This week in gluttony

These are the 5 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

Learn how to smoke ribs like a pro with a class by RibsU.

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Three things are certain in August in Fort Worth: 100-plus degree temps, DFW Restaurant Week, and the arrival of Hatch Chile season. The latter will be celebrated in a big way with brunch this weekend at a beloved Southwestern eatery. Also on the list: a weekend grape stomp at a local winery and a rib-smoking class ahead of tailgating season.

Monday, August 5

DFW Restaurant Week
The 2024 edition of the annual dine-out fundraiser officially kicks off this week, although many of the approximately 43 participating Tarrant County restaurants will extend their specials through September 1. Patrons can indulge in a pre-set, multicourse dinner for either $49 or $59 — a bargain for some of Fort Worth’s priciest establishments like B&B Butcher’s & Restaurant, Don Artemio, and Quince. A two-course lunch or brunch option is available for $29 at some establishments, as is a $99 VIP experience which may include cocktails or wine. The event benefits Lena Pope Home and the North Texas Food Bank.

Saturday, August 10

3rd Annual Grape Stomp at Casual Friday Wines
The Azle winery invites patrons to stomp grapes in I Love Lucy fashion during this annual festive event. (Dress like Lucille Ball did during the show’s iconic grape stomp scene for a chance to win prizes.) The $35 ticket includes a glass of wine and a t-shirt, while supplies last. The event will run from 10 am–12 pm.

Sunday, August 11

Hatch Chile Brunch at Blue Mesa
Hatch season is big at Blue Mesa, who’s been sourcing the New Mexican pepper every summer for 28 years. Find Hatch chilies in everything from pozole and enchiladas to brownies and margaritas during menu specials this month. The restaurant will also host a Hatch Chile brunch on Sunday ($28, including mimosas, and $12 for kids 6-11) featuring an array of Hatch favorites including Hatch chile rellenos, Hatch mac and cheese, and Hatch mini cheesecakes. The brunch will run from 9 am–4 pm.

RibsU at Hop & Sting Brewing Co.
Smoke Southern-style ribs like a real pitmaster during this educational class that will cover six rib types: beef short ribs, beef chuck ribs, beef back ribs, St. Louis-style pork ribs, pork baby back ribs, and lamb ribs. Participants will learn methods as well as when to use a dry rub, sauce, or candy. Class is $139 ($129 for additional participants) and will take place at Hop and Sting Brewing Co. in Grapevine from 12–3 pm.

Fort Worth Soul Food Festival
More than 20 food vendors from Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and beyond will participate in this soul food festival featuring dishes like pork chops, oxtails, candied yams, greens, fried chicken, barbecue, and more. Entry is free with an early bird ticket, with door entry to range from $5-$10. Expect plates to cost $10-$30 each. The event will run from 12-4 pm at Eventos Licon at 8629 Camp Bowie W. Blvd.

wine event-planner

FroYo News

Fro-yo chain Orange Leaf makes Azle debut in time for the holidays

Photo courtesy of Orange Leaf

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A new frozen yogurt shop is bringing chilly delights to Azle: Called Orange Leaf, it’s a self-service fro-yo concept opening a new location at 828 Boyd Rd. #102, in a former chicken wing space.

According to a release, it will open on December 7.

Orange Leaf was founded in Oklahoma in 2008 and is known for its frozen yogurt, smoothies, shakes, superfood bowls, cake in a cup, and fro-yo cake.

They boast 12 flavors of yogurt, some distinctive such as toasted marshmallow, white chocolate strawberry, and birthday cake. As is often the case with self-serve shops, their machines are set up with two adjacent flavors so you can do a combo swirl. Toppings comprise more than 30 options, including fruit, cereals, nuts, boba, gummies, and cheesecake bites.

A cup of frozen yogurt goes for $8.

Bringing the chain to Azle are husband-and-wife Mike and Yvonne Higby. Mike is a retired Air Force veteran, and Yvonne was previously a paraprofessional for preschoolers in the Azle Independent School District.

According to a release, they chose to invest in Orange Leaf because they enjoyed the items as a treat with their two sons and wanted to connect with the community.

“I spent years in food service before joining the military, both of which allowed me the opportunity to connect with people, provide the best quality products and services and become a strong leader," says Mike in a statement. "The lessons learned along the way encouraged me to make a choice to take control of my life, which led me to entrepreneurship”

Orange Leaf is one of the brands under the portfolio of Brix Holdings, the Dallas-based restaurant franchise company. Sherif Mityas, CEO of Brix Holdings, shared excitement over the the couple leading the Azle opening.

“We’re confident that with their combined years of experience serving the nation and their community, they will provide an experience to their guests filled with care, passion and dedication,” says Mityas in a statement. “As we open our final Orange Leaf location for 2024, we are proud of our franchise partners and are eagerly looking ahead to the success of Orange Leaf Azle and many more locations to come in the new year.”

The opening of the new Azle store brings the chain to a total of 25 stores in Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, Spring, and Lake Worth. There are more than 60 locations across the nation.