This week in gluttony
These are the 9 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week
This week marks the first official week of fall, and the social season is in full swing. From Oktoberfest events and anniversary parties to ice cream socials and Saturday morning tailgates, there are lots of reasons to celebrate with food and drink. Bonus: Burn a few calories on Saturday with an annual 5K that’s rewarded with craft brew.
Wednesday, September 22
Summer Social with Melt Ice Creams at the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel
It’s the last summer social of the season at the downtown hotel, where Melt Ice Creams will serve complimentary scoops in the spacious lobby from 5 to 7 pm. Guests can also partake in $5 margaritas from the hotel’s Latin steakhouse, Toro Toro. No reservations or overnight stay required.
Thursday, September 23
Central Market Hispanic Heritage Month Virtual Cooking School Series
Over the next month, the gourmet grocer will host a series of online cooking classes featuring the stories and recipes of three experts in Hispanic cuisine. The series kicks off Thursday with longtime Central Market chef Michelle Rodarte, who will prepare picadillo de res, Mexican rice, and fresh jalapeño salsa. There are two options to participate: simply watch and learn ($20) or cook along at home ($65). Class begins at 6 pm.
Mi Dia From Scratch 10th Anniversary Celebration
The Grapevine Mexican and New Mexican restaurant will commemorate 10 years with a 10-day countdown. Starting Thursday, patrons can visit for one fan-favorite dish or drink special featured each day, starting with the Hell Freezes Over Hatch green chili-infused cocktail and ending on October 2 with chef Gabriel DeLeon’s famous flan – inspired by his grandmother’s recipe. Follow Mi Dia From Scratch on Facebook for each of the fan-favorite countdown specials.
Oktoberfest Fort Worth
The three-day German festival returns to Panther Island this year after taking 2020 off. Go for German cuisine and fair food, polka music galore, multiple beer gardens, and contests like the Dachshund Dash and more. Entry tickets are $5 Thursday and $10 Friday and Saturday. Purchase tickets in advance online by Wednesday and get a free commemorative stein glass. Guests can also visit the Reata Haus, a pop-up restaurant by Reata serving their version of German dishes. The event will run from 5-11 pm on Thursday and Friday, and 11 am to midnight on Saturday.
Friday, September 24
Hot Box Biscuit Club TCU vs. SMU Tailgate
Morning football games mean breakfast-time tailgates. Hot Box Biscuit Club can help. The South Main Street restaurant known for its buttery biscuit dishes (and Tastemaker Award-winner) is offering a special just in time for TCU’s 11 am game at home this Saturday vs. rival SMU. Preorder by Friday and use the code TCU for 30 percent off a bucket of fried chicken (serves four), or a chicken biscuit box or sausage biscuit box (both serve 10). Curbside pickup will be available starting at 7 am on Saturday.
Olive Oil & Rare Balsamic Pop-Up Dinner
Savor Culinary Services and The Virgin Olive Oiler will partner to share a five-course dinner with an olive oil tasting. Patrons will sniff and sip olive oils and even 25-year balsamic vinegar just like fine wines. Menu highlights include goat cheese-crusted truffles, wild mushroom soup, pork tomahawk, and blood orange shortcake. Guests will start with a welcome cocktail and are welcome to BYOB. Tickets are $125 and dinner begins at 6 pm.
Saturday, September 25
Salty Lady 7-Year Anniversary Party at Martin House Brewing Company
Martin House Brewing’s signature salty, sour brew is having a birthday party. Go for pours of the original Salty Lady along with new versions to be debuted: Salty Lady Watermelon, Salty Lady Mango, and The Seventh Lady, a 10 percent alcohol by volume taproom-only version. The $20 ticket covers four 8-ounce pours and a souvenir glass. (Get four more pours for $10.) The event will run from 12 to 5 pm, and there’ll be food trucks on-site providing sustenance.
Shannon Brewing Company 7th Anniversary Party
The Keller brewery’s birthday party will offer live music, Caribbean cuisine from El Mofo Loco, craft sausages from Just Encased, Sweetie’s Cheesecakes, and special beer releases. The $20 pre-sale ticket comes with an anniversary glass and 10 6-ounce pours. Note that tickets won’t be sold at the door, but beer will be available for purchase by the pint. The party will run from 12 to 4 pm.
Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5K
Now in its 12th year, the annual 5K race and post-party is back again. Registration includes an official race shirt, finisher medal, and finisher pint glass to be filled with three Rahr brews. Note that registration ($55) closes Friday at 5 pm and the race promptly begins Saturday at 8:30 am. The event will include stein-hoisting competitions, costume contests, and live music.