Fort Worth Date Night: On fire

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

February 18, 2010

Are you over Valentine’s Day? Are you thinking, “If I see one more jewelry store commercial, box of chocolates or a vase of roses, I’m going to ban romance forever?” There is a lot of external pressure to be the best Valentine possible. But, it’s over now. We can all take a collective sigh.

However, it doesn’t mean you have to stop being a great partner. Isn’t it really about the small things? The “I got you this for no reason” gifts and the “Just thinking about you” text or e-mail are really what it’s all about. No one says it has to be a five-star restaurant every week. In fact, just a little time alone at a local hole-in-the-wall would suffice. A place where you can go if you two just finished a long run or are running errands. Where they didn’t care if you were in pajamas or your hair was up in a ponytail.

Have you been to Salsa Fuego yet? Put it on your list! Chances are, you’ve driven by this restaurant many times this year. Salsa Fuego is at 3520 Alta Mere. I first remember it as a Charley’s Hamburgers and then, several Mexican eateries, which I never frequented. It’s lies just right off the Traffic Circle, in-between the circle and Camp Bowie.

It wasn’t until I was on Twitter recently and saw someone tweet about it. I thought, “It’s close, it’s Mexican food and jeans and flip flops are perfectly acceptable.” Sounds perfect to me!

Salsa Fuego is not a big place. They do have an outdoor patio, but, until it stops snowing and the sun stays out for a long period of time, we are confined to the dining room. During the week at lunch, it can be busy. You may want to get there early. I first went on a Saturday at lunch and getting a table was not a problem. I’m sure as the word gets out about this place, seating may be an issue.

On my first visit, I had to try the guacamole burger. The selling point was the grilled jalapenos. YUM! Whether you get the guacamole on a dish or just as an appetizer with chips, get it! It’s made fresh. Not just that day, but as you order it. Subsequently, I’ve tried the brisket tacos, the carnitas and have my eye on many things on the menu – which, by the way, is extensive. They even serve breakfast. Again, with many items from which to choose.

On my first visit, I happened to sit next to what appeared to be the owners’ son. He seemed like a good, well-behaved kid, just reading a book. His dad brought him a dish that looked so scrumptious. The Honey Chipotle Shrimp tacos. These are tender shrimp topped with mango sauce, pico de gallo and cilantro oil. The son seemed to be more interested in the book. It was truly one of those moments where I wanted to lean over, give him a light elbow and say, “Hey Kid, you gonna eat all that?”

Fort Worth Date Night: The grass is always greener on the other side (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

October 08, 2009

We should all be familiar with old proverb, "The grass is always greener on the other side." This means that while we may love what we have, because we already have it, someone else's "whatever" is more appealing. Let me clarify this in culinary terms.

Have you ever been to McDonald's and just ordered a burger? However, your friend ordered a burger and fries. Being the kind friend, he or she offers you a fry or two. "Wow!" comes to mind as this may be the best fry you've ever eaten. Is it really the best fry? Or, are they that good because you didn't order any and should have?

Fort Worth has been abuzz lately about Paco & John Mexican Diner (1116 8th Ave, Fort Worth). So abuzzed that I met an old friend there recently to see what all the fuss was about. Based on the wait at lunch during the week, apparently Fort Worth is in the know.

My problem with food is that once I start thinking about it, I'm ready to eat right there; right now. This is why Mexican food restaurants are genius. Immediately upon sitting down, a very nice person, perhaps an angel from heaven, delivers chips and salsa. This is definitely a selling point in my decision-making when it comes to a dining locale. Paco & John's did not disappoint in the "chip" department.

Ordering was fun. Lots of great choices. Breakfast foods or lunch foods? And, the torta (Mexican sandwich) selection was fairly extensive. More importantly, what I saw being brought out to the tables was Ginormous! Let's just hope that quality trumped quantity.

So, I went with the chicken flautas and mi amigo went with the Cuban Press. What's a Cuban Press you might ask. It's a sandwich on the torta bread that is, according to Paco & John's menu, "Ham, roasted pork loin, cheese, pickles, heated." Our first thought when the Cuban Press was sat so eloquently in front of him, was, "Holy Smokes! That thing is huge!" He immediately began cutting into it and offered me up some of the goods.

Based on the ingredients, this would not be a sandwich I would normally order. However, after eating my first bite, what happened next might be described as a "religious experience." Harps were playing, angels were singing...I believe I even saw a strong, white light summoning me.

Did I have lunch envy? Absolutely! However, I do look forward to returning to check out much of their other offerings, from the great breakfasts to the higher-end entrees at dinner. Just make sure if you invite me, be fully prepared to share. As I have learned, the grass is often greener on the other side of the table.
www.pacoandjohn.com

Fort Worth Date Night: A little fuzzy & a little fishy (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

March 26, 2009

Many, many years ago, I found myself in Puerto Vallarta.  Well, perhaps, I wasn't really lost, I was with friends during a college spring break. A beautiful hotel, the ocean, open markets...this was going to be a relaxing week.

Upon arrival to the hotel room, my friend, Pigeon, and I immediately began to unpack. Midway through the only work planned for the week, I see Pigeon lose his balance and he and his suitcase go flying across the room. As a naive college lad, I chalked it up to too many Dos Equis on the flight over. But, about the time of his tumble, I felt something, too. As it turns out, we had experienced a minor earthquake. Perhaps, a foreshadowing of the week to come.

We enjoyed the beaches during the day and were off to the clubs at night. On one of our first nights, we were invited to a "fiesta" at a local hotel.  Let me set the scene. A pool, a bunch of tables with chairs, a buffet and a mariachi band.  To gain entrance to this party, two things must take place. First, you pay 10 bucks. Next, and this should have been the red flag, we were given a homemade shot glass, tied to a lanyard, put around our neck and this "art project" is filled with tequila. Mind you, we are not talking about a tequila considered "high grade." 

Over the next couple of hours, it was all about eating, shots, dancing, shots, more eating and, then...shots, shots and more shots. At some point, I remember donning a sombrero, a beautifully woven Mexican sarape and jumping on stage with the Mariachi band. I'm not sure many of the band members were actually in sync as they were laughing too hard from me continuously yelling, "Borracho!" (see Spanish dictionary) The pictures have been destroyed and, until writing this article, so were the memories.

The next morning, we found a local cafe and I was introduced to one of the greatest dishes. It was fish tacos.  Warm corn tortillas filled with lightly fried white fish, white cheese and homemade salsa. This was a big plate of love and, more importantly, helped in making the night before go away.

Since then, let's hope that I've grown wiser and more mature. I still don't partake in tequila to this day. However, I have not lost my affinity for fish tacos or fish burritos. Which is why Fort Worth is so lucky to have Fuzzy's Taco Shop (2917 W Berry St., Fort Worth).  Their menu is extensive.  Whether it be one of my favorites, the potato, egg and cheese burrito or my VERY favorite, the tempura fish burrito...everything I've consumed at Fuzzy's is fantastic. Let's get back to the fish burrito. A giant burrito filled with delicately cooked tempura-coated fish.  I prefer mine with only guacomole, lettuce and cheese.  Fuzzy's is very accomodating and will prepare your dish to your liking. 

Fuzzy's Taco Shop is located near TCU, not far from the intersection of Berry and University. It is very casual and extremely affordable. More importantly, you'll feel as though you are dining in an authentic Mexican eatery. The perfect place no matter if you are on a date or recovering from one. And, should we meet there, I can guarantee that I will not be the one wearing a sombrero.  A lamp shade, maybe...but, definitely not a sombrero.  Buenos Dias!

Fuzzy’s also has locations in Denton, Arlington and on Race Street in northeast Fort Worth. www.fuzzystacoshop.com