Monday, February 23, 2009
Rush to Ruffino's
If you have not been to Ruffino's recently, then I suggest going because they have a wonderful, new executive chef - Asdren Albanese. Asdren returned to Fort Worth after attending the French Culinary Institute in New York City. After meeting Asdren and tasting his food, it is obvious that he brought with him an enthusiastic attitude and talented culinary skills. Some are saying that Asdren's energy has rejuvenated Ruffino's!
Chef Albanese started us off with an amuse-bouche that consisted of smoked salmon on a fresh cucumber. Tasting this first bite got me excited about what was to come. Next, I enjoyed the Wild Mushroom Crostini as my starter which was topped with a delicious mixture of granny smith apples, walnuts, and gorgonzola ($4 per person). For my entree, I ordered the Caprese Salad ($10) instead of a pasta or fish because I was in the mood for something a bit lighter. Boy, oh boy, did I make a good choice! The buffalo mozzarella had a wonderfully rich flavor and was perfect with the fresh tomatoes, olive oil, basil and balsamic vinegar. The presentation was also lovely. I would order this again in a heartbeat!
Others with me enjoyed the russet potato gnocchi ($12 for the generously sized starter) and the lasagna ($17). I sampled both items and was incredibly impressed. Between courses, Chef Albanese sent out a delightful palette cleanser consisting of lemon and sage flavored crushed ice. Fantastic!
I am uncertain whether all diners are treated to the amuse-bouche and the palette cleanser or if we were just lucky, but either way, I recommend dinner at Ruffino's. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was charming and romantic. At the time we went, we were told that bottles of wine are half-price on Thursdays. I know what night I'll be introducing FWJoey to Ruffino's!
Ruffino's Italian Restaurant
2455 Forest Park Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76110
(817) 923-0522
www.ruffinosfinedining.com
Chef Albanese started us off with an amuse-bouche that consisted of smoked salmon on a fresh cucumber. Tasting this first bite got me excited about what was to come. Next, I enjoyed the Wild Mushroom Crostini as my starter which was topped with a delicious mixture of granny smith apples, walnuts, and gorgonzola ($4 per person). For my entree, I ordered the Caprese Salad ($10) instead of a pasta or fish because I was in the mood for something a bit lighter. Boy, oh boy, did I make a good choice! The buffalo mozzarella had a wonderfully rich flavor and was perfect with the fresh tomatoes, olive oil, basil and balsamic vinegar. The presentation was also lovely. I would order this again in a heartbeat!
Others with me enjoyed the russet potato gnocchi ($12 for the generously sized starter) and the lasagna ($17). I sampled both items and was incredibly impressed. Between courses, Chef Albanese sent out a delightful palette cleanser consisting of lemon and sage flavored crushed ice. Fantastic!
I am uncertain whether all diners are treated to the amuse-bouche and the palette cleanser or if we were just lucky, but either way, I recommend dinner at Ruffino's. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was charming and romantic. At the time we went, we were told that bottles of wine are half-price on Thursdays. I know what night I'll be introducing FWJoey to Ruffino's!
Ruffino's Italian Restaurant
2455 Forest Park Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76110
(817) 923-0522
www.ruffinosfinedining.com
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sweethearts Dessert Fantasy!
If you want to sample more than 30 of the best desserts in Fort Worth next weekend, then you better plan to attend the 13th Annual Sweethearts Dessert Fantasy benefiting the Lena Pope Home. This event will give you a serious sugar rush so come prepared! And bring some extra cash so you can purchase tickets for the fabulous raffle prizes!
The tasty treats will be served at 7 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2009 at The Fort Worth Club in downtown Fort Worth and the individual tasting tickets are only $35! Act quickly though because the tickets are almost sold out. Tickets are available through Lena Pope Home at 817-255-2650 or at www.lenapopehome.org.
The Sweethearts Dessert Fantasy benefits children and families of Lena Pope Home, which offers preventive and rehabilitative services that strengthen and preserve family life. More than 500 guests attended last year's event, raising more than $90,000 for Lena Pope Home. “Although many a New Year’s resolution has been broken at the Sweethearts Dessert Fantasy, it’s important to remember the old adage, ‘calories for charity, don’t count,’” said Ted Blevins, executive director of Lena Pope Home.
FWJoey and I will be attending and would love to see you there. Rest assured that attendance at this exciting, worthwhile event will give you Sweet Dreams!
The tasty treats will be served at 7 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2009 at The Fort Worth Club in downtown Fort Worth and the individual tasting tickets are only $35! Act quickly though because the tickets are almost sold out. Tickets are available through Lena Pope Home at 817-255-2650 or at www.lenapopehome.org.
The Sweethearts Dessert Fantasy benefits children and families of Lena Pope Home, which offers preventive and rehabilitative services that strengthen and preserve family life. More than 500 guests attended last year's event, raising more than $90,000 for Lena Pope Home. “Although many a New Year’s resolution has been broken at the Sweethearts Dessert Fantasy, it’s important to remember the old adage, ‘calories for charity, don’t count,’” said Ted Blevins, executive director of Lena Pope Home.
FWJoey and I will be attending and would love to see you there. Rest assured that attendance at this exciting, worthwhile event will give you Sweet Dreams!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Eddie V's is on Fire
Everyone in Fort Worth seems to be racing to Eddie V's. This place is constantly packed with patrons. And who can blame them considering it is the newest hot spot in town with a lounge area like none other? The atmosphere is swanky yet does not seem pretentious so I love it! Also love the fact they have live music every night.
Toward the top of my food list is the calamari with cashews ($12.95) which is served kung pao style. It is spicy and very good. A little lower on the list is the tartare of pacific ahi served with sesame crisps, avocado and citrus fruits. This starter was good, but I made the mistake of ordering it as my entree in the lounge and I grew tired of it quickly. It is a good appetizer to share, but not good for one person to eat. Imagine eating a big bowl of guacamole. That is what it reminded me of... A few bites is enough.
FWJoey and I were underwhelmed with our seafood entrees. I tried the snapper topped with jonah crab ($25.95) and Joey tried the chilean sea bass in a lemon white wine broth (market price which was around $30). Both entrees were well prepared, but neither were exciting. Both were a little too salty and FWJoey's fish was not very hot. Our friend, ARMichael, opted to try a steak instead of seafood and he was glad. He had the 8 oz filet mignon ($32.95) and enjoyed it, but noted it was heavily seasoned with salt and pepper. Might be too salty for some.
By far, the best menu item we tried was the truffled mac and cheese. It was to die for! It was possibly better than lonesome dove's version which is tough to beat. for dessert, i really wanted to try the bananas foster, but we just did not have room. Maybe next time.
Despite not loving my entree, I will definitely go back and try some of the other seafood selections. There were many of them that sounded good and it really is not fair to judge a place in the first month that it has been open. If you decide to try Eddie V's (which you should), you'll probably see us there!
Eddie V's in Museum Place
http://www.eddiev.com/
3120 West 7th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817.336.8000
Toward the top of my food list is the calamari with cashews ($12.95) which is served kung pao style. It is spicy and very good. A little lower on the list is the tartare of pacific ahi served with sesame crisps, avocado and citrus fruits. This starter was good, but I made the mistake of ordering it as my entree in the lounge and I grew tired of it quickly. It is a good appetizer to share, but not good for one person to eat. Imagine eating a big bowl of guacamole. That is what it reminded me of... A few bites is enough.
FWJoey and I were underwhelmed with our seafood entrees. I tried the snapper topped with jonah crab ($25.95) and Joey tried the chilean sea bass in a lemon white wine broth (market price which was around $30). Both entrees were well prepared, but neither were exciting. Both were a little too salty and FWJoey's fish was not very hot. Our friend, ARMichael, opted to try a steak instead of seafood and he was glad. He had the 8 oz filet mignon ($32.95) and enjoyed it, but noted it was heavily seasoned with salt and pepper. Might be too salty for some.
By far, the best menu item we tried was the truffled mac and cheese. It was to die for! It was possibly better than lonesome dove's version which is tough to beat. for dessert, i really wanted to try the bananas foster, but we just did not have room. Maybe next time.
Despite not loving my entree, I will definitely go back and try some of the other seafood selections. There were many of them that sounded good and it really is not fair to judge a place in the first month that it has been open. If you decide to try Eddie V's (which you should), you'll probably see us there!
Eddie V's in Museum Place
http://www.eddiev.com/
3120 West 7th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817.336.8000
Fun at Fuego
Fuego is located in the space formerly occupied by Duce. The atmosphere feels about the same, but the food is definitely better. FWJoey and I have been twice now and have been very happy with the overall experience.
On our first visit, FWJoey enjoyed the blackened salmon fuego topped with crabmeat ($23) so much that he ordered it again on our second visit. This is surprising b/c FWJoey rarely orders fish. He recommends this one though. I was disappointed by the goat cheese and sundried tomato pizza ($8) but enjoyed the smoked chicken wontons in a truffle butter sauce ($8). The caprese steak salad ($8) received rave reviews from FWAlexa. I wished that I had ordered it and am looking forward to trying it on our next visit.
The eggplant parmesan ($14) was a solid entree choice. Almost as good as the one at Piola and since Piola was damaged by a fire, Fuego's eggplant parmesan was discovered at a good time. FWOlyn enjoyed one of the featured steaks for his entree and was impressed. The steak was an 8 oz filet mignon served on potato cakes and topped with jumbo shrimp ($34). YMMMMM!
There is no question that I would go back to Fuego, but based on the size of the crowds when we were there...I am not sure whether it will survive. It was not busy at all when we went on a weeknight and it was not as busy as it should be when we went on a Saturday night. I hope it does not close because the food is good and the prices are reasonable.
Fuego
http://www.fuegofortworth.com/
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76116
(817) 377-4400
On our first visit, FWJoey enjoyed the blackened salmon fuego topped with crabmeat ($23) so much that he ordered it again on our second visit. This is surprising b/c FWJoey rarely orders fish. He recommends this one though. I was disappointed by the goat cheese and sundried tomato pizza ($8) but enjoyed the smoked chicken wontons in a truffle butter sauce ($8). The caprese steak salad ($8) received rave reviews from FWAlexa. I wished that I had ordered it and am looking forward to trying it on our next visit.
The eggplant parmesan ($14) was a solid entree choice. Almost as good as the one at Piola and since Piola was damaged by a fire, Fuego's eggplant parmesan was discovered at a good time. FWOlyn enjoyed one of the featured steaks for his entree and was impressed. The steak was an 8 oz filet mignon served on potato cakes and topped with jumbo shrimp ($34). YMMMMM!
There is no question that I would go back to Fuego, but based on the size of the crowds when we were there...I am not sure whether it will survive. It was not busy at all when we went on a weeknight and it was not as busy as it should be when we went on a Saturday night. I hope it does not close because the food is good and the prices are reasonable.
Fuego
http://www.fuegofortworth.com/
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76116
(817) 377-4400
