FORT WORTH KEY MAGAZINE - DINING

ARLINGTON

AMERICAN COUNTRY

CHAPPS Hamburger Cafe - Chapps serves hamburgers made with 1/2 lb. fresh ground chuck on a homemade bun. Or pick one of the 6 combination cheeseburgers. Sandwich choices range from grilled chicken, cajun or mushroom chicken with Swiss cheese to chicken fried steak. Dinner options can be chicken strips with gravy or chicken fried steak served with fries & Texas Toast. Salads & a kid's menu are also available. Side dishes go from onion rings to stuffed Jalapeno. Sodas, tea & beer are drink options. Chapps serves lunch & DINNER. In Arlington at 2045 N. Hwy. 360, (N. 360 & Green Oaks), (817) 649-3000; 153 Southwest Plaza (1-20 & Little Rd.), (817) 483-8008 & 2596 E. Arkansas (360 & Arkansas), (817) 460-2097. Also in Bedford, Tx. at 1320-A Airport Frwy., (817) 685-6030.

ECLECTIC CAFE

MARSALA RISTORANTE - Don't let the modest facade of Marsala's cause you to pass it by. Inside the food is superb and the service is impeccable. French & Italian cuisine is prepared with fresh sea food, premium cuts of beef, poultry, wild game and pastas. Vegetables spiced with subtle flavors compliment the meat selections, and a variety of irresistible desserts is available. There is an extensive wine list and Wed. thru Sat. evenings a classical guitarist plays during dinner. Special parties arranged. Between Ft. Worth & Dallas, and close to DF/W. Lunch Mon.-Fri.11:30 a m.-2 p.m., dinner Mon.-Thu. 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 5:30 p m.-11 p.m. Closed Sun. 1618 Hwy 360 N & Ave. K/Brown Blvd. Grand Prairie (972) 988-1101.

JAPANESE

HIBACHI 97 Japanese Steak House - Sushi selections include California, Cucumber and Texas Rolls. Entree choices are Sirloin and Filet Mignon. Sea food selections range from Calamari to Lobster Tail. Sesame flavored chicken is also a choice. You may also select soup & salad, and fried or steamed rice. And the menu offers Healthy Hibachi & Hibachi Kid. Dessert can be ice cream, and beverages include coffee and tea-iced & green, domestic & Japanese beers & several wines. North Arlington at 770 Rd. to Six Flags East, #146, in Lincoln Square, (817)459-1070. Dinner hrs. Sun.-Thu. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. & Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Lunch hrs. Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

SUSHI ZONE Japanese Restaurant - Appetizers include Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab or Seasoned Seaweed Salad. Enjoy Miso soup or baby Squid & Charred Tuna from the salad menu. Tradtional Japanese Salads include Ebi Su & Tako Su. Entrees can be either chicken, beef or salmon teriyaki or vegetable or shrimp tempura. Sushi dishes can be Sashimi or Chirashi Ju. Pine & Bamboo are the rolled Sushi combos. Combination dishes are also available as well as a children’s menu. Dessert options are several ice cream flavors and assorted fresh fruits. Japanese beer, Sake, wine, tea, coffee & the traditional Japanese Green Tea are listed drinks. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner Mon.-Thu. 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri. 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. closed Sunday. 915 E. Road to Six Flags, #103. 817-226-4055.

MEXICAN

EL FENIX MEXICAN RESTAURANT - is the oldest family owned and operated Mexican restaurant chain in the country. The legacy started when Mike Martinez began serving the first Tex-Mex entrees in 1918. Choose from delicious Enchiladas, Fajitas, Tacos and Quesadillas. And be sure to enjoy one of the famous Margaritas, voted "the best" in several polls. If you're looking for the ultimate in Tex Mex stop by El Fenix, ÒWhere the Mexican Food Revolution Started.Ó Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 4608 S. Cooper St., (817)557-4309.

FORT WORTH

AMERICAN

8.0 RESTAURANT & BAR - The décor is hip and urban, with murals covering the walls featuring some of Cowtown’s finest artists. The eclectic menu is loaded with American items such as burgers and pastas and Asian fusion elements. Specialties include new menu items such as the “Kill Bill Salad”with crispy shrimp and kung-fu scallops over greens and the Atkins Trifecta featuring 3 servings of meat. Drinks are also a specialty here like the lava lamp (citrus vodka with a jello shot and appletinis). Live music: Jazz, Rock Pop, and Blues. Outdoor patio seating, weather permitting. Hrs. Mon.-Tue. 11 a.m.-midnight, Wed. 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m., open Sun. in the Spring, Summer and Fall 4 p.m.-11 p.m. 111 E. 3rd St., 817-336-0880.

ANGELO'S - Enjoy Hickory Smoked Ribs & Beef. The beef can be on a sandwich or part of dinner. If chicken is your choice, it comes in half or quarter portions on either a dinner or in a basket. Ribs & chicken served each day while they last. Choose from either beans, potato salad or cole slaw to accompany your meat course. Soft drinks, milk, tea, fruit juices or beerÑdraft, or bottled or in cans, and wine by the glass, are all available. For dessert have a fried pie. Angelo's opened on St. Patrick's Day 1958. People who have moved to New York often ask visitors coming that way to bring them some Angelo's Barbecue. No credit cards. 2533 White Settlement Rd., (817) 332-0357.

BILLY MINERS SALOON - Have a hamburger, a hot dog or chili with a side order of beans, french fries or nachos. Or if you prefer, order a Billy Steak: an open-faced sandwich on a bun served with sauteed onions and french fries. Beers, and wine by the glass. Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (bar is open until 11 p.m.), Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight-bar until 1 a.m. & Sun. noon to 10 p.m. - bar until 11 p.m. 150 W. 3rd St. (817) 877-3301.

CAFE ASPEN - Cafe Aspen is the place for smart lunches, drinks, quiet dinners, special celebrations or business gatherings in an elegant yet inauspicious country-club-casual atmosphere. Lunch selections include salads--House, Spinach, Greek or fresh fruit. From the Light Fare menu, you may choose either vegetable Quiche or Lasagna, Spinach stuffed baked potato or half a chicken salad sandwich on Apple Bread. A sandwich may be Grilled Breast of Chicken, Cafe Aspen Classic Chicken Salad sandwich or Victor‚'s Classic "Almost Vegetarian" creation. Today's Fish, blackened Atlantic Salmon Filet,-Chicken in an Enchilada or crusted with walnuts or Aspen Wrapped--and Filet of Beef Tenderloin are a few of the lunch entree selections. Dinner may begin with the Soup of the Day and a choice of appetizers that includes Coconut Shrimp, Southwestern Crab-Cake, Stuffed Portabello Mushrooms or Calamari Fritti. Salad choices range from Old Style Caesar to Grilled Romaine to Aspen Spinach. Dinner entrees include Yellow Fin Tuna served atop a bowl of white bean cassoulet with a garnish of Frisee and basil vinaigrette. Or the Chef's Grilled Vegetable Plate is a colorful choice of fresh vegetables, lightly seasoned and grilled served with garlic mashed potatoes and wild mushroom cous cous. To end your meal ask your server about the day's more than 25 homemade desserts. Drinks range from coffee or tea to fine wines complimented by a full bar, a beautiful back room bar and a smoke-free lounge. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner Mon.-Thur. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. & Fri. & Sat. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. 6103 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817-738-0838.

Café Modern – located in the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, has an elliptical dining room that juts out onto the 2 acre reflecting pond. Here diners can experience great food as well as great art. The menu includes apple wine-braised beef brisket with blini-like smoked potato pancakes layered with roasted garlic pudding and porcini fettuccine with roasted shallots and white truffled Vidalia onion broth. Bar pending. Tue.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 3200 Darnell St., 817-840-2157.

CHAPPS Hamburger Cafe - Chapps serves hamburgers made with 1/2 lb. fresh ground chuck on a homemade bun. Or pick one of the 6 combination cheeseburgers. Sandwich choices range from grilled chicken, cajun or mushroom chicken with Swiss cheese to chicken fried steak. Dinner options can be chicken strips with gravy or chicken fried steak served with fries and Texas toast. Salads & a kid's menu are also available. Side dishes options go from onion rings to stuffed Jalapeno. Sodas, tea & beer are drink choices. Chapps serves lunch & DINNER. In Fort Worth at 6219 Oakmont Blvd., ( Hulen & Oakmont), (817) 263-5172 & Burleson, Tx., 251 S.W. Wilshire, #126, (817) 295-9972.

FORT WORTH FLYING SAUCER DRAUGHT EMPORIUM - Serving over 200 draft and bottled beers from around the world, plus a fresh new wine list to choose from, the Flying Saucer offers something for everyone. Come and listen to live music in our beer garden, enjoy your favorite brew on our new patio or just kick back and relax upstairs in historic Half Acre Hall. Open every day for lunch and dinner featuring sandwiches, pizza, salads and authentic German bratwurst. Hrs. Mon.-Wed. 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun. noon-midnight. 111 E. 4th St., 817-336-7468, www.beerknurd.com.

HOFFBRAU STEAKS - Order Prime Rib, char-grilled steaks, chicken, quail, burgers, salads and more. For dessert try one of the fruit cobblers or a piece of Jack Daniels Pie. Full service bar. Hoffbrau is open 7 days a week. In Fort Worth, 1712 S. University Dr., 817-870-1952, Haltom City, 4613 Denton Hwy. (Hwy. 377) 817-498-1212 and in Dallas-West End, 311 N. Market, 214-742-4663, www.HoffbrauSteaks.com.

KINCAID'S - When voting is done on the best Hamburgers in Fort Worth, Kincaid's usually tops the list. In this family owned eatery, the hamburgers are made with freshly ground beef on a large bun topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions & pickles and served with a large order of Fries. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.4901 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-732-2881.

RISCKY'S STEAK HOUSE - Want a good steak? Visit Riscky's Steak House. Order the "Stockyards Special"- a mesquite smoked sirloin strip covered with mushrooms & onions sauteed in a red wine sauce. Complementing the entree can be shrimp, calf fries ( this original Western dish can also be ordered as an entree), or onions. Chicken can be fried or grilled. Riscky's Pork Ribs come as an appetizer & Center Cut Pork Chops are charbroiled for a full meal. Kapusta, a sauerkraut soup recipe, brought from Poland by Mary & Joe Riscky in the 1920s, is served by the cup or bowl. A lunch menu includes sandwiches & burgers or a bacon-wrapped filet. Beverages are coffee, tea, beers & wines, and pecan pie is on the dessert menu. Lunch Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dinner Mon.-Thu. 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 4 p.m.-11 p.m., & Sun. 4 p.m.-10 p.m. 120 E. Exchange Ave., (817) 624-4800.

RISCKY'S BAR B Q - Celebrating 73-years in Ft. Worth. Seated at tables topped with red & white checkered cloths set in restored livestock barns is the perfect place to enjoy Bar B Q steaks, brisket, ribs & turkey. Charbroiled burgers, smoked Chicken and Catfish are also on the menu. Or eat outside on the patio at picnic tables with fans overhead & old bricks under your feet. Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight & Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. In the Stockyards at 140 E. Exchange Ave., 817-626-7777.

RIVER OAKS STEAK HOUSE - Steaks include a 16 oz. T-Bone, a 16 oz. Top Sirloin, and only slightly smaller portions of Rib-Eye, New York Strip, Pork Chops or Quail. You may choose either broiled or fried chicken, fried shrimp or Catfish dinners, or a combination plate. Salad bar and either French Fries or baked potatoes & Texas Toast make dinner complete. There is a child's menu and lunch is served Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Open Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. & Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. A family owned restaurant. 4335 River Oaks Blvd., (817) 626-8866.

THE FLYING SAUCER DRAUGHT EMPORIUM - An American pub featuring the LARGEST SELECTION of handcrafted beers in town. Voted "Best Beer Selection" by FW Weekly & "Best Beer and Bar" by the Fort Worth Star Telegram. Monday--All Pints $2.50; Wed.--"Buy the beer, keep the glass"; Sunday--all Texas drafts $2.50. Two Tarrant County locations: Fort Worth at 4th & Commerce Sts. in Sundance Square, 817-336-PINT (7468), and in Arlington at Lincoln Square, 817-266-PINT. Monday--Wednesday 11 a.m.-midnight; Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. & Sunday noon-midnight. www.beerknurd.com

THE GREAT OUTDOORS - Options for breakfast (served anytime of day), include a breakfast sub, white or whole wheat, toasted and buttered or croissants filled with eggs, ham or pastrami and cheddar, Swiss or cream cheese. For lunch choose from roast beef, turkey, ham or The Outdoor BBQ - The Great Special - or The Outdoorsman. Cheese, mushrooms & black olives may all be added to these subs. Add either a salad from the Shades 'o Green menu or cheese broccoli or chicken noodle soup. Dessert can be cheesecake with a a special topping or the Great Outdoors all natural ice cream. (Cookies & white & whole wheat sub rolls are baked fresh daily, on location, with no preservatives.) Drinks range from assorted sodas to fresh lemonade to IBC Root Beer. Giant party subs and meat & cheese platters for home or office gatherings are also available with 24 hrs. notice. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. & Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 3204 Camp Bowie Blvd. at University. 817-877-4400.

TRAILBOSS BURGERS - Burgers & Catfish-Texas Style! Amid fishing gear on the walls and western memorabilia scattered about, this is the place to have an Old Fashioned Hamburger that will be remembered. Select our single patty, Boss Burger, or go to the double patty-Straw Boss made our way, but the way you want it. Come and try something different-an American Buffalo Burger or our one-of-a-kind Texas Turkey Sandwiches with Fire Roasted Green Chiles and Avocado. Or try our golden fried catfish or shrimp along with a salad or some of the other available side orders. Beverages include soft drinks, tea, coffee, a variety of beers & Texas Wines. Happy hour Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Now serving Country Breakfast 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Outdoor patio dining, weather permitting. In the Stockyards at 140 E. Exchange Ave., 817-625-1070.

ASIAN

Mancuso's Italian Ristorante – Housed in what was originally the first Primitive Baptist Church of White Settlement, is now identified by patrons as the home of "heavenly Italian food." Owner & Chef, Cathy Mancuso, continues her father's long tradition of providing authentic New York styled Italian dishes served in a comfortable family setting. Several national and local celebrities including singer, Tony Bennett, cast members of the Soprano's TV show, and all the Miss Texas contest winners have eaten with Cathy and her staff. Autographed photographs and portraits of other notables help decorate the walls. Dinner choices include authentic Italian pasta dishes and house specialties such as Fettuccini, Lasagna, and Tortellini, Chicken or Veal Piccatta, Linguini with red or white clam sauce, and a popular Italian-styled fish fry. Sauces include a savory marinara, a tangy meat sauce, a piquant butter and lemon sauce, and a rich sauce Alfredo. Dinner is served with garlic bread and a choice of soup de jour or house salad. A choice of hearty appetizers and a diverse wine list is also available. Chef Cathy, strives to please the most selective diners. If an item isn't on her menu and she has the ingredients, she will prepare it for you. Luncheon choices include an assortment of hearty Italian-styled sandwiches, soup, salad, and selections from the dinner menu. All food is prepared fresh daily. No fillers or whiteners are added, and only the freshest herbs and spices are used in Cathy 'd5s recipes. Lunch Tue.-Fri. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Dinner Tue.-Thur. 5 p.m.-9 p.m., & Fri.- Sat. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

SARDINES RISTORANTE ITALIANO - Sardines, a family owned restaurant, serves both lunch and dinner set among interesting antique pieces and photos. Lunch menu items range from appetizers...Calmari Fritti to Spinach and Artichoke Dip to Zuppe that includes Zuppa del Giorno (Soup of the day), and Bean & Pasta Fagioli. For an Insalata, diners may choose from several dishes including Jessica Salad or Pollo Picatta. Sandwiches are served with either a House Salad or Pasta. Pasta entrees include penne, fettuccini, tortellini and spaghetti tossed in either spicy marinara, olive oil, garlic & parsley or cream, egg, & cheese sauces. Italian food lovers have an expansive dinner menu to choose from including Insalata or Antipasti served with garlic bread. Dinner pasta dishes include spaghetti or linguine tossed with your choice of meat sauce or Italian sausage, or choose Cannelloni with chicken, veal or Mozzarella cheese or Pasta di Verdure (sauteed zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, spinach, cauliflower and onion. Entrate selections include veal sauteed in light wine, tenderloin of beef with garlic & olive Oil, Broiled Baby Lamb Chops, Chicken, Sole--broiled or sauteed, mussels and fresh clams. All dishes are made to order; nothing is prepared until your server gives your request to the kitchen staff. Live jazz music is performed nightly. Ask you server for the Dessert Menu. Sardines has a full bar and serves wine by the glass and domestic and imported beers. Lunch times Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner hrs. Mon.-Thu. 5 p.m.-11:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m. & Sun. 3 p.m.-11:30 p.m. 509 University Dr., 817-332-9937.

MEXICAN

EL FENIX MEXICAN RESTAURANTS - is the oldest family owned and operated Mexican restaurant chain in the country. The legacy started when Mike Martinez began serving the first Tex-Mex entrees in 1918. Choose from delicious Enchiladas, Fajitas, Tacos and Quesadillas. And be sure to enjoy one of the famous Margaritas, voted "the best" in several polls. If you're looking for the ultimate in Tex Mex stop by El Fenix, "Where the Mexican Food Revolution Started." In Fort Worth at 6391 Camp Bowie Blvd., Tue.-Thu. & Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., closed Monday (817-732-5584). Ridgmar Mall, 1814 Green Oaks Rd., Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. & Sun. noon-6 p.m. (817-732- 5596). In Grapevine, 401 St. Hwy. 114 West (near DFW Airport), Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (817-421-1151).

LOS VAQUEROS RESTAURANT - Los Vaqueros is in a restored 1915 Packinghouse of red brick. Recipes come from the kitchens of the Cisneros Family. Appetizers are nachos & stuffed Jalapenos. Steak Ranchera, fajitas, Chimichanges and Snapper Vera Cruz are part of the entree menu. Mon. thru Thu. nights a list of specials are offered to diners. Save room for the Sopaipillas. Drinks include Margaritas, Sangria & Cerveza, both domestic & imported. 2629 N. Main in the Ft. Worth Stockyards. 817-624-1511.

SEAFOOD

Daddy Jack's Lobster & Chowder House - Daddy Jack's serves lunch & dinner in this lively sea food place. Start with either Lobster Bisque or New England Clam Chowder. Your appetizer choices include Crab or Lobster Cakes with potatoes & vegetables or Mussels Marinara. Daddy’s House Salad is dressed with a superb balsamic vinaigrette, a choice for both lunch and dinner. Among lunch entrees you may select a Blackened Tuna Sandwich or Sauteed Catch with lemon scallion butter. Dinner entree items offer the fish lover a wide variety including Shrimp, Catch, Salmon, Soft Shell Crab, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Lobster & Filet of Beef. Lunch is served Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner is Sun.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. & Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m.-11 p.m. 535 Throckmorton St., 817-332-2477.

Ocean Rock – bills itself as "a pretty good bar & seafood joint," but it's much more. Housed at the site of the old Fishmonger restaurant, Ocean Rock brings a festive new aura to the south side locale beginning with a refurbished interior in saucy nautical blues, greens, and yellows that remind diners of a casual beach side bistro ala the Florida Keys. The menu takes it from there and then some! Ocean Rock offers seafood with a fusion spin, combining elements from Florida, New Orleans, and Tropical Island cuisines. And the blending doesn't stop there. Owners, Phil Morrow and family even cater to Tex-Mex appetites with an intermingling of Latin and surf critter flavors. Phil Morrow is no stranger to the Seafood restaurant scene. Hailing from Lubbock and his father's famed seafood retreat, Phil brought his skills to Fort Worth, where he and other family members have created an island eatery. Ocean Rock appetizers run the gambit of fusion flavorings, beginning with a Mexican Shrimp Cocktail blending of shrimp, salsa, V-8 juice, cilantro, and avocado. Baja Beach Cerviche boasts a savory mix of shrimp, scallops, citrus marinated fish, peppers, and cilantro. Fresh oysters on the half shell masquerade under the name of Ocean Rocks, and Beer Boiled Spicy Shrimp speak for themselves. Island salads include Cancun Shrimp, Crab/Avocado, Grilled Chicken Caesar, and an Islander's Tuna Salad. A bounty of soups, sandwiches, seafood plates, and exotic desserts continuing the seafood fusion motif, round out the menu. For "landlubbers" there are burger, steak and chicken choices. 3468 Bluebonnet Circle, 817-922-8080. Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.- Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

GRANBURY

THE MERRY HEART TEAROOM
"... a merry heart hath a continual feast." Proverbs 15.15

Order the Merry Heart Sampler for lunch--a cup of soup, chicken salad, fruit with poppy seed dressing, quiche & pumpkin bread and you experience the tastes and textures of the Merry Heart Tearoom. Entrees include King Ranch Chicken Crepes, Quiche du jour, the Tearoom Favorite (chicken breast smothered in delicious things) or Omelettes. Soups and sandwiches are also a good option. For the sweets lover, the dessert menu offers Bread Pudding with Lemon Sauce, Buttermilk Pie, Cherry Crisp with Rum Sauce & Double Fudge Pie ala mode. Beverages may be Merry Heart Spiced Tea, iced tea--regular or mint, coffee, Coca-Cola classic or selected hot teas.

Afternoon teas are by reservation from 3 p.m.to 5 p.m. daily. The Merry Heart Tea menu features "Afternoon Tea" that includes an assortment of sandwiches, a freshly baked scone served with homemade clotted cream and jam, tea pastries and a choice of freshly brewed teas for $12.50. Or if you simply prefer a bracing cup of hot tea, a pot is $3.50. "Merry Heart" is much like "Afternoon Tea" but with the beverage served in a Merry Heart commemorative cup that is yours to take home.

Merry Heart serves dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations suggested but not required. Dianne Rawls Davis is the proprietor. Merry Heart is on the west side of the Historic Square in Granbury, TX-817.573-3800.