Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival 2013

According to Fort Worth Weekly, the organizers of the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival have set a date for the event.  They also put out a new website with more detailed information. 

First things first - clear March 27-30....2014..... on your calendar.  We're still hoping that's a typo but its probably not.  Considering that John Bonnell is one of the main organizers and he's also opening a new restaurant, Waters, soon in the West 7th area, we'll probably waiting another year.

From the looks of people involved it looks like the right folks are working to make this a great event. 

Mijo's Fusion

Mexican-Asian Fusion? 

Chopsticks and Taco Trucks?  Salsa and soy sauce? 

Egg rolls and burritos...spicy peppers...rice....

Black Rooster Bakery

Fort Worth has seen an influx of bakeries in the last few years and I am one of those who hopes the trend continues.  Especially if we keep getting places like the Black Rooster Bakery.

FW Weekly Best Of

The Fort Worth Weekly has published its 2012 Best Of winners this week.  Normally at this time of year, for the past five years, I sit down to write a post lambasting the readers of the FW Weekly for filling the Best Of food categories with chains.  But all has changed.  The Best Of awards now include a section for chain restaurants.  After congratulating Jersey Mikes, Qdoba and Taco Bell, they then get down to the business of real restaurants for the rest of us.  Its definitely worth a read if you want to find some new places to try out.  I've already found some new locations that will show up here in the future.

Unfortunately, for five years, I have also been snubbed.  For those of you that don't know, Fort Worth Hole In The Wall is the number one food blog in Fort Worth with a name that uses more than five words.  It's also number one in the category of "Most Anonymously Written Food Blog", "Mostest Poorly Ritten Food Blog", and "Failure To Adapt To New Technologies Blog".  Yet this recognition goes unrecognitioned each year. 

Well, at least Macaroni Grill is no longer included as "Best Italian Food".

Bonnell's New Restaurant - Waters

John Bon "Jovi" nell is coming to West 7th and hopefully by the beginning of next year.  This is great news for fans of his signature restaurant, Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine.  And he's completely cool with the Bon Jovi comparisons.

Waters will focus on his coastal seafood recipes and will include an Oyster Bar in the old Bailey's spot in the West 7th development.  If your'e one an elite Star-Telegram subscriber, click here for more information from Bud Kennedy.  Or just keep reading here for free and ignore paying the Star-Telegram Internet Gods.

If the article isn't available, worry not, for I have obtained an exclusive interview with the world famous, home grown John Bonnell*: 

FWHITW:  John, what is it about Fort Worth that drew you here?
John Bon-Jovi-nell:  Well, I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride.

FWHITW:  Absolutely.  Why did you decide to open Waters?
John Bon-Jovi-nell:  Its my life.  Its now or never.  I ain't gonna live forever. I just want to live while I'm alive.

FWHITW:  Do you have an idea of who'll be your main sous chef or other important staff?
John Bon-Jovi-nell:  Tommy and Gina.  He used to work on the docks.  But the unions been on strike, he's down on his luck, its tough.  So tough.  And Gina used to work at a diner all day so she knows the restaurant business.

If you haven't been to Bonnell's restaurant on the south side of town then you're missing out.  Chef Bonnell is acclaimed throughout the country for his technique and style.  He has become well known for his focus on using local and seasonal products to provide the best taste and highest level of freshness.  But he's equally well known for his wild game.  Anybody who has enjoyed his elk tenderloin knows what I'm talking about.

This is a great restaurant for the West 7th area and should be a huge hit with the users of the Will Rogers Coliseum (stock show, cutting horse competitors, etc.).  Although it will be far from a hole in the wall, its one of our local chefs showing his chops and helping out the thriving West 7th area.

More information will be coming if Chef Bonnell reads this and decides to provide alternative answers to the questions above.

* This interview may not have actually happened.

Weekend Fun - Diez y Seis de Septiembre

As you all already know, September 16 (sunday) is the anniversary of the day impoverished Mexicans began their uprising for freedom from Spain.  This was part of what the old world called, the "American Spring" in which numerous countries revolted after learning of other nearby revolutions through the early form of twitter (which explains the 40+ year delay).  Though many here celebrate Cinco de Mayo due to its distance between major holidays and generally good patio weather, this is the real deal for celebrating Mexican Independence.  

Bud Kennedy has a great write up in the Star-Telegram today about three restaurants that are celebrating the anniversary.  All of them are west side restaurants and all but one of them are terrific.

My new favorite, Revolver Taco Lounge, one my old favorites, Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana, and my non-favorite, Hacienda San Miguel all have prepared special menus that celebrate Diez y Seis de Septiembre.  For details on the menu check out Bud's article here. 

If you get a chance to check out one of the restaurants over the weekend and try the menu, let us all know how it came out. 

Revolver Taco Lounge

For months I would drive by the little Revolver Taco Lounge restaurant that was hidden between the Magee architect's office and a place that sold what looked to be stone yard art.  It never really stuck out but I knew it was there.  I never intended to stop because I couldn't figure out where to park and my interest wasn't piqued enough to care. 

Look, there's a table waiting for you.