This Week in Gluttony

These are the 6 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

Learn how to smoke the perfect brisket in time for backyard grilling season.

BrisketU/Facebook

Hints of spring are on horizon as the weather takes a warmer turn in the days ahead. Be here for it with a brisket-smoking class at a local brewery. Also learn how to deduce wine varietals using just your senses during a blind tasting class. Save room for a chili cook-off among local breweries by Sunday.

Wednesday, February 21

Orin Swift Wine Dinner at Wine Thief
The Omni Fort Worth Hotel will host a four-course wine dinner inside its boutique wine bar. Courses will be paired with Orin Swift wines. Dinner is $140 plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 5 pm.

Thursday, February 22

Hartford Family Wine Dinner at Fixe Southern House
The Shops at Clearfork destination will host a five-course wine pairing dinner featuring Hartford Family wines led by the restaurant's master sommelier. Tickets are $150, including tax and gratuity, and dinner begins at 6 pm. For reservations, email kai@fixesouthernhouse.com or call 682-707-3965.

Saturday, February 24

BrisketU at Rahr & Sons Brewing Company
Kickstart backyard grilling season with this brisket-smoking class ideal for all levels. Participants will learn everything from how to select the right cut to slicing the end product. The class is $94 ($84 for additional participants) and will run from 10 am-1 pm.

Blind Wine Tasting at WineHaus
Learn how to rely on your senses while sipping wine to determine grape varietals, wine regions, and more during this guided blind wine tasting with a certified sommelier. Go with friends and compete to be the best tasting team and win a bottle to enjoy that evening. Tickets are $40 and the tasting begins at 4 pm.

Sunday, February 25

Cousins Maine Lobster at Lockwood Distilling Co.
Seafood truck will park at Lockwood Distilling Co. on W. Magnolia Ave. to serve lobster rolls, lobster grilled cheese, lobster tacos, and more. (Pro tip: order ahead on the Cousins app and head straight to the pick up window at your designated time.) Visit from 11 am-5 pm.

Chili Cook-Off: Battle of the Breweries at Truck Yard Alliance
Local breweries will prepare their best chili and guests get to vote on their favorite. Participating breweries include Cowtown Brewing Company, Four Corners Brewing Company, Community Beer Co., and Shiner Beer. Tickets are $15 and include chili samples and one beer from a brewery contestant. The cook-off will run from 12-3 pm.

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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.