City Guide: Fort Worth, TX

When Fort Worth crosses your mind, here's what you should do--pack up the car, put on this playlist and drive until you see the friendly, twinkling lights of Funky Town.

I like to think that Fort Worth is one of the best kept secrets in the southern US. Even with a growing population of 750,000, the city feels as casual and approachable as a small town. But not to worry, there's still plenty to do. Whether you're an art aficionado, coffee enthusiast, cowboy or foodie, Fort Worth offers a little slice of something for everyone. Here's a guide to my favorite places around Cowtown:

EAT

Railhead BBQ 
2900 Montgomery Street
  This is a great casual place to get delicious barbecue and watch a football game, sitting under the glow of neon beer signs. I'm also a fan of their cheeky t-shirts that say "Life's too short to live in Dallas."

Thai Select
4630 Southwest Loop 820
Don't be fooled by appearances. This small restaurant may be located in a nondescript strip center, but it's the best, authentic Thai food I've found in Fort Worth.

King Tut
1512 West Magnolia Avenue
I first visited this restaurant after returning from a trip to Egypt with an appetite for Mediterranean cuisine. The owner is so sweet and eager to share stories about his homeland. The entrees are flavorful and well-priced. My favorite thing about the restaurant is the cheesy decorations--including kitschy tablecloths and golden sphinxes.

Spiral Diner & Bakery
1314 West Magnolia Avenue
A cool vegan restaurant that you don't have to be vegan to like. The decor is fun & they've got a great drink menu. Don't try to go on a Monday because they're closed "for a day of rest."

Shinjuku Station
711 West Magnolia Avenue
Named after the famous train station in Tokyo, this Japanese restaurant has a memorable ambiance and menu. Order "tapas style" and try the roasted shishito peppers and seaweed salad. Request to sit outside if the weather is fair and if you have to wait, order a drink by the bar. It's fun to watch the bartenders make the specialty cocktails right in front of you. I highly recommend the Shinjuku Old-Fashioned.

Esperanza's
2122 N Main St
Anyone from Fort Worth will tell you that Joe T. Garcia's is one of the best Mexican restaurants in town. When it comes to atmosphere, I have to agree, but as far as food is concerned, I actually prefer their sister restaurant next door. Esperanza's has a bakery with hard to find Mexican pastries, and their breakfast is terrific. I always order the migas.

The Woodshed
3201 Riverfront Drive
The latest venture of local celebrity chef, Tim Love, this smokehouse is perfectly nestled on the Trinity River. It boasts a menu of salads, sandwiches, tacos, barbecue, and family-style dishes. The patio is the ideal place to enjoy one of the 25 craft beers on tap with friends, and there is often live music in the evenings.

Food Trucks
Both the Fort Worth Food Park and Cowtown Chow Down have a rotating schedule of food trucks, live music events, and free wifi. If you want a quick and cheap eat that's also unusual, check out the hours and schedule on their websites.

Fuzzy's Taco Shop
2917 West Berry Street
Maybe I just love this place because it was one of my old college haunts, but their fish tacos are really amazing, topped with feta, cilantro, and tomatoes. Order chips & queso for the table--you won't be sorry.

DRINK

The Flying Saucer
111 East 3rd Street
Admittedly, I haven't been here since they moved from the historic Land Title Block building, but their beer selection is unbeatable. (It's the only place in town I can find my favorite German schwarzbier.) They offer daily specials and trivia night is on Tuesdays.

The Library Bar
611 Houston Street
I don't enjoy the weekend crowd at the Library, but if you're up for some Tuesday night socializing, go play "Not Your Grandma's Bingo" at 10 pm and drink $1 Tecates.

Embargo
210 East 8th Street
You either love it or hate it, but this latin club's mojitos are legendary. They also sponsor free salsa lessons for those of us who are rhythmically challenged and dance competitions for those who aren't.

Pete's Dueling Piano Bar
621 Houston Street
Always a crowd-pleaser, Pete's is a fun place for big groups or if you just feel like a good old-fashioned sing-along.

Capital Bar
3017 Morton Street 
When the weather is nice, the backyard is the place to see and be seen. Live music or DJ, there is always musical entertainment and dancing at Capital. No cover charge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Bar Louie
2973 West 7th Street
Bar Louie is usually crowded, but the atmosphere is chill. The cocktails are pricey but delicious. Though the rooftop bar no longer offers much of a view, it's still picturesque and nice on a summer night.

Rahr & Sons Brewery

701 Galveston Avenue
A local brewery that offers tours, events, and collectible pint glasses.

BE MERRY

Blue Mesa
1600 S. University Drive
The best bargain for Happy Hour. $4 drinks and a free quesadilla & nacho bar that doesn't skimp on portions. Get there early; the patio is always packed.

Gloria's

2600 West 7th Street #175
The best margaritas in town and a Happy Hour that lasts all day Monday-Thursday. They should just call it Happy Days.

WAKE UP

Avoca Coffee
1311 West Magnolia Avenue
This is my go-to coffee place in Fort Worth. There are just enough seats and outlets to accommodate busy bodies on their laptops, and the coffee is amazing. Did I mention they often have free samples of Dude, Sweet Chocolate? Coffee, free wifi, AND chocolate! I think I'll just move in, thanks.

Paris Coffee Shop
704 West Magnolia Avenue
Not a coffee shop at all. It's actually a diner with a cheap and delicious breakfast menu. Very southern--think cheesy grits and biscuits with gravy. I include it here, because the drip coffee is surprisingly good.

Buon Giorno Coffee
915 Florence Street
A favorite of students and local musicians, Buon Giorno also makes a really mean cup of coffee. And by mean, I mean sensational.

Stay Wired
2918 West Berry Street

What this coffee house lacks in charm, it makes up for in a really smooth cappuccino. Also a computer repair shop, they can fix your laptop while you sip your coffee.

BRUNCH

Blue Mesa
1600 S. University Drive
Yes, the same place that is famous for its happy hour also has an incredibe Sunday brunch. The buffet is $18.95 for adults and $6.95 for children, but it includes an overwhelming spread of southwestern food as well as bottomless mimosas.

Sapristi Wine Bistro

2418 Forest Park Blvd

The first time I went to Sunday brunch at Sapristi, I opened the door to hear laughter and glasses clinking--always a good sign. The food is delicious and worth the occasional splurge. And no brunch is complete without a mimosa or bellini--both are good here.

SHOP

Stella's
3460 Bluebonnet Circle
Named after an adorable Jack Russell terrier, Stella's is a "shop of shops" and a great place to find unique jewelry and clothing.

Beehive
5122 Camp Bowie Blvd
A trendy boutique with the latest styles at prices that won't break the bank.

Cattle Barn Flea Market
Cattle Barn #1, Will Rogers Complex on Gendy St & Harley Ave
A true flea market inside a historic cattle barn, this weekly event defines everything I love about Fort Worth--it's hip, yet unpretentious. Stop in on Saturday or Sunday for bargains on costume jewelry, collectibles, old trunks, you name it.

Montgomery Antique Mall
2601 Montgomery Street
This antique house is massive with over 240 vendors. Anyone from avid collectors to casual browsers will find a souvenir to take home.

PLAY

The Stockyards
Directions here.
No visit to Fort Worth is complete without a trip to the historic Stockyards. It's where Fort Worth gets its nickname, Cowtown. Watch the cattle drive, explore the maze, and shop for cowboy boots and souvenirs.

Billy Bob's Texas
2520 Rodeo Plaza

Step inside the world's largest honky tonk and reaffirm all the stereotypes you have of Texas. Learn to two-step, watch the bull riders, and catch a concert inside the dancehall where music legends were born. Billy Bob's is like its own world, but everyone must experience it once.

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
3400 Burnett Tandy Dr

Established in 1896, the FWSS&R is one of the oldest around. It's definitely worth checking out if you're visiting in January or February.

Kimbell Art Museum
3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard 
My favorite art museum in Fort Worth, the Kimbell has an impressive permanent collection, world famous rotating exhibitions, and a delicious lunch buffet.

Trinity Trails
The Trinity River runs right through the heart of Fort Worth and right alongside is 40 miles worth of trails for walking, jogging, or cycling. Many improvements and projects are being planned for the Trinity River, so I imagine it will be an even cooler area 5-10 years from now.

The Botanic Garden
3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard

Escape from the city. Pack a picnic, fly a kite, or throw around a frisbee on the lawns of this 109-acre park. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest in Texas and the perfect place to take a walk or lie in the grass with a good book.

***

I recently returned from a weekend trip to the Fort to say "see you later" to my college friends and old stomping ground. Saying goodbye to the city that had become my home was not easy, and I know I will miss many of the places I've listed here in this guide. Even though I'm off to a new destination right now, I like to believe I'll be back one day--maybe even permanently. Happy trails to you, Fort Worth, until we meet again.

Souvenirs

As I pack up my room and life in Fort Worth, I keep coming across souvenirs and mementos from my travels. Some are silly or tacky, but I would have a hard time parting with any of them. I can't help but smile as I put them into boxes and remember where each one was purchased. Revisiting these memories, I am transported back in time and surrounded by the faces of people I miss. I can still remember the exhilarating feeling of being somewhere new, yet in my mind these places feel warm and familiar, like a long lost friend. As a strand of bells collapse into a cardboard box, their jolly jingle sends me back to Santorini where I'm wearing a blue and white striped dress, colors which mirror the Aegean Sea and the white sugar cube-like buildings that surround me. I am riding a donkey named Marco up the winding steps from the ocean, and around his neck are the same bells which clang their happy tune all the way up the mountain side. All it takes is a photograph, a postcard from a travel mate, a well worn leather bag, or a coaster from a favorite pub to remind me of forgotten memories. Here are a few of my favorite souvenirs. Do you have any special souvenirs from your travels? 

{Turkish slippers and a Moroccan pouf}

{an extensive magnet collection that my roommates began to contribute to}

a hand-knotted rug I bought from Fatih at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

{travel books, volcanic rocks, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and a hand-painted fan from Madrid}

{a poster from a bookstore in Rome}

Graduation Day

Today I'm graduating from college! I thought this was an appropriate time to post one of my favorite commencement speeches, given by Steve Jobs at Stanford University in 2005.

Stay hungry, stay foolish.

The Unexpected Twists and Turns

I was honored when I was approached by an editor of the campus newspaper, The Daily Skiff, and asked if I would write a reflection piece on my college experience for the graduation issue. How does one sum up a life-changing four-year experience into 500 words or less? Well, I didn't exactly meet the 500 word requirement, but here's a link to my very first published story: http://www.tcu360.com/opinions/2012/04/15338.college-years-present-many-pleasant-surprises. I have to admit, I kind of like seeing my words neatly printed upon paper in black ink. One of my goals in life is to have my writing published, and although this is a tiny feat, I think it counts enough to cross it off my list for the time being. 

The Ultimate Culture Shock

With graduation a mere five days away, I suppose I can't blame anyone for asking me that dreaded question, "What are you going to do after you graduate?" Did I accomplish my goal of full-time employment? No. But, sometimes goals change. The truth is I know exactly what I want to do next year, but I am hesitant because it is not what I am expected to do.

I have been a student all my life--it's all I know. On Saturday, everything will change as I enter the "real world." Nobody ever prepares you for this change--the ultimate culture shock. I'm not convinced there's anything you can do to prepare, except to embrace it. When summer arrives, my friends will move and start their new lives with new jobs in new cities meeting new people. I couldn't be happier for my classmates who are eager to begin their careers at their 9-5 jobs, but I cannot replicate this same sentiment for myself.

When I was in Berlin last summer, my friend took me to a terrific bookstore and told me that it was the place where he decided what he wanted to study. Torn between law and medicine, he perused both sections of books until he realized that he preferred looking at law statutes over diagrams of the human anatomy. Remembering this, I tried the same technique a couple of months ago at a local Barnes & Noble. I explored sections of books covering topics in business, marketing, and psychology, which all appeased my curiosity for a few minutes, but where I later found myself spending hours was in the travel section. I plopped down on a step ladder with a pile of books about Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, and other exotic lands. I tried again at another bookstore just a few weeks ago with the mission of finding GRE and GMAT prep books. But I ended up coming home with an Australia travel guide and a copy of both The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I'm not sure what this says about me, but I think it's a clear sign that I'm not entirely ready to grow up.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that I don't have to do what everyone else is doing. My future may be filled with uncertainty, but it's also full of possibility. It's an exciting time in life--to be young, foolish, and running on the fuel of dreams. I know God has a purpose for me, and when that plan reveals itself, I will share it with you, dear readers. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways acknowledge him 

and he will make your paths straight."  

-Proverbs 3: 5-6

1/2

A Tale of Two Cities

Confession: I am a double agent, living two separate lives. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I roll out of bed before 8:00 am, pack a lunch and walk to Smith Hall, where I spend most of the day, until 5:00 pm, in a classroom like this:

On these two days of the week, I am a student.     (TCU360)

But every other day, I wake up earlier, sometimes at 5:00 am. I put on nice clothes, pack a lunch, and drive for an hour until I arrive in North Dallas. I park in a multilevel garage and take the elevator to here:

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I am a working professional.

This is A Tale of Two Cities, or rather A Tale of Living Between Two Cities. I never imagined myself becoming a commuter, but I've also never been one to turn down a knocking opportunity. And now in my last semester of university, I am taking 15 credit hours in Fort Worth and working 25 hours at an internship in Dallas. Words like conference call, break room, toll road, and spreadsheet have become a regular part of my vernacular.  Silent elevator rides, drinking at least three cups of coffee, untangling the headset from my hair, and carrying an access card are just a part of my new daily routine. In the mornings I drive eastward into the sunrise, and on my way home, I drive westward into the setting sun until I reach the friendly, twinkling lights of Fort Worth. Meanwhile, I watch the clock advance, my fuel gauge drain, mileage increase, and the speedometer fluctuate sporadically between 0 and 75.  As I sit in traffic, passing DFW Airport, I gaze at the dozens of planes flying gracefully overhead. I like to imagine all the places those people are going and invent their adventures in my head. I also remind myself that all the work and extra driving will pay off whenever I'm able to board a plane once more and have adventures of my own. Though I spend my mornings and evenings in the glow of red brake-lights, I feel like this year is perpetually at a green light, with no breaks or time to stop. There's only 13 weeks until graduation! I'm not freaking out or anything...

An American in Paris (part une)

Notre Dame

I arrived in Paris on Thursday morning and met up with Ardena in the Latin Quarter. Reuniting with an old friend is always a good feeling, especially when you haven't seen the person in over six months and when you've spent an entire summer away from everything that is familiar.

We spent the afternoon roaming around the city. After admiring the gorgeous architecture of Notre Dame and the Opera Garnier, we stopped for lunch. And while eating sandwiches in a cafe, we spotted a kid wearing a TCU shirt. I introduced myself and learned that he was an incoming freshman. What a small world. Then we spent some time at the Jardin du Luxembourg where it seemed like half of Paris had come to enjoy the sunshine on their day off of work.

July 14 is Bastille Day, a national holiday in France so there was a lot of free events and festivities around the city. We had to skip out on the military parade at Champs-Élysées, because my train did not arrive until 10:00 am. But we decided to join another million people and watch the fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower. Ardena, Gabi (our new friend from Brazil that we met at our hostel), and I pitched in for a baguette, cheese, and wine at the nearest supermarket. Then we picnicked on the Champ de Mars, listening to live music performances and waiting on the sun to set. Finally the sky went dark, the tower began to sparkle, and the fireworks ignited. This year's theme was "From Broadway to Paris," so the fireworks were accompanied by popular Broadway tunes. The French are funny. On one hand, they are booing the announcer when she welcomes the crowd a second time in English; and on the other hand they choose to end the firework display with West Side Story's "America." Nevertheless, there we were-- a Brazilian, Spaniard, and American cheering and celebrating a French holiday with the rest of Paris.

Jardin du Luxembourg

J'adore these vintage cars

Bastille Day celebration at the Eiffel Tower

why this song was chosen for the finale, I'll never understand

As an annual fundraiser and to commemorate the holiday, the fire stations of Paris open their doors in the evening for a fireman's ball. So after the show, Ardena and I headed to the station on rue de Sévigné. The line was out the door and the entrance fee was donation-based. The party took place in two open courtyards of the fire house--one with live music and the other a DJ. We were showered with attention (often unwelcomed) and free beers from many of the men there including two extremely tall British chaps, two short Italian guys, and two bald spectacles-wearing men that looked like they were old enough to be our grandfathers. Needless to say it was a ball for everyone; the locals and tourists, firemen and citizens, young and old partied until the wee hours of the morning. It was a great way to end my first day in Paris and first Bastille Day!

Olomouc (pronounced OH-loh-moats)

Monday

Yesterday was a long day. I was awake for over 30 hours, rising at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday in Texas and arriving at our hotel in the Czech Republic at 9 p.m. on Sunday. We flew to Frankfurt and then to Vienna. From Vienna we took a train to Brno, and from there a train to Olomouc. We flew Lufthansa, which was a fantastic experience if you don’t count the 100 crying children on our 9.3 hour flight. But I really enjoyed being able to use my German language skills for the first time in a real life setting.

I am in Olomouc for the first European Model UN conference hosted by Palacký University. Today the university organized a trip to Poland to tour the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration camps. Though I've have learned about the Holocaust for years in school and watched several films depicting life at a concentration camp, there's nothing like being there in person to put things into perspective for you. The camps (especially Birkenau) are vast; something I never realized from pictures or movies. The weather was gloomy and cold, but not as cold as I know it can be during the snowy winters in Poland. My heart ached as we walked through the barracks and prisoner's cells. It took all I had to hold back tears when I stepped into the gas chambers where hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children lost their lives. I will never be able to understand how or why this awful crime against mankind happened, but if we do not learn from our mistakes history may repeat itself. Even though the Holocaust happened more than 60 years ago, there are other recent cases of genocide that have occurred since then in places such as Bosnia, Rwanda, and Cambodia. Being at Auschwitz taught me something that I could never learn from reading a history book. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone who has the chance to go.

After we returned to the hotel in the evening, we went to an authentic Czech restaurant on the Upper Square with our 2 new friends from the university, Vojta and Martin. I tried the beef and chicken platter with potato pancakes. And we all took Vojta's recommendation and ordered a Kofola, which is the Czech’s homemade version of Coca-Cola, invented during the Communist era when Coke was sold at an outrageous price here. It really doesn't taste terrific, but all the Czech hipsters have begun drinking it again due to a new marketing campaign Kofola launched in 2002.

Wednesday

Today was our first day of committee sessions. Kaitlyn and I are representing Lebanon on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO.) Our committee topic is “Establishing Framework to Protect the Global Environment in the wake of catastrophic man-made and natural disasters.” The conference is held at a former Jesuit Konvikt at the university, and our committee meets in the Corpus Christi Chapel, a gorgeous 18th century chapel.

The weather is so cold here—it actually snowed a little bit today! But I would say the weather has been favorable since it was supposed to rain all week, and I haven’t had to use my umbrella even once.

Tonight was the opening of the Olomouc Christmas market. When our committee sessions ended at 9:00 pm, we walked around the city square and admired the lights strung along the buildings and Christmas tree. The cold weather, aroma of sweet pastries and mulled wine, and sound of Christmas music definitely put me in the holiday spirit.

Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving! Though this is not the first American holiday I've had to celebrate away from home, it was more difficult to miss than the Fourth of July. I certainly missed having a delicious traditional Thanksgiving lunch at my grandma's house with the family, but we found our own way to celebrate while abroad. After a long day in committee, our entire delegation went to dinner at the same restaurant we did on our first night, Hanácká Hospoda.

My Thanksgiving turkey was a duck, which unfortunately still looked very much like a duck when the waiter brought it to the table. The stuffing—potato dumplings. Cranberry sauce—red cabbage. Salad—sauerkraut. It was good; just not the same as being at home. After dinner we each went around the table and said what we are thankful for. I am certainly grateful for all the wonderful opportunities that I have been offered through my education at TCU. But also family, friends, and the good times that I get to share with them.