alliance The Alliance area is booming like crazy, thanks to the bustling Alliance Airport and big-time developments like the Facebook data center at 4500 Like Way. The Alliance Town Center has also played a role in this area’s rising profile, offering just a little of everything. The 900-acre, mixed-use center, developed by Hillwood Properties and Trademark Property Company, has more than 40 retail shops and a nearly equal number of restaurants, along with luxury townhomes and apartments like Monterra Village. On the single-family home front, houses average 2,679 square feet, with an average list price of $274,142, according to Keller Williams-Arlington Realtor Jordan Davis. Some of Alliance’s newest houses, just built by M/I Homes in the Creekwood neighborhood near Saginaw, run around $240,000, says Hillwood property manager Kim Comiskey. Homes near Alliance Town Center are in the mid-$300,000 range. But Alliance isn’t all development –if you’d like to get away from civilization, there are plenty of hiking trails, parks and playgrounds. Not to mention an abundance of community pools and swim clubs in several neighborhoods.
HIDDEN GEMS
The Samuels Avenue Residents Jim Harper is co-owner of Harper Clayton Construction and Fort Worth Chopper Supply. Gwen Harper is a Realtor at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. Daughter: Caitlin, 17. Son: Mason, 10.
The Purchase Date October 2013
The Home A completely renovated 4-bedroom, 2.5bath historic home with formal dining, formal parlor, office, upstairs living room and third-floor master suite.
The Story The Harpers searched for months, primarily in Fairmount, knowing that they wanted an older home. “Renovated or not, we didn't mind either way,” Gwen Harper says. Jim Harper found the house serendipitously. Stuck in traffic on Interstate 35, he decided to cut through downtown. “Jim called me while I was out of town and said, ‘I found your house!’” Forty-eight hours later, the Harpers had it under contract. The home was a large renovation project that included all new electric, plumbing, new kitchen, new bathrooms, and added HVAC. “Since the courthouse burned around 1900, we aren't sure of the exact age of the house, but we do know it was standing in 1885, so we go by that,” Gwen says. “The wrap-around porch is my favorite part of the house.”
Call them sleepers. Call them underdogs. Call the residents smart. These are the best little Fort Worth neighborhoods that you might not even know existed.
Luther Lake in Ridglea Hills
Hidden in the middle of Ridglea Hills is a 10-acre lake surrounded by 33 home
The Neighborhood Gwen relishes in the historic importance of her family’s neighborhood. The first election in Tarrant County was held at Trader Oak Park on Samuels Avenue. This neighborhood runs in the family for Gwen. Her grandfather grew up down the road on Pavillion Street. She raves about the elementary school too. “Nash Elementary is a treasure,” she says. “The faculty and parents are a tight-knit group. Everyone is friendly and genuinely cares about each other.” The location of Samuels Avenue is another bonus for the Harper family. “We can walk to downtown or ride our bikes. The Trinity Trails are so close. It's a great mix of urban living. That combined with the river and all the history makes Samuels Avenue feel like the heart of Fort Worth.”
The West Meadowbrook Residents Andrea L. RogersHenry teaches Middle School Art at FWISD's Young Women's Leadership Academy and is a writer. She’s also Councilwoman Kelly Allen Gray's appointee to the Fort Worth Public Library Advisory Board. Heath Henry teaches AP and Dual Credit U.S. History at FWISD's Polytechnic High School and Tarrant County College. He also is a Historic Preservation Consultant. Daughters: Elena, 19, Ana, 15, and Angie, 8.
The Move Date October 2009
The House A two-story, 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 1947 Cape Cod shingle-style home that abuts Tandy Hills park and prairie reserve.
The Purchase The Henrys were living on Oakland Boulevard nearby. They liked that it was convenient for commuting into Fort Worth or Dallas, but wanted a street with less traffic. “We walked the Meadowbrook neighborhood often, and we happened upon the house on one of our walks to the prairie,” Andrea says. They were impressed with the size of the house for the cost and its secluded setting. “Our street forms a peninsula projecting into the park, creating a very quiet and peaceful neighborhood,” she says. “We were particularly taken by the backyard and the sense of being in the woods far from the city, although only blocks from major streets.”
The Neighborhood “We like the sense of community the Meadowbrook neighborhood has, the older houses and tree-lined streets,” Andrea says. The number of parks in the immediate area, including the Trinity River trail system and Gateway Park complex, kept us in the neighborhood,” she says. The family frequents Firehouse Pottery & Gallery – a place for local artists to display work, meet and provide education to the neighborhood. “Andrea is also looking forward to future additions to the area. “In the near future, a coffee truck will be at the corner of Meadowbrook and Oakland,” she says, referring to the Coffee Folk kiosk opening next to Firehouse. “And in 2019 this neighborhood will have the first Children's Public Library in the area.”
sites. You could drive right down one of its surrounding streets, Rowan Drive and Brants Lane, and hardly even notice the homes you were ogling at had docks and boats in the back. While the Dallas-Fort Worth area is stocked with lakes aplenty, this is the only one that allows you to live in Fort Worth on a lake, just six miles from downtown.
West Meadowbrook Heading east along Interstate 30 toward Arlington, you’ll find Meadowbrook, a quaint, woodsy neighborhood with tall trees and proximity to plenty of recreational spots like the city-owned Meadowbrook Golf Course, Oakland Lake Park and Tandy Hills Park. Even the dogs have space to play – just north of the highway is Gateway Ball Park, which is home to one of Fort Worth’s only two dog parks, Fort Woof. The neighborhood itself has a cozy feel. The lots are large, and the architecture isn’t cookie cutter. Longtime resident Wanda Conlin, who sees Meadowbrook as “the next Fairmount,” says that since houses are older and not valued as high, residents can take advantage of lower property taxes. Meadowbrook is also not far from Nolan Catholic High School, known for its esteemed athletic and academic
programs, and a children’s library is also being planned for East Lancaster Avenue, set to open in 2019.
Wedgwood When Wedgwood was developed in the 1950s and ’60s, it was touted as one of Fort Worth’s greatest new suburbs. Anchored by the short-lived Wedgwood Country Club, the neighborhood started out strong before beginning to go south by the 1980s. “Now it’s coming back around for the same reasons it was developed — ranch-style houses like those in Tanglewood on nice-sized lots that are close to town,” says Mary Carolyn Gatzke. “It’s perfect for first-time homeowners who don’t want to spend a lot of money on an Arlington Heights bungalow.” Besides the price point, many families call Wedgwood home, thanks to the plethora of recreation options nearby — it’s home to three parks, the ER Van Zandt Southwest YMCA and just a few minutes from the Southwest branch of the Fort Worth Public Library. The public school options are an issue in Wedgwood, but on the flip side, they can help keep housing prices down.
Riverhollow Riverhollow is a highend, gated community located west of Bryant Irvin Road, right above the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. The neighborhood is part of an area that’s sprawling with development all around, from Waterside, home to the city’s first Whole Foods Market, to The Shops at Clearfork, where Neiman Marcus just opened and many other luxury retailers are expected to join. Riverhollow is also just minutes from coveted private schools including Trinity Valley and Fort Worth Country Day. Per Rick Wegman, principal of Realtors Giordano, Wegman, Walsh and Associates, houses are generally 3,500 square feet or higher, ranging between the upper $100s to $200/square foot. One five-bedroom, five-bath house recently sold for $815,000.
Oakhurst While Oakhurst is a sure up-and-comer, thanks to proposed improvements for the Six Points Urban Village, as well as The Scenic apartment complex currently under construction, it’s already a hidden gem with a picturesque, leafy landscape that lines neighborhood
Rocky Creek Ranch has 130 acres of open land.
streets. The residents keep up with it, too – the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association has a beautification committee that plants flowers, trims trees and puts care into the neighborhood’s aesthetic. And while the area as a whole has a quaint, old-time feel, Oakhurst isn’t far from the big city. In fact, glimpses of downtown can be seen from the houses along Yucca Avenue. The area has plenty of older homes built during the 1920s and 1950s, but since the neighborhood doesn’t have a historic overlay, homeowners often apply for historic designations individually. Oakhurst Neighborhood Association President Kathryn Omarkhail says newer homes are valued at around $400,000-$500,000, while older homes run at around $150,000. Getting a house in the Oakhurst area isn’t easy though, Omarkhail says, as homes that get on the market are often sold quickly. But those who do find a house in Oakhurst will be part of a neighborhood that prioritizes community involvement and activity. “It’s a tight-knit neighborhood,” she said. “We know our neighbors here.”
ROOM TO GROW
In a market this hot, it stands to reason that if you want a lot of house and even more land,
you might just have to get out of town.
Rocky Creek Ranch Rocky Creek Ranch was made especially for outdoorsy types. The high-end neighborhood spans 1,800 acres, boasting more than six miles of hiking trails and 130 acres of land for horseback riding or simply enjoying fresh air. There’s plenty of water, too, as the community sits right on the doorstep of Benbrook Lake, with Mustang Creek and Rock Creek to the east and west. The neighborhood is located off Highway 1187 between Highway 377 and Old Granbury Road – a good distance away from the bustle of downtown, but only a 15-minute drive, thanks to the new Chisholm Trail Parkway. While much of the property has been purchased, there are still several lots available, with some as large as 3050 acres. Williams Trew Realtor Allen Crumley says all houses are custom built and can cost upwards of $600,000, with some likely reaching $1 million or higher. And since there’s plenty of open land, residents have the opportunity to qualify for an agricultural tax exemption from the county.
Walsh Formerly referred to as Walsh Ranch, now just Walsh, this future neighborhood has homeowners looking for a new build excited about Aledo ISD
Pillars mark the entrance into Oakhurst.
schools with a Fort Worth address. It’s just a 12-minute drive down Interstate 30 from downtown. The drive will definitely make you aware that you’re leaving the Fort Worth bubble, but with lots reaching up to an acre, there’s plenty of space for big builds with room to grow a family. Scott Nishimura highlights the full development on page 66.
Vaquero While Vaquero is one of the youngest neighborhoods on our list, it is nothing if not mature. Mature to the tune of estates that can run you between $1 and $6 million, give or take a million. But the 525-acre property, that was once the Hunt brothers’ Circle T Ranch, delivers the luxury with the Tom Fazio-designed golf course and 33,000-square-foot clubhouse. Rumor even has it that the Easter bunny delivers eggs in a helicopter. Vaquero is also located in Westlake, home to the prestigious Westlake Academy, which is built on the International Baccalaureate curriculum. And those with cash to spare are located just 15 minutes away from DFW airport. You know, if flying commercial is your thing.
Mira Vista Located on an 18-hole championship golf course, this luxury gated community used to be off the
beaten path, save for its proximity to Trinity Valley and a handful of luxury car dealerships. But the new Chisholm Trail Parkway has created a quicker path for residents to move between their spacious homes and downtown Fort Worth. “It’s just seven minutes from downtown, and it’s really nice living,” says Mary Carolyn Gatzke.
Grapevine With a growing population expected to reach more than 52,000 by 2018, this Tarrant County suburb is a great spot for investing while also giving your family room to grow. Nearly
4,000-square-foot homes hit the market in the $500s, and Grapevine citizens have one of the lowest tax rates in the state for a city of its size. In fact, the property tax rate decreased 12 percent from 2015 to 2016. Its central location, near DFW Airport, places residents conveniently equidistant from both downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth. And it’s not all cookie cutter homes in this suburb — wineries, lakes, trains and a historic downtown give this area a charming small-town vibe. Plus, Grapevine will be home to one of nine TEXRail stations in 2018. The station will be located on a 4-acre property downtown and will be connected to a boutique hotel.
HOLDING VALUE
The tried-and-true, time-tested, not-going-anywhere Fort Worth neighborhoods where home values are strong and, dare we say, getting stronger.
Westover Hills Technically its own city, the town of Westover Hills is one of the wealthiest in Texas. Population: 700. The homes are big and beautiful, many of them sitting on massive meticulously landscaped lots. As the name suggests, the topography in Westover Hills yields elevated lots that offer stunning views to both the east and west. And the value is in the land. As of press time, a less than
2252 King Fisher Drive in Vaquero is listed for $5 5 million.
Meadowmere Park in Grapevine
1-acre lot on Deepdale Drive was on the market for $1.35 million. But while the homes come with a hefty price tag, residents in Westover Hills benefit from close proximity to Shady Oaks Country Club, not to mention lower property taxes and their own police department.
Colonial Surrounding the country club of the same name, Colonial consists of large lots with mature trees flanking winding streets. The scenic neighborhood, that plays host to the Dean and Deluca Invitational each year, benefits from close proximity to TCU and the Trinity River. Homeowners who buy here often stay put — a drive through the area will reveal many homes adding on, remodeling and “popping the top.” That’s partially thanks to Tanglewood Elementary, which is consistently recognized for academic excellence. Michael Duwe, owner of Restoration Homes, has worked on many homes in the area and says the trend is also thanks to the area’s architecture. “Colonial homes have great character. Good architecture, like what you see in Colonial, can give you a leg up, and the value of the renovation can live up to the cost.”
Rivercrest The 76107 zip code carries the highest average household income in the Fort Worth area, and much of that is thanks to homes in what is commonly referred to as Rivercrest (the neighborhood is technically named Crestline). Surrounding River Crest Country Club, this neighborhood benefits from close proximity to downtown while also providing a quiet place to raise a family. The first house was built in Rivercrest in 1911, and the area took off in 1917 and 1918 when leading oil men chose it for their home sites. That trend has continued for the last 100 years. Most streets are lined with beautiful homes, but the most aweinspiring sit on Crestline Drive on a bluff overlooking the river with striking views. Those homes almost never hit the market, but they are what real estate dreams are made of.
The Westcliff Residents Chauncey Franks is the TCU FCA Life and Character Coach. Danika Franks is a physician. Son: Eli, 7. Daughters: Eden, 5, and Elle, 2.
Monticello
Another 76107 call out, sometimes it can be difficult to tell where Monticello ends and Rivercrest begins, even when it comes to homeowners. “The majority of the time I have someone selling their home in Monticello, they’re moving three blocks away to Rivercrest,” says Mary Carolyn Gatzke. The most notable difference, this section of 76107 sits around the scenic Monticello Park. And some homes with smaller square footage make it a more feasible option for homeownership.
Westcliff
The Move Date The Franks began renting their home in 2015.
The House A 1950s, 3-bedroom, 3-bath, ranch-style home on a lot with a view.
The Story The Franks decided to rent because they were new to Fort Worth and didn’t know the neighborhoods well enough to know exactly where they wanted to make a purchase. “We decided to take our time to really get to know the communities before buying our first home in Fort Worth,” Danika says.
The Neighborhood This neighborhood is set apart by the large lots and trees. “Since moving here, we cannot keep our kids inside! ” Danika raves about the neighborhood. “As soon as we get home, they are rushing out the door to play in our amazing backyard.” Danika says the neighbors have been especially welcoming as well. “I will never forget moving in and actually meeting our neighbors as they came over with treats to introduce themselves. Reminiscent of a lost era,” she says.
Many neighborhoods near TCU benefit from close proximity to the university’s campus, and Westcliff is no exception. It offers residents a scenic drive to their home through picturesque buildings, old and new, and more than 26,000 square feet of flower beds (thanks to a nearly $900,000 endowment fund for the cause). The campus can also serve to insulate nearby home values, spitting out more than 1,500 graduates annually, many of whom choose to stay in the area. It also results in the perfect formula for investment properties, with a pool of
likely tenants nearby. In the last few years many builders have chosen Westcliff lots for new builds, a controversial subject for residents who cherish the one-story cottages and ranch-style homes. But home values are holding strong nonetheless. The median sales price in June 2015 was $304,000, and that number climbed to $316,000 by the same time in 2016.
52 Westover Terrace in Westover Hills is listed by Kelly Nelson with Williams Trew. photo by Trey Freeze
The chart below is a snapshot of the Fort Worth-area housing market and a look at how sales are faring . Data is from the North Texas Real Estate Information Systems and Texas A&M University . For a
view of sales data from every zip code in Tarrant, Parker, Johnson, Hood and Denton counties, visit
Walsh Watch
Developers begin to turn the 1,700-acre first phase of Walsh in West Fort Worth into model homes and urban-style amenities, with an eye toward the future.
| by Scott Nishimura |
Walsh, the planned 7,200-acre development on the former Walsh Ranch on Fort Worth’s far west side, represents a gigantic canvas that will take decades to fill in.
But it’s hardly a blank canvas. The first splashes of color are already on, even before the first model homes and community amenities, like a resort pool and hike and bike trails, begin to appear this spring and summer. Walsh’s development partner, the Republic Property Group of Dallas, is offering up a broad inventory of lots that take advantage of the existing greenbelts, hills, swales, and views of downtown Fort Worth.
Walsh’s developers, anticipating the long buildout, have also moved aggressively to “future-proof” it, working with 25 consultants, including a landscape architect to map out the project. They added a community-wide fiber optic network with high, upgradable internet speeds and urban-styled flourishes such as a coworking space for freelancers and a makerspace with tools to foster learning and innovation.
“It’s probably the most dynamic land plan we’ve ever developed as a company,” says Jake Wagner, co-CEO of Republic, which has been developing and building in North Texas for four decades. Its current projects include the master-planned communities of Philips Creek Ranch in Frisco and Light Farms in Celina. “This being 7,200 acres and developed over several decades, we hope this is a project that anchors West Fort Worth.”
Grand Opening: April 27 Republic has set a tentative April 27 grand opening of the first phase, when it will open nine model homes and a number of spec homes for sale, in a range of $300,000
to $650,000 or $700,000. Walsh Ranch Parkway, the main drag through the 1,700-acre first phase north of Interstate 30, is barricaded now, but those will come down around the grand opening. The models and spec homes are part of a larger model park that Walsh is building for the first phase.
“Our goal would be late April. We’ll open up all the streets; a buyer can drive the streets and see what it’s going to look like,” Wagner said.
The first phase features north and south sections divided by a recreational lake and 65-acre central village that will include a pool, fitness center, small grocery store, co-working space, and maker space.
The north section will offer 547 lots. Builders will offer homes between the low-$200,000s and close to $800,000. Walsh’s builders for the first phase, all production builders, are Toll Brothers, David Weekly Homes, Drees Homes, Highland Homes and Village
Homes. “We’re working on potentially adding one more builder to that program,” Wagner said. The smallest lot in the north section will be 3,800 square feet, which would allow a home of 1,600 to 3,000 square feet.
The builders are currently picking lots, and the full north section of the first phase will be available for sale from the builders this spring, Wagner said. “There will be people living there this summer,” Wagner said.
The south section will offer 40 “estate” lots for custom homes. Republic expects to announce its custom builders by the April grand opening, Wagner said. The lots will range in size between 12,000 square feet and 0.7 acres.
Republic is working on the price range for the estate homes but expects them to go into the millions, Wagner said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see $2-$3 million homes there,” he said.
Republic plans a gradual release of the lots to protect values, Wagner said. “We’re going to stage releases,” Wagner said. “We have only 40 lots available, and we’d like to maximize values over time. We’re developing our strategy now for how we’re going to release them.”
Following the Fort All of the builders will follow six architectural styles – Tudor, Craftsman, Mediterranean, Texas Vernacular (Hill Country-inspired), Transitional, and Colonial Revival – laid out in an unusual 130-page pattern book that the developers put together from an examination of Fort Worth neighborhoods. Builders will develop their own plans, but they’re subject to final review and approval by the developer before construction starts. “We’re reviewing them all,” Wagner says. All of the first-phase lots will be for single-family detached homes.
Found your perfect vista at Walsh that isn’t yet available through
a builder? Republic isn’t selling lots directly to consumers, Wagner said. “We’ll take requests like that under advisement,” Wagner said.
“We’ve got a lot of people talking about an empty nester piece,” he said, elaborating. “I can see us doing a neighborhood specifically for empty nesters. There’s going to be opportunity to have townhomes in future phases. Our intent in Phase 1 is to have product that meets the heart of the market.”
Future-Proofing
Walsh Walsh’s developers talk about “future-proofing” across their approach to the entire development. Wagner and co-CEO Tony Ruggieri visited 33 communities in eight states in planning the development. Future-proofing starts with the range in inventory.
“Do you want backyard views?” Wagner says. “Do you want a greenbelt? Do you want a really amazing view? Do you want to be really close to a school? Do you want to front on the park? Homes at Walsh will appeal to a variety of tastes. We want to create a place that still feels relevant 100 years from now.”
Lots in the east side of the first phase will be as much as 25 feet above a ring road. Other lots, such as ones in the northwest corner of the first phase, are positioned around greenbelts. The majority of lots are graded flat, but some lots feature grade changes of as much as 10 feet, and some lots feature 90 feet of fall from the property line to adjacent open spaces. “They are set in these locations because that’s the way the topography worked,” Wagner said.
The first phase will feature multiple parks that include play equipment, benches and other features. All first-phase homes will be within five minutes of a park.
Several lots face north and east onto a park, with no street in front marring access or views. Instead, the garages and backs of the homes open up onto a cul-de-sac, which functions as an alley, Wagner said. “You’re going to see the fronts of these amazing houses rather than the back of a garage,” he said.
Walsh Ranch Parkway, which crosses Interstate 30, is the main entrance into the Walsh development.
Thirty-five miles of hike and bike trails will connect the first phase. “We want to have hike and bike trails that go somewhere,” Wagner says.
The first phase and two-thirds of the entire development are in the fast-growing and high-performing Aledo Independent School District, and the rest is in the Fort Worth school district. The Aledo district is building its first planned school in the development, an elementary planned to open this fall near the community village, with the site donated by Walsh. The next phases are to the west and south of the first, and “that school is going to be centralized,” Wagner says.
The development could feature as many as eight elementary schools, a few middle schools and a high school at buildout, Wagner says.
Republic focused on technology as a “fourth utility,” after water, gas and electricity. It’s installing two gigabit internet speed in every home and school as the minimum connectivity standard. Residents won’t be billed for the fiber service, which it bills as twice as fast as other fiber internet providers in the area. The costs for the service will be covered by Walsh homeowner association dues, which Republic is finalizing and will cover front yard maintenance, the two-gig internet service, community maintenance, use of the common amenities, and access to activities.
gies and able to add bandwidth.
Trees from a 75acre tree farm on the property will be redistributed throughout Walsh.
“We want to make it very easy,” Wagner says. “The importance of the internet really can’t be understated with this place as it grows. We wanted to future-proof it to the technology.”
Mayor Betsy Price says Walsh’s technological investments should prove to be a strong economic development tool for the region. “Forward-thinking investments in technology like those seen at Walsh will be a great economic catalyst for creating new jobs and attracting corporate relations in Fort Worth,” she said.
Walsh is also contemplating what flourishes it can add to the community’s waste service. It will provide a concierge waste service to all homeowners. Homeowners will bring their carts curbside for pickup days; waste collection crews will bring them back up to the garages. “Minimally, we know we’re going to do that,” but Republic is considering other related services, Wagner says.
“It’s probably the most dynamic land plan we’ve ever developed as a company. This being 7,200 acres and developed over several decades, we hope this is a project that anchors West Fort Worth.”
– Jake Wagner, Walsh developer
Walsh and its provider Frog will make 10-gigabit service available to corporate campuses in future phases of the development; it’s also available to residents who want to upgrade their two-gigabit service. The entire fiber service will be adaptable to new technolo-
The village will be “the heart” of the first phase, Wagner says. The pool will include a resort-style pool for families, with cabanas and slides, and a separate Junior Olympic pool that is tied to the village’s 10,000-square-foot fitness center. The developer expects construction on the fitness center and pools to finish in early summer. The fitness center will include a daycare.
Construction on the recreational lake will continue into the early summer, the Walsh developers say. They’re working on a stream realignment to preserve as much natural landscape and grounds as possible. Residents will be able to use float kayaks, canoes and paddle boats on it.
The grocery store will be fashioned like an urban market to be operated by Republic with a management partner. “It’ll be something where you can get your staples, your milk, and your eggs and a bottle of wine,” Wagner says.
Republic went the route of operating the grocery store itself to
protect its brand, Wagner says. “We’re very hands-on,” he says. “You lose a little bit of the ability [to control quality] if you lease it.”
The coworking space will open at 2,500 square feet and is aimed at appealing to the fast-growing community of independent contractors. With “more and more freelancers, coworking is becoming part of the larger trend,” Wagner says.
The 3,000-square-foot Makerspace at Walsh will open with a woodshop, computer design software and 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics, and an electronics lab. It will open with an “imagination playground,” and it will eventually have a garden where children can learn how to grow food. Mark Hatch, author of the best-seller The Maker Movement Manifesto, joined Republic for the Makerspace’s recent announcement, which included handson construction of some of the community buildings.
The space is designed to foster learning, entrepreneurship, and small business incubation, and it could also host HOA meetings early on, along with the co-working space.
“You see makerspaces built as part of public libraries,” Wagner says. “We want to get kids back to nature. We want to teach kids how to make things again. We want to be a catalyst for education and innovation.”
“The team at Walsh has truly embraced the spirit of the makers movement, giving people the tools and teaching them to build with their own hands,” Hatch said. “The Makerspace at Walsh will serve as a gathering place for adults to hone crafts or hobbies into skills, into second careers, and a source of inspiration for children as they learn to design, create and make the next generation of big ideas.”
Walsh’s plans for the Makerspace include year-around programming and classes open to Walsh residents, community groups, and businesses. The Aledo schools will host regular programs at the Makerspace, including summer camps.
The first-phase amenities could grow in size and offerings as more residents move in and the development continues to build out, Wagner says. “It can grow and evolve,” he said. The village, for one, will eventually have a large green space for concerts.
In future phases of the development, to the west and south of the first phase, Republic expects significant opportunity for commercial development, with the numbers of residences coming. Across all phases, Walsh expects more than 15,000 homes and 50,000 residents.
Highway access and the school district are also big pluses. Cook Children’s has already announced plans for a facility. Walsh is also interested in being in on discussions about future light rail and other transit options.
“Walsh has some amazing commercial opportunities,” Wagner says. “We’re hopeful we’re going to attract and create thousands of jobs. We can tailor a site to a large commercial relo.”
Republic sees the potential for 8 million square feet of retail, he said. But first things first. “Let’s get the residential out there, let’s build the value, and let’s look at the commercial opportunities as it matures,” he says. All photos courtesy of Republic Property Group
Walsh's 1,700-acre first phase is in the heart of the 7,200acre development.
Walsh's first phase: Production homes in the north section, custom homes in the south, and community amenities and an elementary school in the middle.
“I cold-called John to take me on because if you do any research at all in Rivercrest and Westover Hills - He's the man! He's definitely
Susy & David Endicott
TOP CHEF MASTERS
Fort Worth Magazine Top Chef winners from years past competed in a fierce kitchen battle in the Stockyards.
| by Jennifer Casseday-Blair |
GUESTS STAMPEDED THROUGH THE DOORS AT RIVER RANCH ON JAN. 25, HUNGRY TO WATCH THE FIRST-EVER FORT WORTH MAGAZINE TOP CHEF MASTERS CHALLENGE. Scott Murray, former Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and television sports anchor, emceed the event. Judie Byrd was a special guest and acted as a spirited co-host. She has been contributing her culinary prowess to Fort Worth Magazine for more than a decade. Byrd is the author of several cookbooks, including Help! My Family’s Hungry, Meals in Minutes and Everyday Family Recipes.
During the show, guests indulged in bites from Avanti Fort Worth, Fixture - Kitchen and Social Lounge, INVITE Events & Culinary, Piranha Killer Sushi, Rio Mambo, Enchiladas Ole, Nothing Bundt Cakes and River Ranch Stockyards Catering.
Once the burners had cooled and the smoke had cleared, Ben Merritt, executive chef of Fixture – Kitchen and Social Lounge, claimed his title as Top Chef Masters Champion. His fellow competitors looked on and cheered as Merritt was presented with the trophy – a heavyweight wrestling belt.
COMPETING CHEFS. Chef Blaine Staniford (Top Chef winner, 2012) of Grace started training for his career as a chef at age 17 and was one of the youngest students to graduate from The Culinary Institute of America. Guests at Grace enjoy his fresh and seasonal dishes, where he emphasizes the natural flavors of the food.
Chef Donatella Trotti (Top Chef winner, 2010) of Nonna Tata grew up in Varese, Italy, and her cooking was most influenced by her mother and grandmother. Her restaurant, Nonna Tata, may be small in size, but it is busting at the seams in popularity. Patrons regularly bring their own table and chairs to the restaurant just to get a taste of Trotti’s creations.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Todd Phillips (Top Chef winner, 2014) has more than 24 years of experience. He has served as the executive chef at J.R.’s Steak and Grill for the past nine years. Phillips says, “I am constantly thinking of food, seriously, like all hours of the day.” He calls his style “new-que,” which is a mixture of barbecue and Southern cuisine elevated to a higher standard.
Chef Merritt (Top Chef winner, 2016) developed a passion for cooking during his travels in the U.S. Navy. Throughout his career, Merritt has worked alongside several of America’s prestigious chefs, including Chef Stephan Pyles. Currently Merritt is the executive chef of Fixture – Kitchen and Social Lounge, where he delivers his guests delicious creations like Texas Beet Fries and Chicken and Waffles. With an aversion to lab-engineered and processed foods, Merritt has dedicated more than 10 years of his life to the restaurant industry and is an American Culinary Federation Certified Culinarian.
Chefs: Todd Phillips, Blaine Staniford, Jon Bonnell, Ben Merritt, and Donatella Trotti
Ask anyone who knows him, and they will agree. A graduate of the prestigious New England Culinary Institute, Bonnell and his restaurants have become Fort Worth staples. He is the executive chef and owner of the Bonnell’s Restaurant Group, which includes his flagship restaurant, Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, the highly acclaimed Waters Fine Coastal Cuisine, and TCU sports bar, Buffalo Bros. Bonnell has authored three cookbooks: Jon Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, Jon Bonnell’s Texas Favorites, and Jon Bonnell’s Waters Fine Coastal Cuisine. He is also the celebrity chef of TCU’s Amon G. Carter Stadium.
It’s easy to spot 2015 Top Chef winner, Stefon Rishel; just look for his signature mohawk. For this occasion, he went with neon blue. Rishel says, “The one item I could not live without is my utility knife that my wife had custom made for me as a wedding present. It goes through everything like butter.” Rishel is a self-taught chef and works at Texas Bleu in Keller as executive chef. He has been recognized for producing the Best Dish at Taste of Fort Worth 2015, as well as Best Comfort Food 2014, Best Use of Bacon 2014, Best Brunch in Fort Worth 2014 and 2015 in Fort Worth Magazine’s Best Of issue.
With 20 years of culinary experience, Anthony Felli (Top Chef winner, 2013) still has a penchant for simple, well-prepared dishes. Felli has participated in many of the Top Chef competitions, both as a judge and a competitor. After many years at the helm of Del Frisco’s, he has made a move to Waters Fine Coastal Cuisine at its new location in downtown Fort Worth.
Carol Ritchie has graced our judges’ panel in previous years and has been sharing her cooking tips and recipes for more than 20 years as a traveling cooking instructor. Her half-hour cable television cooking show, “Cookin’ With Carol,” was a 2001 James Beard Award Nominee for best local television cooking show. Notable guests include Julia Child, Martin Yan and Jacques Pepin. Carol is also a recipe developer, culinary consultant, and spokesperson, appearing on national television including CBS’s “Chef on a Shoestring,” PBS’s “Healthweek,” QVC Shopping Network, and Food Network’s “Cooking Live!”.
KITCHEN BATTLEGROUND. The first challenge for the chefs tested their tasting abilities in detecting flavor components within a sauce presented by Bonnell. Samples of the sauce were passed out among those in the audience so they could guess for themselves. As a single elimination event, the chefs looked panicked as they tasted the sauce again and again, trying to single out what had gone into it. Merritt won by guessing two ingredients correctly.
Throughout the evening, the audience texted their votes for their favorite chef. Fans could vote up to five times, and in the case of tied results, votes would have been used to determine a winner. Phillips had a large fan base in attendance and won the People’s Choice Award by a landslide.
The Dream Meal Auction afforded a few lucky winners the chance for a Top Chef Masters finalist to come to their home and prepare a full meal for eight or a “chef’s table” dinner with wine pairings for eight at the chef’s restaurant. Another live auction gave four lucky audience members the fifth plate prepared by each chef, allowing them to experience what the judges had tasted. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit the chefs’ chosen charities.
Next the chefs were challenged to additional culinary skills tests and activities leading up to the main event. Each chef had 25 minutes to make five plates of the same dish using the
Chef Blaine Staniford Spice-crusted duck breast.
Chef Donatella Trotti Homemade pasta.
Chef Todd Phillips Grilled duck.
Chef Ben Merritt Dungeness crab enchilada.
Judges complete their scorecards for each dish.
HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THE COMPETITION?
I spent time on the line at my restaurant working the different stations and pushing myself to work fast. Mentally, I psyched myself into thinking I was doing a stage (a French term for working in another chef’s kitchen), and this was a job interview.
YOU’VE COMPETED IN THIS EVENT IN THE PAST; HOW WAS THIS YEAR DIFFERENT? Every chef on stage has been here before and has won. These are the best chefs in Tarrant County.
WHAT WERE YOUR INITIAL THOUGHTS WHEN YOU HEARD THE SECRET INGREDIENTS? They have always done a surf and turf in the past, so I tried to think of what items they might throw at us. When I saw it was duck and crab, my mind immediately tried to figure out how I was going to use the crab. Once I figured the best thing for me to make was a Dungeness crab enchilada in the short amount of time we had, then the next step was how to incorporate the duck into the dish. Thankfully, we had whole ducks and weren’t limited
secret ingredients and the items in their on-stage pantries. The judges would rank them based on four criteria: presentation, use of main ingredients, degree of difficulty and overall taste. Chefs were allowed to bring a sous chef to assist them in this final determining round.
When it was time to reveal the secret ingredients, Bonnell presented the chefs with crab and duck. The large countdown clock was set to 25 minutes. As the time began ticking away, what transpired could best be described as cool chaos. Each chef seemed to be in his/her element, totally focused, despite hundreds of onlooking fans.
Staniford’s creative plate for the evening’s judging included a spice-crusted duck breast with Dungeness crab couscous, tzatziki sauce, sweet and sour eggplant and coconut curry emulsion. The judges left little on their plates and commented on the colorful presentation. Trotti’s dish was ambitious with a homemade pasta, which didn’t go unnoticed by all four judges. They said her portion was appropriate, the duck was cooked to perfection, and the presentation was exquisite. The judges loved the grilled flavor of Phillips’ duck and thought his presentation was clean and simple. Merritt provided the judges a dish of Dungeness crab enchilada with a poblano cream sauce, Heirloom tomato salsa and duck chicharrones. A judge commented that they were all members of the “clean plate society” after finishing Merritt’s dish.
Final scorecards were tallied, leaving only a four-point difference between the winning chef and the runner-up. Just as he did in last year’s Top Chef challenge, Merritt walked away the champ.
to just the breast. Ducks contain a great amount of fat in their skin, so I wanted to render out as much as I could to heat my tortillas for the enchiladas in. Also, I wanted to add a crunchy component to the dish since the crab enchilada is so soft, so I rendered out all the fat from the duck skin to make chicharrones.
WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM THE COMPETITION? It was when they introduced all the chefs, and we went up on the stage for the first time. I saw how
many people were in the crowd there to support the Fort Worth food scene.
HOW DID YOU CELEBRATE? I celebrated with my favorite cocktail, the Fitzgerald. Then I took the weekend off to decompress and spend time with my family. Now I’m back and ready to cook for the great city.
Ben Merritt, Top Chef Masters Champ, tells all.
Chef Blaine Staniford Chef Todd Phillips
Chef Donatella Trotti
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Getting Real
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INTERESTED
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IN REAL ESTATE? Well, you’re in luck because that is the focus of this month’s issue of the magazine, particularly Fort Worth neighborhoods.
Now, I always thought the real estate industry, especially when it came to home ownership and real estate salespeople, was a fairly recent phenomenon in terms of world history. Not true. After almost five minutes of in-depth research, I discovered that between 15,000 to 30,000 years ago, our ancestors transitioned from hunters and gatherers to a more agrarian society. This also marked the advent of home ownership, and even though it was in the middle of an ice age, a cave-dwelling boom was in full swing. Early Realtors also took advantage of the real estate market. They included firms like Century 21 BC, Ebby Flintstone, and Unbearably Coldwell Banker. If you were a young Neanderthal trying to raise a young family, for just a couple of pelts, they could locate you a nice starter cave. And for a few pelts more, it might include a two-Mastodon garage.
Now, over the next few thousand years, cave dwelling became less popular
because there were no guest bedrooms. This was especially bothersome when the in-laws paid a visit. But it’s amazing how much a dwelling has evolved since then. Now we have all the modern amenities including wireless internet, outdoor kitchens and above-ground pools. (Actually, I was one of the few who had the foresight to purchase one of these.) It has always seemed throughout history that most people in the United States owned their own homes, right? But back in 1900, barely 20 percent of the population were homeowners. So, what happened? Well, it has to do with the word “suburb.” Now most people view the term as synonymous with neighborhood and think of an area outside the city. But the early suburbs were actually urban developments. During the Industrial Revolution, most people began moving to the city. But as a rapid migration of the poor started flooding the cities, wealthier members of society began to
purchase property outside the urban areas. The first suburbs popped up in cities like Boston and New York. Innercity residents couldn’t really afford to buy a home. But as lending began loosening up over the next few years, more people could secure loans and moved outside the city. After World War II, the suburban areas across the country exploded when all the veterans returned and the G.I. Bill guaranteed them low-cost home loans. Along with shopping centers, companies began moving their office facilities to these neighborhoods to make everybody’s commute shorter. Fort Worth was no different. Nice residential neighborhoods sprung up all over the city. These were in addition to the older established neighborhoods, particularly along Eighth Avenue near TCU and the west side of Fort Worth. But the real escalation in real estate values came in the early 1970s when all the baby boomers reached the home-buying age. Prior to that, a small house along Camp Bowie might cost as little as $12,000. These days, that would barely cover a premium cable bill. And now, just the lot alone in that same area could run well over $200,000.
Over the last few years, real estate has continued to thrive. In fact, a lot of new neighborhoods will be springing up on the far west side. The east side is also seeing a resurgence, and some of the older neighborhoods are being revitalized. Of course, the most expensive homes are still in neighborhoods that were developed over 100 years ago. I know that many of you have driven through those neighborhoods and thought to yourselves that you would never be able to afford one of those mansions. But who knows? I’ve always heard that good things happen if you dream big and think positive. That’s why every time I see a Lamborghini dealership, I always stop, go put my nose against the window and say, “Someday I’ll own a window like this.”
by Heywood | illustration by Charles Marsh
THIN MINTS. No surprise here. The topselling Girl Scout cookie in Fort Worth, as with the rest of the country, is the Thin Mint. Pure peppermint oil and 100 percent cocoa go into the classic chocolate confection, and the organization’s other cookies have long been hard-pressed to knock the Thin Mint off its No. 1 spot.
And the Winner Is...
The Best-Selling Girl Scout Cookies in Fort Worth.
| by Samantha Calimbahin |
2017 MARKS THE GIRL SCOUTS’ 100TH YEAR SELLING ITS ICONIC – AND DARE WE SAY ADDICTING – COOKIES. All proceeds from cookie sales stay in the region where the box was purchased. So if you bought a pack of Caramel deLites in front of Kroger, the money you spent goes toward camps, administration and other programs for the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains.
The 2017 cookie season ended Feb. 26, and while we won’t know the final sales statistics until around June, according to the Girl Scouts, the top three best-selling cookies in Fort Worth tend to stay the same.
So which Girl Scout cookies does Cowtown love the most?
CARAMEL DELITES. Covered in caramel, toasted coconut and chocolate drizzle, the Caramel deLite is Fort Worth’s second-favorite cookie. But wait, isn’t it called a Samoa? As it turns out, that’s what our friends in the east (that is, Dallas) call them. The Girl Scouts contract with two different bakers: Little Brownie Bakers makes the cookies for Dallas, while ABC Bakers makes the cookies for Fort Worth. Hence the cookies, though the same, go by different names.
#3
PEANUT BUTTER PATTIES. Fort Worth’s third favorite, a vanilla cookie topped with peanut butter and dipped in chocolate, is another variety that goes by two different names. In Fort Worth, they’re known as Peanut Butter Patties; but in Dallas, they’re known as Tagalongs. Peanut Butter Patties are also one of the Girl Scouts’ five vegan cookies, the others being Thanks-a-Lots, Lemonades, Thin Mints and S’mores.
Honorable Mentions:
LEMONADES.
Shortbread cookies with lemon icing
PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH. Two oatmeal cookies with peanut butter in between
THANKS-A-LOT. Fudge-dipped shortbread cookies embossed with the words “Thank You” in five different languages
SHORTBREAD. Just a straightforward shortbread cookie with the Girl Scouts’ logo
The Girl Scouts’ newest cookie, S’mores, was introduced this year for the 100th anniversary of cookie sales.
goodwill
Team Walk
Teams are a big deal at The Women’s Center’s Victory Over Violence Walk/Run. A really big deal. | by
Samantha Calimbahin |
THE WOMEN’S CENTER HAS BEEN HOLDING ITS VICTORY OVER VIOLENCE WALK/RUN FOR 21 YEARS, and in those 21 years, the organization has seen all kinds of teams participate. Some wear matching t-shirts. Some wear tutus.
And others have a lot of members – a lot of members. As in 100 or more. The event’s all-time largest team was Team Curry of the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Office, which ran with 270 members in 2009. The DFW Airport Department of Public Safety, which has participated since 2013, once had 232 members. Last year, Team Carolyn won the award for Largest Team with 196 members.
But regardless of team size, the message of the event remains the same – to raise awareness for sexual assault and help The Women’s Center in its efforts to serve victims. Proceeds from the race benefit the organization’s rape crisis and victim services programs, from 24-hour crisis intervention to violence prevention and education.
“[The race] has so much of the same structure and energy as it had in the beginning, except that we have pulled in a larger number of people,” said Chrisee Huffman, development director at The Women’s Center.
This year’s race takes place April 8 (April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month) at Trinity Park. The route starts at the duck pond and winds around the park, taking runners along the Trinity River before returning to the pond. Runners can choose to participate in either a 1K or a 5K.
“It’s not a hilly route, so people really like that, if you don’t want to be hiking up a hill,” Huffman said. “It’s a pretty flat course, which makes it a fast course, so for runners, they find that fun.”
There are prizes, too, and not just for the person who crosses the finish line first. Participants can win awards for raising the most money, being the fastest team and, yes, being the largest team.
Last year, that honor went to Team Carolyn, named after a woman who received help from The Women’s Center. Carolyn (last name protected for privacy) was working late on her back porch one evening when she was grabbed from behind, held at knifepoint and forced into her own car. Her attacker then drove her to an ATM, took her money, then drove her back to her house and raped her. After he left, Carolyn called 911, and the man was later found by police.
The Women’s Center then came to help. A Women’s Center victim advocate met with Carolyn at the hospital, offered counseling and helped her through the rape exam.
Carolyn says she’s grateful for the organization’s support. In return, she gathered a crew of 196 people to run with her at the 2016 Victory Over Violence Walk/Run.
“The Women’s Center helped me to cope and be strong,” she says. “I am not a victim. I am a survivor.”
The race is an opportunity for everyone to give back, says Fran McQueen, marketing and communications manager at The Women’s Center.
“It may not directly affect you, but more than likely you know somebody that’s been affected by this issue,” McQueen said. “Just increasing the awareness and increasing the support of this issue is a great reason to participate.”
Early registration for both individuals and teams ends March 22. More information can be found at vovfw.org.
A runner celebrates at the 2016 Victory Over Violence Walk/Run
photo by Brian Hutson Photography
photo by Brian Hutson Photography
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SAVE the DATE
Benefiting AIDS OUTREACH CENTER
upclose
Jerry Durant
Owner and Operator, Jerry Durant Auto Group
| by Jennifer Casseday-Blair | photography by Alex Lepe |
JERRY DURANT'S UPBRINGING TAUGHT HIM A LOT ABOUT RUNNING AN AUTO DEALERSHIP EMPIRE.
“I was raised in a small town. If people weren’t satisfied, they’d tell the neighbors, and pretty soon you wouldn’t have any business at all. I try to find the best people in the industry (mechanics, service writers, dealers) and give them a good, clean place to come to work. The better the service, the better the customer retention,” Durant says. His operation now spans over 44 acres with seven brands.
At 12 years old, Durant helped his father at their Chevy dealership in Granbury. “I worked in the back washing cars and getting them ready to sell. I also drove the wrecker and would go out on calls to pick up vehicles that needed to be brought back to the dealership for repair.”
Grade school was a challenge for Durant, but he says his mother kept him focused and encouraged him relentlessly to continue trying. “I had a bad dyslexia problem. Of course we didn’t know what it was at the time, but I wasn’t able to read at the level I was supposed to. I didn’t take school seriously because I wasn’t good at it.”
Durant attended the University of North Texas, where he graduated in 1969 with a degree in business administration and was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. Throughout college he’d go home on weekends and sell cars at the dealership. “When I graduated, I knew I wanted to be a car dealer. In February 1970, the dealer in Weatherford went out of business… The next day I told my dad that I wanted to buy that dealership, and he said, ‘Go ahead.’ So at 23, I negotiated with the man who held the note, and in July they finally called me and told me I was going to be the new dealer in Weatherford.”
“The industry is totally different now. It used to be where we could only rely on newspapers to sell a car. Now we photograph it and put it online immediately, attracting people from all over the U.S. The internet has revolutionized the car business.”
When Durant was 30 years old, his life was turned upside down. “I was on top of the world, and then I got struck with cancer. It was the kind that was supposed to be fatal, and they told me that if it broke into my lungs, they wouldn’t be able to do anything. Well, then it broke into my lungs. I told the doc-
tors that I wasn’t going to take any more of their medicine, and I went home and prayed. My lungs cleared up, and I haven’t had any problems with cancer ever since. That experience taught me that while we are here, we need to do all we can for the people around us.”
Durant and his wife of 50 years, Vickie, are role models for leadership and community service, especially in educational outreach. Durant has served on boards for the Weatherford ISD, Weatherford College and the Project Opportunity Scholarship Foundation at Weatherford High School. Durant donated 60 acres of land to the school, now home to a state-of-the-art high school building.
Durant is a member of the Parker County Sheriff’s Posse and the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce. He is the recipient of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Citizen Award and James H. Doss Award, given to individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to the community.
When he’s not running his auto group or giving back to the community, Durant spends time on his equine interests. “I’ll tell you what, for a while I didn’t have any down time. When my father passed away in ’95, he was that way too. He never developed a hobby. That’s when I decided to get into cutting and race horses.”
Last year Durant was inducted into the National Cutting Horse Hall of Fame for being a member that contributed above and beyond. At his Silverado ranch in Weatherford, he holds monthly cutting horse competitions and a 10-day show every fall called the Brazos Bash.
Durant’s two children, Brian and Diane, live nearby, affording him the chance to spend time with his grandchildren. Brian works alongside his father at the dealership. Of his other employees, Durant says, “Everybody that works with me has been here for a long time, and we all feel like family.”
To see all the photos from the
Top Chef Masters
The inaugural Fort Worth Magazine Top Chef Masters competition was held Jan. 25 at River Ranch in the Stockyards. Four of the past champions, Blaine Staniford (Grace), Ben Merritt (Fixture - Kitchen and Social Lounge), Donatella Trotti (Nonna Tata), and Todd Phillips (J.R.'s Steak & Grill) competed for the top honor. Guests enjoyed food and drink while watching the chefs compete in various challenges. Photos by Honey Russell
Stephannie Derosso, Lindsey Sneed, Chris Block
Melania & Justin Benge
Happy & Jamie Baggett
Laura & Brian Marquard
Melinda & Jon Julien, Nancy Farrar
Brent Shehane, Jan Gleaves
Anne & Bob Jones
Ben Merritt, Todd Phillips, Blaine Staniford, Donatella Trotti, Jon Bonnell
Elbert & Elaine Eaddy
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Beyond the Bag
The sixth annual Beyond the Bag was held at the Fort Worth Club on Jan. 17. Benefiting Joan Katz Breast Center at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, the event raised funds to assist the Center with providing patient navigation, counseling, support and education. Guests enjoyed cocktails, a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions and live music. Photos by Britt Stokes.
Union Gospel
More than 1,500 guests attended the Union Gospel dinner at the Convention Center Ballroom on Jan. 21. The evening featured Greg Kinnear and Djimon Hounsou, stars of the upcoming film, Same Kind of Different As Me, plus international art dealer Ron Hall, who authored the book of the same name. Photos by Leo Wesson
Kimberly Ginnard, Brent Tipps
Lori Sturman, Lanie Sturman, Joan Katz
Paula Sanborn, Mike Sanborn, Mayor Betsy Price
Gina Collins, Adam Palmer, Kurt Haman
Djimon Hounsou, Ron Hall, Greg Kinnear
Kenya Crawford
Don Shisler, David White, David Cooke
Growing up, g I moved many d timmes s y with my family and d deeveloped a d pas a sion for o n real r estate at a youunng age. g I earned my real estat a e licennse at 18 and have d sol o d hundreds of home m s in DFW n over W the past 15 yearrss. I also hold a Bachelor' r s of Businnes e s A Admini i t stration in n Real n Esstate from thhe Uniiveersity of North Texxas h The cornerstone of my business is treating each g client with dignity and d y reespect, as well as upholding a g high level of communication throughout n the t entire sales proceess to ensure the smooot o hest move t possible. I look forward to d assisti t ng you g with your h real r estate needs.
Suzanne Burt
Laura Ladner
Lake Palestine
Ryan Place
Overton Woods
Westover Hills
75 acres - Eagle Mountain
Double Lot in Colonial Westworth Park Skyline Ranch
Arlington Heights
Aledo Schools
TCU Mira Vista Ridglea
Southlake
Royale Orleans - Tanglewood
Indian Creek Condominiums
Overton Park
Monticello
TOPREALTORS2017
The Fort Worth Magazine Top Realtors list is drawn from nominations by thousands of our readers and the area's industry professionals. We provide this list of 193 brokers and agents as a useful tool if you find yourself in need of a highly regarded real estate agent. Please join us in congratulating this year's Top Realtors.
Sherri Aaron
Alexander Chandler Realty
Billy Akers
Akers Realty Group
Gaylene Anders
Ebby Halliday, Southlake
Jeff Anderson
Virginia Cook Realtors
Kristina Anderson
Ebby Halliday, Arlington
Joel Arredondo
Ebby Halliday, Mansfield
Kate Asay
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Nick y Austin
Ebby Halliday, Arlington
Wendy Bailey
Kinn Real Estate
Pam Ball
Williams Trew
Betsy Barnes
Williams Trew
Susanna Bartolomei
Williams Trew
Andra Beatty
Andra Beatty Real Estate
Emily Beck
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Kimberly Bedwell
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Claire Berkes
Williams Trew
Joseph Berkes
Williams Trew
Michael Berkowitz
Colonial Commercial Real Estate
Teacy Bernardy
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Deborah Biggers
Keller Williams
Michele Black
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Steve Bradbury
Coldwell Banker
Clay Brants
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
L aurie Brants
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Brady Bridges
Chisholm Realtors
Ed Brooks
Keller Williams
Christy Broussard
Keller Williams
Theron Bryant
Coldwell Banker
Kellie Bullinger
Virginia Cook Realtors
Suzanne Burt
Burt Ladner Real Estate
Gail Cannon
Ebby Halliday, Arlington
Clay Carson
RE/MAX Pinnacle Group
Pam Caywood
JP & Associates Realtors
Amanda Chaffins
Coldwell Banker
Amy Chairez
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Duke Chairez
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Alexander Chandler
Alexander Chandler Realty
Dana Chase
Keller Wiliams
David Chicotsky
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Jean Christenberry
Keller Williams
Micah Coffey
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Chad Collins
Coldwell Banker
Dan Combe
Ebby Halliday, Southlake
Margaret Coulborn
Wilco Realtors
Michael Crain
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Hallie Cranford
Century 21
Leigh Crates
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Blaine Crews
Alexander Chandler Realty
Chandler Crouch
Chandler Crouch Realtors
Allen Crumley
Williams Trew
Mary Margaret Davis
Mary Margaret Davis Real Estate
Team
Melanie Miko Davis
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Melinda Deckert
Burt Ladner Real Estate
Charlie Deleon
Alexander Chandler Realty
Wade Delk
Keller Williams
Jennifer Demel
Burt Ladner Real Estate
Susan Dewbrew
Keller Williams
Kathy Dierker
Alexander Chandler Realty
Virginia Durham
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Ida Duwe-Olsen
Williams Trew
Cynthia Ellis
Keller Williams
TOPREALTORS2017
Tami Ellis
Alexander Chandler Realty
Danny Force
Keller Williams
Terri Garner
Kirk McDonald
Emma Gardner
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Mary Carolyn Gatzke
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
John Giordano
Giordano, Wegman, Walsh and Associates
Kimberly Gonzalez
Coldwell Banker
Hannah Gramling
Pat Gray Real Estate
Tony Green
The Property Shop
Chase Hall
Chase Realty DFW
Laura Hamilton
Burt Ladner Real Estate
Danielle Hampton
RE/MAX Heritage
Ashley Hanson
Coldwell Banker
Lee Anne Hardie
Century 21
Gwen Harper
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Keely Harris
RE/MAX Trinity
Allison Hayden
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Sandra Hemmerling
Alexander Chandler Realty
Britta Hinze
Alexander Chandler Realty
Cindy Hoffman
Moore Real Estate
Christa Holbert
Virginia Cook Realtors
Karen Holcomb
Northern Realty Group
Adrianne Holland
Williams Trew
Dan Holmes
Engel & Volkers
Kevin Holmes
RE/MAX Heritage
Michael Hoover
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Kat i Hourihan
RE/MAX Heritage
Will Huffman
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Cassandra Hughes
Virginia Cook Realtors
Debbie Hunn
Williams Trew
Karen Hunn
Williams Trew
Lauren Izzo
Keller Williams
Claudia Jimenez
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Karly Johnston
Burt Ladner Real Estate
Wauketa Jones
Keller Williams
Kelly Jordan
Virginia Cook Realtors
Alden Karotkin
Virginia Cook Realtors
Kris Karr
Williams Trew
Zareen Khan
Briggs Freman Sotheby's International Realty
Shelby Kimball
Kimball Real Estate
Ginger Trimble Knox
Keller Williams
Keely Kostohryz
Williams Trew
Alejandra Lablanca
Coldwell Banker
Laura Ladner
Burt Ladner Real Estate
Kathy Lakatta
Ebby Halliday, Mansfield
Bert Lambright
Alexander Chandler Realty
Don Lawyer
Keller Williams
Chris Leito
Northern Realty Group
Alana Long
Williams Trew
Darla Lorenson
RE/MAX Trinity
Talia Lydick
Williams Trew
Sarah Lyons
Century 21
Suzanne Maisto
Ebby Halliday, Southlake
J.R. Martinez
Kenneth Jones Real Estate
Amanda Massingill
Williams Trew
Dillon McDonald
RE/MAX Heritage II
Kirk McDonald
Kirk McDonald Realtors
Lori Anne McElyea
Century 21
Barbara McGinnis
Wilco Realtors
Jeremy McNutt
Alexander Chandler Realty
Carley J. Moore
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
DeeAnn Moore
Moore Real Estate
Ashley Mooring
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Ann Nayfa
Virginia Cook Realtors
Kelly Nelson
Williams Trew
Marilyn Newton
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's
International Realty
Bobby Norris
Bobby Norris Farm & Ranch
Debbie Norris
Helen Painter Group Realtors
YOUR GOALS… YOUR HOME… MY PASSION!
CINDY ELLIS, REALTOR
Will Northern
Northern Realty Group
Bethany Oram
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Sarah Padgett
Century 21
Barbara Pantuso
Keller Williams
Jackie Parks
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Sharon Parrish
RE/MAX PINNACLE GROUP III
Caren Parten
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Jerri Pedro
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
DeWayne Peebles
Alexander Chandler Realty
Michelle Perry
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Karen Phelps
RE/MAX Heritage III
Megan Phelps
RE/MAX Heritage
Michael Phillips
Northern Realty Group
Joe Potts
Keller Williams
Martha Price
Williams Trew
Angelo Puma
Keller Williams
Johnny Purselley
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Lisa Purselley
Alexander Chandler Realty
Ivey Ramsey
Virginia Cook Realtors
Gaye Reed
Coldwell Banker
Sandra Regester
Virginia Cook Realtors
Chip Reid
Ebby Halliday, Southlake
CHRISTA HOLBERT
CASSANDRA HUGHES
Did
TOPREALTORS 2017
Alberto Reyes
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realt y
Devon Reyes
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realt y
Dona Robinson
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realt y
Rebecca Robinson
Northern Realty Group
David Rosenstein
Northern Realty Group
Debbi Rousey
Century 21
Cindy Ruppert
Ebby Halliday, Southlake
Carol Russo
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's
International Realt y
Elizabeth Sackrule
Ebby Halliday, Southlake
Ashley Sartain
Burt Ladner Real Estate
Betsy Senter
Coldwell Banker
Brandi Shapiro
RE /MAX Associates of Arlington
David Silva
CCS Realty Group
Kolby Simonson
Giordano, Wegman, Walsh and Associates
Brenda Sims
Virginia Cook Realtors
Marion Snipes
Virginia Cook Realtors
Laura Spann
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's
International Realt y
Beverly Spillyards
Ebby Halliday, Southlake
Veronica St imson
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's
International Realt y
Ruth Story
Keller Williams
Kaci Strawn
Bur t Ladner Real Estate
CHARLES
Bobby Norris Farm & Ranch Realty LLC, has the most experienced agents in the industry. We are committed to assisting our clients in the most professional way, with open lines of communication, aggressive marketing strategies, strong negotiating skills, and a strong understanding of market conditions. Whether it’s questions concerning mineral rights, wind rights, water rights or tax free 1031 now Sherman, our services include real estate licensure in the state of Oklahoma. Named Top Realtor 2016 and 2017
Licensed Texas Real Estate Agent
Lifelong resident of Fort Worth Expert in the DFW area
Uses her knowledge and skills to provide the best experience for her clients
Extensive experience in negotiating and closing real estate transactions
26 E Debbie Lane, Suite 110 Mansfield, TX 76063 817-300-8140 Kimberly.gonzalez@cbdfw.com Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Make your home buying or selling experience the
TOPREALTORS 2017
Carol Swanson
Burt Ladner Real Estate
Becky Talley
Century 21
Ashton Theiss
Rogers Healy and Associates
Mary Jo Thomas
Kimball Real Estate
Tracey Thompson
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Walker Turney
Northern Realty Group
Teresa von Illyes
AmeriPlex Realtors, Inc.
Debbie Walker
Keller Williams
Barbara Wallis
Ebby Halliday, Southlake
Eric Walsh
HGC Commercial Real Estate
Christina Warden
The Hometown Team
We live and work in your favorite neighborhoods. From Keller to Cleburne, Fort Worth Texas Real Estate, LLC can help you with any real estate matter. Pictured, from left to right: Anthony Gulley, Donna & Tim Young, and Lisa Creed. For an agent in your community call Tim D. Young: 817-717-3643.
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Rick Wegman
Giordano, Wegman, Walsh and Associates
Wendy Wells Tockey
Century 21
Cheri White
Coldwell Banker
Julie Wilkins
Wilco Realtors
Russell Wilkins
Wilco Realtors
Cedric Willams
Keller Williams
Martha Williams
Williams Trew
Ann Wright
Keller Williams
Sloan Yorek
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
John Zimmerman
Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Seated L-R: d Lisa Purselley, Tami Ellis; i Standing L-R: g Amy Curry, Sandra Hemmerling, Britta Hinze, Charlie Deleon, e Melissa Shearer, Kathy Dierker, Angie Hancock; e Not Pictured: t Sherri Aaron i
Location Courtesy of The Magnolia Lofts on Vickery
REALTORS WORTH KNOWING
Looking for a new home, or even your first home? The Realtors on the following pages would like to tell you about themselves, their practices and why working with them will improve your chances of finding the perfect home.
The information in this section is provided by the advertisers and has not been independently verified by Fort Worth Magazine.
port folio
portfolio Realtors Worth Knowing
Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®
SPECIALTY: Serving the residential real estate needs of North Texas since 1945, Ebby Halliday, REALTORS ® was founded on three simple principles: service to the client, service to the industry and service to the community. We’re rich in tradition, yet poised for the future, and still deeply focused on our communities. AWARDS/HONORS: The Southlake Office is one of the top-producing offices in the Ebby Halliday Family of Companies. Ebby’s Tarrant County offices closed 3,098 transactions in 2016. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Ebby Halliday, REALTORS ® is a member of 27 Chambers of Commerce. Ebby Halliday is one of
the founding members of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World ® and is a founding member of Luxury Portfolio International® GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Ebby Halliday is the No. 1 independently owned residential real estate company in Texas and No. 10 in the nation in sales volume and sells more homes priced at $1 million and above than any other company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. WHY CHOOSE THEM: Ebby Halliday Southlake Office Associates Gaylene Anders, Beverly Spillyards, Dan Combe, Chip Reid, Barbara Wallis, Suzanne Maisto, Patti Moore, Elizabeth Sackrule and Cindy Ruppert are among the top residential
real estate sales professionals in North Texas. As members of the Ebby Southlake team, they offer extensive sales experience and the backing of the No. 1 residential real estate firm in Texas. If you’re considering buying or selling a home, these talented, hardworking Ebby Associates are ready to help you fully experience one of the biggest, most joyful events in your life. MOTTO: Experience the difference the right agent can make.™ FREE ADVICE: In North Texas, the average number of days a home is on the market is currently only 47 days. At the same time, the average sales price is up 7.4 percent over this time last year. Simply put, if you are consider-
ing offering your North Texas home for sale, now is the time to act.
PICTURED: (left, standing) Gaylene Anders, Dan
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1575 E. Southlake Blvd., Ste. 100 Southlake, Texas 76092
817.481.5882
ebby.com
Combe, Beverly Spillyards, (seated) Cindy Ruppert; (right, standing) Suzanne Maisto, Barbara Wallis, (seated) Chip Reid and Elizabeth Sackrule.
RE/MAX Heritage Luxury Mastermind
SPECIALTY: RE/MAX Heritage Luxury Mastermind is a select group of top agents within RE/MAX Heritage. We meet monthly to mastermind on current topics affecting the luxury market and share ideas to help our own clients as well as each other’s. We have luxury agents fluent in Spanish, French, and Chinese (both Cantonese and Mandarin). AWARDS/ HONORS: The above-pictured RE/MAX Heritage Luxury Mastermind has a collective 139 years of experience, with sales volume of over $73 million in 2016 alone. In 2016, RE/MAX Heritage Luxury Mastermind members found buyers for 151 homes and found homes for 123 buyers. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: All of our
Luxury Mastermind are members of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing, with most of our members also holding the CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) designation. Other designations held by our members include the following: ABR, CDPE, CNE, CNHS, CRS, GMA, GRI, MCNE, RCC, SFR, SRES, and The Million Dollar Guild. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Most recently, RE/ MAX Heritage swept the 2016 awards for RE/MAX in Tarrant County – Top Listing Units, Top Listing Volume, Top Selling Units, Top Selling Volume, Total Units, and Total Volume. WHY CHOOSE THEM: Our luxury agents will boldly yet discretely represent you to get you the best from
the transaction. MOTTO: Above the Crowd … Locally and Globally! FREE ADVICE: When marketing your luxury home, enlist the guidance of an agent that understands the value in marketing not just the location and amenities, but also in communicating the lifestyle of your home.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Offices located in Southlake, Colleyville, and Keller. remaxluxurymastermind.com
PICTURED: (bottom, left to right) Donna Johnsrud, 972.971.6901, Donna@johnsrudrealtygroup.com; Brian St. Clair, 817.725.3008, brianstclair@gmail.com; Caroline Briggs, 913.579.6752, pender. blake@penderblake.com; Ken Boerner, 817.705.5422, kenboerner@ aol.com; Stephanie Gartman, 817.480.0637; stephanie@stephaniegartman.com; Maria Oxner, 817.312.9400, maria@team-nystrom.com; (top, left to right) Michelle Wylie, 817.992.9834, Michelle@GreerAndWylie.com; Joanne Huynh, 817.808.5800, villasbyjoanne@gmail.com; Sydney Waits, 817.583.2882, sydney@northtexassellers.com; Lisa Pender, 817.253.8840, pender.blake@penderblake.com; Stevie Patterson, 817.475.9161, steviepatterson@rmheritage.net; JoJo Blake, 817.680.5112, pender.blake@penderblake.com.
portfolio Realtors Worth Knowing
Andra Beatty Real Estate
SPECIALTY: Residential new homes, condominiums, farm and ranch properties in the Greater Fort Worth, Colleyville, and Keller Alliance areas. AWARDS/HONORS: Recipient, Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors’ Mark of Excellence Award and the Marie and Dayton Sheraton Realtor Spirit Award. The awards are presented to a Realtor who is involved in her local community with a history of service at the State and National Association of Realtors. Professional Standards Committee, Chair. Trained in Advance Mediation and handles Grievance Tribunals for the Texas Association of Realtors. WHAT SETS HER APART: A true cowgirl at heart, Andra’s background as a bull rider and bareback bronc rider with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association speaks to her personal drive and competitive nature. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: A dedicated leader in her city’s preservation and enhancement, Andra works as a vol-
unteer for CASA, as a Court Appointed Advocate for foster children and serves on its legislative advocacy executive committee. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Past Board Member, North Texas High School Rodeo Association and Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors. National Cowgirl Hall of Fame charter member and current Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame nominee. Member, Christ Chapel Bible Church. ADVICE: Real Estate is personal. Choose someone with integrity who you trust will represent your best interest. PICTURED: Andra Beatty.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
4500 Mercantile Plaza, Ste. 300
Realtors Worth Knowing portfolio
Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®
SPECIALTY: Serving the residential real estate needs of North Texans since 1945, Ebby Halliday, REALTORS® was founded on three simple principles: service to the client, service to the industry and service to the community. AWARDS/HONORS: Ebby’s Tarrant County offices were honored to close 3,098 transactions in 2016. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Ebby Halliday, REALTORS ® is a founding member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and a founding member of Luxury Portfolio International® GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Ebby Halliday is the No. 1 independently owned residential real estate company in Texas and No. 10 in the nation in sales volume. WHY CHOOSE THEM: Ebby Associates Kristina Anderson, Joel Arredondo, Nicky Austin, and Kathy Lakatta offer extensive experience and the backing of the No. 1 residential real estate firm in Texas. If you’re considering buying or selling a home, these talented, hardworking Ebby Associates are ready to help you fully experience one of the biggest, most joyful events in your
life. MOTTO: Experience the difference the right agent can make.™ FREE ADVICE: In North Texas, the average sales price is up 7.4 percent. If you are considering offering your North Texas home for sale, now is the time to act. PICTURED: (left to right) Nicky Austin, Joel Arredondo, Kristina Anderson, and Kathy Lakatta.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Kristina Anderson
Joel Arredondo
Nicky Austin
Kathy Lakatta
ebby.com
portfolio Realtors Worth Knowing
Kirk McDonald Realtors
SPECIALTY: We represent buyers and sellers in Tarrant, Hood and Parker counties. AWARDS/HONORS: The Five Star Real Estate Agent award for customer satisfaction, 2014, 2015 and 2016; featured agents in Top Agent Magazine, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Texas and National Associations of Realtors, Greater Fort Worth and Weatherford Real Estate Associations. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Over 230 Five Star Client Reviews, top 1 percent in the nation; over $196 million in production since opening. WHY CHOOSE THEM: We have a large amount of client referrals, and all agents are expert contract negotiators. All agents have had extensive corporate backgrounds with several designations prior to
starting a career in real estate. MOTTO: Commitment with Integrity. FREE ADVICE: When you are selecting a Realtor to represent you in one of the most expensive transactions you may ever complete, make sure that you research his or her credentials and read all of the Realtors’ client reviews. You need to be confident in the decision and with whom you work. Kirk McDonald, Broker/Owner, and Terri Garner, Broker Associate.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Lori Anne McElyea
Century 21 Alliance
SPECIALTY: Residential, Commercial, Recreational-Lake Front and Farm & Ranch. AWARDS/HONORS: Century 21 Quality Service Award 2015. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: 100 Women Who Care Fort Worth, CASA, Girls Inc., SafeHaven of Tarrant County, Northwest Tarrant Chamber, Alliance in Motion, Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors, MetroTex. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Every single satisfied client is my greatest achievement, fulfilling dreams one family at a time. WHY CHOOSE HER: As a hard-working, incredibly dedicated and honest business professional, I welcome the opportunity to work with all types of buyers and sellers. My goal is to provide the highest level, thorough service but also to anticipate needs and create a seamless,
positive experience from start to finish. After 15 years of experience, I know the DFW metroplex inside and out. MOTTO: A house is not a home because of the room dimensions or the color of the walls; it is about how you feel when you walk through the front door and the way you can instantly envision your life unfolding there. FREE ADVICE: The buying and/or selling of your home is one of the most important life events, and an experienced and knowledgeable Real Estate agent can make or break the experience.
CONTACT INFORMATION: lorimc2@msn.com
portfolio Realtors Worth Knowing
Joe Potts Realty Group / Keller Williams
SPECIALTY: Residential, Luxury Residential, and Farm and Ranch. AWARDS/HONORS: Three APPY Awards for Innovation in Marketing. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Luxury Home Marketing Institute and Keller Williams Farm and Ranch. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Helping hundreds find their home and live their dream. WHY CHOOSE THEM: We have a dedicated, experienced professional staff with a team approach so the buyers or sellers can always reach help and get answers when they need them. MOTTO: Helping You Live Your Dream. FREE ADVICE: Joe Potts Realty Group / Keller Williams (JPRG) is led by an award-winning marketing executive with degrees in financial analysis and real estate and is backed by a team that has over 50 years’ experience in marketing, negotiating, and award-winning advertising/ communication skills. When buying or selling real estate, you need the
honed skills of a professional. Each client is treated with the utmost of confidentiality, honesty and respect. We are not here just to help our clients buy or sell real estate. We are here to provide you the tools and counsel to make informed decisions that help our clients “live their dream.” We want clients that become lifelong friends and trusted partners when buying, selling, or investing in real estate. PICTURED: Joe Potts, John Michael Johnson, Ashley Brendlinger, Diana Alvarez, Trent Morris, and Chris Reeves.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
joepotts.com
joe@joepotts.com
Realtors Worth Knowing portfolio
Walker Turney Northern Realty Group
SPECIALTY: Walker Turney brings his expertise to the Fort Worth residential real estate industry as a Fort Worth native and lifelong resident. Northern Realty Group is committed to providing its clients with an exceptional real estate experience. The company takes pride in offering full buyer and seller representation services for both residential and commercial transactions to the Greater Fort Worth metropolitan area. Our area of specialty includes all of DFW. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors.
GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: “My greatest sense of achievement is seeing happy clients find their perfect home.” GREATEST PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT: “The best day of my life was marrying my best friend, Allie, in Carmel, California, this past year.” OFF HOURS: Walker enjoys playing
golf, guitar, anything outdoors, and cooking for family and friends. WHY CHOOSE HIM: With an extensive background in customer service, Walker makes his clients his No. 1 priority. Walker provides attentive service, availability, and constant communication. These traits, coupled with a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence, bring positive results to both buyers and sellers. Believing that “there’s no place like home” other than in Fort Worth, Texas, Walker will confidently sell or find your home with exceptional and unparalleled service.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
wturney@northernrealtygroup.com
portfolio Realtors Worth Knowing
Debbie Walker
Keller Williams Realty
SPECIALTY: Full-Service Residential in Tarrant and surrounding counties; Bank Asset Disposition. EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: Graduate of the Realtor Institute ® , Military Relocation Professional ®, Certified Negotiation Expert ® , Certified Urban Expert ®, Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource SFR ®, Realtor ® licensed in 2001, Broker Associate licensed in 2004. AWARDS/HONORS: Fort Worth magazine Top Realtor 2016 and 2017; Consistent Top Producer - Keller Williams Realty. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Texas Association of Realtors; National Association of Realtors; MetroTex Association of Realtors. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL
ACHIEVEMENT: My greatest achievement is knowing that I have served my clients with honesty and integrity while helping them with what is likely the most important transaction of their lives. AREAS SERVED: Fort Worth and surrounding suburbs of Tarrant County.
WHY CHOOSE HER: I commit to giving the best service and am a trusted advisor. I explain the real estate transaction and, more importantly, stay connected after the sale. MOTTO: “The Difference Is in the Details.” Debbie Walker and her team utilize the latest technology, market research and business strategies to exceed your expectations. More importantly, we listen, and that means we find solutions that are tailored to you. FREE ADVICE: Education is key, regardless of the situation. Hire an agent that will explain the process and have your best interest at heart.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
debbiewalker@earthlink.net
Things to do in March
fwevents
With a new album, Vaquero, just released, Aaron Watson will be performing at Billy Bob’s Texas on March 25.
Fort Worth
fwevents march
For more information on area events, go to fwtx.com and click on events.
to list an event
Send calendar information to Fort Worth Magazine, c/o Kendall Louis, executive editor, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116, or e-mail ideas to kendall.louis@fwtx.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: Stanley Whitney, Jan. 21 – April 2
Known for his use of vibrant color, grids and square canvases, Philadelphia-born abstract artist
Stanley Whitney brings his work to Fort Worth as part of The Modern’s FOCUS series. His art is characterized by uneven geometry and minimalism, along with arrangements of color blocks stacked together. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. 3200 Darnell St. themodern.org. 817.738.9215.
Donald Sultan: The Disaster Paintings, Feb 19 – April 23
Donald Sultan spent almost a decade working on his Disaster Paintings series, which depict industrial disasters from railway accidents to toxic fumes emitted from factories. The exhibit will show case 11 paintings from 1984-1990. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. 3200 Darnell St. themodern.org. 817.738.9215.
Invented Worlds of Valton Tyler, Feb 11 –
April 30
Born in Texas City and now based in Garland,
drawings, architectural models, films and photographs, highlighting his work from single-family homes to large-scale projects like New York City’s Roosevelt Memorial. A 12-foot model of the City Tower he designed for Philadelphia will also be on display. Kimbell Art Museum. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. kimbellart.org. 817.332.8451.
Gabriel Dawe: Plexus no 34, through Sept. 2, 2018
The Amon Carter has commissioned a largescale, site-specific installation of more than sixty miles of multicolored thread by internationally celebrated Mexican-born, Dallas-based artist Gabriel Dawe. The massive installation which resembles an indoor rainbow will be on display for two years. Amon Carter Museum of American Art. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. cartermuseum.org. 817.738.1933.
Legacy, through May 2017
Legacy depicts the clash of cultures of the 19th century American West during westward expansion. The interactions among diverse peoples, cowboys, soldiers, explorers and Indigenous Americans were themes that occupied artists Fred-
over the world, with a relatively small permanent collection of about 350 works. View Precolumbian ceramics, European paintings, African sculptures and Asian decorative art among other pieces, along with temporary exhibitions.
Kimbell Art Museum. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. kimbellart.org. 817.332.8451.
Sensory Saturdays, Second Saturdays of every month
Sensory Saturdays is a free program for families with children who are five to 12 years old and on the Autism spectrum. Families will have time to explore artworks in the galleries and get creative during a hands-on, art-making experience. The Family Access Program is from 10:30 a.m. to Noon. While the needs of individuals with Autism are the focus of this program, it is also intended to be fun for parents, siblings (of all ages), and other relatives. Amon Carter Museum of American Art. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. cartermuseum.org. 817.738.1933.
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-of-the-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. 4601 Texas Highway 360 at FAA Road. crsmithmuseum.org. 817.967.1560.
Fort Worth Aviation Museum, Ongoing
The Fort Worth Aviation Museum tells the story of the aviation heritage and accomplishments in North Texas since 1911. Its collection of 24 warbirds dates from 1943 to the present and features a US Navy Blue Angel F/A-18 Hornet in the outdoor display. The museum's indoor displays include the B-36 Peacemaker and Forward Air Controllers Museums, a T-38 cockpit simulator and computer flight simulators. Friendly guides assist all visitors with personalized tours and a gift shop is also available. Active duty military and their families visit free of charge. Admission is $5 for adults, $1 for kids ages 6 to 16, under 6 free and $10 for families. 3300 Ross Ave. fortworthaviationmuseum. com. 855.733.8627.
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. to 6 p.m. Free. Fort Worth Screen Printing Building. 2000 Carroll St. fwscreen.com. 817.336.9111.
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. 760 Jim Wright Freeway N. texascivilwarmuseum.com. 817.246.2323.
Galleries
Adobe Western Art Gallery, Ongoing Works in various media by John Barger, Lyndy Benson, Roger Iker, B.J. Lacasse, Lori Lawrence, and Ernie Lewis. 2322 N Main St, FW. Free. 817.624.4242.
Art on the Boulevard, Ongoing
The gallery houses 15 to 20 artists at a time whose styles range from abstract expressionism to photo realism. Each year, the gallery hosts five major exhibitions including Fall Gallery Night, the Holiday Show, Valentine’s Show, Mid-Summer Show. 4919 Camp Bowie Boulevard Suite B. artontheboulevard.com. 817.737.6368.
Art7 Crockett Community Gallery 820 Currie St. west-7th.com/attractions/art. Fort Works Art 2100 Montgomery St. fortworksart.com 817.759.9475.
Fort Worth Community Arts Center 1300 Gendy St. fwcac.com 817.738.1938.
Milan Gallery 505 Houston Street. milangallery.com 817.338.4278.
Rebecca Low Metal Gallery and Studio 7608 Camp Bowie W., rebeccalow.com 817.244.1151.
Films
Family Movie Fun, Second Saturday of every month
Stop by the Central Library for a free, familyfriendly flick on the second Saturday of every month. Check website for details on titles and descriptions. Fort Worth Central Library. Youth Center Discovery Theatre. 500 W. Third 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.
Omni IMAX Theater and Noble
Check the museum website for dates and times. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. 1600 Gendy St. fwmsh.org/calendar. 817.255.9300.
Music
Billy Bob’s Texas
Josh Turner : March 3
Tanya Tucker : March 4
Neal McCoy : March 10
Randy Houser : March 11
Frankie Ballard : March 17
Charles Esten : March 18
Tracy Lawrence : March 24
Aaron Watson : March 25
Shane Smith and The Saints : March 31 Fort Worth Stockyards. 2520 Rodeo Plaza. billybobstexas.com. 817.624.7117. Thursday concerts at 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise.
Capital Bar
Check the website for upcoming shows. 3017 Morton St. capital-bar.com. 817.820.0049.
Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge
Check the website for upcoming shows. 1311 Lipscomb St. theliveoak.com. 817.926.0968.
Lola’s Saloon
Check the website for upcoming shows. 2736 W 6th Street. lolassaloon.com. 817.877.0666.
Scat Jazz Lounge
Live jazz from local and nationwide artists perform in a speakeasy-style lounge in downtown Fort Worth. Check the website for upcoming shows. 111 W 4th Street #11. scatjazzlounge.com. 817.870.9100.
Sports
TCU Men’s Basketball
March 1 vs. Kansas State
March 4 @ Oklahoma
All home games at Ed and Rae Schollmaier
Arena. 2900 Stadium Dr. gofrogs.com
TCU Baseball
March 3 vs. LSU
March 4 vs. Texas A&M
March 5 vs. Ole Miss
March 7 vs. Dallas Baptist
March 10 @ UC Irvine
March 11 @ UC Irvine
March 12 @ UC Irvine
March 14 @ Long Beach State
March 17 vs. Kansas
March 18 vs. Kansas
March 19 vs. Kansas
March 21 @ Abilene Christian
March 24 vs. Oklahoma State
March 25 vs. Oklahoma State
March 26 vs. Oklahoma State
March 28 vs. UTRGV
March 29 vs. UTRGV
March 31 @ Kansas State
All home games at Charlie and Marie Lupton Baseball Stadium. 3700 W. Berry St. gofrogs.com
Texas Motor Speedway 3545 Lone Star Circle. texasmotorspeedway.com. 817-215-8500.
Stage and Theater
Amphibian Stage 120 South Main St.
amphibianstage.com. 817.923.3012
Northside Hollow, Feb. 10-March 5
White Rabbit Red Rabbit, March 22-26
Bass Performance Hall
Rooster/Smith/Scher, ballet, March 3-5
Four Day Weekend 20th Anniversary Show, March 9
Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Movies, March 10-12
Tony Bennett, March 15
Gomyo Plays Mozart, March 17-19
Let It Be, March 21-26
Hilary Hahn, violin and Robert Levin,
Planetarium
It’s all mine. Actors Jim Jorgensen and Jordan Sobel star in Northside Hollow, playing at the Amphibian Stage through March 5 photo by Renit Lambert
Reynolds,
oug White.
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piano, March 28
Greater Tuna, March 29-30
007: The Music of James Bond, March 31 525 Commerce Street. basshall.com. 817.212.4200
Casa Manana
West Side Story, March 4-12
Red Riding Hood, March 17-April 02 3103 W Lancaster Ave. casamanana.org. 817.332.2272. Circle Theater
Clever Little Lies, Jan. 28-March 5 Who Am I This Time? (& Other Conundrums of Love), Feb. 16-March 11 230 W 4th Street. circletheatre.com 817.877.3040. Hip Pocket Theatre 1950 Silver Creek Road hippocket.org. 817.246.9775.
TCU Theatre Main Stage Series
The Importance of Being Earnest, Feb. 28- March 5
2800 South University Drive. theatre.tcu.edu. 817.257.7625.
Jubilee Theatre
Two Trains Running, March 17-April 16 506 Main Street. Jubileetheatre.org. 817.338.4411. Rose Marine Theater 1440 N. Main artesdelarosa.org. 817.624.8333. Stage West Deer, March 9-April 9 821 W Vickery Blvd. stagewest.org.
817.784.9378.
Stolen Shakespeare Guild
Stolen Shakespeare Festival, Much Ado About Nothing, Feb. 10-March 5 Stolen Shakespeare Festival, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Feb. 10-March 5 Fort Worth Community Arts Center. 1300 Gendy St. stolenshakespeareguild.org. 817-988-2058.
Comedy
Arlington Improv and Restaurant, Ongoing Different standup comedians perform weekly. 309 Curtis Mathes Way, Ste. 147. improv.com. 817.635.5555.
Four Day Weekend, Fridays and Saturdays
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. 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.
The Wondercrust Movie Watchers Club, last Thursday of every month Fort Worth’s second longest running show is held the last Thursday of every month. The comedy group “Shut Up and Prance” hosts the show where comedians and some guest perform live commentary over old movies. The audience enjoy free popcorn and a theme alcoholic shot per movie. During the show the audience will be given prizes. The show is free for anyone over
21 starting at 9 p.m. The Grotto. 517 University Drive. 817.882.9331.
Other Attractions and Events
Fort Worth Show of Antiques & Art, March 3-5
With the theme “Word Play! Antiques and Art with Words,” the Fort Worth Show of Antiques & Art will feature a selection of pieces that incorporate the written word. The event will showcase 150 exhibitors from across the U.S. Design author Mary Emmerling will also be at the event to greet guests and sign copies of her book, Eclectic Country. Tickets are $8, free for those 16 and under, and valid for multiple visits. Hours are Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Will Rogers Memorial Center. 3400 Burnett-Tandy Drive. fortworthshow.com. 817.291.3952.
TRWD Flyfest, March 11
Bring your rod and fish the Trinity River at TRWD Flyfest, hosted by the Tarrant Regional Water District and Fort Worth’s urban angling community. Enjoy contests, fishing demonstrations, food trucks and more. Clear Fork of the Trinity River, near intersection of Bryant Irvin Road and River Park Drive. trwdflyfest.com
Cowtown Goes Green, March 18
The city’s largest and most family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration will feature free activities for kids including armadillo races, a petting zoo, face painting, games and contests, live music and gunfights. There will also be a parade that follows the cattle drive. All activities are open to the public. Free admission. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. but the time is TBD. Fort Worth Stockyards Station. 130 E. Exchange Ave.
Martin House Brewing Co. Tours and Tastings, Thursdays and Saturdays
Cool stuff, bro. The Fort Worth Show of Antiques and Art takes place March 3-5 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.
Ireland meets Texas. Cowtown Goes Green, the largest St Patrick’s Day celebration in Fort Worth, will be held on March 18 in the Stockyards photo by Rachel Noble
COLLEYVILLE WOMAN’S CLUB
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Pick of the Month
Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, March 30 – April 1
Get your forks ready. The annual Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival is back with local talent cooking up everything from barbecue to brunch – all to raise money for the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation, which provides grants and scholarships to aspiring culinary students. The three-day festival takes place in multiple venues around town, including Bass Hall and Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork, and hosts chefs like James Gaines of Reata, Molly McCook of Ellerbe Fine Foods and Fort Worth Magazine’s 2017 Top Chef Masters Champion Ben Merritt of Fixture. All guests must be 21 and over. Ticket and location information can be found on the event’s website. fortworthfoodandwinefestival com
Admission includes a souvenir pint glass, guided brewery tour and three complimentary pints (must bring your ID). $10 tour and tasting admission. Thursdays, 6 – 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 – 5 p.m. Martin House Brewing Co. 220 S. Sylvania Ave., Ste. 209. 817.222.0177. martinhousebrewing.com.
Wild Acre Brewing Co Tours and Tastings, Saturdays
The Taproom and beer garden is open to the public on Saturdays from 12:30 - 4 pm. Cost is $15 and includes 4 tokens, which can be exchanged for 4 beers, or, 3 beers and a logoed pint glass to be picked up upon exiting. 1734 East El Paso St., Ste. 190. Wildacrebrewing.com. 817.882.9453.
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. 817.810.9266. rahrbrewing.com.
Fort Worth Ghost Bus Tours, Thursdays – Saturdays
Visit the haunts of mysterious ghosts from long ago and local well-known ghosts who cannot seem to find their rest. Raise a glass of your favorite wine or beer at Grand Cru before you board the ghost bus. The tour lasts for about an hour and half. Grand Cru Wine Bar and Boutique. 1257 W. Magnolia Ave. 817.812.6963. fwghostbus.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.
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. 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. Stockyards Walking Tours, Daily
Wrangler Walking Tour: Historical facts, culture and stories of the Stockyards. 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets: $6-$8. Stockyards Station. 130 E. Exchange Ave. stockyardsstation.com.
Zumba in the Plaza, every other Saturday Free Zumba classes in Sundance Square Plaza. (All Levels Welcome) Presented by Sundance Square and Amon G. Carter, Jr. Downtown YMCA. Zumba classes are from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Sundance Square Plaza. 201 Main Street, Ste. 700. sundancesquare.com. 817.255.5700.
Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show, Ongoing
A Historical reenactment of the original Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show. The show features trick roping, trick shooting, trick riding, cowboy songs and entertaining look at history. Every Saturday and Sunday 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Adult $15. Child $8. Senior $11. Reserved $18$23 Cowtown Coliseum. 121 E. Exchange Ave. 817.625.1025 or 800.COWTOWN.
Sid Richardson Museum, Ongoing
From docent-guided gallery tours to hands-on studio activities, the museum provides programs and events year round to illuminate the Western art of Frederic Remington (1861-1909), Charles M. Russell (1864-1926) and their contemporaries. Free tours each Tuesday and Saturday at 2 p.m.; group tours by appointment only. Second Saturday of each month at 3 p.m., a docent portrayed as Nancy Cooper Russell, wife of Charles Russell, tells stories about his career. Open daily except for major holidays. Free admission. Free valet parking. Sid Richardson Museum. 309 Main St. sidrichardsonmuseum.org. 817-332-6554. Botanical Research Institute of Texas 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: $20/adults, $10/children 12 and under. Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House, 1110 Penn St. Historic Fort Worth. historicfortworth.org. 817.332.5875.
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 along the Trinity River near the Panther Island Pavilion, where concerts and tubing are regularly happening. Coyote Drive-In is a joint collabo-
photo by Nancy Farrar
LUNCHEON, FASHION SHOW
FLOWER & GIFT MARKET
TUESDAY, APRIL 18 TH , 2017
IN CELEBRATION OF THE 130 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GLADNEY CENTER FOR ADOPTION
OMNI HOTEL FORT WORTH
BLOSSOMS COMMITTEE
CARRIE BOYD, BLAIR CHAPPELL, KORI GREEN, LINDA HARRIS, COURTNEY HESS, JENNA LEE, LEIGH LOWRANCE, MEGAN MCCONNELL, BECCA SMITH, PAIGE MCCOY SMITH, GINGER WALKER & VICTORIA WISE
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ration 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 Herd Cattle Dr ive, 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. 817.392.7410. fwnaturecenter.org.
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 site 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+), $14; children (3–12), $10 (2 and under free); seniors (65+), $10. Wednesdays: half-price. 1989 Colonial Parkway. fortworthzoo.org. 817.759.7555.
Lectures and Discussions at the K imbell, Ongoing
Year-round evening, weekday and Saturday lectures by staff and guest speakers explore vari-
ous 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. Closed for maintenance Jan. 23 – Feb. 8. Log Cabin Village. 2100 Log Cabin Village Lane. logcabinvillage.org. 817.392.5881.
River Legacy Living Sc ience 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.
Just keep fishing. Fish the Trinity River at TRWD Flyfest on March 11
CARTERS COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITIES
Cordially Invites You To
GODBLESSAMERICA
Banquet and Silent Auction Benefiting the Homeless Children of the Arlington Life Shelter
Saturday, March 25 | 6:00 pm
FEATURING
Country Fever Band and Artist Bret Morris from the Vocal Majority
LIVE AUCTION INCLUDES
Disney World Vacation Package Sports Memorabilia Package
NORTH DAVIS FAMILY LIFE CENTER
1602 North Davis Drive, Arlington 76102
Secured Parking
Tickets: $37.50 each | Reserved Table for 8: $300
For tickets go to northdavischurch.org/ALS or contact Chairperson Lois Bacon at 817.446.9683 or mezzorun1@aol.com MEDIA SPONSOR
Choosing a summer camp program for your child involves important research. Because the camp experience will have a significant impact on your child’s life, it’s important for parents to choose a camp wisely. But with the wide variety of day, overnight and week-long camps available, the task can seem daunting. The area camps on the following pages would like to tell you about their programs in an effort to help you and your child make a decision on the perfect summer camp.
promotion camps summer
Fort Worth Magazine is the only magazine in the city that subscribers pay for, and we prove our worth month after month. Other magazines might claim higher circulation numbers, but they aren’t telling the whole story. Those magazines are free. The result? Many of those publications end up in the trash or in forgotten piles of mail. Our magazine carries our city’s namesake and only arrives in homes where people have requested us by that name. It’s worth every penny.
Culinary ventures in and around town
fwdish
148 Bentley's / 150 La Perla / 154 Extra Bites
Fried okra from new pop-up brunch spot, Hot Box Biscuit Club. See page 154 for more.
For more information on area restaurants, go to fwtx.com.
The Odd Couple
Cooking up an unlikely combo of craft hot dogs and crêpes, Bentley’s adds some fun and whimsy to the Magnolia food scene by offering patrons a little something different — and delicious.
| by Jessica Llanes | photography by Alex Lepe |
WHEN BENTLEY’S FIRST OPENED ITS DOORS NEXT TO ELLERBE ALMOST A YEAR AGO, the original concept was to create a Coney Island-inspired hot dog joint. However, co-owner Cody Crawford explains that prior to opening the family restaurant, his sister suggested expanding the menu to include crêpes, and an unlikely but delightful combination was born. Bentley’s serves an inventive selection
of breakfast and lunch items, including craft hot dogs, specialty crêpes and coffees. The space is small. There is limited seating inside at two long wooden counters, but outside, there is also a larger (uncovered) patio with some additional seating to handle lunchtime crowds. The design is sleek and functional, with wood and stainless steel accents, polished concrete floors and modern pendant lighting.
But what makes the experience great is the small but friendly staff. It truly is a labor of love for co-owner Crawford and Colton Dempsey, who manages and works the grill, and they are happy to answer questions and go the extra mile for their customers. Come in on almost any day, and you are likely to see one or both of their smiling faces behind the counter.
the evening to try the craft hot dogs. Its signature dog, The Bentley ($7), is a spicy delight. The all-beef dog is served on a pretzel bun and topped with a mix of grilled onions and jalapeños, as well as a jalapeño cream cheese sauce. But for a real treat, try the Bent Mi dog ($8). This take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich is piled high with Asian-style pulled pork, house-pickled slaw and a spicy combo of Sriracha cheese and Sriracha mayo. The dog is messy enough to require a fork and knife, but well worth the effort. You can also add a side of fries and a drink to any dog for $4.
Location: 1515 West Magnolia Ave.
For Info: 682.715.4530
Hours: Mon.-Wed. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Closed Sunday
What We Liked: The menu offers a lot of opportunities for customization to “make your own” dog or crêpe, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Ultimately, however, it all comes down to the food, which doesn’t disappoint. I suggest sharing some Bent Fries ($4-5). The truffleinfused seasoning on the regular fries is delicious, or you can upgrade your fries by making them Buffalo style or have them tossed with a garlic-Parmesan coating. We loved the fries tossed in savory garlic Parm sauce and sprinkled with additional cheese. The hand-cut fries magically soak in the flavor of the sauce without getting soggy.
What We Didn’t: Be sure not to show up between 4 and 5 p.m. on nights the shop is open until 8 p.m., since they close for an hour to restock between lunch and dinner.
Our Recommendations: The pretzel bun is worth the 50 cents upgrade charge, so definitely give it a try on whichever dog you order.
To finish the meal, we decided to try the Sweet Tooth crêpe ($7). The crêpe is filled with pastry cream, then flash fried, and topped with cinnamon sugar, a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce and scoop of whipped cream. You can also add fruit for an extra $1 if you are so inclined, but we enjoyed it without. Or forego dessert entirely, and grab a cup of 12-hour cold brew Vayder coffee ($4.50). The sweet iced coffee is infused with caramel and dark chocolate.
The breakfast crepes looked delicious, but we decided to hit Bentley’s up in
Overall, Bentley’s eclectic concept fits in well with the vibe of its Magnolia location, making it a great addition to the already solid Southside food scene. Its passion for food is apparent, and we can’t wait to go back for a leisurely coffee and crêpe breakfast.
The Bent Mi hot dog with garlic Parm fries
The New La Perla
With a revamped menu and a shorter name, La Perla opts for smaller plates with bigger flavor.
| by Celestina Blok | photography by Alex Lepe |
APPROACHING ITS TWOYEAR ANNIVERSARY
THIS SUMMER, La Perla has adequately established itself on the south end of downtown as a cozy, often intimate destination for mojitos, margaritas and mezcals, especially after dark. The Latin-inspired food menu, however, has undergone a bit of a makeover.
Gone is lunchtime service (owners felt there was more opportunity to focus on the “drinks after work” crowd), as is the larger portions. With Josh Rangel – who has tenure at Waters and The Dive Oyster Bar – now leading the kitchen, La Perla’s menu features more small plates – dishes
ideal for ordering in numbers and sharing with friends. Along with slimmed-down hours and a streamlined bill of fare is a shorter moniker.
“We dropped the ‘Negra’ entirely to simplify the name and make it more easily recognizable and memorable,” says co-owner Immy Khan, who added that most customers were calling the bar and restaurant “La Perla,” instead of “La Perla Negra,” anyway.
Our weeknight visit included a hungry party of four with wide-ranging palates, so shareable dishes were welcome. Dinner started with a flat, heaping plate of lime-tinged popcorn ($3), addictive and
Asada tacos
Signature popcorn
Change the Life of a Child
spicy, thanks to a liberal dusting of Tajín, a Mexican brand of seasoning primarily made from chile peppers, salt and lime. The snack is complimentary during happy hour from 4 – 7 p.m.
Then the smorgasbord began as Rangel prepared a medley of his newest, pictureperfect menu items: asada tacos, chubby sliders and plump chimichurri meatballs. Dishes were beautifully presented and arrived in timely fashion, considering the restaurant was more than half-full with both indoor and outdoor patrons on the street-side patio.
We tucked into the meatballs ($9) first, which came three to an order and topped with pink, pickled onions and curly microgreens. The bright green herb sauce offered a hint of garlic, as did the toothsome meatballs that were filling at two to three bites each.
The La Perla sliders ($12) also came three to an order and featured creamy avocado mayo, a citrus slaw, small medallions of ground beef, one neatly sliced tomato and, in an interesting twist, a thin slice of very mild mozzarella cheese. The mini burgers were simplistic and not overbearing in flavor or heft.
jalapeño cream sauce, richness from queso fresco, and chargrilled flavor from the tender beef. Cilantro served as a fragrant garnish. The corn tortillas were grilled and warm, too – a plus after having too many cold, crumbly corn tortillas around town.
The menu highlights kept coming with roasted cauliflower ($7) topped with fresh green salsa, papas bravas ($7), or crispy fingerling potatoes tossed with sea salt and paprika and served with more jalapeño cream sauce for dipping, and the ground beef-filled empanada ($5), which was flaky and satisfyingly savory. Other empanada varieties include veggie and chorizo with potato.
What hasn’t changed at La Perla is its coastal-inspired Peruvian ceviches, made with shrimp or tuna in three styles: costa, with piquant habanero pepper, ginger and lime; amarillo, with agave, orange and lime juice; and Nikkei, with tamarindo, soy sauce and sesame oil. All provide an authentic taste of Peru and its culinary staple of citrus-cooked fish.
Location: 910 Houston St. For Info: 817-882-8108, www.laperlafw.com
What We Liked: Don’t miss the Peruvian-style ceviches. They are unlike any in town and feature more than one variety of “leche de tigre,” or citrus-based marinade.
What We Didn’t: Easy access to parking is a bit scarce on this end of downtown. Plan plenty of time for finding a spot, practice your parallel parking skills, and be prepared to walk. The end result is worth it.
Our Recommendations: Start with the Tajín-tinged popcorn with lime wedges ($3). The perfect accompaniment to a refreshing lime-based cocktail like the mojito or caipirinha, the palate-pleaser is complimentary during happy hour.
The carne asada street tacos ($12) provided more depth. There was crunch from the pickled radish wheels and crispy cabbage, a hint of spice from
Then there’s the cocktail menu. Coowner Andrew de la Torre serves his famous mojitos here, served with a sugar cane stick for swirling and nibbling. The mint-muddled rum concoction ($8) was the most popular beverage at his now-closed Embargo bar. There’s also the less-sweet caipirinha ($8), Brazil’s national cocktail made with cachaca, simple syrup and lime. Drinks are meticulously mixed by hand here and take time. We watched bartenders behind the amethyst stone bar muddle, shake and stir our beverages to perfection while contemplating our next visit.
Asada tacos
Chimichurri meatballs
Roasted cauliflower
Brunch for Ballers AT THE HOT BOX BISCUIT CLUB
| by Shilo Urban |
NOSTALGIA GETS
NAUGHTY AT THE HOT BOX BISCUIT CLUB, a new pop-up brunch of leveled-up Southern cuisine with a fresh, edgy vibe.
Dishes at this monthly event would feel right at home on the potluck table at your childhood church. Grandpa’s pimento cheese. Mamaw’s buttermilk pie. Green bean casserole. Ambrosia.
But the Hot Box Biscuit Club is a long way from Sunday school. Flipping downhome favorites with forward-thinking style, the indulgent brunch is playful with a pinch of provocative. Campy and casual. Comfort food for cool kids.
Chefs Sarah Hooton and Matt Mobley met at Le Cordon Bleu in Dallas, and the two classically trained chef instructors launched the concept brunch last November. Chef Hooton explains, “Fort Worth needs good biscuits. It was my idea, but Matt is the one who ran with it. We wanted to do something really chill and relaxed.”
Found on the fringes of the city, Magdalena’s rustic-industrial setting amplifies the brunch’s offbeat ambience. Bottles pop. Diners whoop. Snoop raps,
Zeppelin rocks, and Waylon croons on a soundtrack with multiple personalities. Excited guests shuffle to the bar through whiffs of baking biscuits for the Hot Box Gin and Juice. Deftly balancing bright and bitter flavors, the bold concoction mingles fresh lemon, elderflower liqueur, honey, gin, and a green sprig of rosemary to set it all off. OJ is on offer for mimosas with BYOBubbles, along with hot coffee (of course).
Well-lubricated, we settle in for a feast. Steaming trays of secret-recipe biscuits descend first, pillow-soft rounds that fall apart in your mouth. We slap them silly with homemade apple butter. Paloma citrus jelly. Whipped butter with caramelized onion. No one can decide on a favorite.
An audible gasp arises from the crowd when the chefs announce that the fried okra has not been dredged in cornmeal. But shock soon turns to stuffed-full faces. Halved lengthwise with a hard, crunchy batter, the okra is served with “dang awesome” Four Horseman Dunk – an apocalyptic mixture of house-made ranch, honey mustard, barbecue and buffalo sauces.
Pickle-brined fried chicken swaggers out for the main course, the O.D.B. (Old Dirty Biscuit). Strapped with aged cheddar and a runny-yolk egg, the farmer-style sandwich flaunts a velveteen slather of bacon gravy. House-cured “Notorious P.I.G.” bacon is a regular treat at the Hot Box Biscuit Club. The rich, creamy gravy flatters the chicken’s frisky dill flavor and ultra-crispy crust. Piled high on the wide lap of a buttermilk biscuit, the uncensored stack well deserves the “explicit” warning label beside it on the menu.
Sides of garlic pickles, savory-sweet-tart coleslaw, and silky mac and cheese transform the table’s conversation into outbursts of elation. Nods of approval all around.
Dessert arrives with a full-on gangsta lean. Portly slices of “One for My Homies” pie are decadent even before the drenching of whipped cream and coconut caramel sauce. Globs of dark chocolate and bourbon praline pecans create a lavish confection.
I look around. People are faded. Disheveled. Dazed. We roll out – right toward naptime.
Email hotboxbiscuitcofw@gmail.com to add your name to the list. You'll receive an email when the next brunch is scheduled. Reservations fill up within the day, so act fast. Cost is $45 for brunch with coffee, orange juice, and one complimentary adult beverage. Gratuity not included. The chefs explain the menu before each meal.
502 Grand Ave., at Magdalena’s
Chefs Hooton and Mobley
Time to Make the Doughnuts
A fourth-generation chef makes a fresh start with a new Fairmount food truck.
| by Brittany Ryan |
BY ANY MEASURE, CHEF TOBY TINDALL HAS HAD AN EXCEPTIONAL CAREER.
Most recently, he was (simultaneously!) the executive chef for both the Hilton Fort Worth and The Ashton Hotel, where he managed their kitchens and regularly catered banquets for thousands. In that role, he also traveled the country for his employer, troubleshooting kitchens at other Hilton properties and providing them with roadmaps to success.
His culinary background is both broad and deep. He grew up washing dishes in his father and grandfather’s restaurants and
spent his high school years manning the fryers at Zeke’s. After a four-year stint in the Navy, he returned to Fort Worth, where he worked as the chef de cuisine for Louise Lamensdorf, back when she first opened her eponymous bistro. In Sardines’ heyday, he waited tables alongside David Rotman, the man who would go on to open the long-running, though nowclosed, Fort Worth institution, Café Aspen. Which is why his new venture — a modest food truck called “The Beignet Bus” — comes as a surprise. Most mornings, the unassuming green-and-white painted bus can be found at the intersection of Eighth Avenue and Park Place, across the street from Esperanza’s. The menu has exactly three things on it — fresh beignets, café au lait, and hot chocolate — all of which are excellent. But it’s natural to wonder what prompted the change.
According to Tindall, it was a family tragedy. After losing his eldest daughter to suicide last year, he — quite understandably — took some time off from his career to grieve. “I didn’t get out of bed for three months,” he says. When he emerged, he found his perspective on life, and on what he wanted out of it, had shifted. Chef's hours are famously brutal, and he knew he didn’t want to go back to the 90-hour weeks, to going two or three months without a day off. He wanted to spend time with his wife and two younger daughters – to go to school functions, to meet their boyfriends.
And he found himself with new reverence for simplicity, to wanting to “just do something and do it really well.” He does, too. On my first visit, when I ordered a hot chocolate, his face spread into a wide grin as he told me, “You know, I make the syrup myself.” He won’t reveal
any details of the recipe, but the drink was creamy, chocolatey and sweet, with maybe a hint of cinnamon and marshmallows floating on top.
The beignets, too, are simple but lovely. The hot dough is crisp on the outside and heavily dusted with powdered sugar, and the interiors are airy, yeasty and just a little bit nutty, thanks to a mix of white and whole-wheat flours and an (undisclosed) blend of spices. The café au lait is strong and smooth, brewed with Café du Monde’s signature blend of coffee and chicory and leavened with a healthy splash of milk. Even with such a spare menu, it’s easy to see that Tindall is a chef to the bone. When he handles the sticky dough, his movements are delicate but efficient, and his workspace is very, very organized. He gets excited when he talks about his recipes, going out of his way to tell me that he’s had his beignets analyzed and, even with a hefty dusting of powdered sugar, a full order still contains less sugar than a bowl of Frosted Flakes.
Still, it’s obvious that, right now, his family is his priority and his main source of joy. He treasures the time he spends with them, whether they’re working together on the food truck or simply taking advantage of the more flexible schedule that comes with being your own boss. When I ask about his plans for the future, whether he would like to expand the concept, he just smiles. He doesn’t know, yet, and that’s ok. For now, he says, his motto is “worry about today, today. Don’t worry about tomorrow.”
The Beignet Bus posts its schedule weekly. You can find it at facebook com/BeignetBus
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, or if you just need to talk to someone, help is available via the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
Toby Tindall
Join us as we honor and celebrate the accomplishments of women leaders in our community.
Sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Katherine Curtis at kcurtis@gs-top.org or 817.735.5313. Proceeds benefit programs for the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains.
fwdish restaurant listings
For more information on area restaurants, go to fwtx com and click on dish
to list a restaurant
The Listings section is a readers service compiled by the Fort Worth 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 Kendall Louis at kendall.louis@fwtx.com. pricing: $ - Entrees up to $10, $$ - Entrees $10-$20, $$$ - Entrees $20-$25, $$$$ - Entrees $25 and over
American
ARLINGTON/MID-CITIES
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House 230 N. Center St., 817.801.0300. Lunch Hours 11am-2pm Mon.-Fri.; Dinner Hours 5pm-9pm Mon.-Fri; All Day 11am-9pm Sat. and Sun. $
Houlihan’s 401 E. 1-20 Hwy., 817.375.3863. 11am-midnight, bar 1am Mon.-Thu.; 11am1am, bar 2am Fri.-Sat.; 11am-10pm, bar midnight Sun. $$-$$$
Humperdink's Restaurant And Brewery 700 Six Flags Drive, 817.640.8553. 11am-midnight Sun.-Thurs.; 11am-2am Fri.-Sat. $$
J Gilligan's Bar & Grill 400 E. Abram. 817.274.8561. 11am-10pm Mon.-Wed.; 11ammidnight Thu.-Sat.; 11am-9pm Sun.; drafthouse open nightly 11am-2am $
Mac’s Bar & Grill 6077 W. I-20 Frontage Rd., 817.572.0541. 11am-10pm Mon.-Thu.; 11am11pm Fri.-Sat.; 10am-2:30pm and 3pm-10pm Sun. $$
No Frills Grill 4914 Little Rd., 817.478.1766. Other locations: 801 S. Main St. #109, Keller, 817.741.6344. 2851 Matlock Rd., Ste. 422, Mansfield, 817.473.6699. 1550 Eastchase Pkwy., Ste. 1200, Arlington, 817.274.5433. 11am-2am daily. $ Rose Garden Tearoom 3708 W. Pioneer Pkwy., 817.795.3093. 11:30am-3:30pm Mon.-Sat.; closed Sun. $
Restaurant 506 at The Sanford House 506 N. Center St., 817.801.5541. Closed Mon.-Tues.; 11am-2pm, 5:30pm-9pm Wed.-Fri.; 10:30am2pm, 5:30pm-9pm Sat.; 10:30am-2pm Sun. $-$$
Ventana Grille 7005 Golf Club Dr., 817.548.5047. 6:30am-9pm daily $-$$
BURLESON
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House 120 S. Main St., 817.447.3400. 11am-2pm lunch and 5pm9pm dinner Mon.-Fri.; 11am-9pm Sat.-Sun. $
Dalton's Corner Bar & Grill 200 S. Main St., 817.295.5456. 11am-2am Mon.-Sun. $$ The Porch 140 S. Wilson St., 817.426.9900. 6:30am-8pm Mon.-Thu.; 6:30am-9pm Fri.-Sat.; 9am-8pm Sun. $$
COLLEYVILLE
Market Street 5605 Colleyville Blvd., 817.577.5020. 6am-10pm daily. $
Trio New American Cafe 8300 Precinct Line Road, Ste. 104, 817.503.8440. Closed Sun.-Mon.; 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm Tue.-Sat. BYOB. $$
FORT WORTH
Bird Cafe 155 E. 4th and Commerce, 817.332.2473. 11am-midnight Mon.-Thur.; 11am-1am Fri.; 10am-1am Sat.; 10am-10pm Sun. $$
Thailicious 4601 W. Freeway. Ste. 206 (Chapel Hill at I-30 & Hulen), 817.737.8111. 11am-
fwdish restaurant l
Pick of the Month
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Hakuna matata, y’all. The Lion King roll is one of the newest additions to the menu at Blue Sushi Sake Grill. The roll consists of crab, cucumber, avocado, spicy salmon, eel sauce and spicy mayo. There’s also a new vegan option: the Prince Roll, made with eggplant vegan tempura, avocado and sweet soy. The Prince Roll and The Lion King are just two of Blue’s seven new maki rolls. The restaurant recently unveiled hand roll options and kid’s bento boxes as well. The full menu can be found at Blue’s website. bluesushisakegrill.com
3131 W. 7th St. 817.332.2583. 11am-10pm Mon -Thu ; 11ammidnight Fri.; noon-midnight Sat ; noon-10pm Sun
La Madeleine 2101 N. Collins St., Arlington, 817.461.3634. 6:30am-10pm daily. Other location: 4201 S Cooper St., Arlington, 817.417.5100. 6:30am-10pm Sun.-Thu.; 6:30am-11pm Fri.Sat. $
Le Cep 3324 W. 7Th St., 817.900.2468. 5:30pm10pm Tues., Wed., Sat.; 5:30pm-10:30pm Thurs.-Fri. $$$$ FORT WORTH
La Madeleine 6140 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817.654.0471. 6:30am-10pm Sun.-Thu.; 6:30am11pm Fri.-Sat. Other locations: 4626 SW Loop 820. 817.717.5200.; 900 Hwy. 114 W., Grapevine, 817.251.0255. 6:30am-10pm daily $ Saint-Emilion 3617 W. 7th St., 817.737.2781. 5:30pm-9:30pm Tue.-Thu.; 5:30pm-10pm Fri.Sat. $$$
Buffalo West 7101 Camp Bowie W., 817.732.2370, 11am-10pm Mon.-Sat.; 10:30am-8:30pm Sun. $-$$$
Lonesome Dove Western Bistro 2406 N. Main St., 817.740.8810. 11:30am-2:30pm Tue.-Sat.; 5pm10pm Mon.-Thu.; 5pm-11pm Fri.-Sat. $$$ Michaels Restaurant & Ancho Chile Bar 3413 W. 7th St., 817.877.3413, 11am-11pm Dining and Bar, Mon.Wed.; 11am-midnight Dining and Bar, Thurs.-Sat.; 11am-11pm Kitchen, Mon.-Fri.; 11ammidnight Kitchen, Thurs.-Sat.; 11am-4pm Brunch, Sun. $
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 / COLLEY VILLE
J R.’s Steak and Grill 5400 State Hwy. 121, 817.355.1414. 11am-10pm Mon.-Sat.; Closed Sun. $$$
Kirby ’s Steakhouse 3305 E. State Hwy. 114, Southlake, 817.410.2221. 5pm-10pm Mon.-Thu.; 5pm-11pm Fri.-Sat.; 5pm-9pm Sun. $$$
Old Hickory Steakhouse Restaurant Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, 817.778.2215 (after 5pm, 817.778.2280). Nightly, 5:30pm-10pm. $$$$
partingshot
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S WE HOPE YOU NOTICED IN THIS ISSUE, there are a lot of things that make Fort Worth a great place to live. The 110-acre Botanic Garden is one of those things. Brian Luenser took this shot of Robert McKee and his son, Zack, bouncing across the stepping stones in the Japanese Garden in December 2012. This traditional stroll garden is the most striking in the spring when the cherry trees, Japanese maples and magnolias are in bloom. The Japanese refer to this as “mono no aware,” which translates to “bittersweet beauty.”
photo by Brian Luenser
FASHION LUNCHEON
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Fort Worth Convention Center
Proceeds provide mobile health outreach to under-served women in Fort Worth and surrounding communities. Hosted by the Kupferle Health Board of Texas Health Resources Foundation
Call 682.236.5203 or visit www.TexasHealth.org/POP for more information.
