This is our 17th annual coffee-tablestyled guide to eats, drinks, and shopping. We hope you love it.
With thousands of places to choose from, we know how difficult it can be to decide. Each year, the Weekly provides our readers with one of the most comprehensive guides in North Texas. Zest informs the community about all the best bars & grills, farmers’ markets, food & grocery options, liquor brands, and restaurants, all in one fell swoop.
This piece can be kept as a reference throughout the year for where to dine, imbibe, and hunt for foodie finds. And once you wear out your print copy — we know that they will — never fear. Zest Magazine lives on FWWeekly. com in our magazine drop-down all year round enabling you to re-discover Zest in the coming seasons too.
Enjoy!
-Jennifer Bovee, Marketing DirectorAnthony Mariani, Editor
Newquist, Publisher
Niehoff, General Manager
Ryan Burger, Art Director Jim Erickson, Circulation Director
Edward Brown, Staff Writer
Emmy Smith, Proofreader Michael Newquist, Regional Sales Director Jennifer Bovee, Marketing Director
Stacey Hammons, Senior Account Executive Julie Strehl, Account Executive Tony Diaz, Account Executive Wyatt Newquist, Digital Coordinator Clintastic, Brand Ambassador
Fort Worth TX 76107
Street address: 300 Bailey, Ste 205, Fort Worth TX 76107
For general information: 817-321-9700
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Here is a handy directory of the eats and drinks businesses that participated in Zest 2023, alphabetized for your reviewing pleasure. Visit these places soon, and tell them who sent you! ;)
3rd Street Market
425 W 3rd St, Fort Worth
Enjoy some of the best eats and drinks in town, featuring fresh sourdough bread, sandwiches, soups, pastries, charcuterie, and wine. As part of Sundance Square’s initiative to emphasize unique and local restaurants, this is a “must-visit” place.
Acadia Parish
7709 Camp Bowie W Blvd, Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s newest place for authentic Cajun food, with live entertainment every Friday and Saturday.
Big Kat Burgers
200 Bryan Av, Fort Worth
The burgers are made fresh by hand and are 100% allbeef. The sides are fresh — never frozen — and are made to order. Visit them soon at their permanent location in Fort Worth’s South Main Village!
Billy Bob’s Texas’ Honky Tonk Kitchen
2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
Whether you’re headed to a show at Billy Bob’s Texas or not, head there sometime soon and have dinner at the Honky Tonk Kitchen. With their specialties in barbecue and steak, their menu will not disappoint.
Boozie’s Brewery & Gourmet Sandwiches
6473 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth
Boozie’s is a remarkable scratch kitchen with mouthwatering food selections crafted by Celebrity Chef David Hollister and a selection of creative and unique beers brewed by multi-award-winning brewmaster Bobby Mullins.
Cafe Modern
3200 Darnell St, Fort Worth
Enjoy Friday night dinner seating from 5pm to 8:30pm on the patio at Cafe Modern. Chef Mora brings his love for creative cuisine together with local flavors to deliver a menu featuring comfort food rooted in global influences.
Cattlemen’s Steak House
2458 N Main St, Fort Worth
Since 1947 Cattlemen’s Internationally Famous Steak House has been in the business of serving quality cuts of meat and other fine menu items for lunch and dinner with a friendly smile in an authentic western environment. Savor the signature Heart o’ Texas rib-eye, a nicely marbled slab, and watch the cook sear it over an open fire that serves as the dining room’s focal point.
Courtside Kitchen
1615 Rogers Rd, Fort Worth
Courtside Kitchen exists as a second home to its patrons. It’s a place to gather with family, friends, co-workers, etc., enjoy great food and drink, listen to music, and play a little pickleball while being treated with signature customer service from the Courtside Kitchen staff.
Fort Brewery
2737 Tillar St, Fort Worth
Fort Brewery was founded in 2018 with the vision of bringing exceptional craft beer, great food, great wine, and fantastic live entertainment to our community. Fort Brewery is all about bringing people together in a fun, laid-back, and family-friendly environment.
Fred’s Texas Cafe
7101 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth
Fred’s Texas Cafe now serves up juicy burgers, chicken fried steak, and cold-ass beer at two Fort Worth locations. Come by for their daily specials, Mexican dishes, and local live music. More info at FredsTexasCafe.com.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
5733 Crowley Rd, Fort Worth
Come see Mamma and Papa Giovanni for an authentic Italian experience. Lunch specials daily start at $7.99.
Hangout Tacos
7355 N Beach St, Fort Worth
Enjoy Authentic Mexican-style tacos and more while sipping a delicious margarita on North Beach.
Japanese Palace
8445 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth
For over 47 years, Japanese Palace has been Fort Worth’s most iconic and loved Japanese restaurant. Featuring authentic Japanese teppanyaki cooking tables and a sushi bar, ever-gracious hospitality, and an unforgettable dining experience in front of your eyes.
Kincaid’s Hamburgers
Six Tarrant County Locations
Kincaid’s burgers are made from the very best USDA Choice chuck available. Top your burger with bacon or chili, and add a side of fried okra or onion rings. Kincaid’s deviled eggs are world-famous, so don’t
leave without throwing a couple of those down the hatch.
Kintaro Ramen
2801 W 7th St, Fort Worth
With award-winning Ramen and Japanese-based cuisine in downtown Fort Worth, their creative takes on Ramen and more are amazingly delicious.
The Lazy Moose
1404 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth
The Lazy Moose is a neighborhood bar located in the heart of historic Near Southside. They offer a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for bringing your friends, grabbing a cocktail, playing some pool, and nibbling on some delicious food. Plus, they have a dog-friendly patio.
Lili’s
1310 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth
For the last 16 years, Lili’s Bistro on Magnolia has been proudly serving a unique selection of unpretentious, global cuisine in an inviting and relaxed environment. The nightly piano and live music beautifully fills the restaurant while you’re free to dine on their awardwinning dishes.
Los Vaqueros
2629 N Main St, Fort Worth
Established in 1983, Los Vaqueros is 40 years strong as the place to go for Brunch, Lunch, and Live Music in Cowtown. It’s also the perfect place to host your next party or banquet.
Lucille’s
4700 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth
Lucile’s is a full-service restaurant and bar serving lunch and dinner seven days a week and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. The menu is centered around continued on page 8
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“American Food (and cocktail) Classics” -- popular American dishes made from classic recipes updated with today’s palate. The daily blackboard features fish specials that change daily.
Pantry on Magnolia
713 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth
Just recently opened over the last few months, Panty on Magnolia is one of Fort Worth’s first dumpling houses. They rotate their menu items seasonally but always showcase a unique and one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Rogers Roundhouse
1616 Rogers Rd, Fort Worth
Rogers Roundhouse is designed to be an extension of your own backyard; the dog-friendly patio features TVs, picnic tables (great for large groups!), and live music. Their casual yet wildly flavorful food menu puts a spin on classic Texas favorites and Mexican staples.
Shaw’s Patio Bar & Grill
1051 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth
For the best, most creative burgers in town, Shaw’s is the place. Not only does Shaw’s offer specialty burgers and sides, but the restaurant also serves up fresh salads and great sandwiches. While Shaw’s is a family establishment, it also has a full bar with great happy hour specials and two fabulous patios.
Social House
840 Currie St, Fort Worth
With an award-winning scratch kitchen, Social House is an upscale casual restaurant & bar located in the heart of the entertainment district on Crockett Row. Along with their popular Happy Hour and a magnificent Sunday Brunch, Social House has plenty of unique weekly specials.
Spice
411 W Magnolia, Fort Worth
Offering traditional Thai cuisine in a modern, contemporary setting on Magnolia in the popular Near Southside district.
Taqueria Temo
2611 NE 28th St, Fort Wort
With two locations in Tarrant County, these folks show you how Birria and Barbacoa Tacos are done. Mor info at TaqueriaTemo.com.
Thai Select
4630 SW Loop 820, Fort Worth
Thai Select strives for the perfect balance on and off the plate. Innovative creations, local products, and real pure flavors cultivated from traditional Thai spices.
Tre Mogli
401 S Main St, Fort Worth
Tre Mogli is an authentic house-made Italian restaurant brought to you by the Trident Restaurant Group. It faces historic Main Street in the South Main Village of the Near Southside and backs up to Trident’s first concept, Wishbone + Flynt.
Tuk Tuk Thai
3431 W 7th St, Fort Worth
Tuk Tuk Thai is a family-run independent neighborhood restaurant offering authentic home-cooked Thai meals in a contemporary setting. Tuk Tuk offers free delivery for orders over $20 or more in limited areas.
Weinberger’s Deli
601 South Main St, Grapevine
This Chicago-style deli serves delicious meaty sandwiches and subs, including its most famous
creation, the Italian Beef. Says Dan Weinberger. “We offer a pretty large menu so there should be something that will catch your eye, if not ask for something special.”
334 Bryan Av, Fort Worth
Wishbone + Flynt serves a seasonal menu of globallyinspired plates alongside craft cocktails with an amazing atmosphere and an eclectic wine list. Join them on inside or on their popular patio for Lunch, Dinner, and their ever-so-popular Weekend Brunch.
Yucatan Taco Stand
909 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth
Yucatan Tequila Bar & Grill is an authentic Mexican restaurant with over 100 tequilas stocked in their full bar. Also, check out their award-winning quesadillas, nachos, and margaritas!
Zeke’s Fish & Chips
5920 Curzon Av, Fort Worth
Established in 1971, Zeke’s has been providing “Peace, Love, and Fish & Chips” for 53 years. A great atmosphere, delicious fish and friendly staff.
Boulevard Brew
5406 River Oaks Blvd, River Oaks
Coffee, pastries and adult beverages, oh my! This cafe, pastry shop and bar/restaurant is the complete dining experience.
Central Market
4651 W Fwy, Fort Worth
Besides exciting produce and packaged foods from around the world (including lots of local and organic products), CM has a full-service café, often features live music, and has one of the best cheese departments in the country –– along with a staggering buffet of chefprepared food to go. Visit the website for discount offers and information on classes and to-go orders.
Cowtown Farmers Market
8901 Clifford St, White Settlement
Cowtown Farmers Market is Tarrant County’s only producer-only farmers market. They are open all yearround and provide only locally grown, produced and raised goods. Vendors like Divine Kitchen and Branson Wagyu offer everything from bread, cheese, cookies, jellies/pickles, and meats, including grass-fed beef, free-range chickens, and eggs. Cowtown FM is open every Saturday from 8am-12pm and on Wednesdays from 8am-12pm during peak season.
The Crockett Row
2900 Block of Crockett St
Crockett Row is a vibrant destination to eat, drink, shop, and explore the heart of the Cultural District in Fort Worth. Encompassing five walkable blocks of gourmet and fast-casual restaurants and bars, CR has many places to shop, salons and spas, and a movie theater.
Lola’s Local Farmers Market
2735 W 5th St, Fort Worth
On the second Sunday of each month from 11am to 4pm, purchase locally grown/produced food and fresh fruits and vegetables from more than 30 vendors and food trucks while enjoying live music. This family-/petfriendly event is free to attend.
Mule Alley
122 E Exchange Av, Fort Worth
Mule Alley took the legendary horse/mule barns along E Exchange Av and created a beautifully restored destination. Experience over twenty-seven restaurants, bars, and retail shops, and stay for the twice-daily cattle drive.
Visit these unique restaurants for food, drinks and a wonderful, flavorful experience.
FREE PARKING IN SUNDANCE SQUARE Garage 3 – 345 W Third St and Garage 4 – 265 W Fifth St
WEEKDAYS: 2.5 hours free when you visit a Sundance Square business from 6am-6pm, Monday-Friday
Grab a receipt, ticket stub or business card from any Sundance Square business.
WEEKNIGHTS: Free every night after 6pm. WEEKENDS: Free all day Saturday and Sunday. For details, visit www.sundancesquare.com/parking
By Maggie Berger
From commercially sourced eggs to those from backyard hens, all chickens can be at risk of catching bird flue. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, specifically HPAI H5N1, sometimes commonly referred to as “bird flu,” is something that has affected almost everyone, whether they realize it or not.
This virus is causing disruptions in the poultry industry, triggering a price increase on eggs and other poultry products in the grocery store not felt since the last time the U.S. experienced a major avian influenza outbreak in 2015. According to experts at Texas A&M AgriLife, this time is different.
Martin Ficken, DVM, Ph.D., resident director at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, Gonzales, is an expert in poultry diseases with an emphasis on HPAI. Below, he explains what makes this virus so dev-
astating and what should be done if you think you have an infected flock.
What is avian influenza?
It is a viral infection in the same class as human influenza and can present as a respiratory infection. Avian influenza has a high morbidity and mortality rate, approaching 100%. An infected bird will infect other birds very quickly, with death almost certain with 48 hours.
Where does avian influenza come from and how is it spread?
The virus has been spread around the country to every state in the U.S. except Hawaii by the wild bird population. They serve as carriers and spread it as they migrate. Poultry and other birds can pick up the virus particles via respiratory exposure as well as through feces. Poultry can pick it up simply by being in the same space where an infected wild bird once stood. While avian influenza is of greater concern to commercial poultry producers, backyard flock owners can have birds become infected.
The virus thrives in cold weather. Previous outbreaks in the U.S. have subsided in summer months due to the heat. However, the most recent outbreak that began in 2021 did not. It diminished but never completely disappeared, so it is no longer considered an exotic virus that can be eradicated. It is here to stay.
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What symptoms should poultry owners look for in their flock?
The first thing people will likely notice is dead birds. They may also notice birds that are lethargic, have ruffled feathers or look depressed. Essentially, what you would imagine when you think of a sick bird. If people happen to see an infected bird while still alive, it will very likely die within hours to a day.
What should you do if you suspect a bird in your flock has avian influenza?
There really is no treatment for sick birds due to the morbidity and mortality rate of avian influenza. If producers suspect they have infected birds, the best thing to do is contact the Texas Animal Health Commission, or their local AgriLife service agent.
What can producers do to protect their flocks against avian influenza?
The most important thing for anyone raising poultry is to be vigilant and strict with their biosecurity measures. Prevention is really the only treatment for avian influenza. Prevention and biosecurity are key factors in protecting chickens, backyard flocks included.
While it would be best not to let others on your poultry premise, if you must, make sure they follow all biosecurity protocols such as a change of clothes and shoes. While it may seem harmless to do something as simple as wearing the same pair of shoes into your building as you wore to the gro-
cery store, you don’t know where people at the store have been and what you could be carrying back to your flock. It is also important not to let your poultry comingle with wild birds or in areas where wild birds have access, especially ponds that may attract ducks and geese. That is where some of the positive cases in Texas originated.
Can I get avian influenza?
At this time, human contraction is not a concern. Birds and eggs destined for the food supply are tested for avian influenza. If a bird with the virus particles were to inadvertently be consumed, standard cooking protocols would kill the virus.
How many positive cases has Texas had?
As of the beginning of February, on a nationwide basis, there have been 403 positive commercial poultry premises and 342 positive non-commercial premises in 47 states. Louisiana and West Virginia are the only two states to have only wild bird detections at this time. A total of 49 states have had 5,956 detections in 142 species of wild birds. Texas has had three poultry premises test positive for birds with the virus, but at this time, none were commercial premises. Additionally, there have been a number of wild birds and zoo animals test positive in the state.
What happens next?
Regulatory agencies will continue to monitor the spread of avian influenza. Testing will continue to be done on birds and eggs destined for the food supply, and regularly mandated testing will continue for commercial premises. No vaccine is currently available but it is being discussed as a possible solution. The high morbidity and mortality rate of the virus, coupled with depopulations of infected flocks, will continue to influence egg and poultry prices at the grocery store.
For information on shopping for eggs locally, see The Golden Egg article also in this issue of Zest 2023.
provided by Texas A&M AgriLife
To shed some light on why egg prices have become a problem, read the article from Texas A&M AgriLife also in this edition of Zest 2023 . Meanwhile, local farmers and purveyors of eggs have their own thoughts.
On a recent visit to Cowtown Farmers Market (8901 Clifford St,
White Settlement), I chatted with some vendors who usually carry eggs to get a fresh perspective. Along with the outbreaks of “bird flu” in recent years wreaking havoc on flocks around the country, feed prices have also increased, according to one vendor I met.
According to another vendor Larry Goodson of First Earth Farms (541 Holt St, Bluff Dale, 817-4581099), the consumer holds the key. “If they want food security, they need to shop local and build that demand.”.
“The factory farms raise their birds in environments that are subject to outbreaks and major losses. Your local producers tend to raise their animals in a more free-range outdoor setting that accesses better forage and promotes a healthier, more resistant bird that lays more nutritious eggs,” says Goodson.
He believes that when the consumer shops locally, it builds a stronger local food economy, and both the land and community grow healthier.
Along with First Earth Farms, other vendors at Cowtown Farmers Market that sell eggs include Ash
Creek Farms and Hollow Trace Market Farm. (First Earth and Ash Creek are also vendors at Clearfork Farmers Market as well.)
Green’s Produce & Plants (3001 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, 817-2742435) is another great local source for eggs, seasonal fruits and vegetables, gift items, and everything you need for the garden.
If a trip to your local farmers market isn’t on the schedule right now, consider some grocery stores that have ethically sourced eggs,
meats, and seafood. If you’re already paying a little more, you might as well do right by the planet and the animals that live on it at the same time. Central Market , Natural Grocers, Roy Pope, Sprouts, and Whole Foods all come to mind.
Most regular, neighborhood grocery stores — even the big chains — have eggs from free-range chickens on the shelves, but pasture-raised is better for the hens.
At Central Market, for example, the minimum standards that qualify a vendor to claim their eggs are “pasture-raised” includes making sure that each bird has a minimum of 108 sqft of outdoor space each and that the birds are raised humanely by Humane Farm Animal Care Program standards.
To meet the HFACP standards, the animals must get a nutritious diet without antibiotics, shelter, resting areas, and sufficient space and ability to engage in natural behaviors. With wildly varying definitions and regulations at play, you’ll just need to do a little research to know exactly what you’re really getting.
Known as skratchletes, athletic fans and advocates of nutrition brand Skratch Labs have gotten creative with the company’s electrolyte replacement mixes. For example, cyclist Giani Madrid has assembled a Peach Gin Fizz recipe that sounds delicious and refreshing for his postride beverage game.
For the simple syrup, you will need 2 white peaches (sliced), 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 scoops of Skratch Labs Hydration Mix. Place the peaches, water, and sugar in a pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil and let cook for 5 minutes until peaches are macerated.
Reduce to low and let simmer until liquid is reduced by half (12 minutes or so). Remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, strain through a fine mesh sieve. “Reserve the peaches if you’d like,” says Madrid. “They’re like candy at this point. I may or may not have put them on vanilla ice cream when they were still warm. Good life decision.”
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For the cocktail, you will need 3 tablespoons of the Skratch Simple Syrup you just made, 1 ounce of gin, a pinch of superfine sugar, and club soda, plus peach slices and blueberries (for garnish).
To assemble, pour the simple syrup into the bottom of a glass, then mix in the gin and superfine sugar. (Half rim lined.) Top with club soda and garnish with a floating peach slice and a few blueberries with a toothpick.
California-born and Belizean-raised, Giani got into cycling at the age of 14 years old. He has always had a passion for cycling recreationally and then started racing. From road races, mountain bike time trials, and 10+ hour gravel grinders, he can always be found in a good mood.
When it comes to nutrition, he enjoys experimenting whenever he can on and off the bike. You can see him on the green way with stuffed baked rolls or maybe even coconut mango rice cakes. Along with mixing up boozy Skratch Labs hydration cocktails for his local group, you can see him up at 3 am making rice cakes, so they are fueled for their ride.
If you catch him on one of those group rides, he’ll likely strike up a conversation and share whatever goodies he has in his pockets. Most often, it will be extra single-serve Skratch mixes.
Skratch Labs is a company focused on sports nutrition designed to help you perform better without offending your gut or taste buds. “We use real food, starting from scratch.” Their products can be found at your local Target retail chain store.
However, you could also #SupportLocal by picking up the Skratch Hydration Mix for this recipe at Colonels Bicycle Repair (851
Foch St, 817- 924-1333), Mellow Johnny’s (4801 Edwards Ranch Rd, 817-731-7396), Natural Therapeutics (6340 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-7384904), or Velo Gold Bicycle (5001 El Camp Av, Ste B, 817-475-0211).
Are you interested in finding more food and drink ideas to aug-
ment your sports supplements? Visit SkratchLabs.com, where you’ll find recipes for cheesecake bites, fudge, and more drinks like Chef Biju’s Recovery Chai.
Content provided by Skratch Labs
Cinnamon bun, kanelbulle, cinnamon roll — whatever you like to call it, it’s so good that it’s inspired a whole day to celebrate it! In Sweden, we pay homage to the famously delicious pastry annually in early October, but they are delicious on a cool spring morning or any morning.
Dating back as far as the early 19th century, it has become a staple of another Swedish institution, the fika. Originally known as a “kafferep” (coffee party), it’s a tradition that became popular in Sweden in the 1930s, when housewives would get together to chat over coffee and cookies. The earlier prohibitions of coffee inspired a secret pseudonym for the cherished coffee party: fika.
Today, to “fika” is to get together, whenever and wherever, to enjoy a chat over a drink and a sweet snack. It can be anything from a business meeting to an informal date as long as it includes company and a sweet treat. Fika and the cinnamon bun, or “kanelbulle” as it’s known in Sweden, are the perfect union, a match made in heaven.
Did you know that you can find KAFFEREP cinnamon buns in the continued on page 32
Swedish Food Market at your local IKEA store? Ready to bake, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes, and you’ve got instant fika. The buttery sweetness and scent of cinnamon complement the rich, earthy flavor of freshly brewed coffee like no other. But of course, what would either be without a friend or two?
Once you procure your KAFFEREP cinnamon buns, kick them up a notch with this easy recipe that only takes 10 minutes and serves four people.
Beyond the buns — baked and preferably a day or two old — you will also need whipped cream (or ice cream), chopped almonds, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and the berries of your choosing.
First, you will grill the baked cinnamon buns in the oven until they are golden brown. Then, cut the buns in half and fill them with the cream, berries, and almonds. Finally, top with a little maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Perfection!
Hungry for more delicious treats? Visit IKEA.com, where you’ll find plenty of recipes and product ideas, from healthy weeknight meals to fika favorites. Non-perishable items can be ordered online for pickup, but for frozen items (like these cinnamon buns and those world-famous Swedish meatballs) you will need to shop in person. Besides the IKEA in North Dallas, we have one right here in Grand Prairie at 1000 IKEA Pl (888-888-4532). Call ahead for availability, a some items are seasonal. This content and more found at IKEA.com
Take a trip to paradise and join our store-wide celebration of tropical colors and flavors, April 19 through May 2. Come explore more than 50 varieties of fresh fruits like guava, passion fruit, lychee and more, plus refreshing cold-pressed raw juice blends and tropical twists on baked goods. Come bask in the brightness!
