NEWS, NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS
Photos by Meda Kessler
NOW SERVING
Shoestring onions as well as french fries are side options for burgers at the White Settlement cafe, now serving an entree-size salad with poppyseed dressing, too.
Pearl Snap Kolaches contracts and expands
Doors open and shut, but when that happens, some restaurants make the best of it. Wade Chappell has closed the Hulen location of Pearl Snap Kolaches, but has beefed up the offerings and service hours at the original White Settlement Road location. “Not having a kitchen hurt us at the Hulen shop,” says Chappell. “At White Settlement, the burgers and breakfasts have been popular, so we’re transitioning more to a cafe.” Chappell acknowledges that the business model is always changing, and he’s just trying to keep up. “Shipping kolaches through Goldbelly has really helped us. We’ve mailed orders to nearly every state. But I want to see what more we can do with the restaurant.” The menu, overseen by general manager/kitchen manager Luis Castillo and chef Cadie Hatter, includes shareables such as fried zucchini chips. In addition to burgers, there are chicken sandwiches. And they’ve added entree-size salads with a signature strawberry-poppy seed dressing, housemade croutons and the optional addition of a protein. Or ignore the diet and go for the chili cheese fries (available with vegan chili). A brunch menu is in the works, too. Of course, freshly baked kolaches, sausage rolls, cinnamon rolls and other baked goods are still available. Join PSK’s rewards program for great deals on food and drink. Watch their
social media page, facebook.com/pearlsnapkolaches for updates.
4006 White Settlement Road, 817-233-8899, pskolaches.com
FiVi’s Kitchen: Bring on the breakfast, stay for lunch
The empty Mariposa’s spot in the Locke Block strip has finally been filled. FiVi’s is a breakfast-lunch-brunch spot that already is drawing a crowd. Morning meals are a great deal and filling (the 2 X 2 X 2 gets you two eggs cooked to order, two sausage patties or bacon strips and two pancakes for $7.99). For bigger appetites, check out the Fort Worth Sunrise Special with a chicken-fried steak, eggs, sausage or bacon and a pair of pancakes. For those with a sweet tooth, try the Funnel Cake French Toast. FiVi’s serves Segafredo Zanetti coffee; we are big fans of the Italian brand. Lovers of hash browns, take note: The kitchen will make them extra crispy if you ask. Lunch ranges from a fried egg BLT to a pretty good burger, which you also can get wrapped in a flour tortilla instead of on a bun. Or go for the chopped steak, a diner classic. There are a few outdoor tables, but the interior has been expanded and remodeled.
5724 Locke Ave., 817-420-6118, fiviskitchen.com
Crispy hash browns, fluffy biscuits, a perfectly cooked omelette and hot coffee are what’s for breakfast at FiVi’s.
On the back wall of the store is a blown-up print of a photograph showing the J.O. Dalton Grocery Store, at one time located at the corner of 8th Avenue and West Magnolia Avenue. The man in the center is Jessie Dalton, and the shop is where he first sold Best Maid products.
The Best Maid boutique: all pickles, all the time
Love all things pickles? Check out the Best Maid Pickle Emporium, located in a 1930s-era brick building just south of downtown. With lots of memorabilia scattered throughout their Fort Worth office, Best Maid wanted to put it all in one place and share it with pickle fans. The space, which has been updated but still retains its original brick and windows, pays tribute to Jessie and Mildred Dalton, and how they established the company for growth. Other exhibits include a look at the agricultural side of the business and displays of historic photos. Of course, there will be merchandise, including hats and clothing for the entire family, dog gear including toys, tableware and much more. Look for pickle tastings, too, including samples of the popular Sour Pickle Beer, a collaboration with Martin House Brewing Company. Watch Best Maid’s social media, facebook.com/Bestmaid, and Instagram @bestmaidpickles, for updates and visitor guidelines.
829 W. Vickery Blvd., bestmaidpickles.com
Provender Hall is worth the wait
This Texas brasserie from Marcus Paslay (Clay Pigeon, Piattello Italian Kitchen) was one of the more anticipated openings before the pandemic but had to settle for a later start (it reopened in July). Provender is one of the first tenants to open in the new Mule Alley, part of the ongoing Stockyards development. We finally had a chance to visit (early on a weeknight is our favorite dining time these days). The spacious restaurant, which is spread out over two floors, offers ample room for social distancing. Our leisurely dinner included East Coast oysters on the half shell with freshly grated horseradish and some of the best mignonette sauce in town, and the chunky smoked trout dip, pictured above. We’d be happy eating the entire appetizers list every time, but then we wouldn’t want to miss out on chef Scott Lewis’ steak frites or chicken-fried steak. The bar staff is knowledgeable — ask for bar manager Kellen Hamrah, if he’s working — and the selection of wine and spirits is top-notch. Look for a small outdoor patio this fall.
122 E. Exchange Ave., 817-782-9170, provenderhall.com
Lettuce Cook ready to grow
Lettuce Cook/Gourmet-on-the-Go owners Todd Brown and Natalie, his wife, are among the chef/restaurant owners who have defined “hustle” since the pandemic hit. Their River District staff already is well-versed in takeout service as take-and-heat dining has always been key to the Browns’ concept. They’ve added staff and delivery, expanded the menu to include $10 casseroles, and continue to offer the popular buy one-get one free deals on Saturdays. So why not expand? Lettuce Cook hopes to open in October on Bluebonnet Circle in the former space occupied for years by Greenwood’s German European Restaurant and Bakery (it closed at the beginning of the year). Look for more of the same — wild salmon entrees with roasted vegetables, rich macaroni and cheese — in the chef’s cases along with made-to-order sandwiches, salads and specials. With a larger kitchen, Todd hopes to ramp up his catering business when possible. One of the Browns’ vintage cars will sit inside the restaurant as a room divider — and conversation piece.
3522 Bluebonnet Circle; 5101 White Settlement Road, 817-989-2665, lettucecookgourmet.com
CLOSINGS
McKinley’s Bakery and Cafe
The late-August social media blast hit many in the feels as the owners of McKinley’s made it official that they would not be renewing their University Park Village lease. The go-to family spot for lunch and baked goods (thumbprint cookies, anyone?) had been offering online orders, takeout and minimal indoor service but was hurting just like so many restaurants that pay premium rent for big spaces. The owners said farewell in early September with holiday-themed cookies (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas) and a lot of tears and smiles.
SHOPTALK
JAG Jewelry & Goods opens first retail store
Vickery Boulevard continues to sparkle and shine with local boutiques as JAG Jewelry & Goods moves into the strip shopping center anchored by Swiss Pastry Shop. Owner Ann Jefferies, her business partner Renea Conser and hairstylist Jennifer Sisk have created a beautiful space (Sisk’s salon is separated by a glass wall).There, you’ll find JAG separates designed by Ann and made in Los Angeles and an accessories line of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings. The dainty pieces are designed for layering and stacking, or for someone who likes an effortless approach to jewelry. Along with hosting special events, JAG serves as a mini studio for painter Amy Young, who lives in Crestwood, and photographer Kristen Kilpatrick. “We’ll also host events and feature a rotating lineup of like-minded brands, such as a shoe line from Portugal. One of our goals is to support other small businesses, too,” says Jefferies.
JAG founder Ann Jefferies, from left, hairstylist Jennifer Sisk and Renea Conser. They’re wearing JAG jewelry and pieces from the new collection.
Photos by Kristen Kilpatrick
A skull button adorns the cuff of a winter jacket with pink lining.
Photo by Meda Kessler
THE DETAILS
JAG Jewelry & Goods Follow JAG on social media at facebook.com/jagjewelryandgoods and @jagjewelryandgoods on Instagram. Shop the store and online. Also find select pieces at You Are Here, 5109 Pershing Ave. and at Esther Penn, 3328 W. 7th St. 3924 W. Vickery Blvd. jagjewelryandgoods.com