Quantcast
Grapevine CVB

Throughout history, farmers and crop growers would take to the fields in the fall to bask in the abundance of bright moonlight and harvest their summer-grown crops. For three nights, the moon would rise in full and illuminate fields for the workers.

To celebrate this time-honored tradition, the moon will illuminate the lovely dinner held in the pasture of Nash Farm. The select menu will reflect historic cuisine enjoyed in times past with a modern flair.

Guests can enjoy a night out under the moon with friends, family and wine, making this a perfect community evening to reflect on Grapevine's historic past.

Photo courtesy of Visit Mesquite

Find real Texas flavor in Mesquite's best-kept secrets

Hit the Road

Not to be overshadowed by its big sister, Dallas, Mesquite is a vibrant city with its own unique flavor. Within this Lone Star city you’ll find a wide array of hidden culinary gems just waiting to be discovered.

Step off the well-trodden path of chain restaurants to discover Mesquite’s best-kept secret: its mom-and-pop restaurants.These “hole-in-the-wall” establishments are locally owned and deliver in flavor, authenticity, and heart.

Enjoy this sampling of Mesquite’s hidden culinary treasures that are well worth the trip.

Mesquite BBQ
Barbecue
145 E. Davis St.
972-285-6573

Mesquite BBQ has been a fixture in downtown Mesquite since 1959. The rich, smoky aroma and friendly customer service keep both locals and visitors coming back for more. Their meats are prepared daily in a unique smoker manufactured only a few blocks away.
Must-try dishes: brisket, meat-stuffed baked potato, Chop Chop sandwich

Yia Yia’s House of Gyros
Greek
904 E. Davis St., suite 400
469-802-9797

At Yia Yia’s, you’ll experience the true essence of Greek cuisine. This family-owned restaurant takes pride in serving traditional Greek dishes passed down through generations. With each bite, you’ll feel the presence of the chef’s grandmother, whose photo overlooks the preparation of every dish.
Must-try dishes: gyro wrap and traditional Greek salad

Jamaica Cook Shop
Jamaican
2033 Military Pkwy., suite104a
469-917-8417

Jamaica Cook Shop is a hidden gem offering fresh, made-to-order, authentic Jamaican food. Vibrantly decorated in the colors of the Jamaican flag and tucked away next to a gas station, this unpretentious kitchen serves up traditional island dishes and imported drinks.
Must-try dishes: jerk chicken, fried plantains, and stew chicken

Tasty Chicken & Wings
Salvadorian
302 S. Galloway Ave.
214-434-1916
Just as the name suggests, Tasty Chicken & Wings lives up to its reputation. Their birria tacos are hailed by some as the best in DFW, while their perfectly fried chicken wings are generously coated in homemade sauces. Made from scratch with care, every meal at Tasty Chicken & Wings is a flavor explosion.
Must-try dishes: birria tacos, pupusas, fried chicken wings, chicharron y yucca

Dia de Los Tacos
Mexican
1927 Faithon P. Lucas Sr. Blvd., suite 115
469-399-1245

In a city rich with Latino culture, Dia de Los Tacos stands out for its exceptional Mexican cuisine. Combining traditional flavors with innovative twists, this local favorite is known for its unbeatable breakfast tacos.
Must-try dishes: fajita burger, taco pies

Porky’s Burgers & Wings
Barbecue
4612 Gus Thomasson Rd.
972-863-9220

Porky’s has become a legend in Mesquite and DFW for its half-pound burgers crafted with fresh, non-traditional ingredients to create unique flavor combinations. From the tantalizing salmon burger to the tropical Hawaiian burger, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Must-try dishes: Double Porky Burger (a whole pound of beef!), mango-habanero wings

Vamos Pizza
Pizza
2411 N. Galloway Ave., suite 110
972-803-6575

When it comes to pizza, everyone knows that the best slices are local. Vamos Pizza offers authentic New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pies, alongside calzones, salads, and pasta dishes. With generous portion sizes and affordable prices, you’ll leave Vamos fully satisfied.
Must-try dishes: The Works pizza, chicken and shrimp carbonara, Caesar salad

Oh My Curry
Indian
909 E. Davis St., suite A
972-203-2121

Located just outside of downtown Mesquite, Oh My Curry is about to become your new favorite spot. This cozy restaurant offers flavorful and contemporary Indian dishes at affordable prices. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert and indulge in a refreshing lassi, an Indian yogurt-based beverage with a smoothie-like consistency.
Must-try dishes: chicken tikka masala, mutton biriyani bowl

Taqueria Mi Morelia
Mexican
1821 Crestridge Dr.
469-828-1458

Taqueria Mi Morelia may not catch your eye at first, but you don’t want to miss out on this Mexican culinary gem. Whether you’re craving tacos, tortas, Mexican-style hamburgers, or the famous huarache, there’s something on the menu to satisfy all taste buds.
Must-try dishes: huarrache, camarones a la diabla

Slab's BBQ
Barbecue
4401 N. Galloway Ave.
972-681-8008

Tucked off Galloway Avenue, this no-frills barbecue joint serves up classic favorites with a side of Texas hospitality. The meats are cooked fresh daily, ensuring each bite is packed with smoky goodness. Prepare to leave Slab’s with a full belly and a smile.
Must-try dishes: chopped beef sandwich, sliced beef dinner

Mesquite has a flavor all its own. Next time you’re craving a culinary adventure, visit Mesquite and treat yourself to one of these locally owned and loved restaurants.

Yia Yia's House of Gyros

Photo courtesy of Visit Mesquite

Get Greek at Yia Yia's House of Gyros.

Find more to do, see, and eat in Mesquite here.

Messina Hof Grapevine Winery/Facebook

These are the 7 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

This week in gluttony

Free iced tea, iced wine cocktails, and summer sips paired with movies and music under the stars keep things cool in Fort Worth this week. There’s also a chance to indulge in what might be the fanciest hot dog in town. No grill required.

Wednesday, July 19

National Hot Dog Day at B&B Butchers
Make plans to enjoy the most upscale hot dog in town. B&B Butchers will mark National Hot Dog Day with a special entrée featuring two Texas Wagyu hot dogs served on gourmet buns with steak frites and all the accoutrements. The deal is $28 and will be available all day.

Thursday, July 20

Free Tea Day at McAlister’s Deli
The national sandwich chain will celebrate its 15th annual Free Tea Day by offering customers a free, 32-ounce iced tea all day long at all locations. Choose from sweet, unsweet, half-and-half, half tea-half lemonade, tea with one flavor shot, or the new limited-time flavor, PassionBerry. Limit one per person in-store and four per online or app order.

Pink Power Rooftop Market at The Worthington
The downtown hotel will host another installment of its Shop & Sip series, and in time for the new Barbie movie, its theme is “pink power.” All vendors will be women-owned businesses who’ll showcase clothing, décor, gifts, and permanent jewelry. The pop-up will take place on the rooftop at The Worthington’s Rooftop Cinema Club just before a movie screening of Clueless. Guests can take advantage of half-price beer and cocktails and discounted tacos while they shop, and admission is free from 5:45-7:45 pm. Tickets must be purchased for Clueless, which starts at 7:45 pm.

Summer Wine Tasting at Fitzgerald
Chill out with a cool summer wine tasting at the Camp Bowie Boulevard dining destination and CultureMap Tastemaker Awards' Restaurant of the Year. Three whites and one chilled red is included in the $25 price, which will also come with chef-prepared light bites. (Recipe cards will be available to take home.) The tasting will run from 6-8 pm.

Friday, July 21

Summer Sippin’ Wine Cocktail Class at Messina Hof
The Grapevine winery will show guests how to transform its wines into iced summer cocktails. Participants will make three different drinks during the hands-on class while enjoying light bites. Tickets are $35, plus gratuity and a small fee, and class will run from 6:30-8 pm.

Saturday, July 22

Riscky’s BBQ 17th annual Rib-eating Contest
The 17th annual competition (in conjunction with the National Day of The American Cowboy celebration in the Stockyards) will challenge brave carnivores to eat as many beef ribs as possible in 60 seconds. The top 3 finishers will receive gift cards to the restaurant. It all begins at 11 am at Riscky's Fort Worth Stockyards location, and the entry fee is $5 at the door.

Willie & Whiskey at Hotel Drover
The acclaimed hotel in the Stockyards is launching theme nights for select dates of its live acoustic music series, The Backyard Unplugged. First up is Willie & Whiskey, a tribute to Willie Nelson that will coincide with the National Day of the American Cowboy. Fort Worth-based Blackland Distillery will be on-site to serve two cocktails – dubbed Whiskey River and Red Headed Stranger – from the Pour Horse outdoor bar. Local musician Mike Randall will sing classic Willie covers, and there’ll be a pop-up shop from luxe brands. The fun will run from 7-10 pm.

Photo courtesy of Goldee's BBQ

Where to find the most iconic — and best — meals in all of Texas

Hit the Road

Texans don't need much of a reason to hit the open road. Our state is brimming with natural beauty and charming small towns, but nothing motivates us to fill up the tank like a bonanza of regional foods.

There are renowned Texas flavors to be found throughout the entire state, from small towns like Round Top to the far west end in El Paso. And with meals ranging from Tex-Mex and barbecue to Frito Pie and kolaches, the Lone Star State is known for some of the most iconic foods in America.

When you hit the open road to explore (and taste) it all, know that a Hilton Hotel is nearby for a good night's rest. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, the right room is waiting with a warm welcome.

Hope you're hungry, because here is but a small slice of some of the best.

Barbecue
Goldee's BBQ, Fort Worth
Few barbecue joints in Texas can make a name without serving the holy trinity of brisket, sausage, and ribs. Still, the young chefs and pitmasters at this Fort Worth stop one-up the competition with unexpected sides like chicken rice and collard greens and crowd-pleasers like fish and chips.

Chicken Fried Steak
Babe's Chicken Dinner House, Carrollton
All Texans take their chicken fried steak with some degree of seriousness. We dare say this eatery — which originated in Carrollton and has locations all over North Texas — takes it the most seriously of all, with plenty of family-style sides to round out the table.

Tacos
La Cocina, McAllen
Former oil worker Evin Garcia combines tradition and innovation at this McAllen haunt. Enjoy everything from birria tacos dipped in a luscious consommé to an octopus version served with traditional al pastor fixings like onion, cilantro, and grilled pineapple.

Elotes
Elotes Fanny, Austin + North Texas
With locations in Austin, Fort Worth, and Garland, this snack shop mini-chain knows everything about corn. Get it by the cob or in a cup, and make sure to douse it in the fiery homemade Atomic Salsa.

Fried Chicken
Dolli's Diner, Nacogdoches
This diner does just about everything right, but the crowning jewel of the menu is undoubtedly the chicken fried chicken. It's served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and fresh veggies for color and is best enjoyed with funnel cake fries for dessert.

Frito Pie
RD's Burger, Cibolo
This casual stop does its namesake dish with aplomb, but found pure magic in its Frito Pie. It's served with no muss or fuss and occasionally on the insanely delicious burger.

Kolaches
Slovacek’s, West
When it comes to kolaches, any bakery in West will serve the real deal. Relative newcomer Slovacek's gets the vote for its dozens of fruit flavors and creative klobasnek (the meaty cousin of kolaches) filled with boudin, pepperoni, or kraut.

Pies
Royer's Round Top Cafe, Round Top
No trip to Round Top's famous antique fair is complete without a stop at this darling cafe. "Pie Man" Bud Royer makes every visit sweet with pies like buttermilk, pecan, and the multi-fruit Troy's Junk Berry.

Queso
L & J Cafe, El Paso
This El Paso tradition is by a graveyard, sure, but don't let that deter you from enjoying its queso. The miraculous concoction made with roasted green chile, tomatoes, and onions is served with just-fried tostadas.

Tamales
Leal's Tamale Factory, Lubbock
A Lubbock classic, this mainstay doesn't go for newfangled tamale flavors like sweet potato. Order pork, chicken, or cheese and rediscover the fundamentals.

Viet-Cajun crawfish boils
Crawfish & Noodles, Houston
Who knows what James Beard-nominated chef Trong Nguyen puts in his secret sauce. What we do know is that it's one of the most intensely flavorful experiences in all of Houston.

Texas knows no bounds when it comes to to where you can go (and eat). No matter where your next foodie adventure takes you, a Hilton hotel is waiting for you.

With over 550 Hilton hotels spanning across the state of Texas, the possibilities to earn more while exploring the Lone Star State are endless.

Perry's Steakhouse/Facebook

These are the 8 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

This week in gluttony

Tequila lovers, take note: The name behind a popular brand and pioneering tequila family will visit Fort Worth this week for an exclusive meet-and-greet and tasting. Also on the list is an entire day of free events at a downtown hotel, a fundraiser for victims of a recent tragedy, a multicourse dinner featuring flavors of India, and two big tasting and festival events in Northeast Tarrant – one in Southlake and one that’s three days long in Grapevine. Don’t miss free “cookie nachos” this weekend, too.

Tuesday, May 16

Adobe Road Wine Dinner at Tre Mogli
The Near Southside Italian dining destination will host a rare wine dinner featuring five courses paired with California’s Adobe Road wines. Menu items range from seared diver scallops and grilled pheasant to braised wild boar and prime rib of buffalo. Wines, including two different Cabernet Sauvignons, will be paired with each course. The dinner is $150, plus tax and a small service fee, and begins at 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, May 17

Lalo Meet & Greet at Don Artemio
Visit the high-end Mexican restaurant on Wednesday for a meet-and-greet with Eduardo “Lalo” Gonzalez, the name behind the popular LALO tequila and the grandson Don Julio Gonzalez. (Yes, that Don Julio.) There’ll be complimentary appetizers and a tequila tasting, along with a LALO cocktail and a raffle giveaway. The event will run from 5:30-7:30 pm. RSVP to mariajose@donartemio.us.

Thursday, May 18

Cup of Hope at Fish City Grill
All Fish City Grill locations, including those in Burleson and Southlake, will participate in a "Cup of Hope" fundraiser, in which 100 percent of proceeds from cups of gumbo or soup will go to the first responders and victims of the recent shooting at Allen Premium Outlets. Soups include gumbo, clam chowder, cream of jalapeño, crab bisque, and red beans and rice, and the promotion runs all day.

Global Day of Discovery at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel
The downtown Fort Worth hotel joins other Renaissance hotels in hosting a day of free events highlighting the culture of their cities. Open to both hotel and non-hotel guests, the food-related events include morning coffee (8:30-9:30 am), an afternoon happy hour (4-7 pm), sip and shop at the Rooftop Cinema Club (5-7:15 pm), and an evening tasting at Toro Toro (7-9 pm).

Taste of Southlake
Nearly two dozen restaurants will participate in the second annual Taste of Southlake, which will take place at the Delta Hotel Dallas Southlake. Guests will get bites from Jellico’s, Jane, Kirby’s, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, Moxie’s, and more. Tickets start at $60, which include two drinks (beer or wine), and the price will rise to $75 at the door on the day of the event. Proceeds will benefit the Tarrant Area Food Bank, and the event will run from 5-8:30 pm.

Friday, May 19

Main Street Fest in Grapevine
The 39th annual craft beer festival will take place over three days (Friday-Sunday) in historic downtown Grapevine. It will include live music, midway games and rides, and vendors of all sorts, from food to artisan gifts. Admission is $9 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors (children 5 and under are free.) Three separate ticketed craft brew events include the Craft Brew Experience ($20), with up to 100 craft beers available to sample; the Taste of Texas ($28), exclusively featuring beers from the Lone Star State; and Brews & Bites ($50), a tasting series featuring dishes paired with brews from Shannon Brewing Company of Keller.

Saturday, May 20

Chip’d Grand Opening
In case you missed it: A food truck that specializes in “hot cookie nachos” has expanded into a storefront at 2430 Forest Park Blvd., in the former Black Rooster Bakery space. Visit Saturday for a free mini hot cookie nacho and a chance to get a lifetime discount on all future purchases with a free Chip’d “Vip’d” card. (Cards are limited.) Cookie nachos consist of warm cookies topped with various sauces and garnishes, like salted caramel sauce, crushed pretzels, and chopped nuts. The grand opening event will run from 1-10 pm.

Sunday, May 21

Biryani Supper Club at Indulge Cooking Studio
Be transported to India during this five-course dinner featuring enchanting spices and flavors. Biryani is a type of mixed rice dish with rich flavor, and it will be on the menu along with accompaniments, appetizer, dessert, and chai to finish. The $85 ticket includes a welcome drink upon arrival. The dinner will begin at 6 pm.

Photo by Kathy Tran

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

This week in gluttony

Friendly reminder that Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and you’ll find the link to the best dining events especially for Mom right here. The rest of the week features Mayan, Thai, and Spanish flavors as Fort Worth dining events go global. By week’s end, local tastes return in the form of a DFW craft beer festival.

Wednesday, May 10

Festival Maya Wine Dinner Vinaltura at Don Artemio
Federico Lopez, one of the most influential chefs in Mexico, will visit the nationally acclaimed Fort Worth restaurant to help prepare a five-course dinner paired with Mexican wines. Unique menu items include traditional Yucatan lime soup, prawns, ribeye, and papaya and guava tart. Dinner is $150, plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 6:30 pm.

Thai It Up with Chef Nikky Phinyawatana at Central Market
The gourmet grocer’s cooking school in Fort Worth will host Dallas chef phenom Nikky Phinyawatana of Asian Mint fame for a demonstration class. Guests will get to watch Nikky create crispy vegetable egg rolls, shrimp ceviche, Thai fried rice with chicken, and sweet sticky rice with mango, then devour the finished product. The class is $70, plus tax, and begins at 6:30 pm.

Thursday, May 11

William Chris Wine Dinner a Clay Pigeon Food & Drink
Experience 100 percent Texas grown wines from one of the state's most acclaimed wineries during this five-course pairing dinner at Marcus Paslay’s flagship restaurant. Guests will get to sip sparking rose, dark fruited reds, and a white blend while dining on dishes like salmon and avocado crudo, lamb ragu, and braised short rib. The diner is $120, plus tax and service charge, and limited seating times are available from 5-8:30 pm.

Saturday, May 13

Paella on the Patio at WineHaus
Enjoy chef Ryan Fussell’s rendition of seafood paella made with mussels, shrimp, and smoked octopus during this patio party at WineHaus. The $35 ticket includes the paella and a glass of cava. Additional Spanish wines great for pairing – like Rioja Blanco and Tempranillo – will be available by the glass and bottle. Choose from one of two seating times: 5:30-7:30 pm and 8-9:30 pm.

Strassen Beerfest DFW 2023
More than 30 local breweries will participate in this annual German-themed tasting event, set to take place at Texas Live! in Arlington. Guests can partake in multiple food stations, drinking games, and music. Tickets start at $25 for entry and three pints of beer along with a stein. The event, which starts at 2 pm, is 21-and-up, but dogs are welcome.

Ad Placement 300x100
Ad Placement 300x600

CultureMap Emails are Awesome

'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

Surprising family-friendly suburb tops this week's 5 most popular Fort Worth stories

This week's hot headlines

Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? Find that listhere. Headed to the State Fair? Find a full list of discounts here.

1. Surprising Fort Worth suburb named No. 5 most family-friendly U.S. city. If Fort Worth-area residents are looking for the perfect new place to buy a home and raise a family, they should steer their interest toward Watauga. The northeast Fort Worth suburb, impressively, has been named the fifth most family-friendly city in the U.S. by real estate marketplace Opendoor.

2. Mr Gatti's Pizza returns to home turf Fort Worth with new location. A Fort Worth-based pizzeria concept has opened a location in Fort Worth: Mr Gatti's Pizza has opened a restaurant off Camp Bowie at 2812 Horne St. #100, a space previously occupied by Helen's Hot Chicken, where they're open with pizza, pizza rolls, and their signature ranch dressing.

3. Texas Christian University ranks as No. 6 school in Texas for 2024 by U.S. News. Texas Christian University has achieved a high ranking for its high-quality educational experiences this year. The home of the Horned Frogs earned a top-10 spot on U.S. News and World Report's just-released list of the Best Colleges in Texas for 2024.

4. Ultra-chic Postino WineCafe brings wine and bruschetta to Southlake. A nationally acclaimed wine bar-restaurant has opened in Southlake: Postino WineCafé, specializing in wine, bites, and a chic atmosphere, opened a location at 1440 Main St., in Southlake Town Square, in the no-brainer slot next to Trader Joe's.

5. Quonset hut in south Fort Worth to be transformed into ballroom. A Quonset hut in south Fort Worth is about to make a Cinderella-like transformation: Called the Quonset Ballroom, it's being developed into an entertainment space which will host live music, food trucks, and events.

Cidercade cider and games venue opens mega-facility in heart of Arlington

Cider News

Cider and games are coming to Arlington with the opening of Cidercade, a new entertainment venue opening at 500 E. Division St. in the heart of Arlington on September 29.

Cidercade has hundreds of arcade games, shuffleboard, pool tables, and more, all available for playing with a single admission fee, as well as dozens of drinks on tap. It's all ages during the day then turns 21+ at 8 pm.

Arlington is the fifth location in Texas, following existing Cidercades in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston, and is the largest yet with a huge space spanning 25,000-plus square feet.

It houses more than 300 retro and modern arcade games, pool tables, ping pong tables, shuffleboard courts (a Cidercade first), party rooms, and event spaces for groups of all sizes.

In a statement, co-founder and CEO Joel Malone says that with Arlington's reputation as an entertainment destination, he knew they had to build "something awesome."

"Cidercade Arlington is not only our largest location yet, but it includes a much larger variety of games and experiences," he says.

Cidercade customers pay an admission fee of $12 and get unlimited play on all the games and activities once inside. Cidercade also offers a $20 monthly membership that includes unlimited admissions as well as discounts on drinks and merch.

Beyond the games, multiple bars serve a big lineup of adult beverages on tap, all made by Bishop Cider, and soft drinks from soda machines with unlimited refills.

Customers are allowed to bring their own food or have it delivered from nearby restaurants.

In addition to the Arlington expansion, Bishop is also relocating the Dallas Cidercade to a new site near Love Field Airport, where it will be expanded dramatically to 79,000 square feet, nearly 10 times larger. It will feature concepts, games, and activities that aren’t offered anywhere else in Texas, and will open in 2024. The current location will remain open until then.

Malone and and his wife and partner Laura Malone initially founded Bishop Cider as a quaint 704-square-foot cider bar a decade ago. The company has since grown into a leader in beverage manufacturing and beverage experiences comprising four brands:

  • TexBev, a co-packer for carbonated soft drinks, juice, energy drinks, wine, beer, and RTDs.
  • Cidercade, the cider and game venue
  • Bishop Cider, the hard cider company
  • Wild Acre Brewing, a brewery and beer garden venue in Fort Worth that produces seasonal brews and year-round core beers like Texas Blonde, Juice Slinger IPA, and Sundance Wheat.