Category Archives: Travel

FWFWF: BBQ at Billy Bob’s

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post however I did receive tickets to the event in return for the publication. As always, all opinions are my own. #FWFWF #BBQBillyBobs #FortWorthTX

What better way to start the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival with BBQ at Billy Bob’s. Capturing what everyone first comes to Fort Worth to experience (BBQ and live music) in the World’s Largest Dancehall. The night wouldn’t have been complete without a little live Texas country. With sufficient room, great pairings and BBQ plates to choose from, every taste bud was satisfied. I was even convinced to try pig cheek…

Billy Bob’s is iconic in every Texas way – an in-house rodeo, a restaurant, bedazzled saddle hanging above the dance floor, artist memorabilia and of course the stage where every country artist dreams of performing. It was only appropriate that the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival started here bringing the best BBQ and beverages from the area for everyone to experience.

The event was held in front of the main stage providing us with the opportunity to say “When have we ever had the chance to stand in front of the stage without any of the tables being in the way, let alone a concert later?!”. With restaurants, breweries, wine companies among many of the local vendors set up throughout we had plenty of room (including tables) to sit and savor the first event of the weekend.

The biggest problem we faced, “Where do we start?” So we started with a little TX Whiskey (and I think a few others did too.).

Mingling around, we tried a few BBQ restaurants that we’ve tried and a few that were new to us. My personal favorite was top on my list. You can never go wrong with Billy’s Oak Acres BBQ. I heard people complimenting the savory pulled pork all night.

Other local vendors such as Black’s BBQ, the Reata, Del Norte Taco and the Woodshed Smokehouse (among many others) brought their goods to the table.

Black’s BBQ

Del Norte Tacos

Del Norte Tacos

It wasn’t just the locals. The event brought in Perini’s Ranch Steakhouse from Buffalo Gap, Texas. Famous for their steaks, Buffalo Gap Wine and Food Summit and Mr. Perini himself. Now I just need to make it a priority to get out there and try their steaks and bread pudding.

Great food goes hand in hand with cold, refreshing beverages. Am I right? With plenty of options, our pallets were beyond satisfied. Brennan Vineyards, Deep Ellum Brewing, Revolver Brewing, TX Whiskey, and Tito’s Vodka were on hand. Tito’s even prepared us a couple cool cocktails perfect for the summer heat that’s sure to be upon us. A little pineapple jalapeño with your vodka. Take it like a true Texan!

If you enjoy vodka, Tito’s is the way to go.

My most interesting moment of the night goes to Lockhart Smokehouse. If you have a cow and pig head sitting on the table, you’re bound to get some attention. At least this is what happened in my case and they noticed. After taking a photo I began to walk away and I heard “Not so fast there picture lady. Come here.” I approached the table where he pulled a piece of meat from the pig’s cheek, placed it in my palm and said “This is the best piece of meat that you’ll ever taste.”.
Did I do it?…
Didn’t I have to?…
Verdict: It was pretty damn good. Kind of questionable to think about where it came from but if you have the chance, you should do it too.

Yes, I had to throw in a picture to go with the story.

Was that the end of our night? Come on folks, is it a party without some live music?! Thank you to Wade Bowen and his band for playing some of their hits for us on the main stage. Up close in Billy Bob’s, no chairs and tables in the way and a concert that feels like he’s playing just for you. It is a concert at Billy Bob’s just for you! That’s the only way to start off the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival.

And after all that you have a little time to get your two-step going and burn off all the BBQ and cold beverages. How about that for a good evening?

Did you have a chance to attend BBQ at Billy Bob’s? What was your favorite?

A full recap of our experience at the Fort Wort Food and Wine Festival as well as links to the other events can be found, here.

2nd Annual Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival

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Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post however I did receive tickets to the event in return for the publication. As always, all opinions are my own. #FWFWF #FortWorthTX

This past weekend, the second annual Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival was held throughout Fort Worth. For the chance to experience the very best of Fort Worth’s food, wine and breweries, this is the event that everyone would want to attend. A chance to mingle with the top chefs, restauranteurs, business owners, brewers and wine connoisseurs leaves all humbly satisfied that they’ve chosen to set themselves up in this unbelievable town.

Over the span of four days, more than six events take place providing the opportunity to savor the best of the best. Grab your friends and family to mingle with some of the most influential people in the area (Jon Bonnell was at every event) and experience something magical in some of the most unique venues in the area. Let’s awaken our taste buds and expand our horizons.

Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing our experience at the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival. Of course this includes our favorites and recommendations, lots of pictures to get your mouth watering and a couple bucket lists to help you experience the best of Fort Worth for yourselves!

BBQ at Billy Bob’s
Billy Bob’s
What better way to start the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival than with BBQ at Billy Bob’s. Capturing what everyone first comes to Fort Worth to experience – BBQ and live music in the World’s Largest Dancehall. The night wouldn’t have been complete without a little live Texas country provided by Wade Bowen. With sufficient room, great pairings and BBQ plates to choose from, every taste bud was satisfied. I was even convinced to try pig cheek…

Grand Tasting
Fort Worth Renaissance Worthington Hotel
Everything is bigger in Texas, including quality. Where no holds bar, this event showcased the the most exceptional items at this year’s Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival. Including presentations from some of the area’s most elite restaurants, local breweries and North Texas wines and spirits there was no limitation of the items that can be devoured. Lobster rolls, smoked salmon, bread pudding and jalapeño beer. (Yes, jalapeño beer and it was phenomenal.) This was the event to dress up a little and be ready for a evening of treating yourselves...

#LateNight Dessert After Dark
809 at Vickery
After leaving the Grand Tasting, we headed over to fix our sweet tooth. Held at one of the most unique venues in Fort Worth, 809 at Vickery, the sweet that we were looking for was found at Dessert After Dark. Garnered with white lights overhead, we enjoy an array of mixed cocktails and desserts. Of course there was a catch – each presentation had to incorporate Fort Worth’s own TX Whiskey. Each unique and extraordinary, we were provided the opportunity to vote on our favorite beverage and dessert of the evening…
Rise and Dine
Fort Worth Renaissance Worthington Hotel
What better way to start Saturday morning than with brunch. The greatest meal of the day exploded into a wide array of traditional breakfast options, pastries, seafood, pasta and even items with a kick (the shrimp and grits blew our minds). Plus, it’s never to early to pair your first meal of the day with a local brew, wine or champagne. Am I right? We all need to start the day off on the right foot and this was definitely the way to go!…

Burgers, Brews and Blues
Heart of the Ranch, Clearfork Main Street
The event that we most anticipated blew us away. Set at the Heart of the Ranch along the Trinity River, we were immediately relaxed and taken to what felt like the middle of the Texas country, with overhanging lights, a cool brew in hand and the smell of burgers sizzling on the grill. Our feet moving and hips swaying to the beat of the live blues coming from the stage, we could’ve stayed all night. This was an event that you’ll want to spend the entire evening with the closest friends and family and come back year after year. We were already talking about coming back next year before the event was even over! To provide an interesting twist, voting tokens are provided for the best burger and best local brew. Your taste buds have an impact too!…

Family Sunday Funday
Coyote Drive-In
The family event of the weekend is also the food truck lovers paradise. With plenty of space at the Coyote Drive-In location, the most unique mobile vendors congregated in one location to provide us all with a wide-array of options. From chuck-wagons, wings, cooking with the Southern flair, Tex-Mex influence and of course ice cream there was something for everyone. Options for adults, children and families there was definitely something for all ages…

We absolutely loved the time that we had over these last four days. Whether you live in the area or are planning to come in town to savor the event, this is one that you won’t want to miss and will only grow in the years to come. It’s quite the experience to brush shoulders and meet some of the top culinary executives in the industry that help to make Fort Worth the incredible town that it is. Where else can you find every single type of dish / restaurant in one place?! Make it a date night, group event with friends or a family day and be prepared to make new friends! There’s something for everyone!

What I’ve Learned About Texas

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Today is my Texas anniversary! It’s hard to believe that seven years ago today, I arrived in Texas. Little did I know where I would be in seven years from that date – here I am still in Texas!

Since I’ve moved to Texas, I thought it would be fun to do a little recap of what I’ve learned, how I’ve changed and some of my favorite spots in this state. If you’re a Texas transplant, I’d love to hear what you have to add as well!

Here we go!
(These are just a few, feel free to add your own.)

2008: Mexican menu’s might as well be written in Japanese. Vermont + Mexican = Confused.
2015: Queso is a must. A Tex-Mex fix is in order before every trip back to Vermont and upon returning. Let’s not even get started on taco’s!

2008: BBQ? Hamburgers and hot dogs, right?
2015: Delicious, melt in your mouth meat that’s been smoking and cooking for hours on end. Brisket, ribs, pork, turkey, must be accompanied by potato salad. If you can get your hands on an end piece, you’ve just won the Hunger Games.

2008: Jalapenos? Don’t come near me.
2015: Stuffed jalapenos varieties are endless. Dip in a little ranch. May have a little kick but it’s so worth it!

2008: Kolaches? Dunkin Donuts please!
2015: Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be found in the form of a Kolache off Exit 353 (35S)

2008: Ranch dressing on everything? What’s the obsession with fried foods?
2015: Ranch isn’t a necessity on everything but in certain cases, yes. Fried foods – I could skip the state fair. (No change.)

2008: Country music = anything main stream. Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, etc.
2015: Texas County is the only country. This is where the great songwriters start and musicians play for passion and love. Let’s talk a little Dirty River Boys, Robert Earl Keen.

2008: Four seasons. Attempting to be prepared for the brutal summer heat, wishing for fall foliage and snow in the winter. More or less praying I don’t melt away in the summer.
2015: Four seasons can happen in one day. 98 feels glorious after an over 100 degree run. Running in the summer and relishing the (maybe) 24 hours of snow we get during the winter. The cold wind though – I may be from the north but it this wind is no joke – packs a bite to the bones.

2008: Coming from a small private college with no Greek system or college sports. What do you mean – who’s my team (football in the fall).
2015: Greek system is a part of most people’s lives and brings friends for life (similar to my hometown friends.) Pick a team, stick with it. You’ve just signed up for a life commitment as a fan. It gets brutal. Looks like I’ll be rooting for UT.

2008: Where’s the hockey?
2015: Dallas Stars games are a lot of fun and it’s pretty privileging to be able to afford seats on the glass when the Habs come to town. The Stars make a great home team too!

2008: Drive where? How? I need directions – North/South? East/West? What does that even mean? What happened to take a left at the church, right by the yellow house and your destination will be next to the big red barn?
2015: I’ve given directions to people who have lived in Texas their entire life and now look at the highway system thru a compass vision – head west on 30, you’ll be in Fort Worth in 20 minutes.

2008: “You guys”
2015: Let’s just stick to “y’all”.

2008: Biscuits with dinner besides chicken and biscuits?
2015: Biscuits – top them with butter and honey. Don’t ever look back. (Thank you John Jones.)

2008: Look at all the cowboys!
2015: They’re not all real… let me pick out the posers.

2008: Where are all the microbrews?
2015: Finally Texas, you’ve caught on!

2008: Nice day outside? Let’s go sit on the grass.
2015: Sit on the grass? Are you crazy? Red ants, poisonous snakes, chiggers – among other things – no thank you.

2008: Real Maple Syrup
2015: Still working on this one. Texas is going to catch on….

What I’ve learned the most about Texas is that it taught me more about myself.

Hot Spots! My personal favorites thus far.
Favorite City: Fort Worth
Favorite Mid-Sized Town: Gruene
Favorite Small Town: Strawn
Where everyone must go once: Luckenbach
Most Unique Dancehall: The Greenwood
Best Way to See Texas: Get off the main roads and just drive.

Favorite Music Venue: Magnolia Motor Lounge
Favorite Musicians: Dirty River Boys, William Clark Green, Walt Wilkins, I mean let’s be serious they’re all fantastic!

BBQ: Billy’s Oak Acres
Queso: Chuys
Italian: Mamma Mia’s, Fort Worth
Taco: Salsa Limon, Fort Worth
Best Brew Tour (Texas): Revolver
Favorite Food Festival: Texas Steak Cookoff and Wine Festival
Best Wine Festival: GrapeFest

Best Hike: Enchanted Rock
2nd Favorite Hockey Team: Dallas Stars (Sorry, staying true to the Habs!)
Baseball Team: Texas Rangers

My Advice: Texas is a state that’s to be seen and explored. Get off the main road, step into that questionable looking BBQ place, hold the doors open, where gentlemen remove their hats to greet you and there’s that special hospitality that only Texas holds. This one has a big ole sky that goes on for miles. Roll your windows down, turn the radio up and grab a cold one on those hot days. Be careful, stay too long and you’ll find yourself saying a few words with that good ole Texas drawl. Go on, take a deep breath and take in the big ole sky that never ends. It’s never too late to be a cowgirl (or cowboy)!

Have I missed anything?!