Adventures in and Around Fort Worth

Pop! The first bottle of wine to be consumed spits its cork out. We pour our first glass, sigh and settle into our adorable rent house just off Llano street in Fredericksburg, Texas.  We passed these Poppy Fields at Wildseed Farms on our way into town.  Our first stop in this little German getaway is dinner at  The Nest . The cozy house-converted restaurant has everything to offer from fresh fish shipped that day to rack of lamb. The atmosphere was delightful and comfortable, and the service was punctual but not bothersome.  I ordered the salmon smothered in a rich garlic sauce with a side of sauteed spinach and roasted beets. The salmon was falling apart tender and cooked to perfection. The sides complimented it perfectly. And most importantly, it was piping hot when brought to the table. For those of you who know me, if it's not hot, I can't enjoy it. I know, first world problems, but nevertheless, important.  Salmon, roasted beets and ...

UPDATE (7.30.13) Ryan's is now closed due to failure to make rent. This is such sad news to me for I ate there weekly and still crave their food. UPDATE (5.01.13.): Ryan's now offers brunch from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Ryan's is like a museum experience but at a grocery store. And like a museum inspires some to study art and create, Ryan's inspired me to want to cook differently and know more about food. My newly walking baby came crashing through the doors with me to the media event at Ryan's Fine Grocer and Delicatessen , and I couldn't stop long enough to take a single note before he attempted to pulverize something that looked like an apple and a plum's offspring. But he at least brought my attention to the beautiful produce he was about to destroy. While I didn't jot down what it all was, I still got to observe and taste as I restrained a kicking one-year-old wild man. I loved everything from the clean atmosphere to th...

The best breakfast taco I've had is from the Taco Heads food truck on West Seventh and Carroll Street. I've had a lot of breakfast tacos, but this one reels me back almost every day. It's embarrassing actually. And I don't order one, but two. The eggs don't taste like they've been sitting under a warmer for hours. They are perfectly scrambled every time and spill out of the warm, grilled flour tortilla (corn tortillas are also available). Taco Heads doesn't skimp on the shredded sharp cheddar cheese that's sprinkled all over the top either. The bacon isn't rubbery or undercooked; it's thick and crispy. And the fresh, finely chopped pico adds another layer of flavor to finish off my favorite breakfast taco. The tacos come with their light, spicy verde sauce. You must at least try a bite with this tummy concoction. Taco Heads just started serving breakfast Aug. 6, and I couldn't be happier. The only thing is I need to tack on an extra...

Newsflash: It's hot outside, and sometimes I crave cool foods like sushi, fruit, salad and cold sandwiches. I was on the other side of town helping a friend move and remembered my favorite summer sandwich was close by at Park Hill Café . The "Veggie" I first met this sandwich ten years ago and we are still in a healthy relationship. It has mushrooms, red onions, bright red and juicy tomatoes, thinly sliced green apples and lettuce stuffed in soft wheat bread. What makes this sandwich is a cream cheese dijon mustard combo they spread on the bread. (I always stuff my Lay's potato chips inside the sandwich for a salty crunch. It is so good with the apples.) This lunch even inspired me to go back the next day to help my friend pack. P.S. The quaint neighborhood hangout recently started serving a fantastic  brunch . I recommend the brunch eggs. The homemade breakfast breads and hash brown casserole come with the meal. My only complaint is that the atmosphere isn...

We decided to break away from our usual breakfast place this weekend and went to Jazz Café. I hadn’t been in years and forgot how good it was.   This place is really popular for lunch, but you must try the breakfast if you haven't already. I went with the S.O.B. eggs, which reminds me of migas (but better). The eggs are scrambled with tons of cheese and tortilla strips.  The fresh cilantro, tomatoes and onions I sprinkled over the top gave it an extra kick. The S.O.B. comes with black beans, sour cream, fresh pico, and two flour tortillas. And I hear some of the ingredients come from the owner’s garden at home. My husband got the ham and cheese omelet. His exact words: “I don’t say this often, but this was the best omelet I’ve ever had.” He liked the “soft” on the inside and “crispy” on the outside eggs, the big chunky and salty ham, and the generous portion of cheese. His plate came with homemade biscuits. Of course I stole one. It was very sweet and delicious like...

At my age (29) it is so difficult to get a group of girls together, so I've organized a brunch at Bistro Louise this Sunday with six of my good friends. And yes, I started rounding them up weeks ago to make sure it happened. Why did I choose such an expensive place? Because it's worth every penny of the $27.95 they charge for the extravagant buffet. Here's why: I went there a few weeks ago for the first time and it was the best brunch experience I've had in Fort Worth. I say "experience" because it's also about atmosphere and your convivial cohorts. You start with the exotic and fresh, imported farm cheeses and hors d'oeuvres. After a plate of the rich and creamy cheese I felt like Meg Ryan in the movie French Kiss (it wasn't pretty). It truly was memorable because that cheese was so good. And the hors d'oeuvres include things like mushroom tarts, shrimp tostadas, asparagus ham and cheese strudels, spinach galettes and more. I managed to...