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DUMPTRUCK

The arts collective DUMPTRUCK refuses to ignore the beauty in the everyday. In the instance of "Playing Inside a 2015 Subaru Forester," the artists walk viewers through the home of an early-'20s midwestern artists’ commune (a shared 3-bedroom apartment). There is life to be found in the ephemera of an artist’s space, complete with discarded cans and thoughtful messages left for each other. Guests can enjoy walking through the artists’ home, noting the vignettes the residents have left for them to admire.

The Midwest often gets pegged as being monotonous or dull. DUMPTRUCK rejects this. The region can be a comfortable and beautiful space when it is given the correct lense. There is a beautiful sense of community that is underwritten, and the collective brings light to those details. DUMPTRUCK strives for a vibrant and soft retelling of an otherwise overlooked landscape through the artists’ perspective.

DUMPTRUCK is a Cincinnati-based fiber arts collective established in 2021 by Ron Biernat and Hailey Fulford. The two artists met while attending The University of Cincinnati and have been displaying their work regionally ever since. The art collective uses found fibers to create immersive installations consisting of soft sculptures and pictorial tapestries. DUMPTRUCK emerged from the two artists’ love of the Midwest and their desire to relate their own queer experiences to the landscape that raised them.

The exhibition will remain on display through October 28.

Photo courtesy of Kimbell Art Museum

Kimbell Art Museum presents "Dutch Art in a Global Age: Masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston"

In the 17th century, Dutch merchants sailed across seas and oceans, joining trade networks that stretched from Asia to the Americas and Africa. This unprecedented movement of goods, ideas, and people gave rise to what many consider the first age of globalization and sparked an artistic boom in the Netherlands.

"Dutch Art in a Global Age" brings together paintings by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Gerrit Dou, Jacob van Ruisdael, Maria Schalcken, and other celebrated artists from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s renowned collection. These are joined by four Dutch paintings from the Kimbell’s permanent collection, along with prints, maps, and stunning decorative objects in silver, porcelain, glass, and more, from the 17th and the first half of the 18th centuries.

Exploring how Dutch dominance in international commerce transformed life in the Netherlands and created an extraordinary cultural flourishing, the exhibition also includes new scholarship that contextualizes 17th-century Dutch art within the complex histories of colonial expansion, wealth disparity, and the transatlantic slave trade during this period.

Photo courtesy of Kimbell Art Museum

Kimbell Art Museum presents "Art and War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries"

In the Renaissance, monarchs and religious leaders glorified their power and wealth through the art of tapestry, commissioning some of Europe’s greatest artists to commemorate significant events through the lavish medium. Monumental tapestries, much more costly than paintings, could serve as immersive and elaborate tools for dynamic storytelling and political propaganda, depicting histories in fine wool, silk, and metal-wrapped thread at monumental scale.

"Art and War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries" marks the first time that this entire cycle of seven large-scale tapestries, some of the most awe-inspiring examples of this often-overlooked artform, has been on view in the United States. The tremendous images, each about 27 feet wide and 14 feet high, commemorate Emperor Charles V’s decisive victory over French King Francis I that ended the 16th-century Italian Wars.

Designed by court artist Bernard van Orley, the tapestries were woven in Brussels by Willem and Jan Dermoyen in deeply saturated hues and exquisite detail, luxuriously highlighted with gold. Each composition is packed with figures including richly adorned military leaders, horsemen, and mercenary foot soldiers armed with swords, pikes, and firearms, all inhabiting beautifully undulating landscapes dotted with hills, towns, and forests.

The immersive scale of the tapestries draws viewers into the world of Renaissance history, military technology, and fashion, and will be complemented by impressive examples of arms and armor from the period.

Photo courtesy of Art Worth Festival

Art Worth Festival

Art Worth is a festival celebrating the visual arts and classical music. Visitors can enjoy the work of more than 80 artists selected for the exhibition, plus demonstrations of decorative arts disciplines, such as glass-blowing, metal pours, potters' wheel, and wood-turning. There will be classical music performances by area ensembles, from elementary and high schools to TCU's Opera Studio and professional companies.

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Traverse Texas this fall and winter for festivals, food, art, and more

Hit the Road

One of the perks of living in Texas is having a handful of other big, fun cultural cities within driving distance. Perhaps you've already blown through your PTO or still have some vacation time you're looking to fill — why not hop in the car and drive to one of Texas' big five?

We're talking Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, and boy do these cities have a full calendar coming up to close out 2023.

Whether you're looking to experience the holiday spirit in another area code or are tempted by one of the local festivals, fall and winter are the ideal times to visit your Lone Star neighbors.

Here's a month-by-month look at what's happening around the state:

Austin Food + Wine Festival
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Austin Food + Wine Festival is back this November.

September

AUSTIN: Pecan Street Festival
The Pecan Street Festival, a twice-yearly arts festival, is returning to downtown Austin on September 16-17. Over 300 local artisans and vendors will be selling their handmade art, crafts, clothing, and more in booths lined along 6th Street between Brazos Street and I-35 for the weekend. Live performances by local musicians are also scheduled throughout the weekend. And the best part? The festival is free.

DALLAS: Autumn at the Arboretum
This yearly festival features 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash hailing from the pumpkin capital of Texas, Floydada, and 150,000 beautiful fall-blooming plants throughout the garden. For its 18th year, running September 16-November 5, the theme is "It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" with the return of the Peanuts Gang, themed pumpkin houses that make up the Pumpkin Village, a hay bale maze, and plenty of special events.

FORT WORTH: Oktoberfest
This three-day, Munich-style celebration of German culture includes a ceremonial tapping of the kegs, carnival rides, dachshund races, a brat-eating contest, bier barrel-rolling, stein-hoist competition, the Oktoberfest Run Und Ride, and plenty of polka bands. It's held in Trinity Park September 21-23.

HOUSTON: Houston International Jazz Festival
Head to the Miller Outdoor Theatre on September 16 for this celebration of jazz in Houston, this year featuring the Duke Ellington Orchestra directed by Charlie Young. Special guests Paul Mercer Ellington (Duke's grandson) and Tierney Malone will be there, along with the featured work of acclaimed artist Jack Whitten.

SAN ANTONIO: McNay Art Museum presents "Dreamland: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas"
In the exhibition, a 30th-anniversary celebration of filmmaker Tim Burton’s 1993 stop-motion animated film, visitors can reacquaint themselves with Burton’s awkwardly charming cast that includes Sally, Oogie Boogie, Bone Crusher, and the beloved hero, Jack Skellington. Also meet unusual characters created by artists from the McNay’s collection, including José Clemente Orozco Farías, Julie Heffernan, Eugene Berman, Marilyn Lanfear, Willem de Kooning, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Julie Speed, and others. The exhibition runs through January 14.

October

AUSTIN: Austin Film Festival
During the eight-day festival, held October 26-November 2, audiences can view screenings of film and television premieres galore, plus competition films, documentaries, shorts, and more, with all-star line-ups and Q&As by your favorite writers, actors, and filmmakers.

DALLAS: State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas begins its run in Dallas September 29, with 24 days of live music, carnival games, fried food creation competitions, and more. Luckily for CultureMap readers, here's a thorough guide to getting every possible discount at the fair this year.

FORT WORTH: Art Worth
This festival on the lawn at Will Rogers Memorial Center, now in its second year, celebrates visual arts and classical music October 20-22. Expect artists' exhibitions plus demonstrations of decorative arts disciplines,such as glassblowing, metal pours, potters wheel, and wood-turning.

HOUSTON: Bayou City Art Festival
A juried art festival that's responsible for raising more than $3.7 million in support of local nonprofit organizations. The outdoor festival attracts more than 20,000 attendees, offering the opportunity to meet with exhibiting artists, buy one-of-a-kind art, and enjoy food, music, and entertainment.

SAN ANTONIO: Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival
Culinaria and Visit San Antonio head up this four-day epicurean experience that allows food and wine lovers alike to explore the unique flavors of Texas for themselves. Guests can look forward to enjoying live music, educational panels, and sampling a variety of cocktails, wines, and craft beers from October 26-29. The best part is that it’s a party with a purpose — the James Beard Foundation is the beneficiary, with $250,000 committed to support culinary students in Texas.

November

AUSTIN: Austin Food & Wine Festival
The 12th Annual Austin Food and Wine Festival will feature chefs, restaurants, and wine and spirits experts over two days, November 4-5. Festival highlights include the new Made In Texas Saturday night event; the return of the Hands-On Grilling event with chef Tim Love; the Fire Pit, featuring bites hot off the flames; cooking demonstrations and conversations; samples of signature dishes from local chefs and restaurants; wine, beer and cocktail tastings; live music; and more.

DALLAS: Chi Omega Christmas Market
A 46-year tradition, this massive market will feature more than 200 merchants and is expected to welcome more than 10,000 shoppers in search of the holiday spirit on November 15-18. Browse holiday decor, women’s clothing and accessories, home accents, children’s clothing and toys, food items, and more. All proceeds from ticket sales, merchant booth fees, and donations are donated to vetted local charities.

FORT WORTH: Lone Star Film Festival
Since its founding 16 years ago by local film advocates and legendary actor and Fort Worth native Bill Paxton, the Lone Star Film Society has provided film education programs for hundreds of students interested in filmmaking in the Fort Worth area. The festival itself has grown into a premier destination for filmmakers, producers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts, with the honor of being ranked a “Top 50 Film Festival” by MovieMaker Magazine. Catch it November 2-5.

HOUSTON: Nutcracker Market
The 43rd annual Nutcracker Market will host more than 270 merchants from across the country — including more than 30 new merchants — showcasing a curated collection of unique holiday items, gourmet food, apparel, jewelry, accessories, home decor, gifts, toys, and more. Go shopping November 9-12 at NRG Park.

SAN ANTONIO: Cirque du Soleil Bazzar
Cirque du Soleil’s first return to San Antonio since 2006, and the first time the city will welcome a Big Top show, Bazzar is a dazzling homage to the Cirque du Soleil legacy that highlights its awe-inspiring acrobatic displays, adroit dancers, and talented musicians. Inspired by a traditional Middle Eastern bazaar, the production captures the bustling kinetic environment of the centuries-old, open-air market setting through its ensemble of diverse characters. It runs November 5-December 3 at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium.

December

AUSTIN: Trail of Lights
What began as a small gathering in 1965 known as the Yule Fest, a gift to the city of Austin from Austin Parks and Recreation Department, has now grown into a community wide celebration of the unique spirit and people of Austin. In the 59 years since the first Yule Log was lit, the Trail now features more than 2 million lights illuminating the park, 96 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels. You can visit December 8-23.

DALLAS: BMW Dallas Marathon
The annual event, held this year December 8-10, features a half-marathon (running and, new this year, walking), 50K ultra marathon, five-person marathon relay, and two-person half-marathon relay. There is also a 10K, 5K (running and walking), 5K team challenge, kids' 100-yard dash, and Oncor Kid’s Race on the following day, and return of the Friday Night Lights Mile. The weekend's events directly benefit Scottish Rite for Children. Since being named as the primary beneficiary in 1997, the Dallas Marathon Festival has donated more than $4 million to the organization.

FORT WORTH: Lightscape at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
Lightscape returns for its second year with 80 percent newly designed displays. Visitors will walk a one-mile-long path with suspended strands and tunnels of light, see a fire garden, undulating wave of bluebonnets, singing trees, treetop sculptures, and artistic installations, all while toasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks at stations along the trail. It opens November 17 and runs through January 1, 2024.

HOUSTON: Moody Gardens Ice Land
Part of Holiday in the Gardens, Ice Land lets visitors experience the vibrancy of rainforests with the monkeys, birds, butterflies, and orchid, as Christmas-decked leaf-cutter ants lead you through a magical world intricately carved from ice. Go down the giant ice slide that transports guests from the canopy to the forest floor, past ancient ruins, and along river edges. There is even an opportunity to enjoy Shivers Ice Bar, featuring festive holiday spirits inside this ultra-cool bar made completely out of ice. Visit November 18-January 16, 2024.

SAN ANTONIO: Alamo Bowl
The 2023 Valero Alamo Bowl will be played at the 65,000-seat Alamodome and broadcast on ESPN on December 28, kicking off at 8:15 pm. Last year, the Valero Alamo Bowl and its partners awarded more than $1.2 million split between students representing every participating San Antonio-area high school and four-year university — a record-setting number.

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Photo by Danny Clinch

These are the 17 best things to do in Fort Worth this weekend

Weekend Event Planner

It's an absolutely stacked weekend in and around Fort Worth, to the point that there's almost too much to do. A huge concert, a touring Broadway production, and a music festival lead the way, but there is so much more. Other choices include an annual wine festival, visits from a couple of well-known comedians, home tours, more concerts, art exhibitions, and more.

Below are the best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, September 14

37th Annual GrapeFest
The 37th Annual GrapeFest features a variety of events over four days, including the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, live music from headliners David Lee Murphy and Carnie and Wendy Wilson of Wilson Phillips fame, vendors, artisans, a Kid Zone, Carnival Midway, pickleball, and more. The festival takes place Thursday-Sunday at Historic Downtown Grapevine.

Friday, September 15

Pearl Jam in concert
Legendary rock band Pearl Jam doesn't often go on tour these days, and their 2023 tour only includes five cities, with Fort Worth being one of them. One of the original grunge bands to come out of Seattle in the early 1990s, Pearl Jam had a great 20-year run before slowing down in the early 2010s. They did release their 11th album, Gigaton, in 2020, but another promised new album has yet to materialize. They'll play the second of two shows (the first was on September 13) at Dickies Arena.

Broadway at the Bass presents Jagged Little Pill
If you were in your teens or twenties in 1995, Alanis Morissette's album Jagged Little Pill likely spoke to you in a big way. The rawness of the songs and Morissette's distinctive voice made it one of the classic albums of the '90s. That album inspired this Broadway musical, "an electrifying production about a perfectly imperfect American family" based on Morissette’s world-changing music. There will be five performances through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.

Hip Pocket Theatre presents Old and In the Way
Old and In the Way is a nostalgic look back to the early days of the youthful dream of Hip Pocket Theatre, brought to life by the elders of the little tribe wrangled together by Doug Balentine, Diane Simons, and Molemo!. Molemo! is now one of the last living members of the original group and this presentation is meant to be a tender remembrance of the past and a tragi-comedic look at the last days of an old elderly hippy. There will be three performances through Sunday at Hip Pocket Theatre.

Hyena's presents Tim Meadows
A notable weekend of comedy at Hyena's in downtown Fort Worth starts with actor, comedian, and writer Tim Meadows, who will perform twice on Friday. Meadows was one of the longest-running cast members on Saturday Night Live, where he appeared for 10 seasons from 1991 to 2000. He's gone on to be a reliable character actor in both movies and TV.

Saturday, September 16

Tarrant Regional Water District presents Trash Bash
At Tarrant Regional Water District's Trash Bash, thousands of volunteers remove litter throughout the community and its local waterways. Volunteers can help cleanup from 8-10 am, and then celebrate their hard work at the after-party from 10 am to 1 pm at one of four locations: Trinity River, Cobb Park, Eagle Mountain Lake, and Cedar Creek.

Wedgwood Historical Association Parade of Homes
Wedgwood Historical Association will present their 3rd Annual Parade of Homes, Wedgwood’s own historic home tour. The event will feature four midcentury homes, of various styles. Guests will check in at a separate location, then tour the homes in any order they wish. Docents will be stationed outside and throughout the interiors of the homes to provide information.

AIA Fort Worth Homes Tour
Even more homes will be on display in the AIA Fort Worth Homes Tour, an annual showcase of outstanding residential architecture designed by local, licensed architects. It is the only city-wide, self-guided tour of elite homes in and around Fort Worth. The one-day tour showcases a variety of home styles, types, and sizes, and features a mix of projects, including new homes, renovations, and additions.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art presents "Trespassers: James Prosek and the Texas Prairie"
Less than one percent of native prairies exist across the state of Texas. This conservation concern is the catalyst for more than 20 new works created by artist and naturalist James Prosek. "Trespassers: James Prosek and the Texas Prairie" features a new large-scale silhouette painting, one of Prosek’s signature working styles; watercolor portraits of plants collected during his travels; and trompe l’oeil clay and bronze sculptures of wildflowers. The exhibition will be on display through January 28, 2024 at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.

Shaq’s Bass All Stars Festival
DJ Diesel (aka Shaq) is taking his touring live event series, Shaq’s Bass All Stars, to the next level with his first large-scale bass music festival. With a lineup personally curated by the NBA Hall of Famer, the festival will feature more than 15 of Shaq’s All-Stars, including Alison Wonderland, Sullivan King, Kai Wachi, Crankdat, and more across two stages at Panther Island Pavilion. Besides the music, the festival will also host Shaq’s favorite Texas food trucks, as well as interactive brand activations and photo moments.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Modern by Moonlight: Otsukimi Festival
In recognition of the rich heritage of Tadao Ando, the architect of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth building, the museum will celebrate Otsukimi, the annual Japanese festival that honors the autumn moon and the season ahead. Guests can cast a lantern into the reflecting pond to create an ethereal glow and stunning event backdrop. In addition to the Modern’s special exhibitions, the event features live entertainment by Dondoko Taiko, Nik Parr and The Selfless Lovers, and The Dirty Shirts. Japanese-inspired food and beverages crafted by Café Modern will be available throughout the evening.

Hyena's presents Bobcat Goldthwait
Hyena's big weekend continues with Bobcat Goldthwait, whose career dates back to the 1980s, when he had one of the most recognizable voices in comedy. He's ditched that unusual way of speaking, but his stand-up still features hilarious riffs on politics, divorce, going broke, and his career as a writer and director of film. He'll perform twice on Saturday.

Chicago in concert
If it seems like Chicago is constantly on tour, that's because they are. The band has toured every year since their debut in 1969, never missing a year. Three of the original band members - keyboardist/vocalist Robert Lamm, trumpeter/vocalist Lee Loughnane, and trombonist James Pankow - are still going strong today, and they're still releasing new music, putting out Born for this Moment in 2022, making them the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades. They'll play at Will Rogers Auditorium.

Bruce Wood Dance presents Homecoming 2
Homecoming 2 features a trio of dance performances, starting with Bruce Wood's The Only Way Through Is Through, a timeless embodiment of relentless determination. It also includes Wood's energetic and groovy tribute to the 1970s, Polyester Dreams, set to the music of Gladys Knight, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, and more. Joy Bollinger's Blue rounds out the evening. The production will be at W. E. Scott Theatre at Arts Fort Worth.

Arctic Monkeys in concert
For a long time, English rock band Arctic Monkeys was consistently bigger in their native UK than on this side of the pond. Their albums would sell well in the U.S., but wouldn't come close to the No. 1 status they enjoyed back home. That changed with their 2013 album, AM, which - on the strength of the hit "Do I Wanna Know?" - is their biggest-selling album to date. They'll play at Dickies Arena in support of their 2022 album, The Car.

Casey Donahew in concert
Country singer (and Burleson native) Casey Donahew had a nice run of success on the national country music scene, charting four straight albums in the top 10 on the Billboard Country charts in the 2010s, including the No. 3 All Night Party. He comes back to town in support of his 2022 album, Built Different. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.

Sunday, September 17

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Robert Motherwell: "Pure Painting" closing day
Sunday will be the last day to view Robert Motherwell: "Pure Painting," the first presentation in more than a quarter century to fully examine the mastery of Motherwell, a major figure who shaped postwar art. Organized by guest curator Susan Davidson, the exhibition at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth features a selection of visually compelling works chosen from throughout the artist’s lengthy and influential career, highlighting the subsequent key series that defined his oeuvre, offering new insights into his evolution as an artist.

Pearl Jam
Photo by Danny Clinch

Pearl Jam will play at Dickies Arena on September 15.

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'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.

Ultra-chic Postino WineCafe brings wine and bruschetta to Southlake

Wine News

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.

Postino is known for its daily happy hour, bruschetta boards, and menu built for sharing, as well as a laid-back atmosphere, designed for all-day hangouts with friends, date nights, client get-togethers, and family outings.

The chain first came to Dallas in 2021 when they opened a location in Deep Ellum. They closed that location two years later in March 2023 and relocated to Addison, where they just opened in August.

"We are thrilled to bring Postino to Southlake and the heart of bustling Town Square," says Postino Co-Founder Lauren Bailey. “The Dallas/Fort Worth market is very important to us, and we are excited to be expanding our footprint here so soon – just a month since debuting in Addison."

Founded in Arizona in 2001, Postino's goal is to bring people together over wine and food. Its bruschettas are a menu mainstay, artfully presented on boards made of reclaimed wood, with 12 variations including:

  • Prosciutto Di Parma, Fresh Fig & Mascarpone
  • Sweet N’ Spicy Pepper Jam & Goat Cheese
  • Brie, Apple and Fig Spread
  • Ricotta, Dates & Pistachio

Guests can mix and match four bruschetta per board, meaning you can try more than one a time. The entire menu is that way: designed without a definitive beginning or end, with the freedom to tailor your experience based on the occasion, from a meal to a swift bite.

A category called Snacky Things features chicken and filet skewers with garlic yogurt, shrimp scampi, and crispy cauliflower with sultana raisins, capers, and a Romesco drizzle.

There are entrée salads, soups, hand-pressed paninis (on ciabatta or focaccia bread), with the option to mix-and-match sandwich, salad, and soup.

Desserts include: Chocolate Bouchon with vanilla bean ice cream, Crème Brulee, and Salted Caramel Sundae with vanilla ice cream, chocolate covered corn nuts, pretzel sticks, and salted caramel drizzle.

Weekend brunch is served from 11 am-3 pm with spritzy cocktails, lemonades, and bowls

The wine list by Advanced Sommelier and Beverage VP Brent Karlicek is especially fun to sample during their 11 am-5 pm happy hour spotlighting 25-plus wines for $6 a glass, along with $6 pitchers of beer, both local and beyond.

"We fervently champion winemakers across the globe – from trailblazers like Folk Machine, Mary Taylor, and Scarpetta to the guardians of tradition like Ernst Loosen and Bonny Doon," Karlicek says in a statement. "Producers dedicated to crafting approachable, harmonious wines without sacrificing excellence truly resonate with us. Our aim is to kindle a symphony of excitement and curiosity within our patrons during their dining journey."

Decor is attuned to the neighborhood, with art installations and local/vintage finds. At Southlake, that means a tribute to the Back to The Future series, which was the original inspiration that shaped architect Brian Stebbins’s design for Town Square. An interior wall is decked with close to 400 vintage clocks, juxtaposed by plants.

A semi-private dining space can accommodate up to 14 guests for showers, parties, and other events.

Fort Worth Fire Department welcomes its largest recruit class ever

Firefighter News

The Fort Worth Fire Department must be doing something right: On September 25, the department welcomed its newest class of recruits at Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex to start their Fire Training Academy journey, a 36-week course.

With 60 recruits, the class is twice the size as the usual Academy class — making it the largest recruit class in the history of the department.

The class of 60 includes two sub-groups:

  • The first group, Class 93, consists of 10 "fast-tracked" students who already hold their Fire and EMS certifications. They'll graduate on November 17.
  • The second group, Class 94, consists of 50 brand new recruits who hold no certifications. They'll graduate on May 17, 2024.

This largest class in the history of the Fort Worth Fire Department comes after the Mayor, City Council and City Management’s vote to approve staffing levels where they need to be for a Department serving a city this size.

In August, a fire ad-hoc committee recommended increasing the fire department's staffing with 76 new positions, from 979 to 1,049 positions - particularly to cut back on overtime costs, racked up due to an increase in the number of special events they are called on to cover.

The recommendation called for the department to take on two 50-person recruitment classes, one in September and one in February, with approximately 25 percent predicted to fall out due to attrition, for a total of 76.

In addition to the increased number of recruits attending the Academy, staffing studies and negotiations with City leadership and stakeholders has made room for an additional 15 people to be added to the training team. These new training instructors, as well as the use of adjunct instructors from within the Department, will provide even more skill-based learning opportunities with experienced and tenured firefighters.

In a statement, Chief JIm Davis said, "I want to thank the Mayor, City Council and City Management for their diligence in seeing us through our staffing study and helping make the necessary adjustments to our staffing levels. I’m excited that the Department is growing alongside the City of Fort Worth and look forward to watching the new recruits go through one of the best training academy’s in the country."