This week in gluttony
These are the 9 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

Get your green on at events all over town this week.
St. Patrick’s Day is Friday and that means everyone is feeling Irish, as evidenced by the onslaught of St. Patrick’s Day-themed festivities happening this weekend. Don’t forget to wear green, or prepare to be pinched. Save room for lots of mac and cheese by week’s end. By the way, we're just a few weeks away from this year's Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, and tickets are going fast; find out more here.
Friday, March 17
44th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party at J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill
It’s the biggest tradition in downtown Arlington. Visit all day starting at 11 am for lunch and 4 pm for the outdoor party. A half dozen bands, green beer, and Irish nachos – natural cut cottage fries with melted cheddar, bacon, chives, onions, tomatoes and jalapenos – will combine for a good time.
St. Patrick’s Day at Angelo’s Bar-B-Que
While Texas barbecue is not exactly Irish, there’s a St. Patrick’s Day tie to this Fort Worth barbecue institution. Angelo’s opened on March 17, 1958, and every year on its anniversary, the beloved barbecue joint hosts Irish bagpipers to play for guests while they dine. Visit during dinner and enjoy the music along with a green beer paired with brisket or ribs.
St. Pawtrick’s Day Party Mutt’s Canine Cantina
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, leprechauns will leave a trail of golden stickers on the bottom of select Barkaritas at this dog park and bar. Find one and pick from the pot of gold to win prizes like food, drinks, merchandise, and more. The agave tequila-based Barkaritas, made with fresh lemon and lime juice, will be made green for the occasion. The giveaways will take place all weekend long, Friday through Sunday.
Greek Wine Tasting at Wine Thief
The intimate wine bar inside the Omni Fort Worth Hotel will host a Greek wine tasting with small bites to match. A guest speaker will guide participants through each varietal. The tasting is $45, plus tax and gratuity, and will run from 5-7 pm.
After Hours in the Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Enjoy the beauty of the Botanic Garden after dark. There’ll be live music by singer and songwriter Joseph Neville, light bites, wine, and beer. Tickets are $18 for members or $25 for non-members. Bringing a blanket for sitting is encouraged. The event will run from 6:30 – -8:30 pm.
EIEIO Wine Dinner at Waters
The downtown high-end seafood destination will welcome winemaker and owner of EIEO & Company, Jay McDonald, for a five-course wine pairing dinner. Menu highlights include roasted Texas quail, cherrywood coal salmon, and coffee-ancho chile rubbed beef tenderloin. There’ll also be pinot noirs a ‘plenty. Dinner is $190 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and will begin at 6:30 pm.
Saturday, March 18
Spirits & Coffee Tastings at John Wayne: An American Experience
Coinciding the Fort Worth Stockyards Cowtown Goes Green Parade, the John Wayne museum will host a complimentary tasting. Stop by the John Wayne Stock & Supply store from 2-4 pm to sample the lineup of Duke Spirits, including bourbon, rye, and tequila, as well as The Quiet Man Irish Coffee made with John Wayne Gold Handle Coffee. Playing in the background will be Wayne’s movie The Quiet Man, which filmed in Ireland. John Wayne’s youngest daughter, Marisa Wayne, and eldest grandchild, Anita LaCava Swift, will also be on-site for a book signing of John Wayne: The Official Cocktail Book and DUKE: The Official John Wayne Movie Book.
St. Paddy’s Irish Whiskey Tasting at Hooligan’s Pub
After the mayhem of St. Patrick’s Day settles down, partake in a traditional Irish meal paired with Irish whiskeys at Hooligan’s Pub in Arlington. The tasting will include pours of Tullamore Dew, Busker, Proper Twelve, and Teeling whiskeys paired with a corned beef sandwich, sauerkraut, and pickles. Then wash it all down with a pour of Guinness at the end. The tasting is $49 and will be available from 5-8 pm.
Sunday, March 19
Mac Attack
It’s the only macaroni and cheese competition in Fort Worth, and it’s happening this Sunday at Tokyo Café. Founded by Tokyo Café chef Kevin Martinez, the culinary competition features 17 chefs and restaurants who’ll vie for making the best mac. Competitors include Fred’s Texas Café, Luckybee Kitchen, Mariachi’s Dine-In, Dayne’s Craft Barbecue, The Bearded Lady, Funky Picnic Brewery & Café, and more. Guests will do the voting, and the top three winners get a homemade trophy and ticket proceeds toward their charity of choice. Tickets are $35 and include two beers. Or pay $25 for no beer. Kids can get in for $10. The competition will run from 1-3 pm. A VIP ticket of $45 grants early entry at 12 noon.