Plaza Medical Center is dedicated to bringing quality of life back to patients who suffer from chronic and debilitating joint pain. We perform more hip and knee replacement and reconstructive surgeries than any other area hospital, and we’re one of several hospitals in the southwestern United States to have its orthopedic programs certified by the Joint Commission.
Knee Procedures
Total Knee Replacement
Partial Knee Replacement
Arthroscopic
Knee Revision
Hip Procedures Hip Replacement Hip Resurfacing
Hip Revision
From Left to Right: KW Luxury Agents Beverly Wells, Barbara Pantuso, Tanya Benoist, Lesli Akers (KW Team Leader), Johnny Williams, Pam Yoakum and Jeannie Anderson (Not Pictured: Carrie Smith, Kim Miller, Thomas and Sharon Michael).
The da Vinci® Si surgical system.
Surgeons on the medical staff at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, the first and only hospital in the area using the da Vinci® Si Optional Dual Console, can now perform complex procedures with small incisions and greater precision. Patients should potentially experience less pain, less blood loss, lower risk of transfusion and quicker recoveries. See for yourself how little cutting is involved with this cutting edge technology.
by Celestina Blok
Cover Story
Small Plate – The Buffet Restaurant at Kimbell Art Museum
OUR PRIORITIES ARE THE SAME AS YOURS.
An ExxonMobil Subsidiary
Just like you, we believe in putting safety first. And just like you, we want to protect the people in our lives who are precious to us. So we are committed to fostering a healthy and safe environment for the good of our employees, our neighbors and our families who, just like you, live and work here. Nothing could be more important.
fwcontents
/ DePARtmeNtS & COLUmNS /
Getaways
Sip of Napa Valley by Kyle Whitecotton
Health Annoying Allergies: Ways to Fight Back by Tammye Nash 26 Image Shades of Gray: Perfect Nail Colors for Autumn by Ellen Parker
28 Culture The latest book and music reviews as well as a look at the Quanah and Cynthia Ann Parker exhibit and Ballet Frontier
Cooking Thanksgiving Sides The turkey is the star, but here are a few supporting actors. by Judie Byrd 38 Style Inside Out and Outside In A couple of perfect living spaces for fall by Callie Johnston
Goodwill The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Presbyterian Night Shelter work to improve local lives 96 According to Heywood Running for President: Here are a few tips to help you win your way to that big house in Washington. 98 PG Suggested Perimenopausal is the New Black
100 For What It’s Worth Gym Personalities That Make You Want to Cancel Your Membership by Molly Forthright
104 Up Close Estrus Tucker: President and CEO of Liberation Community Inc.
109 Snapshots
Behind the ropes and on the red carpet, the photos of the personalities and parties that have everyone talking
123 fwevents From the must-see live concert to the highly esteemed art exhibit, a month of events worth checking out
133 fwdish Culinary ventures in and around town
134 Now Open The Icing on Top: Sweet Tooth Bake Shop and Bistro in North Richland Hills by Courtney Dabney
136 Restaurant Review Personality Plus: At Thai Tina's, they not only pay attention to the quality of the food, but they also have a real passion for the people they serve. by Courtney Dabney
140 Dish Listings
The most sought-after restaurant guide to navigate the area’s diverse dining options
15 2 fwflashback
The backstory behind the people and events that shaped our city
These products contain real fur from Sheep or Lamb. Fur Origin: Australia, European Union or United States. Real fur has been dyed and treated. Imported.
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And the Winner is…
In church this past sunday, the sermon was on being responsible with your finances. One of the illustrations used was where people were going to lunch after church. t he scenario was that a small group that had started the conversation with going to ihOp ended up at silver Fox. t his impulsive decision tripled the amount they were going to spend. i happen to know that our pastor is a fan of silver Fox, so it wasn’t a knock on the steakhouse but a lesson on self-control.
Eating out too often is one of the top ways families blow their household budgets. truth is, we all have vices and, just like any bad habit, these vices can be hard to break. however, if you don't try to break them or cut down, they will continue to blow your budget and make it harder to pay expenses.
so, for you foodies who need a little help with maintaining your monthly budget so you can experience your next del Frisco’s visit with less guilt, this issue is dedicated to you. Our research found that there are numerous lower-cost, eating-out options in the Fort Worth area if you know where to look. Our cheap Eats feature starting on page 52 provides you with 30 of the most fabulous yet frugal meals Fort Worth has to offer, all under $10.
My favorite dish in this feature story is the super reuben sandwich at the swiss pastry shop (our cover shot). if you thought the swiss pastry shop was just famous for the Black Forest cake, think again. t here is a full breakfast menu that rivals any diner in town, and with a comprehensive soup and sandwich menu, the place packs them in for lunch too. t he super reuben is a hefty 7-ounce serving of corned beef, with just the right amount of sauerkraut, covered with melted swiss cheese on a toasted rye bun. For those who aren’t that ambitious, the regular reuben comes with 4 ounces of corned beef.
to say that Fort Worth’s culinary scene has grown is an understatement. it has exploded. From downtown southlake and Weatherford to West seventh and camp Bowie, new restaurants are opening in record numbers. With so many new eateries to experience, you will not want to miss our 2012 culinary awards starting on page 67, where we give you the skinny on the top three winners in 66 categories from best after-theater dining to best wine list. if you’re a foodie or just trying to find a decent restaurant in Fort Worth, this article is the must-read that you’ll refer to again and again.
Whether you’re looking for great food on the cheap or need to know where to find the best restaurants offering farm-to-fork menus, we’ve got it in this issue. happy dining.
To subscribe to fort worth, texas magazine, or to ask questions regarding your subscription, call 800.856.2032.
fort worth texas: the city’s magazine is published monthly with a special addition in September by Fort Worth, texas Magazine Venture, LP, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116.
Basic subscription price: $23.95 per year. Single copy price: $3.95. Application to mail at periodical postage rates is pending at Fort Worth, Texas.
PoSTmASTer: Send address changes to Fort Worth, texas, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116.
For questions or comments concerning editorial content, contact Paul K. Harral, executive editor, at 817.560.6140 or via e-mail at pharral@fwtexas.com.
AUDIT PENDING
GARY PATTERSON COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE
The City’s Magazine
THE RECORD BREAKER!
Patterson’s 110th Win Sets Record for TCU Football Victories
Patterson Breaks Record
Looking through the Gary Patterson Commemorative Issue, I think you should win an award for this. This is absolutely amazing. What a beautiful piece. You should be very proud.
Alan, my brother who was a Phi Delt at TCU, is in Afghanistan right now and there are a couple of other Horned Frogs over there. I’d like to get some extra copies to send over to them because I know they would just love this. Lori McCormick Tramel, McKinney
On the Web:
Blog Lovin’. Visit the Web site to check out our fun and fascinating blogs. We cover the latest in culture, style, food, dating and witty observations. Visit fwtx.com and click on Blogs.
Online Exclusives. Because we are a monthly publication, there are times when things happen that are so exciting we must share them with our followers. In these instances, look for online exclusives at fwtx.com.
What fun to read and laugh out loud at the striking plateaus Gary Patterson has reached. He is so deserving of a special issue just for him. The threading of classic lines by Dan Jenkins made me bark out laughs over and over — tasty reading with a big grin.
I’m so proud of TCU and the classy way the university does business all pro. — David S. “Smiley” Irvin, Fort Worth
Steer Fort Worth Addition
While I applaud your nice article on Steer Fort Worth (See Seeking the Next Generation of Leaders, October 2012, page 16), you failed to mention the huge role that Leadership Fort Worth has played in the program’s success. Without LFW's endorsement and the involvement, guidance and resources of its staff, Steer Fort Worth would have been a much smaller organization with little chance of sustainability, if it came to fruition at all. I wish you had given LFW a little credit where due.
Lee Rogers, Pa st President, Leadership Fort Worth
Giveaways. Keep your eyes peeled for giveaways at fwtx. com. You could win tickets to popular events or exhibits, store giveaways, trips and so much more.
Let’s Be Friends. Become a fan of the magazine on facebook.com and chat with hundreds of local fans, view videos from our signature events, browse photos from some of our most talked-about stories and stay updated on our many upcoming events. Or you may prefer to Tweet: @ FWTXmag.
Editor’s Note: My wife, LFW Executive Director Harriet Harral, also, um, “mentioned” this to me. — Paul K. Harral
Animal Rescue
What a great, informative piece in the October magazine on Hope and our mission (See: Hope and the Animal Shelter, October 2012, page 45). Thank you.
Kelsey Patterson, Fort Worth
Corrections :
I hate corrections, especially when they are mistakes that didn’t have to happen. Two in the special edition on Gary Patterson meet that criterion, and I take responsibility for them.
Paul K. Harral
On page 12, that’s Abe Martin in the picture.
On page 26, we left readers hanging when a photograph covered the last part of a quote by Patterson’s parents. Here’s the full quote for those of you wondering what you missed:
“We did our best as parents to lay down rules for our children to follow in life,” Keith and Gail Patterson said. “We did our part the best we knew how, and the rest was left up to Gary and he succeeded.”
And the will and the ability to do that were learned in a small Kansas town.
We also were incorrect in identifying the medical practice of Fort Worth dermatologist Dr. Betty Rajan in the Image department (October 2012, page 26). She is in solo practice as Betty Rajan, M.D., 6600 Bryant Irvin Road, Fort Worth. 817.820.0011.
Talk to us: We welcome all suggestions, comments and questions about Fort Worth, Texas magazine and the articles we publish. Send comments by visiting fwtx.com. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
outsidevoice
FYI Fort Worth is the television arm of the city’s magazine and adds to our coverage of this exciting city and the surrounding area. The show is in its third year, and if you haven’t taken a look yet, you should.
Hosted by Scott Murray, FYI takes you around town and around North Texas covering stories and events you don't see anywhere else.
Tune in Sunday, Nov. 4, at 10:30 a.m. TXA21. If you miss it, just visit fwtx.com and select “FYI FW TV.” It's TV you won't see anywhere else!
November on FYI Fort Worth —
This month we visit with Texas singer and Lone Star International Film Festival award winner Billy Joe Shaver as he reminisces about the trials and tribulations he endured throughout his storied career and how he triumphed over them.
FYI Fort Worth also takes you to the grand opening of a great new combination restaurant and coffee cafe called Brewed, to find out what's brewing, cooking or percolating.
Speaking of food, you'll see what delicacies the finest chefs in the area whipped up in the finest homes in Fort Worth at the Wish with Wings Kitchens Tour.
You'll also be doing a little boot scootin’ as Angela checks out the dance lessons that are given each week at Billy Bob's and finds that a lot of people show up for more than just the lessons.
This month's FYI Fort Worth will also help you make preparations for Thanksgiving and will cover charity events, style shows, sports and so much more.
Key Players
1 Alison Rich is a frequent contributor to the magazine on a variety of topics. This month she freely admits we pushed her out of her comfort zone by assigning her a story on programs for warriors dealing with the after effects of their service. That’s on page 42.
2 Celestina Blok took on a monumental task when we asked her to find places and dishes in the area that offer excellent dining but won’t kill your budget. Take a look at what she found beginning on page 52. We learned some things we didn’t know, and you will too.
3 Writer Dorothy Blackman has a nice touch in stories about people and the non-profit agencies that serve them. She looks at two this month —the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Northeast Texas Chapter and the Presbyterian Night Shelter. You’ll find the stories inspiring. Goodwill begins on page 91.
4 Maggie Tarwater has appeared in these pages a number of times. This month we sent her to Quanah and Cynthia Ann Parker: A Pictorial Exhibit of Their Story at the Central Library. Parker’s story is an important part of Texas history and this exhibit needs to be on your to-do list. Learn why beginning on page 28.
5 Ellen Parker interned for us in the spring in the last semester of her senior year at TCU. She lives in New York now, but we converted her to freelance status this month by assigning her the Image department and a discussion of gray as an option for fingernail color. That’s on page 26. She also wrote our book and music reviews in Culture, pages 30 and 32.
6 It’s always allergy season in Texas, but the fall can be especially annoying. Tammye Nash took a look at ways to fight back in Health on page 24.
you attended an event recently sponsored by Fort Worth, Texas magazine and we took your snapshot, you can find it and purchase it even if it didn’t make it in the magazine. Go to fwtx.com and click on Party Pics at the top!
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Staying connected with the latest local happenings
A Chunk of Coal and a Bunch of Films
The 2012 Lone Star FiLm FeStivaL is the sixth edition of this growing event, bringing a wide variety of films to multiple venues in downtown Fort Worth nov. 7-11. it is more than just films; there are educational panels, celebrity guests and nightly parties featuring celebrated musical acts.
t he society honors the legendary pro-
ducer of The Godfather, a lbert S. ruddy, with the achievement in Film Producing award and texas singer Billy Joe Shaver with the Stephen Bruton award. t he Bruton award recognizes an artist whose career, although anchored in music, includes extraordinary achievement in film. venues for the festival include the amC
Palace theatre, the Four Day Weekend theatre and the Fort Worth Convention Center. the schedule is too complicated and extensive to print here, so check the Web site at lonestarfilmsociety.com for details.
the Bruton award is a special honor, Shaver said recently in an interview at the omni hotel in Fort Worth.
“he was my first guitar player,” Shaver said. “he was just a kid. he wasn’t old enough to get into the places to play, and i had to kind of fudge a little bit. Stephen was a very good guitar player and a good friend, too.”
Shaver is no stranger to movies. Friend and fan robert Duvall cast him in the 1996 film The Apostle. he has other credits to his name as well.
Bruton died may 9, 2009. “i don’t remember what year it was. i try to forget those things. i’m a born-again Christian, and i always think everyone when they die, it’s the beginning of forever then. i’d rather feel that way,” Shaver said.
“it’s like Stephen is reaching up out of the grave and saying, ‘Billy, here’s for all the times i got crossways with you’ or ‘for all of the happy times we had.’ it’s just like a friend giving a friend something for nothing, because i can’t imagine why i would receive it,” Shaver said.
Last year’s recipient, Willie nelson, will present it. “Willie’s my brother,” he says. “i’ve been knowing Willie since 1953. i stay in touch with Willie. he’s been a big help to me.” that was especially true when Shaver’s son died of a heroin overdose in Waco on new Year’s eve 2000. “he was real concerned about me because he’d been through something similar to that. he’s just been a real good friend,” Shaver said.
Shaver says his song I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal marked a turning point in his life. “i wrote that when i was in real bad trouble with drugs and alcohol and all kinds of stuff,” Shaver says. he had climbed up to a cliff overlooking narrows of the harpeth river outside of nashville, intending to end his life. But he didn’t. “i wound up asking God to help me,” he says. “i came down from that place singing the first half of Old Chunk Of Coal.” Paul K. Harral
Billy Joe Shaver
Hometown Horse TV
It’s about time Fort Worth — and the nation, for that matter — has its own television network covering the horse culture that is so much a part of the city’s heritage and which pumps so much money into the local economy from equine events at the Will rogers memorial Center.
tony Ford, michael Fletcher and Craig morris agree, and that’s why they’ve decided to launch riDe t V, a new 24/7-television network based in Fort Worth. u ltimately, riDe plans to be a dedicated channel on one or more cable distribution networks.
but it will premier its brand of high definition “horse Lifestyle” programming with the broadcast of the National Cutting horse association's Futurity open Finals on Dec. 15, said Ford, the Ceo of riDe.
“t he network will make the open Finals available as a live internet hD Pay-Per-View event and then rebroadcast an edited version on hrt V,” he said. hrt V — the Network for horse sports — is a television-based multimedia network.
Ford is an experienced entrepreneur. he’s joined in the venture by Fletcher, chief strategy officer, a 23-year media, television production and cable network professional, and by morris, a world champion cut-
ting horse competitor and horse trainer, as well as a popular television show host.
“a mericans spend over $102 billion every year on horse-related activities — and yet there is not a national television network dedicated to showcasing this incredible lifestyle — until now,” says Ford. “riDe tV is positioned to bring the stories, adventure, passion and humor that surrounds the a merican horse culture to audiences around the world. a nd since Fort Worth is the ‘Western horse Capital of the World,’ it is a terrific place for riDe tV to call home.”
Following the NCha open Finals broadcast, riDe tV will launch its 2013 schedule of high-profile horse competitions, travel, food, reality, news and lifestyle programming on cable and satellite systems across the country, Ford said.
“riDe tV will cover all breeds, all disciplines, all the time with shows that feature ordinary people doing extraordinary things with their horses,” he said. “From patrolling our national borders to rehabilitating wounded soldiers, riDe tV will entertain and educate its audience while lifting up the traditional a merican values that Fort Worth is famous for.”
FWTX Staff
Photo courtesy NCHA/Forrest Photography
HOMETOWN HEROES
Presented by SHALE EXPLORATION
Jessica Kolkmeyer Director of Development, Make-A-Wish North Texas
If granting wishes for a living sounds like a cool job, then Jessica Kolkmeyer has the grooviest gig in town. As director of development for Fort Worth’s Make-A-Wish Foundation, Kolkmeyer helps make dreams come true for kids with lifethreatening medical conditions. It was a childhood experience with the organization that propelled her to the position, Kolkmeyer recalls. “I was drawn to Make-A-Wish when one of my close friends was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a form of bone cancer) and I was able to see firsthand the power of a wish,” she said.
Even though Kolkmeyer is wellversed at bringing boys’ and girls’ fancies to fruition — her office granted 82 wishes last year — the experience never loses its luster, she says. “What I enjoy most about my job is seeing the hope, strength and joy that a wish experience can bring a child right here in our community,” Kolkmeyer said. “I still get overwhelmed watching the crowds’ faces as a wish family shares their story on stage. Granting these wishes is important; these kids need us.”
When she’s not handing over happiness, this Hometown Hero donates her time and talent to causes that (not surprisingly) support children.
Wish Child Alaina 3 years old
Comings and Goings To Korea with Appreciation
The Bruce Wood dance Project unveiled the world premier of a new work called Slump by associate choreographer joshua L. Peugh in a dallas performance in june and took it to South Korea in late September.
Wood describes Slump as “a wild, aggressive dance about courtship and the instinctual rituals of mating set to Klezmer, jazz and mambo music” in a news release about the trip. Peugh is co-founder of dark circles contemporary dance in Seoul as well as associate choreographer of BW dP.
In 2006, Peugh went to Seoul after graduating from Southern Methodist university to perform with universal Ballet co. he stayed as a freelance modern dance artist and formed dark circles contemporary with colleague hyun Sang cho in 2010. he joined BW dP in 2012.
the trip came about from a "Slump-in-Korea" campaign on Kickstarter.com that raised more than $10,000 to cover the cost of airfare and accommodations for Peugh and his cast of six dancers. FWTX Staff
Surviving Survivor
ThI ng S L ooK ed a LI tt Le rocKy for Fort Worth-raised actress and Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel on an episode of Survivor: Philippines in late September. She walked away from other tribe members to be by herself.
"I don't feel like I'm fitting in. I'm already on the outside and don't have
somebody I can trust or talk to," she said in the video from the cBS series. " … I'm very used to just taking care of myself, so I think in real life I'm just trying to learn to open up and trust more and depend on other people, but this is not the place to experiment with that."
She’s been away from acting for a while but left for the Philippines shoot shortly after her divorce from her husband of 24 years, Steve cauble, became final in March. "going out to Survivor was helpful for me, to divert my attention and not just dwell on the loss," she told People magazine.
“t hose days on the island were the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. It pushed me to my extreme limits physically, mentally, spiritually, and especially, emotionally,” she said in a posting on her Web site.
t he Survivor programs are shot in advance under strict secrecy and aired later as a series. By the time you read this, she may be gone from the show. or she may survive. FWTX Staff
Fort Worth has a new home for the “worst of the worst.”
The 207,000-square-foot Lon Evans Corrections Center is named for the longtime Tarrant County sheriff and former Green Bay Packer. The addition of this maximum-security jail cost $78.6 million and is the last place you would ever want to end up. Rooms are 40 square feet with concrete floors, stainless steel toilets and sinks and a concrete bed with a thin mattress. All visitation is done via video, and the head of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards said it was the most technologically advanced jail in the state. Now there’s something we should be proud of.
Grandeur Design is getting some new digs in the popular and ever-growing West 7th area. It’s welcoming guests to its Foch Street location in the former Dean Kingston spot this month. If you can’t make it over to the store, Grandeur has an online store coming soon. Visit grandeurdesign. com to start beautifying your home.
Last month, Fort Worth welcomed Brewed, a coffee shop/gastropub on Magnolia Avenue. But Brewed won’t just be serving craft beer and coffee; it also features a full menu showcasing local organic foods at great prices.
Other new culinary additions include the Smiling Moose Deli to the UT Arlington College Park District and Rodeo Goat at 2836 Bledsoe & Currie in Fort Worth. Rodeo Goat is an Ice House featuring house-ground burgers and a large beer selection.
Little Lilly Sushi replaced Hui Chan on Camp Bowie and will serve typical Japanese fare. To set itself apart, Little Lilly imports Okinawa sea salt and blends it with dry red shiso to season the
soybeans and potsticker filling. The signature roll list was kept small to ensure quality as opposed to 20 different rolls with similar ingredients inside, and the majority of Little Lilly Sushi’s fish will come from True World, which specializes in importing Japanese and sushi-grade fish.
And for those looking for a little more personality in their morning show, KTXDTV introduced The Texas Daily. Fourteen of Dallas’ best-loved anchors and journalists from the past three decades are set to inform and entertain watchers weekday mornings from 8-9 a.m. Jeff Brady will anchor the program, while the other 13 contributors will rotate two per show. Viewers can tune into KTXD-TV on channel 47 on Dish, DIRECTV and AT&T, as well as channel 18 on Verizon and channel 22 on Charter.
As far as our goings this month, Fort Worth says goodbye to CEO James F. Gooch of RadioShack. Dorvin Lively, RadioShack’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, will serve as acting CEO. RadioShack has suffered major losses and is struggling due to factors such as competing with online sellers like Amazon.com Inc.
Former CEO James F. Gooch of RadioShack
From our reusable lunch bags to our coloring books and teddy bears, every child goes home with a gift – and you’ll go home with the gift of knowing your child received the best possible care from
pediatric-trained nurses. No wonder USMD Fort Worth has a 99% patient satisfaction rating.
We’re patient people.
QUANAH PARKER, THE LAST CHIEF OF THE QUAHADA COMANCHE INDIANS, WAS THE SON OF PETA NOCONA and Cynthia Ann Parker. He recognized the futility of continuing to fight against encroaching settlers and made peace. He’s pictured here about 1890 in his Star House named for stars painted on the roof — near Cache, Okla. Burk Burnett contributed to building the house. Quanah and Cynthia Ann Parker: A Pictorial Exhibit of Their Stor y at Fort Worth’s Central Library tells the story. To learn more of this significant part of Texas history, see page 28.
Photo courtesy Lakes Trail Regional Heritage Tourism Program/Great Plains Museum. Fort Worth, Texas: The City’s
fwliving/getaways
A Sip of Napa Valley
So what if you’re not a sommelier with encyclopedic knowledge of reds and whites? A trip to Napa Valley is a getaway rich with flavor and sophistication anyone will enjoy.
by Kyle Whitecotton
There is more to Napa Valley tha N just the tow N of Napa itself. in fact, three other sizeable towns extend north along a 30-mile stretch of highway 29. yountville, st. helena and Calistoga offer their own selections of lodging, restaurants and activities, but considering the concentration of wineries in the valley, you’re in the heart of the Napa Valley no matter where you stand.
Napa Valley claims around 45,000 acres of vineyards and a concentration of more than 300 wineries. it’s easy for first-time visitors to feel besieged by this valley of grapes.
w hen it comes to breathtaking views, few Napa Valley wineries can compete with Kuleto estate (kuletoestate.com) in st. helena. Kuleto consists of more than 700 acres of untouched
wilderness stretching across the hennessey Basin. t he mountain terrain, according to wine experts who favor the hillside-grown grapes, creates a rewarding and complex grape. t his and other unique growing conditions throughout the estate make for an exceptional selection of cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel and syrah. But it’s the panoramic views and the vast wilderness setting around Kuleto that will leave a lingering taste.
Besides its petite syrah and cabernet sauvignon, Quixote w inery (quixotewinery. com) showcases an unmatched architectural design style worthy of a visit. Viennese artist, architect, philosopher and environmentalist friedensreich hundertwasser’s jovial creation, set against the stag l eap palisades, is built without a single straight line anywhere in the
design. the roof is garnished with grass and trees, and both the interior and exterior radiate intense shades of paints.
Nestled within the Vacas mountains is jarvis winery (jarviswines. com), just outside of Napa. t his must-see winery’s special touch lies underground. t he winemaking facility here rests beneath the rolling landscape in a 45,000-squarefoot cave system. it is the favorable humidity and temperature provided by caves that wine makers have always preferred for barrel aging their wine. jarvis, however, took the next step by taking the winemaking process subterranean as well. in fact, it’s the first winery in the country to make wine in this manner.
Beringer Vineyards (beringer. com) is Napa Valley’s oldest continuously operating winery. jacob Beringer bought his first plot of winemaking land in Napa Valley back in 1875. his vineyard survived all those years of prohibition — one of the few to do so — and blossomed into one of the valley’s most recognizable names. tour Beringer’s old stone winery and the aging tunnels while pairing various wines with some tasty treats.
Napa Valley’s smaller wineries make for a more intimate experience and should be enjoyed at a more deliberate pace. heibel ranch Vineyards (heibelranch.com) started in 2000 as the family’s labor of love built by hand and began farming organically in 2007. Call ahead of time and tour the grounds in a 1963 willys Navy jeep named sugar magnolia before heading back for a friendly wine tasting. smith-madrone winery (smithmadrone.com) is a family-run, estate-bottled winery consisting of 34 acres of vineyard dating back to 1972.
w hile it’s difficult to make a wrong turn when planning your stops through wine country, you want to know that you’ve seen the very best of the estate wineries and the most welcoming of the smaller boutique wineries before time runs out. it’s a fairly safe bet that you will bypass some of the good ones. or you could avoid the issue and assure yourself a more
fwliving/getaways
comprehensive journey through wine country.
Beau Wine Tours (beauwinetours.com), for example, offers four, six- and eight-hour private tours through Napa Valley and nearby Sonoma County in the comfort of a limousine. Beau Wine can also customize a tour to meet your interests and your taste. If the private tour is not your style, enjoy a three-hour trip from Napa to St. Helena and back again aboard the scenic Napa Valley Wine Train. The route follows tracks originally laid in the 1860s for visitors to the Calistoga hot springs. Now the trip includes a meal in one of the train’s dining cars; for an additional cost, disembark for one of the many private winery tours along the route.
Second only to its reputation for great wineries, Napa Valley has established itself as a culinary heavyweight, attracting chefs from all over the country. Market Restaurant (marketsthelena.com) in downtown St. Helena is just one example. Here you will enjoy an up-scale setting while dining on classic American fare at a not-so-up-scale price. Chef Eduardo Martinez uses ingredients from local organic farms to load Market’s menu with a range of savory seasonal favorites.
Claim your seat at Terra Restaurant (terrarestaurant.com) in St. Helena where Chef Hiro Sone’s eclectic menu serves up the likes of grilled breast of Liberty Farm duck with duck sausage and broiled, sake-marinated Alaskan black cod and shrimp dumplings. Meanwhile, pastry chef Lissa Doumani lures guests to linger a while longer to indulge in Terra’s dessert menu.
The stone structure that is now one of Napa Valley’s finest restaurants, The French Laundry
(frenchlaundry.com) in Yountville, was built in 1900 and originally operated as a saloon. As the years passed, the building housed a brothel before becoming an actual steam laundry in the 1920s. When Chef Thomas Keller opened his restaurant in 1994, the name stuck and came to be known for unmatched cuisine and ambiance that borrow inspiration from the French countryside. The menu here changes daily, offering two exceptional nine-course selections sure to leave the palate begging for more.
Executive Chef Scott Ekstrom and Angèle Restaurant (angelerestaurant.com) offer guests the area’s finest bistro fare in the heart of downtown Napa. Riverfront patio seating lends well to the area’s temperate climate and views of the beautiful Napa River.
Napa Valley’s other must-taste restaurants include La Toque (latoque.com), offering more than 2,000 wines and a vast menu selection created with locally grown ingredients; JoLe, in Calistoga, serving up contemporary American fare; and Redd (reddnapavalley.com), in Yountville, serving what Chef Richard Reddington calls “Napa Valley contemporary cuisine.”
Pair your selection of restaurants with the right choice of Napa Valley lodging. From the quiet country B&B to the deluxe suite at the most opulent spa, the choices are as complex as the wines you’ll sample.
Just a short stroll from historic downtown Napa and a brief drive from all those wineries, Hennessey House Bed and Breakfast (hennesseyhouse.com) offers visitors a historic base from which to explore the wine country. Amenities include a gourmet breakfast, midday refreshments and wine and cheese every evening. Fireplaces and feather beds greet travel-weary guests, while some rooms even have their own personal wine cellar.
For something more secluded, try the Wine Country Inn (winecountryinn.com) in St. Helena where you can immerse yourself in true
wine country living at its best. This B&B is out of the way but not out of reach; within five miles of the inn are 50 wineries and 15 restaurants.
For luxury in downtown Napa, nothing beats a night at the Napa River Inn (napariverinn.com). Step into the distinguished grace of the 1800s with a Victorian-styled room, complete with fireplace. Take your coffee and a newspaper out to your private balcony, and let the river view set the mood for a day of vintage sophistication.
The Tuscan villa style of the Napa Valley Lodge (napavalleylodge.com), in the enchanting town of Yountville, offers a hushed departure from the busy days in the valley. Rather than a crowded downtown street, the view from your room will be that of a more bucolic setting; Napa Valley Lodge is set amidst a cabernet sauvignon vineyard.
For family-friendly lodging, try Calistoga Spa Hot Springs (calistogaspa.com). All guests gain unlimited access to the four therapeutic mineral pools. A visit to the spa includes a selection of mineral, steam and even volcanic ash mud baths. For a serious upgrade in luxury while keeping the benefits of a spa, consider staying at the Silverado Resort and Spa (silveradoresort.com) or the ultra-classy Hotel Yountville (hotelyountville.com).
While the wineries will certainly draw you in and tantalize your taste buds, it’s the time you spend between each tasting and tour that will flavor the depths of your trip to Napa Valley.
The scenic Napa Valley Wine Train follows tracks originally laid in the 1860s and offers on-board dining for a tour of Napa’s wine country.
Annoying Allergies
The allergy season is a fact of life in North Texas, but there are ways to fight back both medically and over the counter.
by Tammye Nash
It’s always allergy season in north t exas. t he only thing that changes is which allergen is currently causing the most problems. the fall allergy season has a rough one, “especially compared to last year,” according to Fort worth allergist Dr. susan bailey with Fort worth allergy and asthma associates.
“last year, the heat and the drought were so bad that the weeds and things that cause allergies didn’t stand a chance. this year, the allergies seem much worse in comparison,” she said. “and the fall allergies started earlier this year since the cooler weather started earlier. every cool front that comes through pushes in a new wall of pollen from the midwest.” in north texas, the allergy seasons tend to
overlap one another, bailey said. as one allergen dies out, another blossoms. cedar elm, “which can really cause a lot of misery” for those with allergies, blooms in the early fall, along with ragweed, which this year was “rejuvenated” by the increase in rain.
those two die down as the weather gets colder. but other hardier species, such as mountain cedar, then move to the front of the allergen line. and molds tend to be more resistant to cold and can stay active nearly year-round.
able over the counter without a prescription,” bailey said.
those products include claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), allegra (fexofenadine) and nasalcrom (cromolyn sodium nasal solution). there are also eye drops that can help with the itchy eyes that often accompany allergies.
but the thing to remember, bailey said, is that these are preventatives: “you have to take these every day for them to be effective. you can’t just take them when your allergies get bad. the nasalcrom is purely preventative. it does nothing at all for you after you are already suffering from allergies.”
if the otc options don’t help, bailey said, “contact your doctor to see about getting one of the nasal steroids or the steroid shots or pills. singulair [montelukast sodium, a prescription asthma medicine] is also prescribed for some allergies.”
and if you still don’t get relief? then, bailey recommended, “see an allergist and get tested to see if you are a candidate for allergy shots.” she cautioned against treating allergies as a minor annoyance, saying that allergies can lead to recurring sinus infections and even asthmalike symptoms such as tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.
according to the american academy of allergy, asthma and immunology, some 20 million people in this country suffer from asthma, and at least half of that number have “allergic asthma,” a type of asthma triggered by allergies. the mayo clinic notes that some allergy treatments, such as singulair and allergy shots, can also be effective in treating asthma, as well. but most treatments are designed to treat either allergies or asthma, but not both.
“Fortunately, we are blessed these days to have a lot of effective allergy medications avail-
allergies can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to rest well. “when you don’t sleep soundly, you end up being chronically fatigued, and that can really impact your overall quality of life,” she said. “so treat your allergies. Find what works for you and use it. because when you sleep well, you feel better. and when you feel better, your life is better all the way around.”
Dr. Susan Bailey, Fort Worth Allergy and Asthma Associates
Nationally Recognized for Excellence in Orthopedic and Spine Care
at Arlington Nationally Recognized for Excellence in Orthopedic and Spine Care
Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital
At Baylor Arlington, we continually strive to provide the best care and experience for our orthopedic and spine patients and their families. This focus on excellence has allowed us to receive some recognition from leading government and industry groups:
• 99% Patient Satisfaction for our Post Surgical Care Unit from Press Ganey
• The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for our facility
• The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for our laboratory
• The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for our Hip and Knee Replacement Programs
• The Joint Commission Top Performing Hospital 2012™
• Becker’s Hospital Review’s 100 Hospitals with Great Orthopedic Programs for 2012
Baylor Arlington specializes in providing advanced comprehensive treatment for General Orthopedics, Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine, and Spine Care.
To find our more about these awards and what they mean to you, visit our website at Baylor Arlington.com or call 855.41.ORTHO for an appointment.
707 Highlander Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76015
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Shades of Gray
Due to its versatility and neutrality, gray nail polish provides a perfect addition to an autumn look, complementing black, brown or navy.
by Ellen Parker
From the famous nails of m ichelle o bama at the Democratic national c onvention to the perfectly manicured models at new York fashion Week, gray has been the trending color for this fall for all of these fabulous fingers.
this seemingly singular color comes in various shades and textures, and some even have a hint of sparkle.
Gel/Shellac. the no-fuss and no-chip manicure offers a convenient solution to obtaining this sleek look of smoky, gray nails. it does require a two-to-three week commit-
ment to the color. in order to ensure that gray is an option at your salon, request the color ahead of time since gel and shellac colors are typically only sold to professionals.
• Michelle Obama’s choice was Colour Gloss Vogue, Grey Lilac (artisticnaildesign. com), which is a soak off gel colour and has been the envy of many. Unfortunately it has since sold out, but similar colors remain.
• OPI makes a gorgeous gray called, Nein! Nein! OK Fine! (opi.com) in the gel color as well as regular polish. The color is a darker shade of gray with an almost green tint to it.
• Also, CND (cnd.com) is a shellac, which makes multiple shades of gray that are long lasting and with rich color pigmentation.
Polish. for less of a commitment and more variety, nail polishes from an array of brands offer striking grays from lighter glosses to more dramatic pops of color.
• The sheer quality of Butter London Nail Lacquer’s Dodgy Barnett (butterlondon. com, $14) allows for the color to be a topcoat or a light layer of lacquer for a subtler look.
• Essie, Chinchilly (essie.com, $8), is a granite gray that also has a creamy look to it, which makes it a popular choice for nails that want a more neutral shade.
• For a darker look, NARS, Space Odyssey (narscosmetics.com, $18), is full of crisp silvers and has a clean sparkle as it is brushed on as well, which provides an edgier look.
Tips. if the darker shades seem overwhelming, try the color on your toes first to visualize what this trend looks like without committing to it with a manicure.
also, begin with a lighter shade in the smoky color palette and build up as confidence grows or when the right color has been found. the darkest hue is not always the best choice for each unique skin tone, and finding the perfect match can take a few tries.
While it is important to pick out shades of gray unique to each skin tone and person, do not forget to add the crucial layer of topcoat to seal the color and add an extra shine for a complete look.
Whether seen as a light sheen or a fashion-forward look, the shades are endless with no gray area that this trend complements each individual.
Comanche Nation
Quanah and Cynthia Ann Parker and Texas History
by Maggie Tarwater
Some say it is one of the most fascinating stories in texas history. some say it is nothing more than a legend about the life of a notorious comanche warrior. most of all, it is a story of sadness, love and triumph that characterizes the heritage of our state and that of fort Worth. t he story is told in the exhibit Quanah and Cynthia Ann Parker: A Pictorial Exhibit of
Their Story, on display at fort Worth’s central Library, 500 W. third st., through Dec. 15. it is a project of the Lakes trail regional heritage tourism Program.
in 1836, a native a merican raiding party attacked the Parker family’s south texas homestead, killing everyone except cynthia ann, 9, and her 6-year-old brother John. raised and cared for by the tribe, she eventually married a
comanche leader and gave birth to three children, including Quanah Parker, who would become the chief.
texas r anger c apt. Lawrence sullivan “sul” ross again took cynthia a nn captive at age 35 in December of 1860. her uncle, isaac Parker, took her to his family’s new compound in Birdville by way of fort Worth. she was later sent to other relatives in east texas and died in 1870. Parker’s cabin can be visited at Log cabin Village.
t he exhibit’s original developers, clara ruddell, Doug harman and Bob holmes, wanted to offer a new perspective of texas history, one that they feel is all too often overlooked. “When you look at it from a historical standpoint and how texas history is important, there’s a big element missing; Quanah Parker’s story is a great way to view it,” harman said.
“When you think of texas history, you automatically think cowboys and indians,” ruddell added. “schools do a great job teaching the history of the cowboy, but the role of the native american is usually missing, and they’re a big part of it.”
Quanah Parker grew to become a great leader in both war and peace for his comanche tribe, making peace while others fought hopelessly on. he was a proponent of educating young comanche children to learn english and become successful farmers. he developed friendships with President roosevelt and wellknown fort Worth businessman, s amuel “Burk” Burnett.
“Because of his leadership, we didn’t become extinct fighting the white man’s ways,” said Quanah’s great-great-grandson, Lance tahmahkera.
on display are weapons, tools, pictures, costumes, statues, paintings, photographs and maps of indian territory. “it’s an educational experience that opens up a series of other educational opportunities,” harman said. “We hope people will delve into it and ask questions about other stories.”
Quanah’s great-great-grandchildren were involved, sharing stories of the legendary comanche leader. “People won’t ever see anything quite like this,” said Ben tahmahkera, Quanah Parker’s great-great-grandson. “they’ll go away with perhaps a little sadness, a little happiness, just like the way people do now with history,” he said.
Quanah Parker about 1890 on the porch of a house built for him in Cache, Okla. Photo courtesy Lakes Trail Regional Heritage Tourism Program/Merle C. Hartung Collection
Frontier Nutcracker
Ballet Frontier of Texas bills itself as a training ground for young dancers that gives them the chance to participate in auditions, rehearsals and theatrical performances alongside top professionals. You can judge for yourself and capture a memorable holiday experience when the company performs The Nutcracker Nov. 16-17 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave.
“The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Frontier of Texas follows the traditional classical story,” Artistic Advisor Enrica Tseng told us. “[The] lavish production includes about 100 performers and 200 costumes.” The choreography is by Chung-Lin Tseng and Roy Tobias. “The guest artists in our production are from Texas Ballet Theater and other local principal dancers,” she said. “It is quite amazing the amount of work that goes into this production and how much all our younger dancers grow during the rehearsal process.”
Artistic Director Chung-Lin Tseng is from Taiwan and began his career as a figure skater before studying classical ballet at the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts. He joined Texas Ballet Theater in 1998 and, under the direction of Ben Stevenson, danced classical roles as a principal, including the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cavalier in The Nutcracker He has created original works for Ballet Frontier since founding the company. Tseng has served as a Visiting-Artist-In-Residence at Southern Methodist University and taught as an adjunct faculty member at Texas Christian University’s Department of Ballet and Modern Dance.
Enrica Tseng, artistic advisor to the company, trained in classical ballet in Italy and joined Texas Ballet Theater also in 1998. She has been featured in all the principal roles of the company repertoire. In 2006, she received a special award as a “Distinguished Italian Artist in the World” from the jury of the LericiPea in Italy. She retired from the stage in 2008. She and her husband formed the Ballet Center of Fort Worth in 2005.
The ballet is based on a storybook called The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, written by E.T.A. Hoffman. Legendary Russian chorographer Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky to write the music for a ballet first performed in 1892.
Performances are Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $20/general-$30/reserved. For more information: balletfrontier.org. 817.852.6887. Paul K. Harral
Photo courtesy Ballet Frontier of Texas/ Anthony Crowley
Pray for Miracles:
Exploring the Rational and Biblical Basis for Believing in a WonderWorking God
By Courtney Dabney $19
In a world where the media views miracles as unbelievable because they are unscientific, Courtney Dabney guides her readers through her extensive understanding and faith in miracles within. Dabney addresses the extreme views toward miracles that some within Catholicism and Pentecostalism have and argues that there is a middle ground for believing in miracles.
The book is divided into three sections, (I) Why We Believe in a God of Miracles; (II) Testing the Lord; and (III) God’s Communication Style. This allows a logical thought progression to take place during this theologically-based work. The first section emphasizes how humanism and evolution have been used by the scientific community to question the God of miracles. Moving into the second section, Testing the Lord talks about various Biblical characters who have been criticized unfairly for believing in miracles. Dabney closes with the third section by addressing her personal views of faith in a wonder-working God.
Throughout each of these sections, Dabney weaves personal stories, Biblical references, as well as quotes from authors such as C.S. Lewis. Her knowledge of the topic radiates off the pages as the book presents a fresh perspective on a topic that is typically not given a lot of attention. Ultimately, Dabney says, “if there are no miracles, then none of it makes sense. You can’t say it is good teaching and it informs you philosophically. If there are no miracles, then the Bible is just a book.”
Gone Girl
By Gillian Flynn $25
Set in North Carthage, Mo., New York Times bestselling author Gillian Flynn takes readers on a thrilling fictional journey. Nick and Amy Flynn, who met in New York City, moved to North Carthage where Nick purchased a bar with Amy’s trust fund money after they both lost their jobs as writers during the financial crisis.
As the story opens, it is the morning of their five-year anniversary. Suddenly, Amy cannot be found, and it seems as if she has disappeared. Evidence that Amy struggled before her disappearance is obvious, and the police begin to suspect Nick.
Questions of lies, betrayal and deceit arise as the book, which is narrated by both Nick in the present and through Amy’s diary, unfolds. The story is one of a marriage that has crumbled over time but leads the reader to continually question who is the reliable narrator within the story or if either character is reliable at all. While Nick reveals his thoughts and feelings about Amy and the loss of her charm, Amy’s written words, which date back to when they first met seven years prior, are revealed and twist the story into a complicated and shocking thriller.
Flynn’s strength within this novel does not come strictly within the suspenseful plot, but also through her depiction of Nick and Amy. Nick’s shift in behavior from Amy’s early diary entries to the recent stories of peculiar incidents he has had makes Nick’s dark humor all the more intriguing to the reader.
If you have trouble putting Gone Girl down, then also read Flynn’s first two novels, Sharp Objects and Dark Places.
The Fault in Our Stars
By John Green $17.99
When Cassius said to Brutus, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, / But in ourselves, that we are underlings” in Julius Caesar, John Green found inspiration for the title of his most recent novel, The Fault in Our Stars. Sixteen-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster suffers from thyroid cancer, which was terminal until she was prescribed a drug two years ago that has shrunk the tumor. However, with this miracle drug has come an oxygen tank strapped to her and a struggle with clinical depression. Because of this, her parents decide that she must attend a kids’ cancer support group, despite Hazel’s protests. While at the support group, Augustus Waters, who is in remission for osteosarcoma, quickly becomes acquaintances with Hazel. Set in Indianapolis, the two develop a friendship and love, while knowing that time is not promised to anyone, especially them. They both share a realistic perspective on life and their situation at hand, demonstrated by their witty and intellectual dialogue. Their story takes them to Amsterdam, where Augustus attempts to grant Hazel a wish, and it also leads them to places of grief and pain. This unconventional love story promises a memorable read that will invoke laughter, as well as a few worthy tears.
The Fault in Our Stars was a labor of love, which Green worked on for more than a decade. In his attempts to write this moving story, he initially wrote Looking for Alaska Green’s writing is an example of modern, raw storytelling.
The Truth Behind Miracles
Our very own Fort Worth, Texas magazine food critic, Courtney Dabney, talks about her fascination and faith in miracles.
by Ellen Parker
Who are your favorite authors who have delved into the topic of miracles?
C.S. Lewis wrote a book called Miracles, and he obviously took a real philosophical stance in it, which was written back in the 1950s, but nothing has been written on the subject in such a long time.
What inspired you to research and write about miracles? I graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1994, and I’ve been on numerous mission trips all over the world. I think that the way scripture is interpreted now is sometimes through the lens of false theology. Our society has made people feel like fools for believing in the miraculous, even though all the major world religions are based on miracles. I feel like miracles have been pushed aside, and people of all religions, especially Biblically based Christians, have been made out to be fools because we believe in something that cannot be proven scientifically, which is funny because that’s the exact definition of a miracle.
Was there a mission trip that stood out to you? When I was a student at TCU, I developed migraine headaches, and they controlled my life for several years. I had to take a tranquilizer to numb the pain every time I got a headache, and I have a whole chapter based on that. When I was in Germany, I really understood for the first time what grace meant. While I was there, a friend of mine and I prayed for the healing of my migraines that they wouldn’t incapacitate me anymore. I’ve never had another migraine, and that was in 1989. It was a very powerful experience for me that I know was God and I know he exists.
listen up what locals are listening to by Ellen Parker
Glad All Over
The Wallflowers
$10.99
The Wallflowers truly have something to be “glad all over” about with their newest album released in October after an almost seven-year hiatus from creating music together. Jakob Dylan along with Rami Jaffee, bassist, Greg Richling, guitarist, Stuart Mathis and the group’s new drummer, Jack Irons, who played for The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, comprise The Wallflowers’ line-up for this album.
The band gathered in Nashville, Tenn., for a month to record at Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound Studio. With a more simplistic sound and the basics of rock ’n roll as their goal, the twotime Grammy Award-winning group was produced by Jay Joyce and mixed by Rich Costey. Dylan wanted to place an emphasis on a collaborative effort going into this project, rather than his coming into the studio with numerous songs he was ready to produce.
Reboot the Mission was released as the band’s single, which has a Clash-like sound and a shuffle backbeat. Mick Jones from the The Clash is on vocals and guitar throughout the song, which reinforces The Clash’s influence that went into writing the single. Jones’ vocals are also featured on Misfits and Lovers, which adds a reggae-sound to the record.
The tracks Have Mercy On Him Now and It’s a Dream display Dylan channeling Petty and Springsteen’s 70’s hits.
While this album differs from The Wallflowers’ Bringing Down the Horse, which was released in 1996, it is a strong testament to Dylan and the rest of the group’s versatility and evolution.
fwliving/culture
Tempest
Bob
Dylan
$9.99
The iconic Bob Dylan has released his 35th studio album entitled Tempest. The 10-song album encompasses a wide array of themes including: women, class, journeys, power, God’s mysterious will and death’s omnipresence. The songs take the listeners on a tour of stimulating dark lyrics.
Produced by Columbia Records, Dylan joined up with his band from the road, along with David Hidalgo from Los Lobos, who plays instruments including the accordion and fiddle.
Whistling from Dylan throughout the first song, Duquesne Whistle, has a raspy sound, which indicates his changing voice due to the longevity of his career.
While most of the tracks are more than five-minutes in length, the title track Tempest plays for more than 14 minutes. The song, which is about the sinking of the Titanic, makes references to James Cameron’s movie, Titanic, and has a meditation tone as Dylan narrates the details of those lost in this historic event.
The final song on Dylan’s album, Roll on John, is in remembrance of John Lennon. His lyrics refer to Lennon’s assassination, and he quotes the famous Beatle by saying, “I heard the news today, oh boy.”
Tempest made fans wonder if Dylan was referencing Shakespeare’s last play, The Tempest However, the album, which was released Sept. 10, 2012, is not the last for Dylan, despite the similarities that the titles share. The folklorist, yet again, has gathered a collection of lyrics and melodies that encourage audiences to listen in order to gain insight into an American legend.
Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway
Betty Buckley
$12.65
Tony Award-winner Betty Buckley reinterprets a collection of songs from classic Broadway plays such as West Side Story, Annie Get Your Gun, Guys and Dolls, Pajama Game and Sweeny Todd, in her most recent album, Ah, Men! The Boys of Broadway She was initially inspired to record the album because of her engagement at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency in New York City, where she sang songs that were originally performed by men on Broadway.
The 10-song CD displays her range and passion for Broadway music. With arrangements by Christian Jacob and Eric Stern, Buckley puts her unique twist on these male-dominated songs.
From Luck Be a Lady to I Won’t Dance, there is passion in her voice that exudes her true love for each handpicked song. The insert to the CD offers commentary from Buckley under each track about her feelings toward the songs or what led her to choose the particular track.
Arranged by Eric Stern and new lyrics by Eric Kornfeld, A Hymn to Her was adapted from My Fair Lady’s A Hymn to Him Buckley calls it the “centerpiece” to the collection of songs, due to its witty, personalized lyrics that she sings with enthusiasm and charm.
Buckley chose not to sing all of the songs from the character’s perspective because she wanted listeners “to feel from a genderless all-encompassing place.” The upcoming inductee to the Theater Hall of Fame continues to push not only the music boundaries, but also the gender boundaries within music throughout her most recent work.
the groupie’s corner
Fort Worth’s Finest, Broadway’s Best
Betty Buckley records another magnificent album.
by Ellen Parker
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career? When I first saw West Side Story when I was 14, and I really wanted to be a Jet, and I had a major crush on Russ Tamblyn, who played Riff. It went way beyond a crush. I wanted to be Riff, to walk like him, to talk like him, to dance and sing like him. So I auditioned, of course, for the Casa Mañana production of West Side Story when I was I think 15 or 16, and I didn’t get the part of anybody, just a little girl that hangs out with the Jets.
How did this album come about? I started thinking about all of the great parts in musical theater that are written for men and how certain great actresses like Sarah Bernard played Hamlet, and there were some notions of genderless casting in those times and so I thought it would be great to play some of those parts. Some of my favorite songs are sung by men or were originated by men on Broadway shows that people wouldn’t expect me to sing. So I thought that, ‘Oh, I’ll just have to put a concert together one day of all my favorite men’s songs, and then I had a reason to sing them.’
What is your best piece of advice for those who have dreams of being on Broadway? Practice, practice, practice. You know whenever I’m home between engagements, I teach at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. The students in the past several years that I’ve taught there have gotten into the schools of their choice, and many of them are on full scholarships. So the next time I teach, I would suggest that people come and study with me!
For you, retirement isn’t about sitting still, bound to a fixed budget. You want to get out and explore the world. Live out as many dreams as possible. That’s where we come in. We’ll help you create a retirement strategy built with your goals in mind. And that magic number we all hear about will take on a new meaning altogether. Let’s plan for your tomorrow, today.
fwliving/cooking
Thanksgiving Sides
The turkey is the star, but here are a few supporting actors for you to audition.
by Judie Byrd
Sure, Thanksgiving dinner cenTers around a goldenbrown roasT Turkey, but it’s also the heyday for side dishes. every family has favorite traditional sides. some are original creations that have become favorites. others are recipes passed down through generations treasured touches that remind us of who we
are and where our families originated. at our house, we always have traditional cornbread dressing, but i would hear complaints if i didn’t also serve Tamale dressing, a throwback to my arizona heritage.
chef Molly Page, head chef at chadra, loves to cook for her family and friends. her scalloped oysters reflect her family’s new england
roots and are a tasty way to celebrate their virginia heritage in their Thanksgiving festivities. her Peanut chestnut soup is another yankee favorite you’ll want to try. That recipe can be found on our web site.
Paul harral, editor of our magazine, is a fabulous gourmet home cook. he has perfected a recipe for a classic holiday dish, brussels sprouts. “i had never eaten a brussels sprout until 1982 when we adopted a nearly 6-year-old daughter,” Paul says. “The adoption agency’s list of favorite foods included them. That began a long association with this strange vegetable that resembles a little cabbage.” his favorite recipe for brussels sprouts is on page 36. kelly hucklebridge is a sports therapist, personal trainer, busy mom and also a great cook. her sweet Potato salad is amazing and can be served warm or chilled.
Scalloped Oysters
Yield: 4 - 6 servings
• 2 pints shucked oysters, drained with liquid reserved
• 25 buttery round crackers, crumbled
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Butter a shallow baking dish.
2. Combine cracker crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, thyme and onion powder; stir in melted butter. Place a thin layer of the crumb mixture in bottom of prepared baking dish. Layer half of the oysters
Judie’s Tamale Dressing recipe
Chef Molly Page’s Peanut Chestnut Soup,
Chadra Mezza Chef Molly Page’s Scalloped Oysters honor her family’s New England heritage.
fwliving/cooking
over crumbs and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Pour two teaspoons oyster liquid and one tablespoon heavy cream over oyster layer. Top with remaining oysters, two teaspoons oyster liquid, remaining heavy cream and salt and pepper to taste. Cover top layer with remaining crumb mixture. Bake 25 minutes.
Lemon Pepper Brussels Sprouts
Yield: 6 servings
• 2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts (never use frozen)
1. Cut Brussels sprouts into quarters. (Very small ones can be halved.)
2. Using a large skillet with curved sides, heat olive oil and cook garlic until slightly browned, about one minute or less. Turn heat to high, add Brussels sprouts, and toss to coat evenly with oil. Add one tablespoon lemon pepper. Cook, turning constantly, until slightly browned and heated thoroughly. This can take up to 20 minutes. You can cook them on lower heat, turning frequently, if you have other cooking chores to do. It’s OK if they are crisp, but don’t let them burn.
3. Toward the end of cooking, add the remaining tablespoon lemon pepper and turn to coat well. Sample frequently. They are finished when you say they are. Garnish with lemon wedges.
Sweet Potato Salad
Yield: 6 servings
• 4 - 5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place sweet potatoes on greased baking sheet and bake 30 minutes or until tender. Place in a large bowl and add remaining ingredients. Toss to coat well. Serve warm or chilled.
Judie Byrd is founder of The Culinary School of Fort Worth and host of Judie Byrd’s Kitchen, seen daily on Family Net Cable. For more information, check out judiebyrd.com.
Sports therapist Kelly Hucklebridge’s Sweet Potato Salad can be served warm or chilled.
Lemon Pepper Brussels Sprouts are a favorite dish of Editor Paul Harral.
Inside Out
In Fort Worth when the weather turns crisp, we gather our friends at any chance to enjoy the autumnal changes. Who says you can’t bring your living room outdoors? Cozy up in this outdoor space featuring luxurious accents.
Beautiful floral centerpieces on coffee table and hearth provided by Deitra Butler of Lush Couture Floral. To learn more about Lush, visit lushcouturedesign. com. 817.570.2929.
Tips From the Expert
Aimee Beatty, Pier 1 Imports’ in-house stylist, shares ideas on bringing the inside out and the outside in.
The art of maximizing an outdoor living space can happen by bringing indoor elements outside to help soften the setting.Throw pillows, outdoor rugs and added accents to a seating group bring a delightful element outdoors, making you want to never leave.It’s important to create an outdoor living space that is inviting and approachable, ultimately creating a haven for you and your guests to enjoy.
Special thanks to Adrienne and Allen Paschal for the use of their lovely home.
To create an organic feeling in your home, bring natural elements to your tablescape. Depending on the season, incorporate colors and textures you might see by simply looking out the window.
Beautiful floral centerpiece provided by Deitra Butler of Lush Couture Floral. To learn more about Lush, visit lushcouturedesign.com. 817.570.2929.
Tips From the Expert
Aimee Beatty, Pier 1 Imports’ in-house stylist, shares ideas on bringing the inside out and the outside in. Bringing the essence of the outdoors inside happens by the selection of colors and textures combined.Rich earth tones mix well with rattan and woven textures creating an inviting atmosphere with a familiarity of the outdoors.Nature inspires us, captivates our senses and compels the human heart to explore what the world has to offer.By creating an indoor retreat with outdoor-inspired elements, you are ultimately creating a home.
The New Moncrief Cancer Institute
We are pleased to announce the opening of the new Moncrief Cancer Institute in the heart of the Fort Worth Medical District.
We bring an unparalleled concept to Fort Worth – a non-profit center focused on cancer prevention, research, and survivorship with special services for uninsured patients and survivors.
As a community-based center, we partner with local hospitals, physicians, and organizations. Through our affiliation with UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, we offer innovative research programs in Tarrant and surrounding counties.
Zach Briseno and son Elijah live in a house designed to accommodate his needs provided by Helping A Hero, a Houston-based program that partners with local builders and developers to build affordable homes for wounded veterans. Briseno lost his lower legs to a bomb set off in a road in November 2007 while deployed to Iraq.
Soldiering on
Whether the scars are visible or much more than skin deep, the hurt is the same. Thankfully, our local vets can tap an arsenal of services to help them solider on.
by Alison Rich
WErEsErvE
Nov. 11 as a day to hoNor all
U.s. vEtEraNs for thEir sErvicE to oUr coUNtry, honoring them for service that transcends time. Their reasons for joining as diverse as their backgrounds, these men and women willingly put their lives on the line for Uncle Sam. Duty bound, they leave behind spouses, parents, siblings, friends — essentially their entire support systems — to serve in conditions that sometimes makes a Kubrick flick look tame.
The casualties of war are endless, and death knows no bounds. But imagine, if you will, the impact of war on the injured — those whose wounds cut short their duty and send them home. Broken bones hobble many; others suffer horrific head wounds. Makeshift bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan cause concussion injuries and lost limbs.
Many vets end their tour without a serious physical setback, yet precious few are truly unscathed. Their injuries, while not obvious, are tattooed on their hearts.
Thankfully, just as a physical injury can heal, so, too, can the spirit. There are many innovative programs to help members of the military reacclimatize to civilian life while mending their mind, body and soul. Here locally, we’ve got a cadre of such services — some long-established, others lately launched — to facilitate that transition and gently reintegrate these wounded warriors back into society and into life.
Admittedly, it’s not an easy road. Not only do their own internal and external pains wrack them, but they also are deeply affected by their comrades’ injuries as well. According to those who work with wounded warriors, they are often reluctant to share their feelings — the grief remains raw, no matter the passage of time. And that has played out here in the making of this story. Finding people willing to discuss their personal experiences was difficult, but not impossible. Besides acquainting readers with a sampling of special services, we’ll also introduce you to some women and men who gave beyond measure to protect our freedoms.
a home of their own Houston-based Helping A Hero cooperates with builders and developers to build homes for wounded veterans that accommodate their disabilities. One home in 2011 was for local hero Marine Cpl. Zach Briseno.
Briseno’s first thought when the explosion hit his vehicle in Iraq in No-
vember 2007 was for the others with him, he said.
“I heard them screaming and so I asked if they were OK and they said they were,” he said when the home was being built. “That’s when I started to feel something’s not right. It hurts.”
Briseno had lost both legs below the knees and had broken his arm. He grew up in Fort Worth and played baseball, basketball and football. He graduated from Castleberry High School. He joined the U.S. Marines when he was 19.
His first thought when he learned that he had been selected to receive a handicapped accessible home through the Helping A Hero Home Program was that someone was putting him on.
“At first, I thought it was a joke,” Briseno said. But it wasn’t a joke, thanks to Hillwood Residential, Standard Pacific Homes, Southwest Airlines and the Semper Fi Fund. It was the 23rd home for HelpingaHero. org and the first in North Texas. “A lot of prayers have been answered,” Briseno said.
Briseno started a job in October with Bank of America in mortgage services.
“The neighbors and the whole community are wonderful,” Briseno said. “My son’s school is right around the corner. He’s playing baseball now, so I’m coaching his team. ” Briseno is 27; his son just turned 7.
Briseno says he has not struggled with PTSD as some vets have. “I have maybe a dream or two here or there but it it’s nothing real severe. I still get startled a little bit by the occasional boom, but not to the point where someone would go crazy,” he said.
Help is available for those who need it — if they know about it. “There are a lot of people out there willing to help but some people just don’t know about them,” Briseno said.
Also in the business of suppling homes for veterans is the Military Warriors Support Foundation, a San Antonio-based 501(c)3 whose impact is felt here locally. Fifteen DFW families have benefited from its Homes 4 Wounded Heroes program, which provides 100 percent mortgage-free homes to combat-wounded veterans, said programs director Casey Kinser.
“In addition to receiving the home, the family is provided a mentor who they meet with on a monthly basis to teach them the financial skills to be healthy, happy homeowners and create goals to keep them on track,”
she said. “At the end of three years, upon successful completion of the mentoring, the family gets the deed to the house, [which is] still 100 percent mortgage free.”
Currently in 23 states, the program rolled out in March 2010 and recently celebrated the donation of its 200th house.
“This takes a major stressor off their plate,” Kinser said. “They’ve got so much to worry about with their physical injuries, going back and forth to appointments. So not to have to worry about a mortgage and focus on themselves and learn financial skills is very healing. We’ve seen families grow and blossom so much.”
Vets on the Street Having no place to call home is a very real possibility for many veterans, and there are programs to deal with that locally.
Opened in 2008, Patriot House is a 5,200-square-foot shelter for homeless vets. “We have the capacity to have 60 males and four females in a two-year transitional housing program in conjunction with the Veterans Administration,” said Toby Owen, executive director of the Presbyterian Night Shelter, which runs Patriot House. “Our focus in that two-year program is to provide the housing, food and other supportive services around their daily living. The VA provides the counseling, the job place-
ment, drug and alcohol treatment and long-term housing as needed.”
Last year, 167 vets went through the program. “We were able to help 54 of those people move into their own housing, which is a very high number,” Owen said.
The Veterans Services arm of Catholic Charities also offers help for homeless vets. “The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program offers housing assistance to all honorable discharged veterans who are eligible for programs in Tarrant, Denton, Colin and Dallas counties,” said program manager Denise Brimmer-Collins.
“Assistance includes paying a client’s rent up to five months, utilities for two months, $500 in emergency assistance (i.e., food, important documents), and up to $1,000 in car repairs and childcare.” There is no charge to participants, and one does not need to be Catholic to receive services, Brimmer-Collins notes.
Fishing for Healing Gregorio Ramirez was honorably discharged from the Army after being deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 and 2006. But the 38-year-old Fort Worthian battles PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and depression. Most days, he keeps to himself, spending time with his wife and kids. But a weekend retreat he participated in this past August
Top: Zach Briseno, Cpl., USMC, Ret., is flanked by two Marines at the groundbreaking ceremony for his new home as then-Mayor Mike Moncrief looks on. Below: Supporters of the program gathered at the ceremony. Photos courtesy Helping A Hero Home Program/Meredith Iler
is helping turn his life around.
“I was seeing a doctor at the VA, and he suggested I go on the fishing trip to Galveston,” Ramirez recalled. “I didn’t want to go. Honestly, I was thinking I didn’t deserve it because I was one of the guys who came back; I was still here. Some of the guys passed away overseas. I felt guilty. It was a lot of mixed emotions. But most of it was guilt.” Feeling guilty about surviving when friends died is not uncommon among combat veterans.
Ramirez’ wife insisted he go, and he complied — albeit grudgingly. That decision, he says, was one of the best he’s ever made.
“Being able to drop a line off the pier and catch something was so exciting,” said Ramirez, a first-time fisherman who reeled in a 41-inch blacktip shark. “It was an adrenaline rush. But someone told us: It’s not about what you catch. It’s about getting out there and dropping the line and getting your mind off what’s going on.”
The twice-yearly excursion is sponsored by Wounded Heroes of Texas, a nonprofit launched by Grandview resident Chuck Perry and his wife, Sandy, in 2006. Its mission: to honor, empower and express gratitude to wounded soldiers and their families via fundraisers and other events, including the yearly fishing getaway.
“I’m a Vietnam vet and after Desert Storm, I saw a lot of the same [re-entry] problems that we had on our return starting to occur with some of the younger vets. And something inside of me said I needed to help,” Perry said. A group of 16 volunteers assists the Perrys in their efforts. “There’s an aspect of combat that changes not just your psychological attitude but your physical being. It’s very difficult to re-acclimate to American life, especially if you have mental injuries as well as physical ones. What we’re trying to do is help speed up that transition, where they can live as normal a life as possible as quickly as possible.”
The organization works in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which handpicks participants for the no-cost trip. “They send the ones who are in the most need,” Perry said. “The retreat gives them a renewed vigor to help them tackle their [VA] treatment programs and want to complete them.”
While he was in Afghanistan, Ramirez witnessed the death of a good friend. Mike was 26 years old and from Massachusetts; it was his first deployment. “I volunteered to be a pallbearer for him. I had been a pallbearer for other fallen brothers [but] this time was different. Since the Iraq and the Afghanistan war started, I have known of a lot of brothers that I had the honor to serve who have lost their life in combat,” Ramirez said.
Aside from his guilt, Ramirez worries about his fellow comrades who are still on the battlefield, his heart heavy with pain for them and their families. “I pray every day,” he said, “for those brothers and sisters who are still in harm’s way.”
“There’s an aspect of combat that changes not just your psychological attitude but your physical being. It’s very difficult to re-acclimate to American life, especially if you have mental injuries as well as physical ones.”
Chuck Perry, Wounded Heroes of Texas
The VA is only treating Ramirez for PTSD. He was not seriously wounded physically. Still, he takes daily medication, which leaves him tired and robs him of his joie de vivre.
Ironically, for many veterans, being a survivor can be deathly difficult. Why, they wonder, was their life spared when so many others had theirs ripped away? This crushing guilt, according to Ramirez, is something he grapples with every day of his life.
Women Suffer, Too Another initiative making waves on the veteran front is Grace After Fire, a Fort Worth-based group that provides support for and helps women veterans who are returning from active duty reengage in civilian life.
“Women are fighting alongside the men, which they’ve been doing a long, long time,” said Kim Olson, CEO/president of Grace and a retired Air Force colonel. “But now we’re trying to demand that a system designed around a male soldier change and adapt to a female soldier. The VA does a good job for men, but it wasn’t built around women.”
Founded in 2008, Grace uses peer-to-peer counseling among its other female-focused initiatives to give women an outlet to express their emotions and encourage self-renewal. The organization also acts as an advocate to influence policy on behalf of some 1.8 million women veterans and helps its clients gain access to programs outside its own service sphere.
Female veterans serve as counselors. “It’s important to have women vets talking to other women vets,” Olson said. “They can reach out to their battle buddies — their sisters.”
Grace client Mellanie “MJ” Sumrall agrees that peer-to-peer counseling is critical. “Counselors are great,” said Sumrall, a Crowley resident
Above: Kim Olson, Col., U.S. Air Force, Ret., started Grace After Fire in 2008 to deal specifically with female service members. Left: Olson stands in the palace of deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in Baghdad. Photos courtesy Kim Olson
who was in the Army from 1996–2002. “But if it’s someone who hasn’t been in [the military], they don’t get it. There are things that happen that you’re not comfortable talking about with a civilian. They just don’t understand.”
Sumrall was never exposed to combat. She was almost deployed to Korea, but the fact that she had medical issues — she was on crutches because of being on her feet all day — sent her instead into an administration job. She was told if she stayed in military, she’d end up in a wheelchair. And her “babies needed a mama” who could take care of them, she said.
Chaplain Herman Keizer Jr., Col., U.S. Army Ret., gives the benediction at the end of a communion service at Firebase Normandy in Vietnam in 1969. He is co-director of a new program at TCU’s Brite Divinity School that plans to address the moral injuries of war. Photo courtesy Herman Keizer
Her “wounds” stem from her re-entry into society — and the ensuing emotions that occur — as civilian life runs counter to military life. She wrestled with transitioning from the severely regimented life of a soldier — where life is mapped out turn-by-turn — to the more chaotic, freewheeling civilian existence. She sought the esprit de corps of fellow vets, who could empathize with those needs and the emptiness that stems from losing a built-in, always-on support system.
That men and women generally experience and process trauma differently is why Grace crafted a gender-specific model built around the female vet. “It talks about emotional intelligence and healthy relationships, grieving, the natural nurturing and the things we go through that are natural to our gender,” Olson said. “When women deploy, we shut off our emotional dial. Then when you come back after a year deployment, that emotional dial is supposed to kick back on right after you step off the plane? That doesn’t happen. You have to dial it back up.”
In terms of reintegration, Grace has done wonders for Sumrall, she says. “There are so few women compared to men in the military,” said Sumrall, a married mom of four who attends social events Grace sponsors to meet other women vets. “We’re a smaller group within an already small group. So having that connection to female soldiers who understand things that others won’t — it’s a piece of home.”
Her heart may have been heavy, but Sumrall and her soldier sisters are every bit as tough as their male counterparts, Olson says. “Women vets are just as resilient, just as brave, just as strong [as men],” Olson said. “They carry the weight of a lot more people than just themselves when they come back and assimilate into life.”
“There is still some stigma related to saying you’re having difficulty. That’s not something most combatants are quick to acknowledge.”
Michael Hogg, executive director, Rocky Top Therapy Center
The military itself is home for Sumrall, she says, and losing that sense of companionship is another tough issue with which veterans have to contend. “People don’t get why you miss it. They baffle at why my husband re-enlists,” said Sumrall. Her husband, Dick, is in the National Guard. “Once you’re in the military, those are your brothers and sisters for life. And getting to meet [fellow vets] is like meeting members of your family. The military is a little piece of home that you feel like you’re always missing when you’re out.”
Sumrall described a recent visit to San Antonio, during which she felt the gravity of her emotions. “I went to Fort Sam Houston and started to cry,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much of the military was in my heart.”
Kelly Kelly, another local vet who participates in Grace After Fire, concurs. She nods to the innate power of women to rally around and inspire each other. “It’s amazing because women are so strong,” she says. Just to be around Col. Olson and hear her speak and [see] the poise these women have — it’s awesome.”
Kelly, who served in the Army from 2001–2006 and then in the Air Force Reserve from 2006–2011, spotted a flyer for Grace at Texas Woman’s University in 2011 and attended a get-together soon after to convene with fellow comrades. “It’s always nice to compare stories and meet local area women who are so strong and [where] everybody helps everybody,” said Kelly, who is studying nutrition at TWU. “And when you get friendship and love and kindness like that — it’s a human emotion everyone needs.”
Besides providing an outpouring of support, Grace has aided Kelly in other ways, as well. “I was about to have a baby, and they helped me with a ton of stuff,” she said. “They gave us Christmas gifts, too.” Grace even helped Kelly obtain a college scholarship.
Kelly deeply craved the camaraderie of military peers, who have unique insight into what it feels like to be an outsider in a non-military environment. She’s way more at ease amongst her “brothers and sisters,” she says, and feels a genuine connection to all of them, whether they served together or are even in the same branch or not. Those “differences” are blurred when they’re out of uniform and back at home.
Support is critical, Olson says, because women are a familial linchpin. “We believe the woman is the nucleus of the family. If we get her well, she will go to great lengths to get her family well,” Olson said. “Women are a huge force multiplier as far as making families whole. On the converse, if you lose the woman, you’re probably going to lose the family.”
Back in the Saddle There’s a lot of blossoming going on, as well, at Rocky Top Therapy Center in Keller. The nonprofit offers Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and therapeutic riding through its Horses for Heroes program, which pairs mental health professionals with Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International certified riding instructors. The cost-free therapy lasts for 12 weeks — once a week for an hour and helps vets who have experienced trauma in the line of duty adapt physically and emotionally to their after-war lives.
“We see amazing results; they really thrive,” said program director Brooke Knox. “They have a huge reduction in symptoms and a huge increase in quality of life.” Funded by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission and launched in 2009, the program gets a large majority of its referrals from the VA, she says. Right now, it serves 30 clients a week, with room for more.
Above: Angela Williston, Dick Sumrall, holding Jo Sumrall, Mellanie “MJ” Sumrall, Edwin Sumrall and Zachariah Williston (standing). Mellanie turned to Grace After Fire to help her transition to civilian live from the severely regimented life of a soldier.
Left: Being on her feet all day put her on crutches, and she was told if she stayed in the military, she would end up in a wheelchair.
Michael Hogg, executive director of Rocky Top and a recently retired Navy vet, says the program’s discretion is a major boon. “There is still some stigma related to saying you’re having difficulty. That’s not something most combatants are quick to acknowledge,” he said. “With this program being out here on a ranch away from the eyes of their peers, they can come out with complete confidentiality and have their problems addressed.”
Why horses? “On the physical side, a horse’s gait is the same as a healthy human body,” Knox said. Riding also stimulates the spine and muscles in a very natural way. “And there’s a level of engagement — it’s more fun than working on machines or throwing a ball. But one of the most valuable things is that riding provides an opportunity to have a safe relationship and make mistakes. … For many, this is the first time since combat they feel they can fully relax.”
Let’s Talk About It Venting their feelings can also serve a therapeutic role. The Fort Worth Veterans Center, which started serving vets in a
nine-county area in 1986, uses onsite individual and group therapy as a means of healing. And because many injured vets are loath to drive, Vet Center counselors travel to locations as well.
“We have support groups for vets to express concerns, maybe cry together, maybe laugh together and then go back to their lives and do what they need to do, coming back as needed,” said team leader Dr. Dan Vandergriff, an Air Force vet. “The veterans are really hesitant to talk to people about what they’re going through because they don’t think they’ll understand. And they don’t want to face the rejection. … But it’s not likely they’re going to surprise us with something, so that makes them feel comfortable.”
chaplains, faculty and nonprofit leaders dedicated to reinforcing recovery.
“We’re humbled by the importance of the task we’re seeking to take on with the Soul Repair Center,” said D. Newell Williams, president of Brite Divinity School. “We’re glad to be in Fort Worth and think there are many here who will share our concern for returning soldiers and helping people understand this is a real condition — not for people who are psychologically ill, but good, normal people responding to one of the great dangers of war. We hope that we can make a difference and are confident that Fort Worth is the best place for us to start to raise consciousness about the reality of moral injury and how it is different from other war wounds.”
Emotionally wounded warriors, Vandergriff says, are also well aware that others can’t see their injuries and, thus, might not understand their pain. “That’s a concern of theirs. When veterans come back from combat zones, most are young, and no one wants to have a problem. They want to come back to their life the way it was when they left,” he said. “So they have a lot of issues that prevent them from getting early help and they ignore their symptoms. Because of that, outreach is important for us. We go to various events to be there for vets to help them identify something they might not be aware of.”
Moral Wounds Beyond aiding the wounded body and spirit, a new program at TCU’s Brite Divinity School addresses a more ambiguous type of war-related woe: moral injury. VA clinicians defined moral injury in 2009 as the consequence of “perpetrating, failing to prevent, bearing witness to or learning about acts that transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations.” Called the Soul Repair Center, the Brite program officially launched Nov. 12 with a formal panel discussion led by a spate of experts and others.
Keizer himself knows what it’s like have a hole in your soul. During one of his tours, he survived a 150-foot fall from a helicopter. The gash to his conscience — to his moral compass — is just as fresh today as it was all those years ago.
“I had PTSD so I found myself depressed at times and angry and had dreams. I went out of that helicopter [in my dreams] more than once. But then I had survivor guilt, and that was kind of a moral thing between God and me. Why did I survive a fall of 150 feet while some young soldier forgot his night orders, lit a cigarette and had his brains blown out [by a sniper]? So I had to deal with that,” he said. “But if you have a good relationship with God and have some people who are willing to sit down with you and aren’t going to say, ‘Why did you do that, stupid?’ and are willing to accept you, that’s a good way to be part of a community.”
“There are things that happen that you’re not comfortable talking about with a civilian. They just don’t understand.”
Mellanie “MJ” Sumrall
“What we’re trying to do is acquaint people with moral injury and show the difference between that and PTSD,” said co-director Herm Keizer, who was drafted while doing undergrad work and served 40 years in the military. “PTSD hits one part of the brain, so it’s a very neurological kind of problem that requires counseling and brain retraining. The front part of your brain is where your moral sensitivity is.”
Among its plans, the center will establish a think tank to advance the study of moral injury, pinpoint paths to recovery and develop resources for public education, as well as create training programs and curricula for local communities, religious congregations, clergy, seminarians,
It’s that sense of belonging, Keizer contends, that undergirds the Soul Repair Center.
“You have a very tight-knit community in the military. And our feeling is that the church really knows about community,” said Keizer, who served as a chaplain in Vietnam. “It’s a place you can go, warts and all, and find some grace and find the acceptance and help to forgive yourself — and, if you have some things against God, to forgive Him too.”
Love for Comrades Remember Gregorio Ramirez, who found his grace on, of all places, a fishing pier on Galveston Island? It’s that sense of community — that brotherly love, if you will — that is helping bring his soul back to life.
“There were other vets and some active duty guys, all just dropping their lines and talking — thinking about fishing and not the other stuff,” he said. “Just being around other veterans feels like home.”
Above: Michael Hogg, Lt. Cmdr., U.S. Navy, Ret., is executive director of Rocky Top Therapy Center in Keller. Rocky Top offers psychotherapy and therapeutic riding through its Horses for Heroes program. Left: Hogg is pictured by an M1A1 Abrams tank with a combined forces tactical unit in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq in 2004. Photos courtesy Michael Hogg
Sally Bolick Strong, the owner of Just Catering, and Chef Mike Swirczynski, the owner of Dueling Chefs, joined forces and created Bravo!!
Mary Anne McCarthy | 2425
Susan West | 750 Jenkins Rd.
Mary Anne McCarthy | 52 Westover Terr.
$5.95
Cheap eat$!
30 Best Dishes Under $10
by Celestina Blok
When compiling a list of Fort Worth’s best budget-friendly dishes, we went for tasty, filling feasts that gave us a bang for our buck. The list by no means encompasses all of the wonderful enchilada plates, chicken fried steaks and daily specials available to us, and doesn’t really include appetizers or desserts. Instead, we wanted to showcase deliciously prepped entrée items from primarily mom-and-pop eateries that can hold their own against any glitzy, high-dollar joint in town. We know a great dining experience is part food, part atmosphere, but when the latter is sometimes less, the food shines even more.
Reuben Sandwich
Swiss Pastry Shop
$5.95
This price is for the whole sandwich, piled high with the Muller family’s signature corned beef, kraut and Swiss cheese on rye bread, and even includes a side – potato salad, potato chips or more kraut. A half sandwich is only $4.70 (still including the side), which leaves plenty of change for a slice of cream, meringue, mousse, fruit or custard pies. 3936 W. Vickery Blvd. • Fort Worth, Texas 76107 • 817.732.5661 • swisspastryonline.com
Daily BBQ Sandwich Special
Bailey’s Barbeque
$5.75
The line forms early for the brown paper sack specials at this tiny barbecue joint that’s more than 80 years old. Bailey’s Barbeque sits in the same tiny red brick building as it did when J.T. Bailey opened it during the Great Depression. His grandniece, Brenda Phifer, runs the joint now, feeding as many busy downtown work-
ers as she can by hurrying them through the ordering counter. Go with the daily special: a hefty barbecue sandwich filled with the day’s oak wood-smoked selection, ranging from sliced brisket to pulled pork and turkey to chopped beef, served with chips and a drink. Save a few cents on Tuesdays when smoked sausage is the featured choice.
826 Taylor St. • Fort Worth, Texas 76102 • 817.335.7469
Pork Belly Ramen Noodles
Tokyo Café
$9
Foodies know ramen not as the sodiumpacked microwavable brick of wiry-thin noodles but as the savory, traditional Japanese noodle dish prepared with fresh components. At Tokyo Café, the pork belly ramen offers grilled and braised pork belly (think thick, fatty bacon), shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, carrots and scallions cooked in a pork-based broth and served with a hard-boiled egg over thick noodles. The ingredients meld in a col-
orful, flavorsome feast that we can’t consume quickly enough.
Of the five weekday lunch specials at this ’50s-inspired diner, Thursday’s beef tips and noodles is the most popular. With tender beef tips smothered in brown gravy and served over egg noodles, the dish is by no means fancy but reminds us of a childhood dinner at Grandma’s (amid all of her I Love Lucy and Coca-Cola collectibles). With two vegetables included in the price, the entire entrée is a steal.
Smothered Pork Chops with Candied Yams and Collard Greens
Drew’s Place
$8.49
A perfect balance of salty, sweet, savory and greasy can be found in this locally famous dish that folks will drive miles to devour. Featuring two gravy-covered, fork-tender pork chops (or three for more than our $10 limit), the entrée includes your choice of two sides and a cornbread muffin to help sop it all up. While fried okra and macaroni and cheese are among our favorites, we love how the sweet, mushy yams cut the saltiness of the bacon-tinged collard greens.
Any best dish list should include a good burger, and the debate of which is top in town will go on as long as patties keep hitting the grill. But we favor the Fredburger because it’s big (a half-pound), juicy and somewhat of an icon, plus it pairs well with the joint’s carnivore-happy atmosphere. The decades-old dive is now a be-seen spot, but we remember Fred’s when it was truly a hole-in-the-wall, one where area industrial workers grabbed a beer and a bite after their shift. Today there are two Fred’s locations as well as a food truck, provid-
$9 Pork Belly Ramen Noodles Tokyo Café
$8.49 Smothered Pork Chops with Candied Yams and Collard Greens Drew’s Place
Fort Worth, Texas: The City’s
ing more opportunities to indulge in one of Fort Worth’s tastiest dishes.
915 Currie St. • Fort Worth, Texas 76107 • 817.332.0083
2730 Western Center Blvd. • Fort Worth, Texas 76131 • 817.232.0111 • fredsTexascafe. com
Red
Snapper Tacos
Paco and John
$2.50
Paco and John offers a taste of the coast in landlocked Fort Worth with its grilled red snapper tacos, topped with fresh pico de gallo and sliced avocados and served in a warm corn tortilla. Order two of them and make a plate with rice and beans and remain under $10.
Fit what you can on the substantially sized “small” plate at the Kimbell’s popular buffet offering light and flavorful salads, quiches, soups and sandwiches. Every time we visit,
$9.25
we’re delighted with offerings such as green chile quiche, carrot soup and tuna salad sandwiches.
This dish takes us outside Fort Worth proper, but only by a few miles. A must-visit, the family-owned Cuban eatery and small Latin
$2.50Red Snapper Tacos Paco and John
American grocer has sat in the same bright pink building for more than 20 years. Judge all other Cuban sandwiches against this one – a 9-inch roll hot-pressed and filled with roasted pork, ham, salami, cheese, mustard and the all-important pickles. Bite after bite, the bread remains warm and crispy throughout, which is crucial to a great Cuban. Hungry for more?
A 12-inch sandwich is $7.99.
6650 Glenview Drive • North Richland Hills, Texas 76180 • 817.284.1692
Pepperoni Pizza by the Slice Hysen’s Nizza Pizza, Pasta & Subs
$2.75
The late Hysen Lushaj owned a Manhattan pizzeria that originated in the ’70s. Today his sons carry on the tradition, offering the New York-style pizza they grew up with to folks in Fort Worth. Located in a former fast food joint on University Drive, Nizza Pizza doles out cheesy, tangy pepperoni pizza by the slice, conveniently served through a drive-through window if desired.
401 University Drive • Fort Worth, Texas 76107 • 817.877.3900 • hysensnizzapizza.com
Lobster Bisque
Daddy Jack’s
$6
As the weather cools, we can’t help but crave a bowl of hot and creamy seafood bisque. This one, not only touted as the best in town but also beyond, is so rich and decadent that we’re easily filled when the check arrives, especially with warm crusty bread for dipping. Chef Dominick Simonetti doesn’t bother adding lobster chunks or crabmeat, because the smooth silkiness of the soup is just too perfect to interrupt with chewing.
$9 Small Plate The Buffet Restaurant at Kimbell Art Museum
Fort Worth, Texas: The City’s Magazine
$2.75
Pepperoni Pizza by the Slice Hysen’s Nizza Pizza, Pasta & Subs
$7.64
Gyro-topped Greek Salad
George’s Imported Foods
Tangy, spicy, buttery and salty, we’d order the stuff by the gallon if they’d let us.
353 Throckmorton St. • Fort Worth, Texas 76102 • 817.332.2477 • daddyjacks.org
Carne Asada al Carbon plate El Pollo Regio
$7.99
Don’t let the language barrier or no-frills atmosphere stop you. This Austin-based eatery, which started as a trailer outfitted with a charcoal grill, dishes up some of Fort Worth’s best carne asada al carbon (grilled meat), even when it’s served in a Styrofoam box across a drive-through window. Order and receive a heaping helping of seasoned meat, a grilled onion half, warm corn tortillas, limes, salsas and cartons of savory rice and charro beans. The entire package is easily enough to feed two. Pick it up on a night when making dinner sounds overwhelming and there’s cold Mexican beer in the fridge. Multiple locations • elpolloregio.net
Carnitas Burrito Melis Taqueria
$3.25
It’s the “carnitas,” or shreds of crispy fried, well-seasoned pork that make this hefty burrito one of our favorites in town. The carnitas are topped with lettuce, chopped tomatoes, onions and cilantro and tucked in a warm flour tortilla that’s smothered with refried beans. Don’t go expecting table service – Melis keeps things simple with just an outdoor ordering window.
4304 W. Vickery Blvd. • Fort Worth, Texas 76107 • 817.377.8484
Gyro-topped Greek Salad
George’s Imported Foods
$7.64
We were happy to see George’s reopen in December after a yearlong hiatus — our Greek salad fix had remained unmet elsewhere. The Phiripes family is not shy with the portions. A small salad is nearly enough to feed two. Owner Nick Phiripes (whose father is George) tosses a tangy, tart Greek dressing with lettuce, large Kalamata olives (watch for the pits), red peppers, tomatoes, feta cheese and juicy banana peppers, then tops it all with a substantial helping of savory, sliced gyro meat. Even more, hot pita bread and yogurt dill dipping sauce is included.
4424 White Settlement Road • Fort Worth, Texas 76114 • 817.737.0414
Chicken Shawarma Sandwich
King Tut
$5
Strips of chicken breast are simmered in onions, tomatoes and potent seasonings to create the tangy, flavor-packed filling for this hot pita sandwich. Substantially sized, the dish is satisfying on its own, but at only five bucks, we have extra cash to add a side of fries or a green leaf salad with bright red tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, each only $2.50, to remain under $10. A Magnolia Avenue veteran, King Tut is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and is one of the restaurant row’s original eclectic eateries.
Even with a recent small price increase, this dish still falls just under our $10 budget, and for that we’re thankful. We can’t always get our slow-cooker out in time to prepare something like this at home, and the staff at Dixie House (at any location) makes us feel like we’re family. With fall-apart meat and soft potatoes and carrots, the dish is served with the longtime restaurant’s signature “big buns,” or fluffy white rolls, along with two sides. We like to choose green beans and fried okra, or macaroni and cheese when we’re feeling extra homesick.
Multiple locations • dixiehousecafe.com
Jim’s Po’ Boy
J&J’s Oyster Bar
$9.99
Named for the restaurant’s fun-loving owner Jim Schusler, this po’boy was picked because of its standout crawfish sausage, a unique combination of crawfish and spicy sausage that Schusler’s especially proud to offer. The sandwich is then topped with J&J’s seafood gumbo and served with freshcut, skin-on fries.
612 University Drive • Fort Worth, Texas 76107 • 817.335.2756 • jandjoysterbar.com
Black Bean Soup
Jazz Café
$6.50
Topped with pico de gallo and a dollop of cool sour cream, a large bowl of this rich and velvety soup warms our bellies and relaxes our minds. Maybe it’s the longtime café’s hip, laidback atmosphere, where the service is by no
$9.50
$5
Pot Roast Dixie House Café
Chicken Shawarma Sandwich King Tut
$8.99
Kha
means rushed and the occasional live music is snazzy. We sometimes order a cup for only $4.50 and pair with the Mediterranean eatery’s small portion of tabouli, a blend of cous cous, chopped tomatoes, fresh parsley, onions, olive oil and lemon juice, also $4.50, which keeps us within our $10 limit.
2504 Montgomery St. • Fort Worth, Texas • 817.737.0043
Tom Kha Soup
Bangkok House Thai
$8.99
No frills, no hype. Thai food lovers in town have long made the rarely-publicized Bangkok House Thai in far west Fort Worth their go-to spot, even back before Thai was trendy. Of all the Tom Kha soups in town (made with creamy coconut milk, fragrant lemongrass and often times mushrooms and tomatoes, served with your choice of meat), this one warms our heart most. It’s served in the traditional piping hot pot, with a live flame in the middle to keep the soup at a low simmer. If you haven’t been, be aware that “Mama Tiki,” the restaurant’s bubbly, grandmother-like manager and chef, might give you a hug just for visiting.
438 S. Cherry Lane • Fort Worth, Texas 76108 • 817.246.0236
Deluxe Frito Pie
Day Break Café & Grill
$3.69
From a place that offers everything from bean and cheese burritos to shrimp cocktail, Day Break’s chili, cheese and jalapeño-topped Frito pie epitomizes the diner’s smorgasbord of a menu. A goldmine for budget-friendly bites, the dive is nothing fancy, but the food is tasty and the service quick. Maybe that’s why we often see Fort Worth firemen and police officers there regularly – they can get filled and get out in a hurry. Open by 5 a.m. for breakfast daily (even Sunday), Day Break is always busy with area blue-collar workers and business suits alike. And if we’re ever craving a mound of messy Frito pie, this is our place.
2720 White Settlement Road • Fort Worth, Texas 76107 • 817.335.0805
Pho Soup
Noodles at Boba Tea House
$6.99 – large bowl
By now, everyone has his or her favorite spot for pho, the hot, brothy Vietnamese noodle soup served with beef (typically brisket, meatballs or sliced eye of round), bean sprouts,
$3.69
basil, jalapeños and lime. In far north Fort Worth at North Beach and Basswood, Noodles at Boba Tea House sets a higher standard for the traditional dish. The bright and airy space with incredibly friendly service allows us to customize our own bowl and even add fresh veggies if we wish — including crisp carrots, broccoli and Napa cabbage. Plus there’s a whole menu of fresh fruit and cream slushes that are worth a visit on their own.
7355 N. Beach St. • Fort Worth, Texas 76137 • 817.234.9996 • noodlesbth.com
Falafel Salad
Chadra Mezza & Grill
$8
Chadra’s pretty falafel salad combines mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled turnips and pickles (pickled in-house), kalamata olives, tahini and falafel, highly-spiced ground chickpeas formed into balls and deep fried, into a beautifully colorful vegetarian dish. 1622 Park Place Ave. • Fort Worth, Texas 76110 • 817.926.3992 • chadramezza.com
Chicken Fried Steak
Old Neighborhood Grill
$9.25
Like steaks, barbecue and burgers, chicken fried steak is one of those entrées that will always be debated as to whose is best in town. Old Neighborhood Grill’s consistently garners glowing reviews making it our go-to, budget-friendly choice. The friendly, family-owned Park Place Avenue diner is like home to area regulars, whom the staff knows by name. If the lengthy vegetable list is overwhelming, just go with green beans and mashed potatoes and gravy, and you’ll be set for a true taste of comfort.
1633 Park Place Ave. • Fort Worth, Texas 76110 • 817.923.2282
Chicken & Dumplings
Paris Coffee Shop
$7.25 (includes two vegetables)
A Thursday-only lunch special, Paris Coffee Shop’s once-a-week chicken and dumplings
Deluxe Frito Pie Day Break Café & Grill
$7.95 Mole con Pollo
$7.75
Sweet Luv’us Hummus Wrap
Spiral Diner
dish packs the house. Owner Mike Smith whips up more than 50 gallons of the stuff, which sells until it runs out. Be prepared to wait in line, and don’t go at all if you’re in a hurry. A dish this delicious shouldn’t be rushed.
704 W. Magnolia Ave. • Fort Worth, Texas 76104 • 817.335.2041 • pariscoffeeshop.net
Mole con Pollo Esperanza’s Mexican Bakery & Café
$7.95
If you had a Mexican great-grandmother, she would have made mole like this. The complicated savory sauce, made with several different spices and sometimes even chocolate and peanut butter, can be a hassle to concoct. We’ve had some of the best mole con pollo at Mexican weddings and quinceaneras, and Esperanza’s version tastes just the same. Heavily sauced over a tender bone-in chicken breast and drumstick and served with refried beans, rice and tortillas, the dish is a steal considering the amount of work you won’t have to do to create it yourself.
2122 N. Main St. • Fort Worth, Texas 76164 • 817.626.5770 • joets.com
Sweet Luv’us Hummus Wrap Spiral Diner
$7.75
This year marks a decade since Spiral Diner opened and started serving vegan cuisine in a city known as “Cowtown.” Consider the concept successful, as the Magnolia Avenue eatery is busier than ever with waits for lunch and weekend evenings. Amongst the eatery’s many knockout dishes, we love the Sweet Luv’us hummus wrap, packed with healthy components including a layer of sweet potatoes and hummus, broccoli, cucumbers, avocados, greens and spicy pecans topped with tahini or ranch dressing, all tucked in a flour tortilla. Even more, the wrap comes with a choice of the day’s side dishes.
1314 W. Magnolia Ave. • Fort Worth, Texas 76104 • 817.3.EatVeg (328834) • spiraldiner. com
Banh Mi Sandwich
Tu Hai
$3
Mention “banh mi” to most folks, and you’ll likely be met with, “Come again?” But the Vietnamese sub-style sandwich has become the trendy item to order in recent years as
$6.75
Chicken Salad Sandwich The Lunch Box
food trucks have increased their popularity. Even Tim Love has a version on his Woodshed Smokehouse menu. But for the real deal authentically prepared with three kinds of pork, pate, Asian slaw and cilantro on a crusty buttered roll — visit Tu Hai in Haltom City. At only three bucks, the traditional sandwich is a steal and tastes better than any fancy rendition.
3909 E. Belknap St. • Haltom City, Texas 76111 • 817.834.6473
3 Kale Salad
Woodshed Smokehouse
$8
Salad at a smokehouse? We know, we know. But Tim Love’s 3 Kale Salad showcases his ability to impressively transfer his signature smokiness to a plate of greens, and delightfully so. The salad is thoughtfully comprised of curly kale leaves, smoked pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, shaved, pungent manchego cheese, green apple slices and bits of salty guanciale, or
hog jowls. (It’s just like bacon.) A light, lemony dressing delicately coats each component, creating a refreshing dish that doesn’t weigh us down mid-bike ride.
3201 Riverfront Drive • Fort Worth, Texas 76107 • 817.877.4545 • woodshedsmokehouse. com
Chicken Salad Sandwich
The Lunch Box
$6.75
It’s been almost 40 years since Paula Kilgore started serving her famous chicken salad to Camp Bowie locals, addicting them at first bite. The Lunch Box (which originally opened as Paula’s Tea Room) has switched hands a few times since then, most recently to the Khan family, whose children grew up on Lunch Box fare. The Khans promise no recipes will change, but more locations might be added down the road. Order the chicken salad as a whole sandwich (on white, wheat or light or dark rye bread) with chips and a pickle or a
half-sandwich with fruit, salad or soup and still remain under 10 bucks.
Last year Zeke’s commemorated 40 years of serving catfish, shrimp and Icelandic cod to hungry Fort Worth diners. The tiny dive offers a lengthy menu of fried seafood, chicken and country fried dinners and a convenient drivethrough window for to-go orders. But stay and sit on the narrow back patio and order a pitcher of beer along with the short combo, which falls within our $10 budget and fills us up just fine. The dinner includes one thick piece of battered and fried cod, choice of two veggies (we like the cornmeal fried zucchini slices and fried okra), hush puppies and sauces.
We annually ask our readers for their thoughts on the food scene in and around Fort Worth. It’s kind of like homework, because the categories are many and varied. But they are up to it. Or at least 406 of our readers were in this last round.
Once we have those votes, the meetings in the office begin. In most cases, the vote totals are clear. The restaurant with the most votes gets first position in the listings and a small write-up. Nos. 2 and 3 are simply listed.
But in instances where there is no clear consensus, the editors of the
After-Theatre Dining
Zambrano Wine Cellar
Zambrano’s wine list has more than 325 wines from around the world, and 50 are available by the glass. It’s open for lunch and dinner with an upscale, bistro-style menu.
910 Houston St., Ste. 110
817.850.9463
zambranowines.com
Ferre Ristorante and Bar
215 E. 4th St.
817.332.0033
ferrerestaurant.com
Piranha Killer Sushi
335 W. 3rd St.
817.348.0200
piranhakillersushi.com
Appetizers
Fire Oak Grill
Just a few of the reasons for this award: Seared Diver Scallops with Lump Crab Gratin and Beurre Blanc; Beef Tenderloin Tacos with Jalapeño Cream and Fresh Pico de Gallo; and House Smoked Molasses Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños with Chipotle Cream Cheese & Shrimp. 114 Austin Ave.
Weatherford
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
3100 W. 7th St.
817.336.8000
eddiev.com
MICHAELS CUISINE Restaurant and Bar
3413 W. 7th St.
817.877.3413
michaelscuisine.com
magazine make a decision based on personal experience, the opinions of other staff members and trusted foodies outside the magazine. It becomes a judgment call.
We modified the rules for inclusion this year, opening the results to allow national businesses without a specific Texas or local connection to be on the final list. Previously, businesses not founded locally were excluded from consideration based on the number of locations in Texas or nationally.
Atmosphere/Décor
Grace
Home of 2012 Fort Worth, Texas magazine’s Top Chef Blaine Staniford, Grace offers an elegant setting that is fitting for a city with the energy and drive of Fort Worth.
777 Main St.
817.877.3388
gracefortworth.com
Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant 2201 N. Commerce St. 817.626.4356
joets.com
Buttons
4701 W. Freeway
817.735.4900
buttonsrestaurant.com
Bagels
Yogi’s Bagel Café
Yogi’s serves bagels along with a variety of other menu options. But it’s also a meeting place. The conversation that led to Purple Fridays took place here between then-Mayor Mike Moncrief and TCU Coach Gary Patterson.
2710 S. Hulen St. 817.921.4500
yogisdeli.com
Central Market
4651 W. Freeway 817.989.4700
centralmarket.com/Stores/Fort-Worth.aspx
Boopa’s Bagel Deli
6513 N. Beach St.
817.232.4771
boopasbageldeli.com
Bakery
Blue Bonnet Bakery
Locals favor Blue Bonnet for its pies —pecan pies and fruit pies — and for its cakes — Texas fudge, carrot , Italian cream and more. 4705 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.731.4233
bluebonnetbakery.com
Swiss Pastry Shop
3936 W. Vickery Blvd. 817.732.5661
swisspastryonline.com
The Black Rooster Bakery 2430 Forest Park Blvd. 817.924.1600
blackroosterbakery.com
Bar Food
MICHAELS CUISINE Restaurant and Bar
Even the names make your mouth water: Ranch Oysters Rockefeller, for example. The descriptions even more so: Ancho Bar Poker Chips Crisp Tortilla Chips Topped With Chile Con Queso, Fried Tobacco Onions & Jalapeños, Pico De Gallo, Sour Cream & Ranch Guacamole. And that’s just two of an extensive list. 3413 W. 7th St. 817.877.3413
michaelscuisine.com
Blue Mesa Grill
1600 S. University Drive 817.332.6372
bluemesagrill.com
Winslow’ s Wine Café 4101 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.546.6843
winslowswinecafe.com
Barbecue
Railhead Smokehouse
Railhead became known for its barbecue, of course, and for the T-shirt that says, “Life’s Too Short To Live In Dallas.” But it also has become a major after-work gathering place.
2900 Montgomery St.
817.738.9808
railheadonline.com
120 S. Ranch House Road, Willow Park
817.441.2525
railheadbbq.net
Angelo’s
2533 White Settlement Road
817.332.0357
angelosbbq.com
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
301 Stockyards Blvd.
817.626.6464
coopersbbqfortworth.com
Beer Selection
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
The possible selections of beer at this popular Sundance Square joint are dizzying. Throw in the outdoor venue, the menu and live music, and it’s no surprise it is one of the hottest gathering places in town.
111 E. 3rd St.
817.336.7470
beerknurd.com/stores/fortworth/ Gingerman
3716 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.886.2327
ftworth.gingermanpub.com
The Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge 1311 Lipscomb St.
817.926.0968
theliveoak.com
Biggest Portions
Buttons
Why Buttons? Consider just one dish — Chicken & Waffles. Here’s what the menu says about it: “Chef’s special hand battered fried chicken & homemade Belgium waffles. Served with warm blueberry infused butter, fresh berry compote, sweet potato pomme frites and collard greens.” Any questions?
4701 W. Freeway
817.735.4900
buttonsrestaurant.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
reata.net
Fire Oak Grill
114 Austin Ave., Weatherford 1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Bread Central Market
Central Market easily has the widest selection of fresh-baked bread in the area. And there’s the added benefit that you get to sample a number of them before making a decision on what to buy.
4651 W. Freeway
817.989.4700
1425 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake 817.310.5600
centralmarket.com
Artisan Baking Co. 4900 White Settlement Road
817.821.3124
artisan-baking-company.com
La Madeleine
6140 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.654.0471
4201 S. Cooper St., Ste. 731, Arlington 817.417.5100 lamadeleine.com
Breakfast Place
Ol’ South Pancake House
This Fort Worth tradition has been family operated since 1962. This standby operates 24/7, much to the delight of TCU students cramming for an exam and hungry night owls. Of special note are the German pancakes.
1509 S. University Drive
817.336.0311
olsouthpancakehouse.com
Esperanza’s
1601 Park Place Ave. 817.923.1992
2122 N. Main St. 817.626.5770
joets.com
Weatherford Downtown Café
101 W. Church St., Weatherford 1.817.594.8717
weatherforddowntowncafe.com
Brunch Place
Blue Mesa Grill
Here’s a small sample: Chicken & Mushroom Enchiladas with Chipotle Cream Sauce; Blue Corn Cheese Enchiladas with Three Chile Red Sauce; Grilled Chicken & Steak Fajitas; Roast Brisket; Omelet Bar; Chocolate Chip-Pecan Cookies; Classic Flan; Fresh Fruit; champagne, Mimosas, coffee, tea or soft drinks. We’re out of space.
1600 S. University Drive
817.332.6372
bluemesagrill.com
Lucile’s Stateside Bistro 4700 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.738.4761
lucilesstatesidebistro.com
Cast Iron Restaurant
1300 Houston St., Omni Fort Worth Hotel 817.535.6664
omnihotels.com
Burgers
Kincaid’s Hamburgers
The burgers are legendary and are the worship object of a very dedicated cult in Fort Worth and the area.
The price is right and the offerings are plentiful. Interesting offerings include Crispy Goat Cheese, Patrizio’s Pepperoni Bread, Eggplant Parmesan, Angel Hair and Artichokes and Italian Cream Cake. 2932 Crockett St. 817.698.0003 patrizios.net
Fortuna Italian Restaurant 5837 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.737.4471
Mama’s Pizza
1813 W. Berry St. 817.923.3541
Seven Locations mamaspizzas.net
Catering
Bistro Louise Catering
Owner Louise Lamensdorf’s American cuisine has been highly influenced by her cooking studies in France, Italy and Spain. She not only caters; she teaches cooking classes as well. 817.291.2734, bistrolouise.com
Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine 4259 Bryant Irvin Road 817.738.5489 bonnellstexas.com
TCB Catering
2117 Western Ave. 817.437.1055 tcbcatering.com
Chicken Fried Steak
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
Babe’s is, of course, known for chicken. It says so right there in the name. But what Babe’s does to steak must be tasted to be believed. Plus, all the restaurants are family-friendly places and just a lot of fun.
Multiple locations babeschicken.com
The Wild Mushroom Steak House and Lounge
917 Martin Drive, Weatherford 1.817.599.4935
thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St. 817.336.1009 reata.net
Chicken Salad
The Lunch Box
The Lunch Box was originally opened in 1974 under a different name and was widely known in Fort Worth for its famous chicken salad. It still is.
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 115 817.738.2181
eatthelunchbox.com
Z’ s Café
1300 Gendy St.
Inside the Community Arts Center. Validated garage parking. 817.989.2233
1116 Pennsylvania Ave. 817.348.9000
zscafe.com
McKinley’s Fine Bakery and Café 1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301 817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
Chinese
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
This popular downtown place is a far cry from the legion of the Chinese restaurants — generally buffets — that are seemingly everywhere, all with the same menu. P.F. Chang’s is an elegant setting, and if you are a first timer, you might want to consider the four-course meal for two for $39.95. Lots of choices there.
400 Throckmorton 817.840.2450, pfchangs.com
Szechuan
4750 Bryant Irvin Road 817.346.6111
China Jade
5274 S. Hulen St. 817.292.1611
chinajadefw.com
Chips & Salsa
Uncle Julio’s Worth the trip alone, although the rest of the menu is extensive. The chips and salsa make a nice companion to The Swirl, a frozen drink of layered margarita and homemade sangria.
5301 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.377.2777
unclejulios.com
Gloria’s
2600 W. 7th St., Ste. 175 817.332.8800
gloriasrestaurants.com
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
Mutiple locations riomambo.com
Cupcakes
Ultimate Cupcake
If you are new to this now legendary place, try the assortment. It is two each of these delights: Dark Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Red Velvet, Pumpkin and Lemon Poppy Seed. Your office mates will love you unless you eat them all on the way in.
3316 Fort Worth Highway Hudson Oaks 817.596.9090
ultimatecupcake.com
Cupcake Cottage
5015 El Campo Ave. 817.732.5670
thecupcakecottage.com
The Original Cupcakery
132 E. 4th St., Sundance Square 817. 332.2727 originalcupcakery.com
Deli
Carshon’s Deli
This is THE Jewish kosher-style deli in Fort Worth. It’s been around since 1928, and if you didn’t know better, you’d think you were in New York or Chicago. Save room for dessert.
3133 Cleburne Road
817.923.1907
carshonsdeli.com
Roy Pope Grocery 2300 Merrick St. 817.732.2863
roypopegrocery.com
Oliver’s Fine Foods 415 Throckmorton St. 817.744.7980 oliversfinefoods.com
Dessert
The Wild Mushroom Steak House and Lounge
Co-owner Jerrett Joslin knows a thing or two
about cheesecake from his days as owner of Randall’s Gourmet Cheesecake, so that’s one option to try. But also on the menu are Chocolate Cake, Lemon Citrus Coconut Cake and Crème Brûlée. The desserts are house-made. 917 Martin Drive, Weatherford, 1.817.599.4935 thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood 3100 W. 7th St. 817.336.8000
A perennial favorite of our readers is this powerbreakfast spot. But beyond breakfast, the menu is extensive with both small and large combo plates and the pies.
704 W. Magnolia Ave. 817.335.2041
pariscoffeeshop.net
Montgomery Street Café 2000 Montgomery St. 817.731.8033
Weatherford Downtown Café 101 W. Church St., Weatherford 1.817.594.8717
weatherforddowntowncafe.com
Family Restaurant
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
What’s more family than a fried chicken dinner? Lot’s of activity at all locations, and you’ll see lots of kids there. In Burleson, Babe’s describes the décor as Storybook Style. Multiple locations. babeschicken.com
Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant 2201 N. Commerce St. 817.626.4356
joets.com
Dixie House Café 6200 E. Lancaster Ave. 817.451.6180
5401 S. Hulen St. 817.361.8500
dixiehousecafe.com
Farm To Fork
The Classic Café
Maybe this should be café to fork. The Chefs Pantry is a garden at the café itself where Chef Charles Youts, a finalist in the Fort Worth, Texas magazine 2012 Top Chef competition, creates specials based on what’s fresh and ripe.
504 N. Oak St. Roanoke 817.430.8185
theclassiccafe.com
Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
4259 Bryant Irvin Road 817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
Ellerbe Fine Foods
817.926.3663
ellerbefinefoods.com
Food Truck
Geppetto’s Pizza
Order off the menu and choose among Veggie Lovers, Margherita, Meaty Lovers, Buffalo Chicken, Carbonara (with chicken, prosciutto, bacon and tomato), Popeye (spinach, chicken, capers and feta cheese), Smoked Brisket or Smoked Salmon. Or build your own. 817.680.0277
gepettopizzatruck.com
Lee’s Grilled Cheese Truck 1.979.218.7858
leesgrilledcheese.com
Fred’ s Texas Café
915 Currie St. 817.332.0083
fredstexascafe.com
French Fries
Tillman’s Roadhouse
Here’s why: Parmesan black pepper Kennebec, chile purple Peruvian, smoked salt sweet potato fries, homemade ketchup and horseradish pickled mayo.
2933 Crockett St. 817.850.9255 tillmansroadhouse.com
Fred’ s Texas Café 915 Currie St. 817.332.0083
fredstexascafe.com
Wingstop
Multiple locations wingstop.com
French Cacharel
The food is the reason to visit here, but the spectacular views from the dining room are a plus.
2221 E. Lamar Blvd. 9th Floor, Arlington 817.640.9981
cacharel.net
Saint-Emilion
3617 W. 7th St. 817.737.2781 saint-emilionrestaurant.com La Madeleine
6140 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.654.0471
4201 South Cooper St., Ste. 731, Arlington 817.417.5100
lamadeleine.com
Frozen Drinks
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
Bring a designated driver if you are going to go for the grande sizes. Many choices — all worthy of a taste.
Multiple locations riomambo.com
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 812 Main St. 817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Eskimo Hut
5518 W. Vickery St. 817.737.8773
eskimohut.com
Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
The motto is “You Rule.” How much and what’s included is up to you. Pick it, weigh it, pay for it, eat it.
2600 W. 7th St., Montgomery Plaza 817.870.4689
yogurt-land.com
Menchie’s 1620 S. University Drive, Ste. A200 817.332.9866
menchies.com
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
6076 Azle Ave., Lake Worth 817.238.7334 orangeleafyogurt.com
Grill
Fred’ s Texas Café
If you are an old hand, you know what to order. First timers should go with the Diablo burger and hand-cut fries. 915 Currie St. 817.332.0083
fredstexascafe.com
Old Neighborhood Grill 1633 Park Place Ave. 817.923.2282
This place wins over and over for one simple reason — its signature offering Sweet Sammie. Pick any two cookies from the extensive selection and the ice cream flavor of your choice for an instant
ice cream sandwich. 825 Currie St. 817.332.0022
sweetsammies.com
Kountry Donuts
4524 Golden Triangle Blvd. 817.337.7105
The Cupcake Cottage 5015 El Campo Ave. 817.732.5670 thecupcakecottage.com
Guys’ Night Out
Olenjack’s Grille
Chicken Fried Steak, aged 21 days, hand-breaded with black pepper cream gravy. If that’s not enough of a reason, consider the Kitchen Sink Burger or Olenjack’s One Pounder burger. Plus, there’s a cocktail called The Spanish Fly. Go figure.
770 Road To Six Flags E., Ste. 100 Arlington 817.226.2600
olenjacksgrille.com
Pop’s Safari Cigars, Wine and Bistro 2929 Morton St. 817.334.0559
An elegant setting near to downtown and $2 off the drinks. Nightly 4 p.m.-7 p.m. and all night Sunday and Monday. On the appetizer menu: $1 Texas Gulf Oysters, Crispy Cashew Calamari, Maine Lobster and Shrimp Bisque and more. Plus, great people watching.
3100 W. 7th St. 817.336.8000 eddiev.com
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
Multiple locations riomambo.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St.
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Hole In The Wall
Margie’s Original Italian Kitchen
Margie’s is one of Fort Worth’s oldest Italian restaurants and was established in 1953. The food is made from scratch daily, and the portions are enough to share or take home.
9805 Camp Bowie W. 817.244.4301
margiesitaliankitchen.com
Paco & John 1116 8th Ave. 817.810.0032
pacoandjohn.com
Nonna Tata
1400 W. Magnolia Ave. 817.332.0250
Hotel Restaurant
Bob’s Steak and Chop House, Omni Fort Worth
The cuts of meat are prime, the service is excellent, the atmosphere is great and the drinks are generous. That’s not to mention the extensive wine list.
1300 Houston St. 817.350.4100, bobs-steakandchop.com
Old Hickory Steakhouse, Gaylord Texan 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine 817.778.1000
gaylordhotels.com
610 Grille, Ashton Hotel
610 Main St. 817.332.0100
theashtonhotel.com/dining/
Indian Cuisine
Bombay Grill Indian Restaurant & Bar
Don’t let the strip mall location fool you. This place has been serving classic Indian dishes for years, flying some select herbs and spices in from India to guarantee authenticity. And there are no pre-mixed curry pastes involved.
4625 Donnelly Ave. 817.377.9395
bombaygrillindian.com
Tandoor Indian Restaurant
532 Fielder N. Plaza, Arlington 817.261.6604
tandoorrestaurant.net
Maharaja Indian Restaurant and Bar 6308 Hulen Bend Blvd. 817.263.7156
maharajadfw.com
Italian
Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant
This is a great restaurant halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, making it the ideal business luncheon location for people in both cities. But it is much more than that. It’s also a nice setting for that romantic dinner date.
829 Lamar Blvd. E. Arlington 817.265.9174
piccolomondo.com
Patrizio
2932 Crockett St. 817.698.0003
patrizios.net
Nonna Tata
1400 W. Magnolia Ave. 817.332.0250
Japanese
Tokyo Café
This is a consistent favorite with readers in our annual poll for many reasons — one of them a little surprising. That’s the Tok Fries — fresh cut potato fries seasoned with Japanese spices and chili mayo dipping.
5121 Pershing Ave. 817.737.8568
thetokyocafe.com
Sushi Axiom
Multiple locations sushiaxiom.net
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St. 817.332.2583 bluesushisakegrill.com
Ladies’ Lunch
The Lunch Box
Eat lunch here — we suggest the chicken salad and see the power women of Fort Worth. It’s
the place to be.
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 115 817.738.2181
eatthelunchbox.com
Café Modern
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth 3200 Darnell St.
817.840.2157
themodern.org/cafe
McKinley’s Fine Bakery and Café
1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301 817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
Late Night Place
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
We were a little suspicious at first about fish tacos, but Fuzzy’s has plenty of the more traditional kind as well. The salads are large and interesting, and the garlic buttermilk dressing is to die for. So is the Butt Burning Sauce if you dare.
Multiple Locations fuzzystacoshop.com
Ol’ South Pancake House
1509 S. University Drive 817.336.0311
olsouthpancakehouse.com
Taco Heads
2700 W. 7th St.
facebook.com/Tacoheads
Light Menu
Ellerbe Fine Foods
Chef Molly McCook was among the early leaders in farm-to-fork dining in Fort Worth. There are light choices so long as you don’t spend too much time reading the dessert list. 1501 W. Magnolia Ave. 817.926.3663
ellerbefinefoods.com
Zodiac Room
Level Two, Neiman Marcus 2100 Green Oaks Blvd. 817.989.4650 tinyurl.com/zodiac-fw
Rose Garden Tea Room
7200 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.731.7673
3708 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington 817.795.3093 shadyoaksstudio1.vpweb.com
nternationally renowned for their charcoal-broiled steaks since 1947, Cattlemen’s Fort Worth Steak House features corn-fed aged beef, served for both lunch and dinner. Their extensive steak selections include sirloin strips, porterhouse, T-bone, rib-eyes, filet mignon and “The Rose of Texas” tenderloin. For the seafood lovers; lobster tail, shrimp, catfish, crab cakes, halibut, salmon and tilapia with a selection of sauces. Lemon Caper, Béarnaise, Gorgonzola, Vera Cruz, Cognac Pepper Corn for both steaks and seafood. All entrees are served with salad, choice of potato and home made rolls. Their menu also includes chicken fried steak, pork chops, chicken, calf and lamb fries, salads, pasta and the best banana pudding you have ever eaten. A children’s menu is available. Cattlemen’s offers an array of imported, domestic and local beers along with a well selected wine list. They have a full service bar with an 18 oz. Texas-size margarita as the local favorite. Banquet rooms accommodating 10 to 120 quests are also available for parties and business meetings. Air Mail Steaks are available. What a great gift for friends and family. A big Texas welcome to All.
CHEF JOANNE BONDY, OLD HICKORY STEAKHOUSE
Follow the winding staircase down to the old-world charm of Gaylord Texan’s Old Hickory Steakhouse, where Executive Chef Joanne Bondy uses only the highest quality Harris Ranch Choice Beef and fresh seafood in preparing a truly memorable dining experience. Delight in a seductive selection of tableside artisanal cheeses as well as a variety of tempting desserts. Be sure to make time to visit the warm, rich atmosphere of Old Hickory’s Texas vineyard-inspired Wine Bar, where you’ll find an extensive list of wines from around the world to sample in 1-ounce, 3-ounce, or 5-ounce pours.
Mac & Cheese
The Wild Mushroom Steak House and Lounge
This is a consistent winner with Mac and Cheese made with jalapeños and Alderwood smoked bacon.
917 Martin Drive
Weatherford 1.817.599.4935
thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Monty’s Corner
2600 W. 7th St., Ste. 153
817.877.0087
montyscornerfortworth.com
Meal With A View
Reata Restaurant
Before the 2010 tornado and its aftermath forced Reata from its perch atop what was then the Bank One Tower, every window had a great view of the city. That’s recreated in a basement room at this location. But it wins because of its rooftop area, which overlooks downtown Fort Worth.
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
reata.net
Woodshed Smokehouse
3201 Riverfront Dr.
817.877.4545
woodshedsmokehouse.com
Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge
1311 Lipsomb St.
817.926.0968
theliveoak.com
Mediterranean
Chadra Mezza and Grill
From family-style feasts served in the customary Lebanese tradition to weekday lunch buffets and Friday and Saturday evening buffets, there’s something here for everyone. Be sure the sample the garlic knots and the shank of lamb.
1622 Park Place Ave.
817.926.3992
chadramezza.com
Terra Mediterranean Grill
2973 Crockett St.
817.744.7485
terramedgrill.com
Byblos Lebanese Restaurant and Hookah Lounge
1406 N. Main St.
817.625.9667
byblostx.com
Mexican
La Familia
This family business has a Five Star Ranking with Zagat, and Texas Monthly listed it in Best of the Best. Our readers agree. Many of the recipes used and entrees served have been in the Cavazos family for generations. It was hot before West 7th Street was hot.
841 Foch St.
817.870.2002
lafamilia-fw.com
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
Multiple locations www.riomambo.com
Salsa Fuego
3520 Alta Mere
817.560.7888
salsafuegofw.net
Most Romantic
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
For just the two of you on a date or celebrating an anniversary, the ambiance at this restaurant guarantees an intimate evening of focused
attention and conversation. And the steaks are excellent, too.
813 Main St.
817.348.0080
ruthschris.com/Steak-House/20773/FortWorth
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
812 Main St.
817.877.3999 delfriscos.com
Lanny’s Alta Cocina
3405 W. 7th St. 817.850.9996
lannyskitchen.com
New Restaurant
Woodshed Smokehouse
This 14,000-square-foot restaurant is on the banks of the Trinity River and specializes in all things smoked. Rotating selections of beef, chicken, pork, wild game, fish and vegetables are cooked over a variety of woods and fire sources.
The Blu Crab Seafood House & Bar 6115 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.763.8585 theblucrab.com
Old Favorite
Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
Started by its namesake in 1935, generations of Fort Worth residents and tourists alike have made this one of the most successful restaurants anywhere. From its original seating capacity of 16, the restaurant and grounds can now handle more than 1,000 people.
2201 N. Commerce St. 817.626.4356
joets.com
Kincaid’s Hamburgers
4901 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.732.2881
Multiple locations kincaidshamburgers.com
Cattlemen’s Steak House
2458 N. Main St.
817.624.3945
cattlemenssteakhouse.com
Outdoor Dining
Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
People can argue about many categories in these Culinary Awards, but there can be no argument here. The gardens at Joe T’s are simply awesome.
2201 N. Commerce St. 817.626.4356
joets.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St. 817.336.1009
reata.net
Fort Worth Food Park
2509 Weisenberger St. 817.862.7289
fwfoodpark.com
Pizza
Mama’s Pizza
If a Fort Worth resident asks you out to pizza without naming a specific restaurant, he or she means Mama’s Pizza. It’s been around since 1968 and has been a consistent favorite through that time.
1813 W. Berry St. 817.923.3541
Seven Locations, mamaspizzas.net
Fireside Pies
Piccolo Mondo was established more than 20 years ago and is known as one of the
THE FACE OF GRACE.
GRACE delivers a dining experience like no other in Fort Worth. Adam Jones, known as the city’s host for the unparalleled level of hospitality and service in his restaurants, invites you to enjoy Modern American Classic fare, created by award-winning Chef Blaine Staniford. In a comfortable modern setting that embodies the city’s energy, guests can enjoy the outdoor terrace on Main Street and a spectacular bar featuring housemade seasonal cocktails and a separate menu for bar snacks. Glassenclosed, temperature-controlled wine cellars house a selection of Old and New World wines. For private events, four private-dining rooms with multimedia capabilities seat 12 to 60 guests. Reservations are accepted up to 28 days in advance by phone or online.
2949 Crockett St.
817.769.3590
firesidepies.com
Mellow Mushroom
Multiple locations mellowmushroom.com
Place To Take Visitors
Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
If you have friends in town and want to take them to a restaurant they can drop into conversation back home with a good chance that someone in the group will have eaten there, this has to be your choice.
2201 N. Commerce St.
817.626.4356
joets.com
The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
2406 N. Main St.
817.740.8810
lonesomedovebistro.com
Woodshed Smokehouse
3201 Riverfront Drive
817.877.4545
woodshedsmokehouse.com
Power Lunch
Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
You are likely to see just about anybody in town here on any given day. The food is creative, the atmosphere lovely and the service excellent. Now, let’s close that deal.
4259 Bryant Irvin Road
817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St. 817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant
829 Lamar Blvd. E., Arlington 817.265.9174
piccolomondo.com
Prime Rib
Ray’s Steak and Seafood
This restaurant filled a red meat gap in the West Side dining scene and has become a popular gathering place for lunch and dinner since opening. Some people about town are there almost nightly.
3206 Winthrop Ave. 817.732.1614
H3 Ranch
105 E. Exchange Ave. 817.624.1246
h3ranch.com
Mercury Chop House
301 S. Main St. 817.365.4129
fortworthchophouse.com
Restaurant With Live Music
Woodshed Smokehouse
Grab something to eat, get a brew and enjoy the ongoing live music series with bands and performances selected by Tim Love himself. There are complimentary performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
3201 Riverfront Drive
817.877.4545
woodshedsmokehouse.com
Buttons
4701 W. Freeway 817.735.4900
buttonsrestaurant.com
Ray’s Steak and Seafood
3206 Winthrop Ave. 817.732.1614
Salad
Texas de Brazil Restaurant
Simply the most amazing salad bar around with 50 items including just about everything you can imagine. It can be a meal alone, but you are also planning to take advantage of the signature meats, be careful with the salad choices so you don’t have to be wheeled out of the place.
101 N. Houston St.
817.882.9500
texasdebrazil.com/ftworth
McKinley’s Fine Bakery and Café
1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301 817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
Silver Fox Steakhouse 1651 S. University Drive 817.332.9060
silverfoxcafe.com/fort_worth_location.php
Sandwich
The Lunch Box
Sandwiches come with chips and a pickle on white, wheat, light or dark rye bread. There’s chicken, tuna and egg salad, pimiento cheese, ham and avocado, club and Reuben. The high-
est price is $7.50.
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 115
817.738.2181
eatthelunchbox.com
Great Outdoors
3204 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.877.4400
greatoutdoorsubs.com
The Black Rooster Bakery
2430 Forest Park Blvd.
817.924.1600
blackroosterbakery.com
Sashimi/Sushi
Piranha Killer Sushi
The Fort Worth Downtown location is popular at all hours and open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, filling a much needed void for late night places for an after-theatre meal or drink. The food is outstanding. Martinis aren’t bad either.
Multiple locations piranhakillersushi.com
Sushi Axiom
Multiple locations sushiaxiom.net
Shinjuku Station
711 W. Magnolia Ave. 817.923.2695
shinjuku-station.com
Seafood
Truluck’s Seafood, Steak, & Crab House
Restaurant
Truluck’s says it is so committed to fresh food that it owns its own fisheries for fresh Florida Stone Crab in season. They are on the table less than 24 hours after they are trapped. That’s just one example.
1420 Plaza Place, Southlake 817.912.0500
trulucks.com
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood 3100 W. 7th St. 817.336.8000
eddiev.com
Daddy Jack’s New England Lobster and Chowder House
353 Throckmorton St. 817.332.2477
daddyjacks.org
Service
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Many — maybe even most — Fort Worth restaurants offer excellent service. But Del Frisco’s is No. 1 among them.
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
4259 Bryant Irvin Road 817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood 3100 W. 7th St.
817.336.8000 eddiev.com
Southern
Brownstone Kitchen+Bar
Lots of variety here with a shrimp and crawfish po boy, a chicken fried beef tenderloin, fried chicken and grits and more elaborate offerings.
840 Currie St.
817.332.1555
brownstonefw.com Drew’s Place
5701 Curzon Ave.
817.735.4408
drewssoulfood.com
Buttons Restaurant 4701 W. Freeway 817.735.4900
buttonsrestaurant.com
Steak
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Order whatever you want. When it arrives at your table, it will be hot and tender. Your server will cut into it for your approval. If you disagree, they’ll do it over.
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
813 Main St.
817.348.0080
ruthschris.com/Steak-House/20773/FortWorth
J.R.’s Steakhouse
5400 Highway 121, Colleyville 817.355.1414
jrsteaks.com
Tea Room
Rose Garden Tea Room
This is a gracious lunch spot in interesting locations — inside the Historic Camp Bowie Mercantile in Fort Worth and in the Decorator’s Showcase in Arlington. The menu is light and innovative. We recommend the sampler for first timers. And then you shop.
3708 W. Pioneer Parkway
7200 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.731.7673
3708 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington 817.795.3093
shadyoaksstudio1.vpweb.com
Secret Garden Tea Room
2601 Montgomery St. 817.763.9787
Zodiac Room
Level Two, Neiman Marcus
2100 Green Oaks Blvd. 817.989.4650
tinyurl.com/zodiac-fw
Thai
Thai Tina’s
The menu is extensive and authentic. The beef salad is the best around these parts.
Thanks for voting Mama’s Pizza # 1, Again!!!
Stop
600 Commerce St. 817.332.0088, thaitinas.com
Taste of Thai
2535 E. Arkansas Lane, Arlington 817.543.0110
tasteofthaiarlington.com
Thailicious
4601 W. Freeway, Ste. 206 817.737.8111
lovethailicious.com
Vietnamese
Pho Little Saigon
This small place is a consistent reader favorite in the crowded field of Vietnamese restaurants in Fort Worth and the surrounding area. 6942 Green Oaks Road
817.738.0040
My Lan
4015 E. Belknap St., Haltom City 817.222.1471
mylanrestaurant.net
Pho Noodle & Grill 4601 W. Freeway, Ste. 214 817.737.3111
phonoodleandgrill.com
Wine List
J.R.’s Steakhouse
Who has the best wine list is a subject of much debate and some controversy. The PDF of J.R.’s wine list is 10 pages with prices ranging to more than $400 per bottle. But there’s a nice selection of more inexpensive wines. And there are many by-the-glass offerings for the light drinkers in the crowd.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 812 Main St. 817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Grace 777 Main St. 817.877.3388
gracefortworth.com
To make sure your favorite place makes
be
The Original Cupcakery
Thank you Fort Worth and surrounding area for voting Original Cupcakery Best Cupcake! Our Cupcakes are handcrafted from the finest ingredients available. From hand cracked eggs to sifted flour and sugar there is a homestyle feel in every bite! WHERE TASTE AND QUALITY ARE EVERYTHING! Frisco | Uptown Dallas | Downtown Ft. Worth | The Woodlands
Sundance Square | 132 E. 4th St. | Fort Worth, TX 76102 817.332.2727
Paris Coffee Shop
Located just minutes from both the TCU Campus and Downtown in the heart of the medical district. Homemade cream pies and sugar free fruit pies, sandwiches, hot plate lunches, and everything a lunch or breakfast needs to deliver to you a home style taste and atmosphere that has been satisfying customers since 1926. Awarded Best Breakfast, Top 100 Restaurants by Local Eats.®
MON-FRI 6:00am – 2:30pm, SAT 6:00am-11:00am, CLOSED SUNDAY
704 West Magnolia (Corner of Hemphill) | Fort Worth, TX 817.335.2041
Wildwood Grill
Wildwood Grill in Southlake, is a place to celebrate a special occasion or casually unwind with friends. Wildwood’s unique atmosphere features warm wood tones and high-back banquettes. Wildwood is proud to feature over 80 wine selections. Enjoy a complimentary gourmet cheeseboard every Tuesday with the purchase of a bottle of wine. 2700 E Southlake Blvd. Southlake, Texas 76092 817-748-2100 www.wildwoodsouthlake.com
Yogi’s
Bring your appetite and meet your friends at this popular upbeat restaurant. Whatever you are in the mood for, Yogi’s has something for everyone and keeps you coming back for more. Locally owned and operated, this restaurant serves full breakfast, Tex-Mex breakfast, deli sandwiches, wraps, salads, burgers and more. Open Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Sunday 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2710 S. Hulen St. | Fort Worth, TX 76109
817.921.4500
LET NO DINNER PARTY GUEST LEAVE UNIMPRESSED
From refrigeration to cooktop to Steam oven and more, Thermador’s Masterpiece Series collection embodies precision control and performance in a sophisticated, sleek package. When high-tech meets intuitive, every cook is in complete control. No meat overcooked. No bite less than perfect. Alas, the cook is a dinner party hero.
The Presbyterian Night Shelter is the only free emergency shelter without length-of-stay restrictions in Fort Worth and works to end homelessness. To learn more, turn to page 92.
improving life for those in need
Beating Cystic Fibrosis
In the 1950s, few children with this disease lived to attend elementary school. Now, life expectancy is into the 40s and beyond, thanks in part to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
by Dorothy Blackman
Paige Nettles Mo N tgo M ery grew up with health proble M s. but it wasn’t until she was 22 years old that she finally learned the cause — cystic fibrosis.
“i was constantly in and out of the hospital with asthma attacks as an infant, suffered with chronic pneumonia and bronchitis throughout high school and college and spent some time in the hospital throughout college,” she says.
upon being diagnosed, Montgomery learned about the important work being conducted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s mission has been to treat, control and cure this genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems
of approximately 30,000 adults and children nationwide.
t he Northeast texas Fort worth chapter performs this mission locally through fundraising and awareness efforts, most recently its 13th a nnual 65 roses wine and Food e xtravaganza, held on oct. 17.
Melanie hanna, director of development with the Northeast texas chapter, says great strides have been made toward finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. “people are living longer, healthier lives with cystic fibrosis than ever before,” she says, “and that trend will only continue with the progress that is being made by the Foundation.”
still, says hanna, there is much work to be done. “r ight now, there are more children living with cystic fibrosis than adults, but within the next 10 years, we will have well over half of the population that will be adults.”
she explains that people with cystic fibrosis often struggle to complete the simplest of tasks that others take for granted, not to mention hospital stays that interfere with daily life.
“i spent most of my first semester of my senior year in the hospital,” says Montgomery, “as well as most of my five-month engagement during the fall of 2011 and winter of 2012.”
it ’s because of Montgomery and others like her that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is committed to finding a permanent cure.
on Dec. 2, the Northeast texas Chapter will host holiday Cocktails for a Cure. guests will ring in the holidays with cocktails and cuisine, all while raising funds for vital cystic fibrosis research.
with the support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, her family and her faith, paige has accomplished what many “healthy” people can only dream of. in addition to graduating last spring from tCu, she also began ignite, a student-led campus ministry.
in March, she realized her greatest joy of all when she married ryan Montgomery, the man who has been by her side through her journey. “i am beyond humbled by the support of my husband, family and friends,” says Montgomery. “a nd i am blessed to rest my life and my hope in the hands of god.”
For more information about holiday Cocktails for a Cure: fortworth.cff.org.
Paige and Ryan Montgomery at their March wedding. Years ago, she might not have lived long enough to marry. Photo courtesy Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
From Homeless to Home
The Presbyterian Night Shelter provides housing and a whole lot more in its effort to end homelessness.
by Dorothy Blackman
When Caresha Baker Came to the PresByterian night shelter in m ay 2011, the college graduate didn’t know what to expect.
“i thought, ‘i never thought i would be here. What will people think?’ ” she says.
Baker, the single mother of a then 2-year-old son, had recently lost her job and had exhausted all her resources. at first, she was apprehensive about seeking the services of a homeless shelter. But staff members at the lowdon-schutts Building put her fears to rest as they welcomed Baker
and her son with open arms.
“i was greeted warmly and an intake assessment was completed on us,” she says, as she recalls the pack of toiletries and personal items and set of mattresses they were given. “i didn’t sleep very well but listened to the sounds of such a new place and watched my son sleep peacefully that night.”
Development director macy hill says the Fort Worth Presbyterian night shelter is the largest provider of services for the area homeless population, supplying meals, beds and basic needs to roughly 650 clients each evening, 365 days a year. the shelter serves slightly more than 3,000 homeless clients each year by providing them with bus passes, toiletries and hot meals. the shelter also provides residents with case management, life-skills classes and job services to help them transition into permanent housing and employment.
“since it was founded nearly 25 years ago by local Presbyterian ministers, it has provided more than 3 million nights of stay and served more than 5 million meals,” says hill. “the shelter offers resources enabling clients to reenter mainstream society and employs at least 20 homeless clients who handle day-to-day operations.”
located near downtown Fort Worth, the Presbyterian night shelter provides lodging geared specifically to the needs of its client demographics through individual buildings for women and children, men, the sick and elderly, the mentally ill and, as of 2008, homeless veterans via the Patriot house.
“the Presbyterian night shelter is a place of trust, respect and caring for the homeless, helping them regain their quality of life,” says hill. “We serve the needs of the homeless while respecting their dignity.”
Clients like Caresha Baker are a testimony to that. her caseworker not only helped enroll her son in head-start preschool, she helped Baker with her job search as well. “they even remembered my son’s birthday when he turned 3,” she said.
By september of 2011, Baker and her son were able to move out of the shelter and into their own apartment. soon thereafter, she became a staff member and now serves as a case manager for housing solutions, helping others just as she was helped.
Baker thanks god for her new beginning. she also thanks the Presbyterian night shelter. “i went to the shelter only looking for a place to stay, but i was able to walk away with so much more internally than i was even aware that i needed,” she says.
Caresha and 3-year-old Micah Baker found new hope at the Presbyterian Night Shelter. Photo courtesy Presbyterian Night Shelter
An unabashedly humorous look at life / by Heywood
Running for President
Here are a few tips to help you win your way to that big house in Washington.
WELL, THE BIG ELECTION DAY IS RAPIDLY APPROACHING, and I think it would be an understatement to say that the presidential race has gotten fairly contentious. Naturally, the big issue is the economy, with one side promoting stimulus and the other side in favor of cost cutting. Of course, there are other issues, and one in particular
is the voter ID law controversy. In order to vote, it would be necessary to show some sort of government issued identification. Some states are already requiring it.
Now I really don’t have a problem with that requirement. In fact, if Abraham Lincoln were to suddenly materialize, I bet he’d also be OK with it. But here’s what scares me. If old Abe were to ever sit down and spend about five minutes with me, or any other average voter for that matter, he’d realize what this country really needs is a voter IQ law. And for good reason.
You see, almost 35 percent of the American electorate thinks Mr. Lincoln wrote the Bill of Rights. When surveyed, only 10 percent of American voters could identify John Roberts as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. And more than half of those had to Google it. I was one of them. But what’s really sad is that only 49 percent could name all three branches of government. And those were elected officials. I am not making that up.
I just hope it never comes down to having to pass an exam just to vote. I never seem to do well on tests. Even the relatively easy ones make me nervous. For me, the hardest part about the driving test was escaping before the car filled up with water.
Seriously, the complexities of what would turn the national and global economies around are too hard for most of us to grasp and even more difficult to implement. Why do you think we’re in this situation? Unfortunately, the handful of experts who might actually understand the economics is too boring to get elected.
Anyway, the higher-ups at Fort Worth, Texas magazine told me to drop whatever I was doing (sorting my Valpak collection) and share my thoughts on what it would take to win in November. I didn’t have much time, so I got busier than a Mayan making a bucket list. Now, I can’t predict a winner, but after having watched the election process for a number of years, I did come up with several criteria that would put the odds in a candidate’s favor.
1.) Go very light on the facts and very heavy on the promises. Of course,
some people would scoff at the notion that a presidential candidate might compromise his principles just to get elected. After all, the yearly salary is less than the minimum NBA salary. That’s true. An NBA rookie makes $73,000 a year more than the President. That may seem outrageous, but in all fairness, not one President has ever mastered the crossover dribble or executed a halfway decent finger roll.
But it ain’t the salary. It’s the perks. Consider this: Aside from the $400,000 a year salary, the President receives a seven-figure expense and travel account. Plus, he has complete access to a specially equipped 747 jet, as well as other planes, helicopters and limousines. The President also receives free medical, dental and health care during his residence in the 132-room White House, which, by the way, is equipped with a swimming pool, bowling alley, private movie theater, tennis courts and a staff of servants. In addition to all of these benefits, the President also receives physical protection from the Secret Service. I imagine a rough value of those kinds of amenities is a little over $100 million a year. For that kind of money, I’d pretty much tell you anything you wanna hear.
2.) Have two syllables in your last name. To date, there have been 19 of those presidents, 12 one-syllable presidents and 12 three-syllable presidents. Only Ike had four.
3.) Try to be born in late January or early February. Those born under the sign of Aquarius have won 11 presidential elections. However, Pisces (Romney) has won eight, and Leo (Obama) has won five.
4.) If it’s a tight race, make a last second promise to a large special interest group. For instance, the legalization of marijuana. That could be the tipping point. Think about it. How many registered voters out there are sick and tired of instinctively flushing a toilet every time they hear a siren?
illustration by Charles Marsh
A whimsical approach to motherhood / by Shauna Glenn
Perimenopausal is the New Black
Mother Nature may not realize it, but she’s in for one heck of a fight.
AFEW
YEARS AGO, I STARTED NOTICING
jET-BLACK
HAIR ON MY CHIN. At the time, I was convinced I was turning into a goat. You can imagine my surprise when someone let me in on a little secret: Black chin hair happens with age, and it only gets worse the older you get.
Since the discovery, I’ve plucked, waxed and rubbed acid on my chin. But the hair still comes back. Every few weeks.
Recently, I started waking up in the mornings in a pool of my own sweat. Well, at first I thought it was something else, and in hindsight I kinda wish it was. Turns out, the sweating is the result of something much worse than an incontinent bladder.
I went to the doctor last week for my yearly well-woman checkup and mentioned a few of my odd symptoms: chin hair, irritability, insomnia, hot flashes.
I was sure she was going to write me a prescription for Xanax or suggest I take a month off from parenting (complete with doctor’s note officially excusing me from my duties). But instead, she took four vials of blood and said she would check my hormone levels.
“Hormone levels?” I asked, surprised. “But I’m only 42!”
She patted me on the shoulder and looked at me with sad puppy dog eyes. “You’d be surprised. But don’t worry, this isn’t the end of the world.”
Breaking News: The end of the world is near.
A few days later, the nurse called with my blood test results. Cholesterol, fine. White blood count, fine. Thyroid, perfect. Hormone levels, uh-oh.
Shauna Glenn of Fort Worth, mother of four, can be contacted at shaunarglenn@gmail. com. Her second novel, Relative Insanity, is available in bookstores now. Photo by Jen Meyer.
Long story short, I’m officially perimenopausal. I didn’t even know that was a real word until I Googled it. According to MayoClinic.com, perimenopause is this: The interval in which a woman’s body makes a natural shift from
more-or-less regular cycles of ovulation and menstruation toward permanent infertility or menopause.
When I got to the word menopause is about the time I had one heck of a spectacular meltdown.
Me? Menopause? But I just gave BIRTH to a HUMAN only SEVEN YEARS AGO. I was a NORMAL woman! (OK, so I used the word normal when “normal” is clearly subjective. I was a lot like YOU, only slightly off. Or what I like to call quirky. But you get what I’m saying.)
Anyway, I get it. I’m aging. I’m “of a certain age.” I guess the part that’s distressing and even a little confusing is that I have friends who a re in the very middle of their childbearing years.
Everyone I work with is either pregnant or nursing, barely out of college and just getting their lives started, or trying to conceive. And here I am wearing boyfriend jeans and telling inappropriate jokes at the dinner table. It’s all becoming very clear to me. I’m turning into a giant cliché.
You know those women who are middle-aged but who try to trick you into believing they’re a lot younger by shopping at Forever 21? That’s me!
(Pause for sudden and overwhelmingly unsettling hot flash.)
I guess what I’m trying to say is this: I’m not going down without a fight. Do you hear me, Mother Nature? While yes, I’m glad I can skip that one aisle at the grocery store, I’m not ready to be rid of ALL MY ESTROGEN. Not just yet. I’m still young(ish) and viable and don’t have to wear reading glasses yet. And yes, I have to spray estrogen on my forearm every morning where I used to wear perfume, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to turn my eggs in for a walking cane and a pair of old lady shoes. Not even close.
CelebrityCutting
forwhatit’sworth
Straightforward advice on anything and everything / by Molly Forthright
Q:I may have to cancel my membership to my gym. Other gym visitors are really getting on my nerves. I was in the gym on Monday very early in the morning before work. In a row of 12 empty treadmills, this guy came in, hopped on the treadmill right next to me and started running. To make things worse, he smelled horrible, and his sweat kept slinging on me. Why do some people not know proper gym etiquette?
A: The same reason why some people talk with their mouths full or don’t thank you when you hold the door open for them. They were more than likely raised in a barn or by wolves. Somehow, along the way, they were never taught about common courtesy.
I call this annoying gym personality the “Space Invader.” He/she is always a little too close for comfort or rushing you on the equipment. Maybe these people have some sort of phobia, like autophobia, the fear of being alone. Doubtful.
As far as the smell goes, I
call that gym personality you mentioned the “Polluter.” That is typically the person who keeps his or her gym clothes in a bag and recycles them all week, allowing them to marinate for an extra potent stench. These people are also the ones who refuse to wipe down the equipment after slopping sweat all over it.
I also often wonder why all gym showers smell just a little bit like pee. Just because you don’t have to clean it doesn’t mean anything goes. It’s disgusting.
The “Don Juan,” or in some cases the “Donna Juan,” turns the gym into their personal pick-up spot. I laugh out loud when I see a woman walk in the gym in designer workout clothing with perfect makeup and hair, wearing her diamonds.
Really? You are there to sweat. I also hate that some people can’t get the hint that most visitors don’t like to be approached at the gym. Wearing headphones and avoiding eye contact should be a clue.
And finally one of my favorites: The “Amplifier.” Excessive grunting, yelling and screaming while lifting weights much too heavy is an attempt to garner attention.
To answer your question honestly: If you don’t want to be around people when you work out, you should probably invest in a home gym or take your physical exercise to the great outdoors. It’s easier to avoid the undesirables in the wide open.
illustration by Charles Marsh
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With Ultherapy, you can go about your day after a single, 30-60 minute in-office procedure. You may notice a short-term “boost” but the natural process of creating new, more elastic, collagen builds over time—much like the effect that exercise has on building muscle (but without the multiple workouts!).
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Results will unfold over the course of 2-3 months and some patients have reported continued improvement for up to 6 months. While ultrasound does not duplicate the results of surgery, Ultherapy has proven to be an inviting alternative for those who are not yet ready for surgery.
glorious occasions benefiting children’s cancer charities at Cook Children’s and the Jean Roach Scholarship Fund at TCU.
SWEETEN THE LIVES OF CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON BY DONATING A GINGERBREAD COOKIE.
TREAT YOURSELF AND YOUR FRIENDS TO A FUN AND CHARMING LUNCHEON WHERE YOU CAN CREATE YOUR OWN UNIQUE GINGERBREAD CASTLE.
BRING YOUR CHILDREN AND DECORATE YOUR CASTLE OR COOKIE AT THIS CANDY LOADED GINGERBREAD EXTRAVAGANZA. CREATE A HEARTWARMING MEMORY YOUR FAMILY WILL TREASURE. FESTIVE FUN FOR ALL AGES!
Family Decorating Party: Thursday, November 29 - 5:30-7:00
Castle Decorating Lunch: Friday, November 30 - 11:30 – 2:00
Family Decorating Party: Friday, November 30 4:30-6:00
Please contact Haddy Manuel @ 817-343-1262
For more information and to pay online go to: cowtowntridelta.com/cookiesandcastles.html
For the third year, Dillard’s is offering an exclusive custom edition of the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook. With over 400 delicious recipes, plus menus and hundreds of inspiring photographs, it’s your go-to guide for the season. Available at Hulen, Ridgmar, Parks and Northeast Dillard’s mall locations for $10.00 each.
of the proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House.
upclose
Extraordinary personalities shaping Fort Worth
Estrus Tucker
Gentle Activist
by Paul K. Harral
Estrus tucker was born and still lives in como. He attended como High school until 1971 when Fort worth desegregated the schools and closed all but one of the four black high schools. He graduated from western Hills. He attended chaminade college in Hawaii while he was in the army and ut-arlington later. He is president and ceo of liberation community inc. and on the national board of courage and renewal.
What led to your involvement in housing and other issues? my life is shaped by the integrity and values modeled in a mother-led home, my simple faith in God and a democracy of the people, by the people, for the people and growing up and still living in a close-knit, civically active community, where our shared well-being depended on our collective voice, collective action and shared responsibility for one another. these influences led to commitment to practices that honor and extend kindness and compassion to all human beings, respectfully questions authorities and advocates for the least privileged and most marginalized.
How did Liberation Community come about? in 1983 two seminary students, bryan stone and david sabine from the church of the nazarene, interviewed several community leaders, including me, about their vision and ideas for a “compassionate” inner city ministry. this grassroots initiative would be funded initially as a domestic mission drawing financial and volunteer support from regional nazarene church membership and the community at large. liberation community combined city of Fort worth and city of arlington community development block Grant funds, Hud, department of labor, local foundations, donations and service fees to develop and manage a program that resulted in more than 500 firsttime homeownerships for residents not typically seen as viable candidates. in 1997, after concluding that liberation community had succeeded at being a catalyst for private sector low-income housing development and realizing that the city-based nonprofit partnerships were not sustainable or compatible with our mission, we discontinued new development. most of liberation community inc.’s programs and services are now dormant as we reorganize our core services.
What do you see lacking in revitalization efforts in lower-income communities? often what is most lacking is a sense of dignity and respect for the recipients in the service delivery system and a quality of customer service comparable to more affluent populations. low to moderate diverse communities are often the target of exploitation enterprises — subprime lending, rent-to-own, rent-a-tire, payday loans, pawn shops, etc. — that have now become more mainstreamed and acceptable. the subprime mortgage exploitation that contributed to our recession was perfected in low-income communities like Poly.
What is your involvement with Courage and Renewal and what is that program? courage and renewal is a movement that helps people connect who they are with what they do in ways that lead to personal and professional renewal, vocational vitality, civic engagement and community transformation. initially, courage and renewal’s focus was educators, primarily k through 12 teachers, and so in 1998, i joined a few other leaders in supporting a local initiative as a debt of gratitude to local teachers.
But it didn’t stop there, did it? i concluded that the intrinsic and practical value of the courage and renewal approach was equally applicable to other professions and all persons. my facilitation work expanded to include educators, clergy, nonprofit leaders, civic leaders, business leaders, elected officials, lawyers and grassroots leaders locally and around the country.
Where is Liberation Community headed? in the spirit of our original mission, liberation community inc. is exploring the best organizational model to facilitate respectful dialogue, community/adult basic education and civic engagement, with an emphasis on low- to moderate-income persons of all colors, leading to a more equitable, productive and inclusive society. my hope is to be a support, a voice and a catalyst for welcoming, embracing and engaging a diversity of people to advance the beloved community that dr. martin luther king Jr. dreamed of, worked toward and died for, in Fort worth, texas, and the world.
gentleness and belief in people's innate and redeemable goodness and goodwill. “My agendas are never hidden and my intentions are never hurtful,” he says. “I challenge the inequities I see, but try to do so reasonably and respectfully.”
Estrus Tucker is pictured near Lake Como and across the street from his home. He credits his mother, Dora Hillary Tucker, with modeling and nurturing in him a fierce
Nancy Woodson & Kent McAfee enjoy the Dream Home Party.
To see more turn to page 111.
behind the velvet ropes of our social scene
photography by Sandy Tomlinson
Jewel Ladies
At the Jewel Charity’s Ladies’ Event held at the home of Christy Smith, guests enjoyed door prizes, beautiful desserts and fabulous food from the Renaissance Worthington.
(1) Teri Kramer, Kristin Henderson (2) Jean Roach, Sug Steele, Mickey Robinson (3) Carol Dunaway, Sally Coers (4) Michelle Reynolds, Richard Eiseman (5) Kathy Womack, Patti Ambrose, Sara Richardson
Mayor's Lunch
Tarrant Area Food Bank honored the mayors and elected officials representing their 13 county service areas at the annual Mayors’ Luncheon held at the food bank. Guest speaker Betsy Price discussed the impact of hunger on our communities and the economy, as well as families and individuals.
(1) Doug Renfro, Becky Delaune (2) Tom McGrath, Kristie Gibson, Zim Zimmerman (3) Betsy Price, Bo Sanderson
White Hot
Mira Vista Country Club hosted the annual JJ Henry Foundation White Hot Night Gala. Pat Green was the headliner for this fundraiser for children’s medical causes.
Dream Home
The 2012 Dream Home VIP reveal party was held at the beautiful Riverhills Fort Worth, Texas magazine Dream Home. Guest enjoyed fabulous food, open bar, music and a sneak preview of the home. American Heart Association is the beneficiary of Dream Home 2012.
(1) J.J., Connor & Lee Henry (2) Holly Tyson, Arlona Herbel, Linda & Paul Janiak (3) Barb Fleming, Brenda Taylor, Elizabeth Helton
(1) Julie & Bob Lilly (2) Kelly & Mikal Dillard (3) Sherri Patton, Steve & Ashley Watson (4) Sarah & Peggy Powers, Brandy Gore, Vince Knipp
Food, Wine and Wishes
Park Place dealerships Fort Worth and Jewel Ball hosted Food, Wine and Wishes benefiting Cook Children’s Medical Center. This was the kick-off party for chance tickets and the revealing of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL SUV.
Junior League
Busy Junior League sustainers enjoy a fun evening at Bar Louie as they kick off the Junior League year.
(1) Kelley & Bill Royer, Lynny Sankary (2) Elise Boswell, Suzanne Sanders, Sheila Reynolds, Debbi Easterling (3) Caren Parden, Peggy Sims, Lisa Queralt, Bonnie Epstein, Michelle Purvis (4) Jan Scully, Jeanie Luskey, Toni Boecker (5) Carol Dunaway, Diane Stow, Jim Dunaway
The annual Advertising Club magazine day trade show and luncheon was held at Joe T. Garcia’s.
James L. West Alzheimer Center Summit Society Dinner was held Aug. 30 at Rivercrest Country Club.
(1) Teresa Holland, John Gray (2) Dennis Johnson, Sarah Ross, Michael Annis (3) Jim & Margaret DeMoss (4) Susan Farris, Lisa Waldron, Dian Garnett
(1) Nancy Martin, Tate Kelly (2) Kelly DeHart, Carol Bold (3) Keith Powell, Amanda Gibson, Bob Sacks (4) Susan Cook, Darynda Jenkins
RECOGNIZING TOP PROFESSIONALS
Commending
outstanding professionals
in the greater Fort Worth community
Choosing the right specialist can make an immense difference in your health and success. We recognize the top in the fields of medicine and law, who have been voted as representing the highest tier of their profession by their peers within the last three years. They are some of area’s brightest, most-soughtafter experts, and they would like to explain how engaging them will benefit you.
ACCENT ON YOU
COSMETICSURGERY CENTER AND MEDICAL SPA Y.ANTHONY
NAKAMURA, M.D., P.A.
SPECIALTY/EDUCATION: A graduate of UTMB with more than 20 years of plastic surgery experience. Dr. Nakamura has the highest level of surgical training allowing him to be a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Texas Medical Association, Fellow American College of Surgeons, Dallas Society of Plastic Surgeons, Fort Worth Society of Plastic Surgeons. COSMETIC SURGERY SERVICES: Breast Enlargement, Breast Lift, Tummy tucks, Liposuction, Facial rejuvenation procedures. MEDI SPA SERVICES: Coolsculpting, laser hair removal, Active FX, IPL, medical peels, microdermabrasion/microdermapeel, Sculptra, Juvederm, Botox, Restylane, Perlane massages, facials, selected skin care products. AFFILIATIONS: MCA, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center.
WHAT SETS US APART: Our fully accredited on-site surgery center utilizes the most advanced surgical methods and highly trained staff allowing me to provide you with optimal results in a caring, safe and private environment. Instead of voicemail, a nurse coordinator is available to assist you, and as I am only steps away you will always be able to get the answers you need with attention to your individual needs. FREE ADVICE: Check your surgeons’ credentials and be certain your doctor is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
accentonyou.com
MARK HANEY LAW OFFICES OF MARK HANEY, P.C.
SPECIALTY: I am a trial attorney with 25 years experience handling personal injury cases, complex commercial cases, intellectual property cases, products liability, oil and gas, real estate and fiduciary cases. EDUCATION: B.A., Political Science, UTA, 1983; University of Tulsa, National Energy Law and Policy Institute, 1987. AWARDS/HONORS: Outstanding Lawyers – Fort Worth, Personal Injury Trial Law; Texas Super Lawyer, Personal Injury Trial Law; AV Highest Rating by Martindale Hubble; AVVO Superb Rating; Top 100 Verdict in United States in 2003; Board of Directors Texas Trial Lawyers Association; Board of Directors Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association; President Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association 2012 – 2013. INNOVATIONS: I recently resolved a products liability case against Ford Motor Company arising from the death of a Fort Worth police officer. The case involved allegations of problems with the design of Ford’s Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, which places the fuel tank in the rear crush zone of the vehicle. Ford Motor Company discontinued the design in 2011. ADVICE: Big businesses and insurance companies are spending millions of dollars to convince people to question the merits of the jury trial system. We all need to protect and maintain a viable jury trial system. It is the best device to protect all of us from harm and predatory practices of big businesses.
SPECIALTY: Dermatology. EDUCATION: Texas A&M, Summa Cum Laude; M.D., U.T. Southwestern Medical Center; Internship, Baylor University Medical Center for Internal Medicine; Residency, U.T. Southwestern Medical Center. AWARDS/HONORS: Texas Monthly Super Doctor; Fort Worth, Texas magazine Top Doc; Healthcare Hero; Medical Honor Society-AOA; Chief Resident in Dermatology. PROFESSIONALMEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Past president Fort Worth/ Dallas Dermatological Society, American Society of Dermatological Surgery, Texas Dermatology Society, American Academy of Dermatology, Christian Medical and Dental Society. AFFILIATION: Baylor Grapevine. GREATEST PERSONALACHIEVEMENT: I am the mother of two boys and married to R. Todd Plott, M.D., who is also a dermatologist. HOPES FORTHE FUTUREOF MEDICINE: Keep government out of medical decision making and care. INNOVATIONS: Coolsculpting™ is our newest
medical device that destroys unwanted abdominal fat and love handles. ONETHING I’D CHANGEABOUTMEDICINE: Patients would have incentives to make healthy choices and consequences if they don’t. Keep government out of health care. BEDSIDEMANNER: We offer the latest in dermatological care in a service-oriented practice. CHARITABLEWORK: Caring for patients in need through Grace Community Medical Clinic as well as a recent mission trip to New Orleans. OUTSIDETHEOFFICE: I watch or play sports with my sons and husband. FREEADVICE: Wear sunscreen on a daily basis.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
southlakedermatology.com
JOHN ALLEN CHALK SR. WHITAKER CHALK SWINDLE & SCHWARTZ PLLC
FOCUS: The resolution of business disputes through litigation, arbitration and mediation; negotiation and documentation of commercial agreements of all types (domestic and international); and State and Federal regulatory compliance, including State and Federal administrative law hearings and appeals.
EDUCATION: Freed-Hardeman College; Tennessee Tech University; University of Texas School of Law. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 39. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: Tarrant County Bar Association; Texas Bar Association; American Bar Association; District of Columbia Bar Association; American Health Lawyers Association (Member, ADR Task Force); Federal Bar Association; London Court of International Arbitration; Institute of Chartered Arbitrators; among many others. HONORS: Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, London (Fellow and Chartered Arbitrator); Fellow, College of Commercial Arbitrators; Tarrant County Bar Foundation (Charter Fellow); Texas Bar Foundation (Sustaining Life Fellow); American Bar Foundation (Sustaining Life Fellow); College of State Bar (Maintaining Member); Credentialed-Advanced by Texas Mediator Credentialing Association; Certified Mediator, International Mediation Institute, the Hague, Netherlands. WHAT SETS HIM APART: “My clients receive candid evaluations of the issues they bring to me. I put myself in my clients’ situations and give them the responses that I would want from my lawyer.” FREE ADVICE: “Preventing a dispute is less expensive than resolving a dispute.”
CONTACT INFORMATION:
301 Commerce St., Ste. 3500 Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.878.0575
Fax 817.878.0501
jchalk@whitakerchalk.com
*Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
.com
More blogs, more events, more fun!
There are six exciting blogs that cover everything from food, fashion, all the party pics you didn’t see in the magazine, the most current events, multiple contests, extended features and articles, plus our revered columnist Heywood gives his 2 cents in his new video blog.
FWTX.com is the go-to site for all the relevant exclusives in the Greater Tarrant County area.
Chesapeake Energy Plaza - Fort Worth
Saturday, Dec 1st, 2012
Festivities begin at 2pm
Register Online at www.fwjinglebellrun.org or call 817/682-3197 for more information.
Get in the spirit this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Run or walk with us to improve the lives of 1.8 million North Texans who suffer from the nation’s leading cause of disability. arthritis.org
ALBAN GERHARDT, WHO LAST APPEARED WITH THE FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA in its performance at Carnegie Hall in 2008, rejoins the symphony in Bass Hall this month. Gerhardt is recognized as one of the great cellists active today. Gerhardt will perform Robert Schumann’s Cello Concerto in A Minor, composed between Oct. 10 and 24, 1850, but not performed until 1860, four years after his death. Then the orchestra enters the exotic and perfumed world of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, based on the tales in The Thousand and One Nights. To learn more, turn to page 126.
Fort Worth, Texas: The City’s
Photo courtesy Alban Gerhardt
to list an event
Send calendar information to Fort Worth, Texas : The City’s Magazine, c/o Paul K. Harral, executive editor, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116, or e-mail ideas to pharral@fwtexas.com. Special consideration will be given to submissions that include photographs. To meet publishing deadlines, information must be received two months prior to monthly magazine issue.
museums
THE KIMBELL AT 40: AN EVOLVING MASTERPIECE, THROUGH DEC. 30 / Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Kimbell Art Museum on Oct. 4, 1972. The exhibit looks back to the Museum’s genesis and showcases the architectural achievements, pivotal acquisitions, important exhibitions and historic events that have made it into a world-renowned institution. Highlights from the permanent collection as well as antiquities and important collections of Asian, Mesoamerican and African art, are on display throughout the building along with historic material and architectural models of Louis I. Kahn’s design. Free. Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. kimbellart.org. 817.332.8451.
TO SEE AS ARTISTS SEE: AMERICAN ART FROM THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION, THROUGH JAN. 6 / Founded by Duncan Phillips in 1918, The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., opened to the public in 1921 as America’s first museum of modern art. To See as Artists See is the first large-scale, traveling presentation of The Phillips’ celebrated collection of American art, chronicling the broad scope and richness of its holdings from 1850 to 1960. Amon Carter Museum of American Art. cartermuseum.org. 817.738.1933.
LARRY SULTAN’S HOMELAND: AMERICAN STORY, THROUGH JAN. 6 / In 2006, artist Larry Sultan (1946–2009) began a project called Homeland near where he lived in Marin County, Calif. Sultan’s works fuse the relationship between fact and fiction in photography. This exhibition celebrates Sultan’s Homeland project and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art’s recent acquisition of Novato,
one of the signature works from the series. Amon Carter Museum of American Art. cartermuseum.org. 817.738.1933.
INDUSTRIAL MONUMENTS: PHOTOGRAPHS AND WORKS ON PAPER FROM THE MACHINE AGE, THROUGH JAN. 20 / Artists were captivated by the drastically changing industrial landscape of America during the Machine Age, the period from the early 1910s to the late 1940s. Photographs, prints, and drawings focus on these increasingly visible modern marvels, celebrating the monumental grandeur of industry in America. Amon Carter Museum of American Art. cartermuseum.org. 817.738.1933.
HARD TWIST: WESTERN RANCH WOMEN, THROUGH DEC. 31 / Photos by 1995 Cowgirl Honoree Barbara Van Cleve. Her photographs realistically portray ranch life in the modern West. Raised on the family’s Montana ranch, she learned ranch life as a participant, with photography as an avocation. National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. cowgirl. net. 817.336.4475.
SHARING THE PAST THROUGH ART, NOV. 8 / Designed for adults with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Participants discuss artists, themes and exhibitions and use artworks to connect to past experiences. Free. 10:30-11:45 a.m. Amon Carter Museum of American Art. cartermuseum.org. 817.738.1933.
SID RICHARDSON MUSEUM, NOV. 10 AND 24 / 1 p.m. guided tour on artists who shaped public perception of the American West. NOV. 10 includes a live performance highlighting the career of cowboy artist Charles Russell. Sid Richardson Museum. sidrichardsonmuseum.org. 817.332.6554.
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS, NOV. 14 AND 21 / For families with young children. The program is led by a docent and includes a gallery project designed by the education department. These dates: Visiting the work of Sean Scully. Registration is not required. Free, but attendance is limited. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. themodern.org. 817.738.9215.
DRAWING FROM THE COLLECTION FOR CHILDREN, NOV. 4 / Two sessions, one for ages 5 to 8 and one for ages 9 to 12. Led by artists who takes participants through informal drawing exercises in relation to works in the Modern’s collection. Instructors: Shelby Cunningham (ages 5 to 8) and Christopher Wallace (ages 9 to 12) (Under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.) Free. 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St. themodern.org. 817.738.9215.
DRAWING FROM THE COLLECTION FOR ADULTS, NOV. 4 / Learn with local artists as they lead free, informal basic drawing classes in the galleries. Open to adults at all skill levels. Bring a sketchbook and pencils. Instructor: Adam Palmer. 2 p.m. Free. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St. themodern.org. 817.738.9215.
music
COWBOY MUSIC AND FAMILY FUN, EVERY SUNDAY / Cowboy ballads, yodeling and Western swing. Cowtown Opry mentors adults and youth to become performers and historians of Texas heritage music deriving from the cattle ranching culture. 2 p.m. Free. Historic Livestock Exchange building, 131 E. Exchange Ave. cowtownopry.org. 817.521.4969.
ARLINGTON COUNTRY MUSIC REVUE, ONGOING / Each Saturday night at Arlington Music Hall. It is family fun. 7 p.m. Tickets: $13-$20. Arlington Country Music Revue. arlingtoncountrymusicrevue. com. 817.226.4400. At Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center St., Arlington.
FIRST FRIDAY AT THE MODERN, NOV. 2 / Live music and cocktails in the Museum’s Grand Lobby. Dinner available at Cafe Modern. Performance by Three If By Sea. Special cocktail: Moon Landing. 5 p.m. Tickets: $4-$10. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. themodern.org, 817.738.9215.
BUSTER BROWN BAND, NOV. 10 / Begin Saturday evening of most months with great jazz, international art, appetizers, tours, prizes, and a delicious signature cocktail (cash bar). 5:30. Nonmembers: $30. Kimbell Art Museum. kimbellart.org. 817.332.8451.
WESLEYAN MUSIC AT THE MODERN, NOV. 3 / Students and faculty of Texas Wesleyan University perform at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Sat. 2 p.m. Free. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St. themodern.org. 817.738.9215.
CIRQUE MUSICA, NOV. 2-NOV. 4 / Cirque Musica blends the thrilling talents of the best circus performers with exhilarating symphonic music. Fri. -Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Tickets: $27-$79. Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. fwsymphony.org. 817.665.6000. Bass Performance Hall, 4th and Calhoun streets. basshall.com. 817.212.4280.
THE MESSIAH, NOV. 8 / Handel’s classic has been performed annually at Southwestern Seminary since 1921. Thu. 7:30 p.m. Free. Truett Auditorium, 2001 W. Seminary Drive.
MARK APPLING, NOV. 9 / Mark Appling has inspired audiences in venues throughout the United States. Presented by Guitar Fort Worth at Martin Hall. guitarfortworth.org. Martin Hall, 1309 Wesleyan St., 817.531.4992.
AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH LEE DEWYZE, NOV. 11 / With his rough-hewn voice and laid-back Midwestern charm, Lee DeWyze won over millions of viewers as a contestant and eventual winner of the ninth season of American Idol Limited VIP tickets include a special meet and greet. 7 p.m. $22 general; $66 VIP. Performing Arts Fort Worth. McDavid Studio, 301 E. 5th St. basshall.com. 817.212.4280.
BRENTANO STRING QUARTET, NOV. 13 / Since
Kimbell Art Museum’s South Gallery, with Antonio Canova’s Ideal Head of a Woman . Photo courtesy Kimbell Art Museum/Robert LaPrelle
Join Scott Murray and new co-host Carly Patterson as they keep you “in the know” about Fort Worth.
Fort Worth, Texas magazine brings its expertise to FYI Fort Worth on food, fashion, travel, health, homes, sports, and more! It’s TV you won’t see anywhere else!
Tune in Sunday November 4 at 10:30 am on TXA 21 and the first Sunday of each month.
THIS MONTH
its inception in 1992, the Brentano String Quartet has appeared throughout the world to popular and critical acclaim. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$90. Presented by Van Cliburn Foundation. cliburn.org. 817.738.6536. At Bass Performance Hall, 4th and Calhoun streets. basshall.com. 817.212.4280.
ORGAN CONCERT BY MARK PACOE, NOV. 16 / Mark Pacoe, international concert artist, will perform on the largest pipe organ in Texas at Broadway Baptist Church. 7 p.m. Free. Presented by Fort Worth Chapter of the American Guild of Organists at Broadway Baptist Church, 305 W. Broadway.
SCHEHERAZADE, NOV. 16-18 / Alban Gerhardt brings to life Schumann’s lyrical work for cello and orchestra. Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Tickets: $10-$79. Presented by Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. fwsymphony.org. 817.665.6000. At Bass Performance Hall, 4th and Calhoun streets. basshall. com. 817.212.4280.
LYLE LOVETT AND HIS ACOUSTIC GROUP, NOV. 20 / Beloved Texas singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett returns to the Hall. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $44-$132. Performing Arts Fort Worth. Bass Performance Hall, 4th and Calhoun streets. basshall.com. 817.212.4280.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, NOV. 24-25 / The annual holiday pops. Sat. 2 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.-7 p.m. Tickets: $27-$79. Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. fwsymphony.org. 817.665.6000. At Bass Performance Hall, 4th and Calhoun streets. basshall. com. 817.212.4280.
WOMEN’S CHORUS AND CHAMBER SINGERS
CONCERT, NOV. 27 / Join the Texas Wesleyan Music Department for the Fall Concert of the Women’s Chorus and Chamber Singers. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: Free. At Martin Hall, TWU, 1309 Wesleyan St.
VERIZON THEATRE / Verizon Theatre, Grand Prairie. verizontheatre.com. 972.854.5111. Convenience fees added to online ticket purchases.
NOV. 1 / Bob Dylan and His Band with Mark Knopfler. 7:30 p.m. $35-$125
NOV. 4 / Jackson Browne with Sara Watkins. 7:30 p.m. $45-$69.50
NOV. 7 / Snow Patrol and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. 7:30 p.m.
$39.50-$69.50
NOV. 8 / Single Ladies Tour — R. Kelly. 7:30 p.m.
$47.50-$75
NOV. 10 / Celtic Thunder. 7:30 p.m. $45-$75
NOV. 11 / John Legend with Lianne La Havas. 8 p.m. $40.50-$70.50
NOV. 14 / Jackie Evancho. 7:30 p.m. $35.00$85.00
Nov. 23-DEC. 8 / Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring The Rockettes. Multiple performances and times. Check Web site for dates and times. $19.95-$125
BILLY BOB’S TEXAS / Fort Worth Stockyards. billybobstexas.com. 817.624.7117. (Ticket prices reserved/general admission. Friday and Saturday concerts 10:30 p.m. unless noted.)
NOV. 2 / Chris Knight, $16/$12
NOV. 3 / CMT On Tour Presents: Jake Owen,
stage and theater
DRACULA, BABY, THROUGH NOV. 4 / When the chorus opens the show singing, “Transylvania after dark. Rather grim and rather ghoulish! Walking by yourself is foolish,” we know that we’re in for an entertaining if not fiendish evening. Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Tickets: $10-$12/Fri. and Sat.; $9/Sun. Theatre Off The Square, 114 North Denton Road, Weatherford. weatherfordtots.org. 817.341.8687.
GOOD VS. EVIL: AN EVENING WITH ANTHONY BOURDAIN AND ERIC RIPERT, NOV. 9 / Notable crank and Travel Channel foodie Anthony Bourdain will spend the evening sharing candid, and often hysterical, insights with longtime friend and friendly rival, Chef Eric Ripert. Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $44-$165. Performing Arts Fort Worth. Bass Performance Hall, 4th and Calhoun streets. basshall.com. 817.212.4280.
RAGTIME, THROUGH NOV. 10 / A story about life in America at the beginning of the 20th century, focusing on three families — one upper-middle class, white Anglo-Saxon Protestant, one socialist immigrant Jewish and one Harlem black. Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 3 p.m. Tickets: $12-$15. Plaza Theatre Company. 111 S. Main St., Cleburne. plaza-theatre. com. 817.202.0600.
THE BIG BAD MUSICAL, THROUGH NOV. 10 / A courtroom has never been more lively and fun. The audience is the jury, and must decide the outcome of the biggest trial ever in the fairy-tale world. The notorious Big Bad Wolf is being slapped with a class-
$15/$22
NOV. 9 / Thomas Rhett, $15/$10
NOV. 10 / Corey Smith, $20/$15
NOV. 16 / Sean McConnell, $16/$12
NOV. 17 / Sammy Kershaw, $18/$12
NOV. 23 / TBA
NOV. 24 / Cody Canada & the Departed, $18/$12
NOV. 30 / Roger Creager, $16/$12
GRAPEVINE OPRY / gvopry.com. 817.481.8733.
NOV. 3 / Country Music Showcase
NOV. 10 / Country Music Showcase
NOV. 17 / 25th Anniversary Spectacular ($20): Celebrating 25 years of awesome songs and talent.
NOV. 24 / Christmas Holiday Preview: A holiday primer guaranteed to “get the Scrooge out.”
NOV. 30 / A Texas Christmas: ($25) Merry Christmas from the Lone Star State.
THE LIVE OAK MUSIC HALL & LOUNGE / 1311 Lipscomb St. theliveoak.com, 817.926.0968 Check calendar for performances, prices and times. theliveoak.com/calendar.
RIO BRAZOS: A TEXAS MUSIC HALL / 6611 Glen Rose Highway, Granbury riobrazoslive.com, 817.579.0808 Check calendar for performances, prices and times. riobrazoslive.com/events.
CENDERA CENTER / 3600 Benbrook Highway cenderacenter.com, 817.984.6800 Check calendar for performances, prices and times. cenderacenter. com/events.
action lawsuit by quirky storybook characters. Fri. 4:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. Tickets: $5. Artisan Center Theater. 418 E. Pipeline Road, Hurst. artisanct.com. 817.284.1200.
GHOSTWRITER, THROUGH NOV. 10 / When novelist Franklin Woolsey dies mid-sentence, his final novel is finished by his ever faithful secretary, Mayra. Is she trying to steal Woolsey’s legacy, or might she truly possess a gift the world can’t understand? Thu. 7:30 p.m.; Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets: $20-$30. Circle Theatre, 230 W. 4th St. circletheatre. com. 817.877.3040.
THE STOLEN SHAKESPEARE FALL FESTIVAL: MERRIMENT AND MAGIC, THROUGH NOV. 11 / A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Nov. 3 and 9, 8 p.m.; Nov. 4 and 10, 2 p.m. The Birth of Merlin. Nov. 2, 4 and 10, 8 p.m.; Nov. 3 and 11, 2 p.m. Tickets: $10$18. Stolen Shakespeare Guild. stolenshakespeareguild.org. 817.988.2058. At Fort Worth Community Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy St. fwcac.com. 817.738.1938.
REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY: THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS SHOW, NOV. 28-DEC. 2 / Traveling through Christmas and other winter celebrations at the speed of comedy, the Reduced Shakespeare Company condenses an entire holiday season into an hour or so with hilarious and heartwarming results. Wed.-Thu. 7:30 p.m.; Fri. -Sat. 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. Tickets: Single ticket TBA. Performing Arts Fort Worth. McDavid Studio, 301 E. 5th St. basshall.com. 817.212.4280.
Anthony Bourdain, host of No Reservations , currently in its seventh season on the Travel Channel, appears with friend and rival Chef Eric Ripert Nov. 9. Photo courtesy Performing Arts Fort Worth
These are a few of my favorite things...
$25 Provides play and art therapy for a child abuse victim
$0 Become a volunteer Advocate for a child
$25 Assists with housing for veterans
$70 Provides school clothes and supplies for a child c
$5,937 Contribute to every program in The Greatest Gift Catalog Ever
$110
Provides 1 month of musical theatre for a child
$300 Evening meals for 38 families during their stay
$100 Provides meals for a client for four weeks
$23
Allows a parent to get a birth certificate for a child
These are 9 of the 45 great ways to help in the community this year through the Greatest Gift Catalog Ever® Most of our organizations have matching funds programs available through the catalog to double your contribution. For more information please visit TheGreatestGiftCatalogEver.org or call 817-922-8297. The Greatest Gift Catalog Ever
fwevents
films
FILMS AT THE MODERN / The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth offers a variety of events and programs on films. Check the Web site for details on titles, times, tickets and descriptions. themodern.org/films.html.
LONE STAR FILM FESTIVAL, NOV. 7-11 / Sixth annual event in Sundance Square brings together some of the most talked about films and filmmakers. Ball and awards ceremony Nov. 8, Fort Worth Convention Center. For information on movies, venues, scheduling and tickets, check the Web site, lonestarfilmsociety.com. Single tickets available also at the box office, 201 Main St., Ste. 100, Wells Fargo Tower.
FIRST SUNDAY FILM CLUB, NOV. 4 / This series showcases the Fort Worth Library’s large and vibrant media collection. This date: Babette’s Feast 2 p.m. Free. Fort Worth Central Library, Tandy Hall, 500 W. 3rd St. fortworthlibrary.org. 817.392.7323.
FAMILY FILM SERIES, NOV. 10 / Aladdin. Street kid Aladdin and his monkey Abu battle to save the free-spirited Princess Jasmine. Robin Williams voices the Genie. 1 p.m. Free. Fort Worth Central Fort Worth Central Library, Tandy Hall, 500 W. 3rd St. fortworthlibrary.org. 817.392.7323.
other attractions and events
APHA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW, NOV. 7-17 / The American Paint Horse is a breed of horse that combines both the conformational characteristics of a western stock horse with a pinto spotting pattern of white and dark coat colors. See the Web site for registration and other information. Presented by American Paint Horse Association, my.apha.com. At Will Rogers Memorial Center. 3400 Burnett-Tandy Drive, Fort Worth. tinyurl.com/FW-WILL-ROGERS. 817.392.7469.
QUANAH AND CYNTHIA ANN PARKER: A PICTORIAL EXHIBIT OF THEIR STORY, THROUGH DEC. 15 / In 1836, a Comanche raiding party took Cynthia Ann from her family, and over the following years, she became wife to a Comanche leader and mother to children, including Quanah. The exhibit is a heritage tourism project of the Texas Lakes Trail Regional Heritage Tourism Program. Fort Worth Central Library, Tandy Hall, 500 W. 3rd St. fortworthlibrary.org. 817.392.7323.
DEAD SEA SCROLLS & THE BIBLE: ANCIENT ARTIFACTS, TIMELESS TREASURES, THROUGH JAN. 13 / A once-in-a-lifetime chance to view 16 actual fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls — including eight being exhibited publicly for the first time. Exhibit includes a rep-
sports
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY / gofrogs.cstv. comFootball, 817.257.FROG FOOTBALL
lica of one of the caves where the scrolls were discovered in 1947. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Tickets vary slightly by day, generally $12-$28. More information and purchase tickets: SeeTheScrolls.com. MacGorman Performing Arts Center, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 4616 Stanley Ave. 877.789.0876.
FORT WORTH ZOO, ONGOING / Open daily at 10 a.m. Tickets: Adults (13+), $12; Children (3-12), $9 (2 and under free); Seniors (65+), $9. Wednesdays: half-price. 1989 Colonial Parkway. fortworthzoo.org. 817.759.7555.
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 Web site for details. Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission: $2-$5, $1 military. 9601 Fossil Ridge Road. fwnaturecenter.org. 817.392.7410.
FORT WORTH HERD CATTLE DRIVE, ONGOING / The world’s only twice daily cattle drive. Historic Fort Worth Stockyards on East Exchange Avenue in front of the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange Building. 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. STOCKYARDS CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO, ONGOING / Rodeo action Friday and Saturday night, year-round at historic Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Ave. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15-$20.
galleries
COMMUNITY ARTIST SHOWCASE, THROUGH NOV. 16 / Adult artists display their works to the community. Tue. Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Tickets: $1-$2 (Donations welcome). Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main St. arlingtonmuseum.org. 817.275.4600.
TAC FEATURED ARTIST LEE HILL: BLUESTEM, THROUGH DEC. 28 / Through his paintings Lee Albert Hill has been exploring the process of abstracting people’s relationship with nature. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Presented by Texas Artists Coalition at Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy St. fwcac. com. 817.738.1938.
WILD THINGS, THE GRACE MUSEUM, THROUGH JAN. 26 / The variety and vitality of the flora and fauna of Texas inspired two of the state’s most important practicing artists, Austin sculptor David Everett and Fort Worth painter Billy Hassell. This is the first time that the two artists have exhibited together. William Campbell Contemporary Art, 4935 Byers Ave. williamcampbellcontemporaryart.com. 817.737.9566.
comedy
FOUR DAY WEEKEND, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, ONGOING / This popular improvisational comedy troupe performs skits and songs based on audience suggestions. Four Day Weekend Theater. fourdayweekend.com. 817.226.4329.
HYENA’S COMEDY NIGHT CLUB, ONGOING / Various performances each week ranging from local to national stars. Hyena’s Comedy Night Club. hyenascomedynightclub.com. 817.877.5233.
ARLINGTON IMPROV AND RESTAURANT, ONGOING / Different performers weekly. 309 Curtis Mathes Way, Ste. 147, Arlington. improv.com. 817.635.5555.
dance
FRIDAY NIGHT BREAKAWAY, ONGOING / THE NUTCRACKER, NOV. 16-17 / Ballet Frontier of Texas present this holiday classic that has thrilled audiences all over the world. Nov. 16, 7 p.m.; Nov. 17, 2 p.m. Tickets: $20/general-$30/reserved. Ballet Frontier of Texas, 5242 S. Hulen St. balletfrontier.org. 817.852.6887. At Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave.
THE NUTCRACKER , NOV. 29-DEC. 2 / Share the magic of the season with North Central Ballet’s Annual production. Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Tickets: $25-$30 (nutcrackertickets. com). Presented by North Central Ballet, 12077 Katy Road, Keller, northcentralballet.com. 817.428.8232. At Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave.
20th Annual Cowtown Ball November 3, 2012
Dinner, dancing, cocktails, live & silent auction, games and much more
Frank Kent Cadillac Car Raffle
All-new 2013 ATS
Tickets are $100 - only 750 will be sold
Tickets are $250 each or $500 per couple
Tables of 8 are $2,000 to $4,000
Sponsorship opportunities still available
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
Leddy’s Ranch @ Sundance, Moncrief Cancer Institute, Texas Oncology, Morrison Supply, Cook Children’s Medical Center, Progressive Waste Solutions, Larry Joe Taylor, Hugh M Cunningham, Inc, Crestline Investments, GM Financial, David Bonderman, Pier 1 Imports, Coors Distributing of Fort Worth , Cash America
2012 Honorary Chairs Leigh and Brian Lowrance
For more information contact Allison Greenhaw with the American Cancer Society Allison.Greenhaw@cancer.org or the Cowtown Ball hotline at (817) 570-0633 www.cowtownball.org www.facebook.com/fwcowtownball
THE CUPCAKES AREN’T THE ONLY THINGS SWEET AT SWEET TOOTH BAKE SHOP AND BISTRO IN NORTH RICHLAND HILLS. There are also sweet wedding bells ringing this month when owners Amanda Garrison and Matt Mobley form another kind of partnership. (They asked us to tell you the restaurant will be closed Nov. 12-16 for their wedding.) But when the restaurant inside Golightly's Antiques is open, be sure to try the quiche. Few things make our critic rave, and this dish did. For more reasons to visit, turn the page.
134 now open: Sweet Tooth Bake Shop and Bistro / 136 review: Thai Tina's / 140 listings
Culinary ventures in and around town
Amanda Garrison and Matt Mobley met at Le Cordon Bleu in Dallas and went into business together last spring.
The Icing on Top
This November will be significant for business partners Amanda Garrison and Matt Mobley, owners of Sweet Tooth Bake Shop and Bistro in North Richland Hills. They are getting married!
by Courtney Dabney
The dynamic duo that owns sweet tooth Bake shop and Bistro met while studying at le cordon Bleu in dallas and went into business together last spring, reworking the former garden cottage tea room inside golightly’s a ntiques and creating a pristine little French Bistro to showcase their talent. a manda garrison loves the place because
the tea room was where she found her first job in the business and fell in love with baking. the red brick building sits serenely on the west side of busy davis Boulevard on your way to southlake. upon entering golightly’s, you notice a cohesive charm, full of decorative items mixed with shabby chic finds and rooms to explore in every direction. if you follow your sweet tooth toward the
back, you will land in a snug little lunch spot with mismatched tables and chairs and items that seem to have been curated from a paris flea market. the black and white theme is set off by a bold robin’s egg blue paint on the walls. Fresh floral arrangements on each table paired nicely with soft accordion music in the background. the revolving seasonal menu has a definite feminine touch. although we all know that real men actually do eat quiche (it’s a proven fact). there are also several sandwiches for the confident few fellas who come to dine here. the turkey panini has smoked turkey, swiss cheese, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes and is finished with spinach and an avocado mayonnaise. the club sandwich has bolder flavors of peppered bacon, sharp cheddar, red onion and a pesto mayonnaise.
t he salads looked tempting as well. a classic spinach combines fresh strawberries, a pplewood smoked bacon, mushrooms, candied pecans and a white balsamic vinaigrette. t here was also a Blt s alad, with everything but the bread, and a Field green salad, which i loved. now back to the quiche. this version is unlike any i have ever tasted. hard to imagine i know — quiche, blah, blah, blah. But trust me on this, because i don’t rave about many things. it was not the typical dense, overly cheesy variety that you are used to. this one was more like a soufflé that melts in your mouth. it is what i imagine a cloud might taste like if it were savory and came with a delicate piecrust lining. the friend who joined me agreed saying, “it was perfectly satisfying.”
i ordered the sampler ($10.95), which arrived on a white square plate broken up neatly into four quadrants. the quiche was great and worth the trip all on its own. But there was also a scoop of homemade chicken salad, with its smooth, almost pureed consistency and red grape halves, the field green salad i mentioned earlier, and a cup of tomato bisque soup. the soup was rich but not due to cream, just a won-
The Quiche Plate with Tomato Basil Quiche and Creamy Tomato Soup with pesto
A Turkey Panini with Spinach Salad
derful acidic tomato flavor. It was garnished with a spoon of fresh basil pesto and a crouton. The salad was simple with cherub tomatoes, pickled red onion and a goat cheese crostini on top. The Champagne-Citrus Vinaigrette was light and didn’t overpower the ingredients.
There is a glass case in the dining room displaying the daily dessert choices. I have to admit that as the room began to fill up, I started feeling a little predatorial about the one I had my eye on, so we were not ashamed to pre-order our dessert. In this case, the early bird did get the worm. Our server was happy to oblige. She was channeling Audrey Hepburn’s quirky elegance, (not Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, more like Princess Ann in Roman Holiday), with her sleek bangs and black ankle pants.
There is a banana caramel tart that pays homage to one of the favorite pies from the former Garden Tea Room. The cupcakes are delicious and range in flavors from the expected like Red Velvet, with a cream cheese icing to die for, to the very imaginative like the flavor du jour — Margarita. This one sports a fluorescent green color that gives way to a mouthwatering citrus punch. The flavor is so authentic that I am surprised they don’t offer them with salt on the rim. Cupcakes run $1.25 for minis and $2.75 for standard sizes. Call ahead to place your bakery orders for the holidays. I also tried a creamy cheesecake draped in silken ganache. The sheen on the chocolate was just tantalizing.
So, from Fort Worth, Texas magazine, we’d like to say cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Mobley. Here’s hoping married life is just as sweet!
Quality Products Trusted Service
More blogs, more events, more fun!
There are six exciting blogs that cover everything from food, fashion, all the party pics you didn’t see in the magazine, the most current events, multiple contests, extended features and articles, plus our revered columnist Heywood gives his 2 cents in his
Gary Huckabay, Retail Sales Manager; Bryan Page, President; Tim York, General Manager; Chelle Beranek, Showroom Director; Wendy Whitehead, Office Manager; Riggs Byther, Logistics (as pictured from left to right)
Assorted cupcakes include treats with tempting names such as XXX Chocolate, Vanilla Rose, Razzpazazz, Nanna’s Puddin’ and So Cherry Cordial.
Personality Plus
At Thai Tina’s, Tina and her husband, Jay Jennings, are the heart and soul of the place. They not only pay attention to the quality of the food, but they also have a real passion for the people they serve.
by Courtney Dabney
Tina is almost maternal, learning the names, favorite dishes and even the life stories of her regular customers. her enthusiasm is contagious. i think she would make a fabulous motivational speaker.
tina began with a place in Flower mound back in 1999. When it caught on, tina continued moving up the food chain, if you will, to Watauga. after a successful stint in that location, she found a little hole-in-the-wall off of henderson and White settlement that didn’t look like much. But she and Jay decided to
expand the franchise. t hey rolled up their sleeves and took the risk that her authentic thai dishes would be a hit in downtown Fort Worth as well.
When an opening became available inside the embassy suites hotel, the management wanted to fill it with a proven winner. so they went looking for a restaurant that might want to transplant. after several undercover visits, they fell in love with thai tina’s, which had already made a name for itself and had a regular following. it was the perfect fit. tina said, “Without any financial support, every step of
FYI
Located at: 600 Commerce St. For reservations call: 817.332.0088 $-$$$ Open: Mon. - Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.- Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
the way we had magic,” tina said. “it has been like a dream. god had a plan for us.”
t he starters have many familiar classics including Chicken satay with peanut sauce, Fried Calamari sprinkled with lemon pepper and Chicken l ettuce Wraps in a white wine sauce. i went with the sampler Platter ($10.95), which offered a taste of the mostly fried offerings. t he four crispy spring rolls were topped with a fresh kick of basil. six bite-sized crab rangoons were super-crunchy, and because of their size, they were different from the norm, not weighed down with cream cheese filling. two shrimp spring rolls were filled with grilled shrimp, cilantro and mint, and rolled in rice paper.
lobster and scallop Curry ($24.95) caught my eye for a main course. Curry is a flavorful, working man’s stew in thailand; you will find it in many shades and on every street corner. the delicate yellow sauce was filled with slowsimmered carrot, onion, potato, pineapple and tomato. it was served with steamed jasmine rice on the side. the colorful lobster tail was tender and plentiful, but the dime-sized scallops were a little sparse, and being a scallop fanatic, i was digging for more. the dish had a lovely kick, but nothing to induce a sweat. if you prefer that kind of heat, just order it to your taste. it was nothing flashy — i knew that when i ordered it — just hearty and satisfying.
For dessert, the mango sweet r ice ($4.95) hit the spot. the generous portion of perfectly ripe, sliced and fanned mango came with a mound of white rice pudding as well as an unusual purple rice pudding. a fresh coconut cream sauce added both flavor and sweetness to the already sweet and velvety mango. it was the flourish to a great meal.
the decor is hotel chic; there’s nothing really asian about it, just relaxing and comfortable. You will find ornate blue/green upholstery on chairs and banquettes, punching up a mostly neutral scheme. Columns, creamy colors and mahogany veneers dominate the space. two standout features are a focal wall and the bar, which are finished in a classy glowing, backlit onyx. the downtown lunch crowd flocks here and has made it a go-to favorite for years.
Thai Tina’s Sampler Platter offers a variety of tastes including crispy spring rolls, bite-sized super-crunchy crab rangoons and shrimp spring rolls.
restaurant guide
The Listings section is a readers service compiled by the Fort Worth, Texas magazine editorial staff. The magazine does not accept advertising or other compensation in exchange for the listings. Listings are updated regularly. To correct a listing or request a restaurant be considered for the list, contact Paul K. Harral at pharral@fwtexas.com.
pricing: $ Entrees up to $10, $$ Entrees $10-$20, $$$ Entrees $20-$25, $$$$ Entrees $25 and over
american
Arlington/Mid-Cities
BABE’S CHICKEN DINNER HOUSE / 230 N. Center St., 817.801.0300. Lunch Hours 11am-2pm Mon.-Fri.; Dinner Hours 5pm-9pm Mon.-Fri; All Day 11am-9pm Sat. and Sun. $
MAiN STreeT BreAD BAKiNG COMPANY / 316 Main St., 817.424.4333. 6:30am-6:30pm daily. $ THe SNOOTY PiG / 4010 William D. Tate, 817.283.3800. 6:30am-2pm Mon.-Fri.; 7am-2pm Sat.Sun. $
weiNBUrGer’S Deli / 3 Village Circle, Westlake, 817.491.9119. Other location: 611 Main St., Grapevine, 817.416.5574. 8:30am-7pm Mon.-Sat.; 11am-3pm Sun. $
EDDIE V’S / 3100 W. 7th St. 817.336.8000. Open daily at 4pm. $$$$ J&J OYSTER BAR / 612 N. University Dr., 817.335.2756. 11am-10pm Sun.-Thu.; 11am-11pm Fri.Sat. $
lONE STAR OYSTER BAR / 4750 Bryant Irvin Rd., 817.370.0030. 11am-2am Tue.-Sat.; 11am-midnight Sun.-Mon. $ PAPPADEAUX / 2708 W. Freeway, 817.877.8843. Other location: 1304 E. Copeland Rd., Arlington, 817.543.0544. 11am-10pm Sun.-Thu.; 11am-11pm Fri.Sat. $$
RAZZOO’S / 318 Main St. in Sundance Square, 817.429.7009. Other location: 4700 Bryant Irvin Rd. in Cityview, 817.292.8584. 11am-11pm Sun.-Thu.; 11am2am Fri.-Sat. $$
FISH CITY GRIll / 2750 E. Southlake Blvd., Ste. 130, 817.748.0456. 11am-10pm Mon.-Thu.; 11pm-11pm Fri. & Sat.; 11am-9pm Sun. $-$$ TRUlUCK’S SEAFOOD, STEAK & CRAB HOUSE / 1420 Plaza Pl., 817.912.0500. 5pm-10pm daily. $$$
Willow Park
FISH CREEK / 4899 E. I-20., 817.441.1746. 4pm-9pm Mon.-Thu.; 4pm-10pm Fri.; 4pm-9pm Sat.; 11am-9pm Sun. $$
southwest
Fort Worth
BlUE MESA BAR & GRIll / 1600 S. University Dr., 817.332.6372. Other Location: 1586 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake, 817.416.0055. Fort Worth: 11am-10pm Mon.Thu.; 11am-11pm Fri.-Sat.; 9am-10pm Sun.; Southlake: 11am-10:30pm Fri. & Sat.; 9am-9:30pm Sun. $$
BONNEll’S FINE TEXAS CUISINE / 4259 Bryant Irvin Rd., 817.738.5489. Dinner Hours 5:30pm-9:30pm Tue.Sat. Closed Sun.-Mon. $$$ l ANNY’S AlTA COCINA MEXICANA / 3405 W. 7th St., 817.850.9996. Lunch: 11am-2pm Tue.-Fri.; Dinner: 5:30pm-10pm Tue.-Thu.; 5:30pm-10:30pm Fri. & Sat. $$$ lONESOME DOVE WESTERN BISTRO / 2406 N. Main St., 817.740.8810. 11:30am-2:30pm Tue.-Sat.; 5pm-10pm Mon.-Thu.; 5pm-11pm Fri.-Sat. $$$ MICHAElS RESTAURANT & ANCHO CHIlE BAR / 3413 W. 7th St., 817.877.3413. 11am-2:30pm Mon.-Fri.; 5:30pm-10pm Mon.-Wed.; 5:30pm-11pm Thu.-Sat. Chile Bar hours: 11am-11pm Mon.-Wed.; 11am-1am Thu.-Fri.; 5pm-1am Sat. $ REATA / 310 Houston St., 817.336.1009. 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm daily. $$ THE TAVERN / 2755 S. Hulen St. 11am-10pm Mon.Fri.; 9am-10pm Sat.-Sun. 817.923.6200. $$ TIllMAN'S ROADHOUSE / 2933 Crockett St., 817.850.9255. 11 am-11pm Mon.-Thu.; 11am-2pm Fri.-
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of North Texas
OLD HICKORY STEAKHOUSERESTAURANT / Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, 817.778.2215 (after 5pm, 817.778.2280). Nightly, 4:30pm-10pm. $$$$
Weatherford
THE WILD MUSHROOMSTEAK HOUSE AND LOUNGE / 1917 Martin Drive, 817.599.4935. 5pm-9pm Mon. - Fri.; 5pm-10pm Sat. $$-$$$$
fwflashback
People and events that shaped our city
IN 1964, THIS PREMIER GAS STATION OPENED IN FORT WORTH. The new-at-the-time Chevy Impala seen here is getting the royal treatment. Gas then was 26 cents a gallon, a far cry from the nearly $4 a gallon today. Plus, that 26 cents got you some pretty great service. Smiling attendants were available to add some air in your tires, check your oil and pump your gas for you, all in amusing uniforms. Gals in bathing suits and heels sure didn't hurt business, we assume. But our modern-day conveniences shouldn't be overlooked. We're sure Fort Worth locals in the 1960s would have much rather had pay-at-the-pump.
Walk in with
Walk out with
Raise
Park Place lexus GraPevine 901 Highway 114 E. 817.416.3100 www.ParkPlace.com
Professional Courtesy, friendly serviCe
Bruno Nechamkin, a local McDonald’s owner/operator, is an avid Lexus fan. Between he and his wife, Elaine, the couple has owned five of the auto manufacturer’s luxury vehicles. The Nechamkin fleet has included a SC430 convertible, a GX470 SUV, an IS250 sedan and a RX350 SUV. Nechamkin currently slips behind the wheel of a GX460, a multipurpose sport utility vehicle that boasts robust off-road features, as well as enticing interior accommodations. “My GX460 is four wheel drive with plenty of power to tow or deal with inclement weather,” he said. “There is a good balance of storage space, and seating for up to seven passengers.”
The couple has purchased each of their family’s autos from Park Place Lexus Grapevine, and they return to the award-winning dealership time and again for myriad reasons. “You will not find a friendlier staff, and it starts with Dorian Jimenez, sales manager,” Nechamkin said. “The sales staff takes the time to inform you of all the car’s features, and the service department is outstanding. I have a great relationship with the service technician named Corlie. He provides outstanding service and is committed to reflecting the highest standards of the Lexus brand.” This level of professional courtesy extends across all of the dealership’s departments. As a result, the Nechamkins have referred a handful of friends to Park Place Lexus Grapevine, and each satisfied customer has ended up purchasing an auto from the dealership. “You will not find a friendlier staff,” Nechamkin said.
